Wander Stars Review: Turn-Based Combat Meets Retro Anime Soul

XPN Network
1 day ago
4 min read

In a gaming landscape saturated with gritty realism and sprawling open worlds, Wander Stars dares to be something different and something heartfelt, stylish, and unabashedly nostalgic. Developed by Paper Castle Games and published by Fellow Traveller, this turn-based RPG is a love letter to classic anime, blending vibrant visuals, episodic storytelling, and inventive combat into a galactic adventure that feels both fresh and familiar. From the moment you boot it up, Wander Stars evokes the charm of a lost VHS tape complete with fuzzy overlays, dramatic title cards, and “To Be Continued…” cliffhangers that harken back to the golden age of Saturday morning anime.

At the heart of Wander Stars is the journey of Ringo, a fiery young martial artist trained in the mystical art of Kiai, and Wolfe, a brooding, enigmatic wolf-man with a shadowy past. Ringo is searching for her missing brother, while Wolfe is trying to outrun the consequences of his own history. Their paths cross unexpectedly, and what begins as a reluctant partnership evolves into a deep bond as they travel across the galaxy.

The duo’s mission is to collect the scattered fragments of the Wanderstar Map, a legendary artifact said to unlock untold power and secrets. Each fragment is hidden on a different planet, and every episode of the game plays out like a self-contained anime arc, complete with new characters, emotional twists, and climactic boss battles. The episodic format allows the story to explore different themes and tones, from lighthearted banter to introspective drama, while maintaining a cohesive overarching narrative.

As they progress, Ringo and Wolfe encounter a colourful cast of allies and rivals, many of whom have their own motivations for seeking the map. These interactions often challenge the protagonists’ beliefs and force them to confront their personal demons. Ringo’s optimism and determination clash with Wolfe’s cynicism, but their dynamic gradually shifts as they learn to trust each other and fight for something greater than themselves.

Wander Stars is a turn-based RPG, but it doesn’t settle for genre conventions, instead it reinvents them with a clever and expressive combat system built around the concept of “Kiai.” Instead of selecting pre-set attacks from a menu, players combine word fragments like verbs, elements, and modifiers to create custom moves. For example, you might fuse “Strike” with “Fire” and “Fast” to unleash a blazing quick punch, or mix “Guard” with “Ice” and “Wide” to cast a defensive frost barrier. This system encourages experimentation, letting you discover powerful synergies and tailor your fighting style to each encounter.

Combat plays out in traditional turn-based fashion, but the word-combo mechanic adds a layer of puzzle-solving and creativity. You’re not just reacting to enemy patterns, you’re crafting your own vocabulary of violence. As you progress, you unlock new fragments, expanding your arsenal and allowing for increasingly complex and satisfying combos. It’s a system that rewards curiosity and strategic thinking, especially when facing tougher enemies and bosses that require more nuanced approaches.

Outside of battle, Wander Stars adopts a roguelite structure. Each episode is a self-contained run through a procedurally generated planet, filled with randomized encounters, loot, and events. While the overarching story remains intact, the moment-to-moment gameplay shifts with each playthrough, keeping things fresh and replayable. You’ll make choices that affect your path, encounter quirky NPCs, and collect upgrades that persist across episodes, giving the game a sense of progression even as it resets.

The episodic format also influences pacing. Each chapter lasts around an hour, making it easy to jump in for a quick session or binge several episodes in a row. Boss fights cap off each episode with dramatic flair, often tying into the emotional arc of the story. Between episodes, you return to a hub where you can manage upgrades, reflect on story developments, and prepare for the next leg of your journey.

Visually, the game leans into a retro anime aesthetic, complete with fuzzy VHS overlays, bold character designs, and vibrant planetary environments. It’s not just a visual homage, Wander Stars channels the soul of serialized anime, making each episode feel like a heartfelt tribute to the genre.

While the combat system is inventive, it can feel repetitive if players don’t fully engage with the word-combo mechanics. Additionally, some episodes are stronger than others, with occasional dips in pacing. And while the anime homage is lovingly crafted, it may feel too niche for players unfamiliar with the genre’s tropes and rhythms.

Pros

Inventive combat system that rewards creativity
Strong character writing and emotional arcs
Stylish retro visuals that evoke nostalgia
Episodic format makes it easy to pick up and play

Cons

Combat can feel repetitive if you don’t engage with the word-combo system deeply
Some episodes are stronger than others, with pacing that occasionally dips
The anime homage might feel too niche for players unfamiliar with the genre

Overall, Wander Stars is a love letter to anime fans and RPG enthusiasts alike. It’s not just about flashy fights and galactic quests, it’s about heart, identity, and the bonds we form along the way. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or craving a fresh twist on turn-based combat, this game shines bright. It’s a cosmic punch of style and soul that leaves you eager for the next adventure.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)