Cosmic Star Heroine

 PC
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. High-Def Digest
    Apr 17, 2017
    90
    Cosmic Star Heroine does for the 16-bit JRPG what Shovel Knight did for 8-bit platformers. It takes everything that worked about them to remind you of why those games are classics, but builds upon that foundation with a modern-day sensibility by eliminating filler. Everything you do serves a greater purpose, and the game never feels like it’s wasting your time. Combat is a dream, with a brisk pace to battles ensuring that you never have a dull moment. Cosmic Star Heroine is a must-own for anyone who loves or has ever loved JRPGs. Lapsed fans of the genre will be reminded of just how great things can be with that framework, and anyone who never had a chance to experience them will be able to see what made them work.
  2. Vandal
    Apr 22, 2017
    84
    This is probably the best JRPG ever made in the West, aimed at players who miss the 16-bit aesthetic and enjoy a good story.
  3. RPG Site
    Jun 5, 2017
    80
    When Zeboyd Games initially took the idea of Cosmic Star Heroine to kickstarter, they knew they were in it for the long haul. About 4 years have passed since then and a lot about the games industry has changed. Retro throwbacks are even less novel now than they were in 2013, but all the same, I think the studio has succeeded in all that they set out to do. The game has a fantastic combat system, feels distinct from its peers, and never leans on nostalgia too much. If you’re looking for a fun space adventure that’ll remind you of the JRPGs of the 16-bit era, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more fitting experience than Cosmic Star Heroine.
  5. Games Master UK
    Jun 20, 2017
    75
    An inventive, surprisingly in-depth battle system is the highlight of this mid-'90s-style RPG. [June 2017, p.78]
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  6. DualShockers
    May 1, 2017
    75
    Cosmic Star Heroine is the perfect example of a crowdfunded indie game that might have been held back by budget and time. I enjoyed everything the game had to offer, but I was was left wanting more than a short RPG experience with an overused premise.
  7. Game Informer
    Apr 24, 2017
    75
    Cosmic Star Heroine has a lot of great ideas, but they never develop into anything that leaves you fully satisfied. The game is still fun and worth playing, though; as someone who grew up with Phantasy Star, Suikoden, and Chrono Trigger, seeing some of their elements collected and compiled is charming. I just wish Cosmic Star Heroine was better-rounded and the rest of the game had as much depth as its battle system.
  8. Destructoid
    Apr 24, 2017
    75
    Playing through took me about 12 hours, though it might take more or less time if you bump up the difficulty or stick to the critical path. None of the problems I had with this game are insurmountable, and I'm hoping that Zeboyd will be able to fix them with an update.
  9. RPGamer
    May 26, 2017
    70
    So, in the final analysis, we have a game that works hard to be more than the sum of its parts, which is especially important when one of those parts isn't up to par with the industry of today. The result is a package that would have wowed audiences twenty-five years ago, and which holds up decently (but not spectacularly) today. Since Zeboyd Games has shown itself capable of learning and growing from every experience in game design, its next game will hopefully be twice the level of awesome.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 27
  3. Negative: 4 out of 27
  1. SquishyAstronau
    Apr 15, 2017
    1
    "A delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad."

    This game screams "Our bank account is running low, release the game    "A delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad."

    This game screams "Our bank account is running low, release the game now!" Blatant bugs, missing features, constant crashes and an overall terrible user experience. I mean, the game 'closes' when you change the display resolution. Apparently that is intended behaviour, but the developer could not be bothered to even give you a confirmation screen asking for confirmation and informing the player of what is going on.

    Further, after playing four hours, my save file became corrupted and failed to load. And since I'm past the two hour refund window on Steam, that's cold hard cash burnt in the firepit. I don't want to replay the buggy mess again, despite the gameplay being favourable and fun.

    Zeboyd Games should have delayed this release and dealt with these blatant issues. This mediocrity should not be tolerated from an established developer, regardless if they have a handful of staff or a full team.    … Full Review »
  2. somedude14
    Apr 14, 2017
    2
    Rushed, buggy and untested. Should be marked as an early access title, but for some reason, isn't. Some features (like achievements) won'tRushed, buggy and untested. Should be marked as an early access title, but for some reason, isn't. Some features (like achievements) won't be worked in until a later date. And this is considered a gold release?

    What I heard of the soundtrack was good, hence the two, but even the art gets blurry at 1920x1080, a modern HD resolution, because the pixels weren't even drawn for such a high resolution (keep in mind this has been a standard resolution for almost a full decade now). If you're running a 4k monitor, expect this to look even worse.

    This is just a terrible attempt at a cash-in. Newsflash: You can't get away with that when you're still this small!    … Full Review »
  3. trygamersreview
    Apr 22, 2017
    7
    Cosmic Star Heroine suffers from repetitive combat. On the good side, Cosmic Star Heroine is a well crafted classic 16bit game with a solidCosmic Star Heroine suffers from repetitive combat. On the good side, Cosmic Star Heroine is a well crafted classic 16bit game with a solid storyline.

    - TryGamers    … Full Review »
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