- Publisher: NIS America , IKINA GAMES
- Release Date: May 21, 2026
- Also On: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X
- Summary:
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- Developer: IKINA GAMES
- Genre(s): Role-Playing, Japanese-Style
- # of players: No Online Multiplayer
- Cheats: On GameFAQs
- More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
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Positive: 2 out of 9
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Mixed: 6 out of 9
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Negative: 1 out of 9
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Jun 5, 2026Despite my frustration with the aforementioned issues, Starbites is still one of my favorite recent JRPG adventures. Yes, it was a bit muddy and glitchy on Nintendo Switch. But it’s also incredibly charming, fun, and full of retro flair.
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May 14, 2026Starbites is a good turn-based RPG that offers a straightforward journey through a futuristic world. Its battle systems are not groundbreaking, but offer malleable build options that make it fun to play with and master. Built upon solid fundamentals, the game thrives in what it sets out to accomplish and offers a good time for fans of the genre.
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May 14, 2026STARBITES is a new sci-fi turn-based RPG that puts players in the shoes of Lukida, a young salvager wanting to make her dream of exploring the cosmos a reality. Players are treated to a fun turn-based combat system with some unique twists, a compelling story with an emotive cast of characters, and worldbuilding that makes players want to learn more about the setting of Bitter. The performance drawbacks on Switch and the repetitive overworld exploration hold STARBITES back from its full potential, however.
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May 15, 2026Starbites has a great premise and adds fresh layers to the oversaturated turn-based RPG market. Despite a well-written story and remarkable characters, especially the protagonist, numerous technical issues keep the game from reaching the stardom it otherwise could have. The overall experience remains very fun, though.
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Jun 1, 2026Starbites needed more time in the oven. Apart from the numerous technical and graphical shortcomings on the Nintendo Switch version, the writing could use some redrafting and editing to punch up the pacing. The RPG gameplay is on the simplistic side and rarely challenging to the point it becomes boring, but it's serviceable for younger gamers who crave a mecha JRPG fix.
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May 29, 2026Maybe after a few patches Starbites will be passable, but I think this budget RPG isn’t ready for Switch owners right now. Its story and combat feel pretty basic and don’t reinvent the wheel. The fact that it looks so poor both docked and undocked, doesn’t run well, and straight up crashes out when moving between some areas means I’d recommend waiting for a demo or a sale on another platform rather than grabbing it for the Switch.
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May 14, 2026With its lighthearted tone, entertaining characters, and charmingly overzealous commitment to world-building, it feels almost mean-spirited to criticise Starbites - like telling a kid full of starry-eyed passion that they’re just not good enough to make the sports team. However, to look past the game’s glaring technical flaws would require you to avert your eyes from the screen entirely, and we all know that’s not how games are played. Even if you can push past the myriad shortcomings of this shoddy Switch port, you’ll be left with a middle-of-the-road RPG with an undercooked narrative and simplistic gameplay systems that strive for adequacy and little else.