We’ve been swimming in indie-crafted odes to old-school Japanese-style RPGs recently, haven’t we? Chained Echoesarrived in December, and our own Caitlin Argyros sums it up soundly when she says “it’s a gem that should not be missed.” Earlier this month, Trinity Trigger made its mark. We’re stoked for Sea of Starscome August, and do I even need to mention how hard the wait has been for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes?
The sky’s the limit with this stuff, and Santiago-based Octeto Studios is teaming up with well-known publisher PQube to further prove the point. Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire joins the ranks of those lofty aforementioned games, and its promised combination of familiar PS1-era JRPG beats with the fresh premise of sky pirates duking it out in epic dogfights just goes to show there’s always room for more.
Judging by Sky Oceans’ reveal trailer, it appears those dogfights aren’t just an embellishment, but potentially the proverbial meat-and-potatoes of the battle system. A bold approach, to be sure. But we also see the protagonist, Glenn, traversing multiple town-like areas. Are these locations all set high up among the clouds? If so, big Skies of Arcadiavibes.
PQube (via Gematsu) is quite extensive in its overview information for Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire, so let’s break this all down section by section.
Set in the open skies, experience adrenaline-filled turn-based dogfights as you take the role of captain and unite a party of ragtag sky pirates setting upon an unforgettable, touching journey.
Relive a golden era of classic JRPGs with a touching, heartfelt narrative about the search for purpose and building friendships that last a lifetime.
Become Captain of a Ragtag Crew of Sky Pirates – As head of your crew, you must recruit new members & secure enough resources for your fleet.
Stylistic, Strategic Turn-Based Dogfights – Tactically plan attacks and adapt your strategy as you clash with adversaries in the open blue skies.
Gather Resources and Upgrade Your Airships – Upgrade your crew with new special abilities as you progress through a winding narrative! Manage resources and expand your airship departments as new characters join your band of pirates.
A Beautiful Ghibili-Esque World, Filled With Wonder – Stunning Japanese animation inspired visuals make for diverse environments and memorable character design. Discover new towns and cultures, and help solve local problems to gain their support and loyalty.
Original Orchestral Soundtrack – A beautifully orchestrated original soundtrack accompanies you along your journey.
Yeah, it really does seem like those airplane shoot-outs are the bulk of Sky Oceans’ battles. Interesting stuff. Turn-based airplane mayhem. Captaining a crew of sky pirates is always up my alley, and hey, look! Another JRPG with artistic nods to Studio Ghibli. Always good.
Here’s the plot premise:
Centuries have passed since The Great Scattering, a cataclysmic event that shattered the surface of the planet, throwing large portions of land toward the skies, and destroying most of the human civilization in the process.
Remnants of the planet are still found within the atmosphere, where humanity has formed new tribes and adapted to live up in the skies… Take the role of Glenn Windwalker, a young and tenacious captain who yearns for exploration as he is thrust into an adventure of a lifetime…
Glenn Windwalker? Oh, yeah. Just look at that surname. We’re a classic JRPG now. And last but not least, here’s a look at Sky Oceans‘ various game systems:
Explore a Stunning, Vibrant World…
Whether you travel on foot through beautifully bustling towns or take to the open skies within your airship, Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire rewards those who explore. Explore diverse locations to build new relationships, and discover additional missions to uncover secret treasures!
Recruit Crew Members and Form Unbreakable Bonds
Recruit your very own crew of swash-buckling Sky Pirates one-by-one. Each unique member comes with their own diverse backgrounds, strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes, and you are responsible to keep them happy for bonus efficiency in battles.
There are multiple dialog options while interacting with characters in Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire. Your choices will impact on how they feel about you, so choose your decisions carefully!
Stylistic, Strategic Turn-Based Combat
Clash with adversaries in the open skies in thrilling dogfights, beautifully rendered with gorgeous, screen-popping user interface elements. Tactically choose your attacks or take the option to evade incoming fire from your enemies!
After long battles in the skies, it is important to maintain your teams safety. Upgrade your teams offensive and defensive power with extra weapons, reinforced equipment, and agility improvements to help you survive!
What do you think? Is Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire on your radar? Or does it feel like another blip on the… radar? OK, I never professed to be good with air combat puns. For our part, we at RPGFan will be keeping our eyes on this one in the months to come.
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire is currently in development for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
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