Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire Review.

Initial release date: June 10, 2024

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S

Developer: Octeto Studios

Publisher: PQube

Genres: Role-playing video game, Adventure game

Octeto Studios and PQube have released a new RPG that claims to revive the era of classic RPGs in honor to the greats. Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire combines on-foot adventure with aerial exploration and battle.

So, can the extra factor of flight contribute something unique to the genre? So, chocks away, let us take off and find out!

A classic RPG with a twist.

We must begin this evaluation with the presentation because the graphical style is an important part of this title. According to the description on the store website, the design team was influenced by Studio Ghibli films, which is a good place to start.

The player characters, NPCs, and foes are all well designed, and the setting is no less amazing. Flying throughout the enormous expanses gives you a sense of the game’s scope, but it’s not without flaws. The pop-in is atrocious, especially in the wide-open spaces you explore in your skyjet, with entire forests and mountains appearing unexpectedly. It’s also possible to cause a particularly jarring visual glitch by stopping just as something appears, causing it to flash in and out of vision. There is also a notable amount of pop-in while exploring some sections on foot, which is extremely irritating.

The music that plays as you explore the environment is rather enjoyable. However, there is little voice-over work, and what there is quickly becomes monotonous. If one of my characters says, “Burn, baby, burn!”” If he launches another fire-based assault, I might have to pull my ears out. So the presentation is a mixed bag of fantastic ideas and poor execution, which is unfortunate.

Flight Sim vibes

The story is an important aspect of the experience, and happily, it is considerably improved.

You play as Glenn Windwalker, and the game begins with a reoccurring nightmare that plagues his dreams. You remember the day when his parents were due to return from an adventure, but only his mother did. Young Glenn never learns what happened to his father, and as he grows older and earns his pilot’s wings, The Alliance attacks the community of Blossom, where he has lived since that awful day. Glenn’s mother wants him to flee before he discovers what is going on. Unfortunately, they are ambushed, and while his mother distracts the soldiers, Glenn escapes. The last thing he sees is his mother’s ship in flames. Can he reconnect with his pals and seek his role in this new world?

With the strong story established, let us move on to the gameplay, which is divided into two sections. On the ground, you can interact with others and accept missions to assist them. In the cities you visit, you may also buy upgrades for your airship, which is important because the difficulty spikes during combat can be quite abrupt and sharp. Stockpiling healing items, armor, and weaponry is critical. While exploring, you’ll come across chests to open, which provide an extra layer of adventure and reward to the ground-based sections.

Things become more dangerous as you travel deeper into the enormous Sky Ocean. This section of the game functions like a flight simulator, featuring views from above and behind your skyjet. You control height, speed, and direction, and each member of your crew (three buddies join you) has a distinct skill while exploring. Glenn, for example, may detect approaching foes via an aura, whilst Ren can eliminate obstructions in your way with missiles. Flying allows you to collect resources and engage in combat with creatures and other airships. If you can surprise them and attack first, you will have an advantage in the upcoming combat.

Sky Oceans combines charm, difficulty, and emotion.

Combat is fun, and the turn-based system provides strategic depth. Each character has the ability to attack, use special powers, use goods from their inventory (known as the arsenal in Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire), evade attacks, and escape. However, retreating characters cannot rejoin the fight. (I learned this the hard way.) The turn-based combat become increasingly difficult as the game goes. Balancing striking, healing, and avoiding is essential, and while most adversaries are simple to beat, bosses are another story. To be competitive, you must keep your ship upgraded and allocate skill points to your pilots.

In conclusion, Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire is a game full of charm, difficulty, and passion. There are several faults, particularly with the graphics, but if you can get beyond them (which are most evident in wide-open spaces), there’s a lot to love. The story and hard gameplay will keep you interested, so if you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind RPG experience, you can’t go wrong with Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire.

Review Overview

Gameplay: 78%

Controls: 80%

Aesthetics: 85%

Content: 76%

Accessibility: 79%

Value: 77%

Overall: 79%

GOOD

Summary: “Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire” transports gamers on an enthralling flying voyage through stunningly created skies. With its intriguing gameplay, gamers may immerse themselves in exciting missions that test their piloting abilities. The vivid hues add to the experience, offering a visual delight as users explore the expansive areas. While the game might use more substance and depth, it is an enjoyable adventure for lovers of the genre. Overall, “Wings for Hire” is a fun flight experience that skillfully balances exploration and action, making it an excellent pick for those looking for an aerial adventure.