A game that launches in a competitive genre will inevitably draw comparisons to successful games in its space. From upcoming indies to well-funded triple-A titles, new launches hope to break the mold with what they have to offer. One title has emerged on the horizon of the cozy life-sim genre, capturing the attention and excitement of fans everywhere:Starsand Island. Known as the “animeStardew Valley,” the game has a lot to live up to just by sheer comparison. Set to launch in Q4 2025,Starsand Islandcombines elements of traditional farming simulators with the whimsical charm of 3D anime aesthetics, all while drawing inspiration from beloved classics in its genre.
With its remarkable Kickstarter success, surpassing its funding goal by over 300%,Starsand Islandpromises to deliver a vibrant world filled with engaging gameplay, unique career paths, and meaningful relationships with its characters. With the game only a few months away, this is what players can expect from this highly anticipated new cozy life-sim.
The Basics of Starsand Island
WhileStarsand Islanddepended on generous Kickstarter donationsto get off the ground, it’s easy to see how hype around the game helped it reach its goals with flying colors. Those anxiously awaiting the game have been periodically spoiled with sneak peeks as to what the game may offer post-launch. With only basic premises, the game was able to secure over 5,000 backers in a one-month funding period.
The World of Starsand Island
Starsand Islandhas already been referred to as “Stardew Valleymeeting Studio Ghibli” and “the animeStardew Valley.” The comparisons suggest that the industry acknowledges it has both steep competition and big shoes to fill. Luckily, the game promises a lively world, a unique aesthetic approach, and hours of fun to be had.
According to the game’s Steam page,Starsand Islandwill feature vibrant environments that include meadows, undersea landscapes, beaches, and a welcoming village bursting with interesting NPCs. With all the genre staples and a few surprises up its sleeve, the game marries a traditional farming simulator with theoff-beat activities that kept games likeStardew Valleyfresh.
Starsand Island Takes Notes From Its Muses, But Offers Something Unique
In the name itself, it’s pretty clear thatStarsand Islandtakes inspiration from some of the most prominent players in the life-sim genre and its farming subgenre. The game’s developers have stated that it honors and builds upon the legacy of games likeThe Simsthrough its most engaging elements, including career paths, sub-professions, and its NPC AI, which displays progressing behavioral logic and interactions.Starsand Islandalso takes inspiration fromAnimal Crossing: New Horizons’ free-form construction system, where a player can modify the map’s landscape.
AlthoughStarsand Islandproudly names its inspirations, it is proud to offer a unique value proposition that sets it apart in a saturated genre.Starsand Islandstands out for being a pastoral life-simulator that caters to the wants of the long-time fans of its muses, offering a well-balanced and more mature experience for players without sacrificing that cozier playstyle that keeps folks hooked on hours-long gameplay loops.
What Players Can Expect When Roleplaying in Starsand Island
The creative premises and world-building content writing of a game’s marketing cycle can only take it so far. A game that aims for longevity must offer what every player across every genre wants: engaging gameplay with compelling reasons to recommend it.
Developers have shared details about the criticalgameplay features inStarsand Islandthat will set it apart, playing a key role in differentiating it from others in the cozy game space. From vibrant activities to the mundane, the game has a lot to deliver based on its crowdfunding promises.
A Player’s Day-to-Day in Starsand Island
Players ofStarsand Islandwill have a lot to juggle in their day-to-day sessions. SinceStarsand Islandis a true farming simulator, the game allows players to become farmers, managing fields with various crops and animals to care for. Additionally, the game offers mini-games and activities to break up the more mundane aspects of a farming sim. These activities include exploring ruins and jungles, fishing, combat, interacting with environmental objects, and island customization.
As mentioned, the game takes inspiration fromThe Sims’ career systemand offers players an alternative to traditional farming gameplay. Players can level up in their careers, choose specializations, and unlock crafting recipes by progressing in their chosen professional path. So far, five careers have been confirmed forStarsand Island: crafting, farming, fishing, ranching, and exploring. Careers can be unlocked by talking to NPCs across the island. The career system makes the activity-based gameplay more dynamic by allowing players to pick and choose how they would like to spend their in-game time.
Starsand Island’s Friendship and Romance System
No sim game is complete without romance, andStarsand Island’s developers took careful notes on how to incorporate lively yet relevant romance and relationship systems that can compete in today’s market. The game boasts over 40 NPCs, each with their unique stories and desires, meaning that players can spend entire sessions just getting to know the people that make up their village. Friendships progress as players learn more about an NPCs long-term goals and gain their trust.
Therelationship system inStarsand Islandallows for romance in ways that allegedly defy the typical romantic depth of traditional life-sims. According to developers, NPCs can form deep emotional connections with players who help them achieve their long-term goals. NPCs will have heart levels that allow players to progress storylines, romances, and unlock quests.
