Over the last few years, current games withretro stylings have been rather popular. Games likeCuphead,Bloodstained,The Messenger,andDead Cellscome to mind.Sea of Starsfrom developerSabotage Studioslooks and feels like a retro title, but has enough modern-day flair that it doesn’t take away from the rest of the game. This charming turn-based RPG explores the relationship between two “special” kids named Valere and Zale. When they combine, they can summon eclipse magic, is the only force capable of dispensing the nefarious Fleshmancer.
Like many RPGs, players can traverse optional dungeons withinSea of Starsto get their hands on special gear and skills. These dungeons are called Solstice Shrines and have different prerequisite requirements, but completing all five is well worth players' time. Doing so unlocks a secret portal underneath the Elder Mist, which allows Zale and Valere to participate in a secret boss fight. Finding them, however, is more work. Some players may want to wait, as they require certain items not obtained until later in the game.
Evermist Island
The five shrines can be difficult to complete, but they are also some of the most rewarding aspects ofSea of Stars. As Zale and Valere make their way across Evermist Island, they will travel to Mooncradle early on. However, they shouldn’t expect to attack this one until later on. When ready, players will find a cloudy area below Moon Path that branches off to the right, where the aptly titled Evermist Solstice Shrine is located. Before entering, players should retrieve the Shrine Key from Headmaster Moraine (as entry here is locked without it).
Wraith Island
Over the course ofSea of Stars, players will eventually reach the town of Lucent. While there, they will notice several darkly lit buildings spread out over the area. One building near the back is on a raised platform that appears to be unreachable. This is because it can only be accessed with the use of the grappling hook called the Grapplau, which can be obtained from theNecromancer’s Lair. There, players can find this specific Solstice Shrine.
Serai’s World
Serai’s Shrine tricky, because it has a puzzle at the entrance that involves sunlight and solstice magic to enter it. Not to mention that it is an optional location, often frequented by thosehunting trophies/achievements. To access it, players need to have the ability to fly, which is unlocked by beating the Dweller of Dread. Regardless, players may want to explore this area since it holds one of the better weapons in the game: Star Shards.
West Island (Home World)
The final two Solstice Shrines are around the same area, Home World. The first is one on the Southwestern side of the map in between Sleeper Islands and the aforementioned Evermist Island, entitled West Island. Once there, players will have to open the shrine. To do that, stand on the nearby button to raise the crystal platform and then change the time to light up all nearby crystals. Following this, the wall should open and beckon players to enter.
East Island (Solstice Shrine Island)
Finally, there’s the Northeast Island called the East Island, which is close in proximity to Mesa Island. The fly ability is again needed, so, players may want to wait until finishing the main story to do this. Once ready, approach the Shrine and have Valere or Zale light up all runes to open the entrance. Players will likely have been to several of these locations tofind the valuable Rainbow Conchs.
