Back in May of this year, I had the exciting opportunity to have a first look at Starsand Island. In this exclusive preview of an early alpha version of the game, it allowed myself and the other participants to get a first look at some of the many features of the game.
Now, if you don’t know what Starsand Island is about, let me fill you in quickly!
Starsand Island is an upcoming cosy farming and life simulation game launching later this year from Seed Lab. The game showcases a variety of features, many of which are much loved by those who love a good cosy and relaxing cosy game!
Initially revealed back in the Galaxies Showcase earlier this year, players interested in Starsand Island can expect to see the game launch later this year on PC, Xbox, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch consoles.
To find out my thoughts from the exclusive preview, you can read more here.
Starsand Island Features
There’s certainly plenty to explore in Starsand Island, so here’s a quick run down of some of the many exciting features coming in the game:
- Realistic and Detailed Farming: Players will have the freedom to create and decorate your space
- Animal Husbandry: You’ll be able to raise various animals, interact with them and expand your ranch over time
- Customization: Customize a variety of clothing options including Seasonal Outfits, decorative accessories and the option to dye outfits using natural dyes.
- Fishing: Fish and catch a variety of different species of fish, complete challenges, improve skills and complete the collection
However, since this initial first reveal and preview, more exciting information about the game has been revealed. This new information over the last couple of months includes an insight into the game’s Mount System, NPC Affection System, New Character Customization and Vehicle Modification!
The Mount System
The first new feature revealed after the Galaxies Showcase was the Mount System!
The short video showcases a number of different animal friends that players can become partners with and race in the Starsand Island Riding Competition. It certainly looks like it will be tough to out run your competitors!
NPC Affection System
One thing that I really loved from the early alpha preview was how you could already get a sense as to each character’s personality. It seems that this is something that Seed Lab really wants to shine in the game. A way for players to see that not one character is alike. Each having its own unique charm, personality, backstory and more!
Get to know those who reside on Starsand Island, see them come to life more as you get to know them and build a relationship with them. Even the cosy furry friends who roam about the island too! Learn their stories and create more memories and stories during your time in game!
Here are a few more things to know about the NPC Affinity System:
- Lively and Authentic NPCs
- Relationship Driven Gameplay
- Personalized Nicknames
- Unique and Rich Interactions
- Islanders, Not Just Tools or Quest Givers
- Surprise Rewards and Easter Eggs
- Heartfelt Stories, Side Quests and Banter!
- Organic and Relatable Bonding
- Responsive Dialogue
- Deep Immersion in Day to Day Life
- Two-way growth for both Emotional and Mutual Benefit
- NPCs who grow and remember and are a part of daily life and your home
Meet some of the many colourful characters from Starsand Island in the gallery below!
Updates to Character Customization & New Vehicles
Most recently, and ahead of the Team’s appearance at Bit Summit, Seed Lab revealed some information about character customization and vehicles!
Firstly, in character customization, you’ll be able to not only make an endless amount of looks but also fine tune a number of details when it comes to making your character. Additionally, we got to see how vehicle customization looks for the first time, too!
From new ways to traverse the world including paragliders, skateboards, rollerskates and electric scooters, to hopping into a car on land to then suddenly be driving on the water, there are plenty of ways to explore the island.
You can build your dream vehicle using a variety of modifications including paint jobs and decals as well as having the option to duo-ride with others! You might even be able to bring your pet along with you!
Through frequent updates on the Starsand Island Kickstarter page and on social media, there’s already been plenty revealed as well as I’m sure more to come!
It’s exciting to see just how much we know and can expect from Seed Lab for the game already. I know it will certainly be a game on a lot of people’s radars and will be one game to keep an eye on! With a one of a kind charm, I can’t wait to get back to Starsand Island again soon!
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