Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker sticks the landing with its steampunk-circus aesthetic

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I’ve frequently pondered about the thrill of abandoning my current life for a circus existence. Unexpectedly, I find myself immersed in the circus lifestyle within the latest DLC expansion for Sea of Stars – Throes of the Watchmaker. The creative minds at Sabotage have swapped sea shanties with acrobatics in this new journey, reintroducing cherished characters for a refreshing voyage with some delightful curveballs. I was fortunate enough to test out the DLC before its launch on May 20th, and I must say, the circus motif harmoniously blends with the Sea of Stars universe. What’s more, this free expansion adds a dazzling new domain and battle mechanics that are effortless to reacquaint oneself with, regardless of how long it’s been since your previous visit.

Working against the clock

After completing the main game, players gain access to additional content titled “Throes of the Watchmaker.” The story unfolds with the pirate team onboard their vessel, The Vespertine. They receive disquieting information: the wind mage known as Keenathan may not be who he seems. This revelation sparks the pirates to seek aid from the enigmatic Watchmaker, rumored to have the ability to construct a tool that could restore Keenathan’s true identity.

It appears that even the Watchmaker requires aid, and in return, she assigns the pirate team to venture into a magical timepiece to aid the citizens of Horloge, a village resembling a giant clockwork mechanism. The town has recently been disrupted by a familiar but unruly leader known as the Puppeteer. The captivating visuals of grand castles and intricate railway systems within Horloge will remind you of steampunk aesthetics. As players delve deeper, they’ll discover lush foliage and ornate passageways that house cogs, while exploring the intricate living clock.

Several inhabitants of this new area are familiar with our pirate crew. The peculiar thing about the clockwork realm is that it often reveals aspects of yourself you might not have anticipated.

Getting the gears turning

As I jump back into the game, it’s exciting to find Valere and Zale are playable characters once more! This time, they’ve got a unique circus-themed combat arsenal that makes them perfect for the upcoming whimsical journey. Valere morphs into an acrobatic maestro, while Zale takes on the role of a juggling virtuoso. To top it off, they both get snazzy new outfits to showcase their newly acquired circus talents. Can’t wait to see what tricks we have up our sleeves!

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that the Solstice Warriors have welcomed a new member! Arty, the Artificer, originally a robot engineer from our base game who was once just an NPC, has now joined the ranks as a playable character. Known for his durability and minor healing abilities, Arty serves as a solid support, ready to dish out damage in battle too! With him on the team, we can expect exciting new team-up abilities and attack combos, such as a trampoline move that propels us through the air, allowing us to bounce off each other and unleash some serious damage upon our foes.

A cog in the machine

Since my last voyage on The Vespertine, Sea of Stars has experienced a significant overhaul. Now, the game offers local multiplayer co-op for as many as three players, enabling synchronization during combat for coordinated timed attacks. Additionally, Combat Points persist between battles, enhancing the opening moves in each skirmish. Players also have the option to modify the game’s challenge level by activating different Relics within the menu, which I found particularly useful as I gradually got back into the swing of things.

Despite undergoing numerous gameplay adjustments since its debut, the core principles of Sea of Stars remain consistent. Beyond battles, adventurers can anticipate traversing chasms by grappling hooks and maneuvering blocks to tackle a variety of fresh environmental conundrums. The culinary experience is back with an updated collection of dishes for camp-cooking enthusiasts. The new inventory includes treats such as popcorn and ice cream, each offering varying degrees of restoration and rejuvenation effects.

Fans who relish playing mini-games within games will undoubtedly take delight in knowing that Wheels is making a comeback for the DLC, reappearing as an enjoyable pastime outside of battles. Obtaining victory in a round of Wheels is just one of several methods to help you accumulate funds to purchase equipment and useful items from the diverse merchant stores in Horloge.

Step right up

A short visit back to Sea of Stars instantly brings back the enchantment that initially made the journey so captivating. Quickly, I felt at home with the Solstice Warriors again, mastering their recent agility enhancements. The puzzle solving segments are comfortably manageable, whereas the innovative combat tactics provide exciting strategic possibilities during skirmishes.

In a fresh environment, offering innovative combat styles and an ideal dose of steampunk flair, this DLC provides ample content for veteran players without demanding excessive time investment. The storyline can be completed in less than ten hours, making it perfect for a short yet satisfying adventure that doesn’t linger too long. “Throes of the Watchmaker” serves as an enchanting encore, inviting you to enjoy one final act before the show concludes.

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2025-05-20 17:28