It’s been a while since we’ve had an indie anime game inspired by classics like Dragon Ball Z and Cowboy Bebop, and Wander Stars nails this blend perfectly. This turn-based RPG with roguelite elements is set in a vibrant sci-fi universe, following Ringo, a young martial artist seeking her lost brother, and Wolfe, a cynical rogue escaping his past, as they join forces to gather pieces of the legendary Wanderstar Map.
Ten Anime Episodes You Actually Play
Wander Stars plays out over 10 episodic chapters, each 60-90 minutes long, featuring a unique word combat system, in other words, you craft custom attacks by combining words, like “SUPER AWESOME FIRE KICK,” to target enemy weaknesses. Additionally, there are multiple randomized maps to explore, diverse characters to meet, and choices that shape your journey, with replayable episodes unlocking new paths, side quests, and events. With 200 collectible words and Pep Up bonuses earned from honorable wins, Wander Stars delivers a dynamic, story-driven experience that will hook you instantly.
It’s tough to pinpoint what makes Wander Stars shine most. Is it the simple word management system, letting you choose words and elements to craft attacks? Or the beautifully polished, animated characters? Maybe it’s the many combinations and options that make gameplay so fun. There’s so much to explore in this game. The roguelike structure can feel slightly punishing and repetitive, as you often face the same characters, but they offer rewards in return. Choosing to make honorable peace instead of fighting unlocks special Pep Up passive abilities, which can be a big help on your journey.
The demo and beta offer plenty of content to start, leaving you eager for more. They introduce the first few chapters, letting you meet key characters before exploring the combat system, which gives a good idea on what to expect once the full version of the game comes out.
Unique Word-Combination Combat System
I loved experimenting with the word combinations, and everything is clearly explained, so you’re never left guessing about damage output. Being tactical is crucial, as you need to carefully choose attacks and elements effective against each enemy, since they can resist or be immune to certain moves. The system uses Spirit Points (SP), where higher spirit levels unlock more word slots for crafting complex attacks.
Outside of combat, Wander Stars uses a top-down map exploration system similar to Mario Party, where you navigate randomized maps and encounter battles, NPCs, events, or treasures. It’s tricky to pin down how these work, some moments feel scripted, while others are clearly random. Dialogue and narrative provide a nice break from combat, with each character bringing unique traits that make them distinct and valuable.
Ringo’s heartfelt search for her brother and Wolfe’s shadowy past, linked to figures like the space pirate Ax, create a good story. The dynamic between Ringo’s optimism and Wolfe’s sarcasm, make their partnership feel “alive and believable.” Delivered in a visual novel style with anime-inspired cutscenes, the narrative is enriched by supporting characters like witches and talking crows, adding charm and depth. The Wanderstar Map acts as a central MacGuffin, with hints of its galaxy-wide importance.
Wander Stars has a ton to offer
The game has some issues, mainly with a cluttered UI. The move selection screen could be larger, and scrolling through items and words in the inventory is slow and glitchy. Text speed feels sluggish, adding an option to speed it up would help, especially for fast readers. Move cooldowns can also feel unfair at times, making some battles overly tough.
Despite those issues, Wander Stars has a ton to offer. It’s a bold, creative RPG that captures the ‘90s anime vibe with its unique word-based combat, colorful art, and episodic storytelling. For fans of anime, JRPGs, and roguelites, it’s a must-watch, and the demo is a great way to experience its charm firsthand.
Hrvatski 
English (UK)