Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire – A Nostalgic JRPG Adventure Takes Flight
In Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire, Octeto Studios and PQube bring players into a JRPG adventure that feels like a fresh take on classic favorites. Set in a skybound world fractured by the Great Dispersal, the story follows Glenn Windwalker. He is a young captain navigating the open skies in search of purpose and connection. As he encounters a wide range of characters, each with unique backgrounds and personal challenges, Glenn gradually builds a diverse crew of air pirates. These relationships influence not only the crew’s dynamics but also Glenn’s journey as a leader. His decisions shape how missions unfold and can lead to unexpected turns in the story.
Exploration and Discovery
Sky Oceans rewards players who are eager to explore. Players can wander through bustling cities on foot or soar through vast skies in their airships. Discovering new cultures and cities along the way is part of the adventure. Each region offers hidden missions and treasure for those who take the time to look. Upgrading your airship and managing resources adds an extra layer to exploration. This gives players more control over their journey and crew satisfaction.
Crew morale plays a vital role in ensuring efficiency during missions, so keeping your team happy and well-resourced isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential to success. This system adds a strategic element to the JRPG, making it important to plan crew interactions as well as mission objectives.
Airborne Combat: Stylish but Slow
The combat in Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire focuses entirely on airship battles, where players engage in dogfights with tactical maneuvers to defeat foes. The combat visuals are stunning, bringing back memories of early JRPGs with beautiful animations and effects. However, while these encounters look great, they can feel repetitive and lack the depth seen in more dynamic battle systems. The combat would benefit from more enemy variety and additional strategic options to keep the experience fresh.
Ghibli-Inspired Visuals and Design
Visually, Sky Oceans channels the classic aesthetic of JRPGs with its Studio Ghibli-inspired designs. The world feels alive, from detailed cityscapes to lively characters, capturing the charm of a classic yet immersive RPG setting. The art direction ensures that both veteran fans and newcomers can enjoy the nostalgic, animated style that brings this skybound world to life.
Final Thoughts
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire delivers a solid experience for JRPG fans looking for a journey filled with exploration, airship battles, and a heartwarming story. While it could improve with added combat depth and variety, its charm, engaging story, and nostalgic feel make it worth a look. For anyone seeking an adventure that brings classic JRPGs into a sky-pirate setting, this title is sure to please.
You can get the game here.
