In today's video game world, indie titles often bring the most freshness and creativity. Just such an example is Wander Stars, the game behind the studio Paper Castle Games, a team that originates from Venezuela and today operates in Spain. The publisher is the well-known indie label Fellow Traveler, and the game was officially released on September 19, 2025 on PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. It is clear from the very beginning that this is not a typical JRPG, but a title that brings something completely new — a combination of the anime atmosphere of the nineties and an original word-based combat system.
The story is one of the strongest weapons of the game. The main character Ringo, a young martial artist, goes in search of her brother. On that journey, he meets Wolfe, a con man with a dark past and charisma who hides a layered personality. Together, the two embark on an adventure to find a legendary artifact — the Wanderstar map, whose pieces are scattered throughout the universe. The action takes place over ten episodes, each lasting 60 to 90 minutes, which gives a clear structure like an anime series. Each episode introduces a new story, characters and events, and players have the option to go back and replay to discover hidden details, events and rewards they may have missed the first time around.
But what really sets Wander Stars apart is not only the story, but also the combat system. Instead of pre-defined attacks, players collect words that they combine into their own moves. Words are divided into three basic types: action (eg KICK, BLOCK), modifiers (SUPER, FAST, HUGE) and elemental (FIRE, WATER, ICE) which add status effects or special forms of damage. When you combine several words, you create unique attacks like "SUPER FIRE KICK" or "FAST WATER BLOCK". Over time, as the "spirit level" increases, you unlock the possibility of putting together more and more complex combinations, so your moves become more powerful and creative. This opens up space for experimentation, as each player can build his own fighting style.
Progress in the game is not based on words alone. There are also the so-called Pep Up bonuses that are obtained by winning honorable battles, and give permanent benefits. Also, the episode system includes random events, exploration, rivals and treasures, so each pass brings a different experience. This further enhances the roguelite feeling — you never know exactly what awaits you, so you're constantly adapting to new circumstances.
The visual identity is clearly inspired by the anime aesthetic of the nineties, with striking colors, dynamic animations and emotional scenes. The characters are charismatic and easy to remember. Music and sound effects further build the atmosphere: from cheerful tones during exploration to tense, pulsating melodies in battles. All together creates the feeling that you are not only a player, but also a viewer of your own anime adventure in which you actively participate.
Of course, not everything is perfect. Already in the beta versions, certain problems have been noted. The interface can be cluttered, especially when the word inventory becomes large, and navigating through long lists can slow down the pace of combat. Also, the balance of fights in later episodes sometimes feels unfairly difficult, especially when opponents use weaknesses that aren't clearly explained beforehand. Still, the development team is aware of these issues, and they're the reason the game's release has been pushed back from August to September 2025 — to further polish key elements.
When we weigh everything up, the pros far outweigh the cons. Wander Stars offers a battle system rarely seen, a creative story divided into episodes that easily hold attention, and a visual identity that will delight fans of anime aesthetics. Flaws such as an overcrowded interface or some imperfections in the balance can easily be fixed with patches, while what the game brings to the core is truly original and worthy of attention.
For PlayStation 5 players, additional motivation comes in the form of trophies. Wander Stars has a total of 25 trophies: 10 bronze, 6 silver, 8 gold and 1 platinum. The platinum trophy, called The Wander Star, is obtained when you unlock all the other trophies. Some require finishing each episode with the highest score, others require collecting all available words and upgrades. This means that to win platinum it is not enough to just go through the story, but you have to explore all corners of the game and experiment with its systems. Such an approach rewards dedication and encourages players to see just about everything Wander Stars has to offer.
Ultimately, Wander Stars is a bold project that brings a new vision to the JRPG genre. It is not only a story about fighting and adventure, but also about language, creativity and the way the player himself shapes his path. If you like games that combine anime atmosphere, tactical challenges and roguelite elements, then Wander Stars will be an experience worth your attention. Additionally, for the patient and persistent, platinum on PS5 stands as an additional challenge — and the perfect reward for those who want to experience everything this unique game has to offer.
A copy of the game was provided by publisher Surprise Attack Pty Ltd for review purposes
