I’m not sure why video game titles are often presented in all caps. It doesn’t entirely sit well with me, and I wonder if it has something to do with translation between languages—or maybe not.
That’s the case with STARS ERA: ABYSS FRONTIER, a tactical roguelite developed by AnimicGame, currently available in Early Access. Aside from the fully capitalized title, what the game offers is quite appealing, blending interstellar futuristic settings with anime aesthetics. Let’s take a closer look at its story and combat system.
War-Torn Worlds and a Mysterious Girl
In the grim future of the “Demonster” civilization, countless wars and an ominous phenomenon called ABYSS EROSION have left entire worlds in ruin. Survivors have scattered, hiding in bunkers and battleships, only venturing forth when necessary. Players step into this tumultuous era just as a warship intercepts an escape capsule carrying a severely injured girl—her very existence and the data she brings with her could be the key to the so-called “Project Link,” a final hope for saving what remains of civilization.
This narrative arc unfolds through visual novel-style storytelling, giving life to the characters, enemies, and war-ravaged environments that define STARS ERA: ABYSS FRONTIER’s universe.
Roguelite Meets Turn-Based Tactics
One of the game’s major hooks is its blend of roguelite progression and tactical turn-based battles. Here’s a closer look:
- Turn-Based Battles: At its core, the game challenges you to outsmart evolving alien threats by positioning and commanding a squad of interstellar warriors.
- Roguelike Variety: After each battle, you’ll collect randomly generated “modules” that enhance your units’ abilities or provide strategic buffs. Because these modules appear unpredictably, every run or campaign can feel distinctly different.
- Growing Threats: Enemies become more formidable as the game progresses, with the abyss influencing their attacks and behaviors. You’ll also encounter unique bosses—towering adversaries that require precise tactics and well-chosen modules to defeat.
Early Access Highlights
Although STARS ERA: ABYSS FRONTIER won’t officially release until later in 2025, the Early Access version already offers substantial content:
- Three Chapters Unlocked: Chapters 1–3 introduce the story, characters, and primary gameplay loops.
- Modular Customization: Over a hundred different modules split into categories (Generic, Specialty, Support) allow you to experiment with countless builds.
- Multiple Playable Characters: There are at least eight different combatants to mix and match, each bringing unique skills and combat styles.
The fourth chapter—and more content including new bosses, enemy types, and deeper visual enhancements—are planned for the full release in the spring (March–April) of 2024.
Early Access Road Map
The developers at AnimicGame have laid out their Early Access roadmap clearly:
- Full Story Progression: The final release will include four full chapters, completing the main narrative.
- Additional Modules & Bosses: Each chapter adds new combat modules, specialized roles, and formidable bosses, expanding both the strategic depth and the game’s difficulty curve.
- Graphical & Performance Upgrades: AnimicGame promises further polish, from improved visuals and special effects to refined animations.
STARS ERA: ABYSS FRONTIER is available in Early Access on PC via Steam and EPIC. Below, you can find an overview with more details about the game, some screens, and a trailer.
More details about the game
An interstellar civilization named “Demonster” was devastated by war. After leaving its homeland and retreating to a new homeland, its peaceful life was stable for a while. Then it encountered another disaster caused by ABYSS EROSION. After more than ten years of brutal struggle, the entire country was completely destroyed. The survivors were forced to disperse and hide in countless shelters, expecting for the moment the disaster left.
On July 11, Star Era 177, a warship that had just completed its mission of luring the enemy ， discovered an escape capsule carrying a seriously injured girl on its way back. The girl and the data in the escape cabin led to the final plan called “Project Link”. Using this as a starting point, the soldiers of this battleship found a new direction.
The Engineering Department has been working hard to repair war-torn combat modules using materials recovered from the battlefield, and also provides special equipment tailored for combat roles. Use them to continuously improve your strength and defeat waves of abyssal creatures.
After each battle in the game, you can obtain modules and give them to the appropriate combatants to use, greatly improving their combat effectiveness.
As the combat rounds increase, some enemies will become stronger and more ferocious due to the influence of the abyss. Discover and respond to the attacks of these special opponents in time. After they block it, there will be a unique and powerful boss waiting for your team.
