| Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire | |||
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| Gameplay & Story | Release Date | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Take to the skies in Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire and dive into a thrilling adventure packed with airship battles! Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire Review Overview
What is Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire?
Set in the open skies, experience a touching story about finding one’s purpose in this homage to classic JRPGs! Follow the story of Glenn Windwalker as he captains a team of sky pirates in rebellion against the evil Alliance
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Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire features:
⚫︎ Flight Simulator Elements
⚫︎ Turned Based Combat
⚫︎ Story Rich Narrative
⚫︎ Studio Ghibli Inspired Visuals
⚫︎ Customizable Airships
⚫︎ Epic Boss Battles
⚫︎ Classic JRPG Vibes
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire's gameplay and story.
 Switch |
 Steam |
 Playstation |
 Xbox |
| Price | $24.99 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 An Emotional Coming of Age Journey The Skies the Limit in Customizing Your Airships Modernized Turn-Based Combat System |
Lack of Voice-Acting Combat can sometimes feel Repetitive |
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire Overall Score - xx/100
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire takes you on an emotional flight, and while there are a few turbulence bumps along the way, it soars to a remarkable landing. A true love letter to classic JRPGs, it blends a modernized turn-based system with fun exploration and a cast of unique characters. This game really sticks the landing and takes off into the skies of nostalgia while charting a fresh course forward.
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire Story - 9/10
The story of SKYO is all about friendship, hope, and adventure, taking off with a rich narrative, charming characters, and some truly heartwarming moments that almost had me in tears. It’s a beautiful, emotional journey that smoothly touches down, and trust me—it’s a flight worth boarding.
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire Gameplay - 8/10
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire lets you step into the cockpit with an impressive level of airship customization. It really makes you feel like a pilot charting your own course. The turn-based combat takes off with clear inspiration from classic JRPGs, with some modern quality-of-life upgrades to smooth out the flight. While combat can hit some turbulence and feel a bit repetitive, the thrill of soaring through the skies more than makes up for it. Buckle up—it’s an adventure worth the journey!
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire Visuals - 8/10
The developers have said the game's visuals were inspired by Studio Ghibli, and it shows. Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire feels like a beautiful blend of the fantasy elements from Nausicaä and Porco Rosso. The world is vibrant and distinct, and as a fantasy world with sky islands, I loved how they’re showcased here. The artwork and cutscenes are stunning, but unfortunately, some of that magic doesn’t always translate smoothly into 3D. Occasionally, you'll notice jarring low-poly textures and stiff animations that break the immersion. Still, the game’s charm and atmosphere make it a captivating experience overall.
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire Audio - 7/10
The soundtrack in Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire is a bit of a mixed bag for me. The overworld and exploration tracks are fantastic, really helping to set the mood and make you feel like you’re on an epic adventure. However, the battle music doesn’t quite hit the mark—it lacks the punch needed to match the intensity of the action.
One thing that could have taken this game to new heights is voice acting, especially during those key story moments. It feels like a missed opportunity to add more depth and emotion to the narrative. Overall, while the soundtrack takes off in some areas, it could definitely use a bit more altitude in others.
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire Value for Money - 8/10
Despite my criticisms, this game is definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re a fan of classic JRPGs like Dragon Quest and the earlier Final Fantasy titles. It boasts an incredible story that promises to be a thrilling ride for anyone who loves story-driven games.
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire Review
An Emotional Flight
I have to admit, I was taken by surprise at how emotionally invested I became in the story and characters of Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire. Octeto Studios truly proved me wrong with how beautiful and heartfelt the narrative is. You play as Glenn Windwalker, a young man from a lineage of renowned explorers who have traversed the lush green archipelago in search of adventure and fame.
Living in Blossom Town—a vibrant skyward community teeming with pilots and aircraft—Glenn's life takes a poignant turn when his parents return from an expedition, but his father is missing. His mother, Agnes, becomes increasingly absorbed in her work, drifting further away from life and her son.
After a time skip, Glenn earns his pilot's license alongside his friends Fio and Ren, and they celebrate their newfound camaraderie. However, the festivities are abruptly cut short when the malevolent Alliance, led by the sinister Magnus, descends upon Blossom Town, leaving destruction in their wake. In the chaos, Glenn escapes with his mother, but they become separated, leaving him to grapple with the uncertainty of her fate.
Determined to find his footing, Glenn teams up with friends who survived the attack, and together they form a ragtag group of sky pirates, rallying others to join their cause in defiance of the oppressive Alliance. This story is a heartfelt homage to classic JRPGs, featuring an underdog protagonist and his friends battling an evil force that threatens their world. What sets it apart is the depth of emotion and heart it brings to the narrative; it’s anything but generic.
I particularly admire Glenn’s character development as he navigates the challenges of leadership while striving to become a better friend. His journey is a poignant coming-of-age tale that had me nearly in tears at times. The game doesn't shy away from allowing its characters to pause, reflect, and grow, making their experiences all the more impactful.
The world of Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire is a vibrant tapestry of rich world-building, showcasing a stunning variety of locations, from sun-soaked desert towns to lush, nature-filled landscapes and cozy pilot lounges. While the visuals can occasionally feel a bit clunky, the sheer imagination behind the world more than compensates for it.
I genuinely enjoyed the story, but I can’t shake the feeling that it would have soared to new heights with the addition of voice acting. Unfortunately, the game only provides voice lines during combat, which feels like a missed landing. The characters’ voices in battle fit perfectly, and having that level of depth throughout the entire narrative would have made those emotional moments hit even harder—especially for those who might not be avid readers. Still, the narrative shines as a deeply emotional tale that captivates and moves you, taking you on a journey that’s truly worth the flight.
Despite Some Turbulence, Gameplay Quite the Ride
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire is a true homage to classic JRPGs, right down to its fun turn-based gameplay. This adventure invites you to traverse both land and sky with your comrades, and while exploring towns and distinct locations on foot is enjoyable, nothing compares to soaring through the air in your customizable airship. Each team member brings their own unique flying abilities—Glenn can scan the area, while Fio has a burst of speed that can give you an edge. The customization options for your airships are incredibly fun, allowing you to travel in style and power, from weapons to armor.
Flying these airships feels intuitive and responsive; using the left analog stick to navigate and accelerate while the right stick lets you look around and spin. You can shoot with the right trigger and unleash special effects with the left, making the aerial experience both exciting and user-friendly.
Now, let’s talk about the heart of the gameplay: the combat. The turn-based formula flows smoothly, reminiscent of classic JRPGs, where you plan each character's moves before your turn begins. Your order in combat is determined by speed, and you can choose to attack, use arts (the game's magic system that consumes AP), block, or utilize items. The quality-of-life features are fantastic, allowing you to cancel skills and manually select whose turn it is. Additionally, using moves other than arts restores a certain amount of SP, and after each battle, your HP is partially restored.
While these mechanics make the game more accessible, the enemies can pack a punch, so strategizing is crucial both in and out of battle. Your airship customization directly impacts your skills, adding another layer of strategy. The combat pays homage to classic JRPGs with its near-first-person perspective during your turn, drawing you deeper into the experience.
However, I do have a few gripes with the combat. Battles can drag on, as many enemies feel like damage sponges, and there’s no skip button for animations, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the enemy designs can feel repetitive, making encounters less exciting over time. Thankfully, the game does a decent job of spicing things up with opportunities for exploration and questing between battles, ensuring that your journey is as fulfilling as the combat itself. Overall, Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire captures the spirit of classic JRPGs while delivering a fresh and enjoyable experience that’s definitely worth the flight.
Is Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire Worth It?
Board this Plane Now!
Despite my concerns with the game, it’s absolutely worth the journey, especially at just $25—it's a true bargain for fans of classic JRPGs and storytelling. This is only Octeto Studios’ second game, and they’ve really taken flight with it! I’m rooting for its success because it’s undoubtedly a banger that deserves to soar high in the gaming world.
| Switch |
Steam |
Playstation |
Xbox |
| Price | $24.99 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire FAQ
Who are the Characters in Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire?
⚫︎ Glenn Windwalker
⚫︎ Fio Plume
⚫︎ Ren Hoss
⚫︎ Mica Pillory
⚫︎ Alfred Kaehl
⚫︎ Mira Keeper
What Languages are Available in Sky Oceans?
⚫︎ English
⚫︎ French
⚫︎ German
⚫︎ Spanish
⚫︎ Japanese
⚫︎ Chilean Spanish
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Sky Oceans Wings For Hire Product Information
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| Title | SKY OCEANS WINGS FOR HIRE |
|---|---|
| Release Date | October 10, 2024 |
| Developer | Octeto Studios |
| Publisher | PQube |
| Supported Platforms | PC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch |
| Genre | Adventure, RPG, Strategy |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Rating | T |
| Official Website | Sky Oceans Wings For Hire Official Website |
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