Indie developer Seed Lab has shared new details and gameplay for Starsand Island introducing vehicles and exploration in the game.
“We always put player experience at the heart of our design,” said Richardo Wang, creative director of Seed Lab, in a press release. “With a rich customization system and diverse ways to explore, we hope everyone can find their own joy and enjoy the simple life in Starsand Island. Whether you love socializing, adventuring, or simply enjoying a laid-back lifestyle, there’s warmth and happiness waiting for you here. This island embodies our vision of an ideal life, and we look forward to creating a unique dream world together with you.”
Goltan Gao, Technical Director at Seed Lab, added: “We want to make sure players are the true stars of their Starsand Island story. We’re building a game where they will have the freedom to decide how their character looks, how they travel and explore the island’s beautifully tranquil landscapes, and whether they go on their exciting adventures solo, with a pet, or with a friend. Crafting their dream island life is at the heart of every decision we’re making as we continue to create Starsand Island, and we’re excited to share more of the journey as BitSummit begins.”
Here’s a rundown on the new details, plus the new gameplay:
Players will be able to customize & explore their way across the upcoming tranquil anime-inspired environments.
Players will be able to skate, ride, drive, and fly a range of vehicles, including skateboards, rollerblades, cars, scooters with (and without) sidecars, and even a paraglider, across the island’s lush pastures, green- and amber-hued woodlands, glistening sandy beaches, and the surrounding azure seas. Amphibious craft will also be available, enabling seamless land and water traversal, further expanding players’ horizons.
Exploring the island won’t have to be done solo: a number of vehicles have passenger seats, allowing NPC pals and pets – and even real-life friends via the Starsand Island’s multiplayer gameplay – to go along for the ride, while the game’s photo mode will allow players to capture memories and moments from every part of their adventure.
Showcasing the game at this year’s BitSummit expo in Japan, Seed Lab is also unveiling more details on both the character and vehicle customization available in Starsand Island. The game’s vehicle modification system lets players fully customize their rides; for example, cars can be painted with new colors, and detailed with a range of decals, wheel rims, and interiors.
Starsand Island also features extensive customization for the player’s character, including the ability to finely tune them with a range of facial features, skin tones, makeup, and hairstyles, while choosing from a vast wardrobe of outfits and accessories to complete a fresh, edgy vibe ready for island life. Further customisable options will be expanded post-launch, along with additional social and collaborative gameplay, while more information on Starsand Island’s multiplayer functionality will be released in the coming months.
Starsand Island is launching sometime this winter for Windows PC (via Steam), Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PS5.
