Starlight Legacy Review: A Nonlinear 16-Bit RPG Gem Arrives on Nintendo Switch

Starlight Legacy, an indie RPG by Decafesoft and published by Eastasiasoft, is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch on May 28, 2025.

As the Switch's vast RPG library enters its twilight years, the addition of Starlight Legacy reinforces the platform’s reputation as a haven for fans of the genre.

Known for hosting a broad spectrum of role-playing experiences — from major releases to indie standouts — the Nintendo Switch continues to receive fresh takes on classic RPG formulas, and Starlight Legacy is no exception. A Retro-Inspired Adventure True to its heritage, Starlight Legacy offers a nonlinear, 16-bit style RPG adventure with modern quality-of-life improvements.

Players guide three protagonists through the Kingdom of Evaria, a continent divided into four provinces still reeling from generations-old conflict.

Central to the narrative is King Lennox, whose reluctance to accept political reforms crystallizes mounting tensions, especially for citizens in the embattled Sky Province.

While the game’s script and character development echo the era of classic RPGs, it stops short of delving deeply into its thematic backdrop of oppression and rebellion.

The storytelling, reminiscent of vintage 8- and 16-bit-era scripts, provides the essential framework but ultimately keeps the narrative light, with much of its potential for social commentary left unexplored. Classic Turn-Based RPG Mechanics Where Starlight Legacy shines is in its tightly woven gameplay systems.

The game employs traditional turn-based combat, pitting a party of three against a variety of monsters.

Each character can access a versatile ability set, allowing players considerable freedom in customizing both skills and equipment.

Standout moves include a "Spin" attack for striking all enemies and a "Summon" skill to call forth any defeated monster—including bosses—as combat allies. Customization remains a core pillar: characters can equip any weapon or gear, stack items like dual shields or magic staffs, and use consumables to alter elemental affinities.

This design lets users adapt their playstyle, enhancing replay value.

The difficulty scales with story progress, ensuring that challenge remains consistent, while user-friendly options like toggling random encounters and doubling experience gains help mitigate grinding. Exceptional Map and Region Design Map design emerges as a principal highlight.

Starlight Legacy’s world is divided into elemental-themed regions, accessible in the order of the player's choosing using collectible "Bridge Passes." Each area offers distinct traversal abilities and hidden rewards, drawing inspiration from series like Pokémon with its shortcut-rich maps and item-gated progression.

Numbered treasure chests incentivize backtracking, rewarding players with potent spells and equipment the further they advance. Visually, the game’s spritework and maps honor classics like Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, offering a lovingly crafted homage that feels authentic rather than derivative.

These design choices encourage exploration and revisitability, with multiple secrets and shortcuts waiting to be unearthed in every region. A Budget RPG Worth Discovering Priced competitively at launch, Starlight Legacy is a solid pick for Nintendo Switch RPG enthusiasts seeking a polished, straightforward adventure reminiscent of the golden age of 16-bit gaming.

While the narrative may not reach the highs of its inspirations, its engaging combat, robust customization, and exemplary world map work in concert to deliver a memorable experience.

This game demonstrates Eastasiasoft and Decafesoft's commitment to crafting worthwhile indie experiences as the Switch era draws to a close. Starlight Legacy launches on the Nintendo Switch eShop on May 28, 2025, further enriching the console’s extensive lineup of indie RPG success stories.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Starlight Legacy Eastasiasoft Decafesoft Nintendo eShop