Sci-fi fans in Japan won’t have to wait long—The Starbites, a stylish turn-based RPG set in a war-scarred space frontier, is officially landing on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch this October 16. Publisher Happinet and developer IKINAGAMES confirmed the release date earlier today, along with pricing and physical edition details.
A Western release and a Steam launch are in the pipeline, but no dates have been locked in for those just yet. According to the studio, the October launch applies only to Japanese console editions, with further details for global audiences “coming soon.”
A New Sci-Fi Tale Set on a Post-War Planet
Developed by indie team IKINAGAMES, The Starbites throws players into a shattered world called BITTER. Once a beautiful planet known for its trade and tourism, BITTER is now a wasteland, scarred by the brutal aftermath of a galactic conflict.
But even here, in the ruins of a fallen world, there’s light. At the center of the story is Lukida, a young woman trying to find hope and a future far from the dust and ruins.
Her adventure begins in Delight City—a strange, vibrant bubble of life in an otherwise desolate world. But what seems like a quirky sci-fi slice of life quickly unravels into something much deeper.
Mechs Are More Than Just Weapons
Unlike many RPGs, mechs in The Starbites aren’t just battle suits—they’re extensions of the characters themselves. Each pilot has a mech uniquely tailored to their personality, with combat roles that reflect who they are.
Customization goes far beyond color swaps. Players can fine-tune their mech’s gear, attacks, and even their role in the party, meaning no two teams will look or play exactly alike.
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Whether you want a defensive tank, a nimble striker, or a support unit with high-tech gadgets, your mech can fill that role—and look good doing it.
These machines aren’t just for fighting either. You’ll be using them to explore BITTER’s ruins, navigate harsh terrain, and unlock relics from the planet’s past.
Battles: Flashy, Fast, and Thoughtful
At its core, The Starbites is a turn-based RPG—but not the slow kind.
Combat is designed to keep players on their toes. While turns are still turn-based, mechanics like “Driver’s High” and the “Support System” combo attacks inject moments of real-time energy into fights.
The “Driver’s High” system works like a limit break—build up energy during combat, then unleash a massive ability tied to your pilot’s personality and mech type. These flashy moves can turn the tide of battle when timed right.
Fights emphasize synergy and tactics. You’ll want to line up team attacks, cover weak party members, and exploit enemy patterns to make the most of every move.
Unlike some tactical RPGs, where turns feel like spreadsheets, The Starbites keeps things sleek with big animations and snappy pacing.
Storytelling on a Cinematic Scale
IKINAGAMES isn’t holding back on narrative either. The game features over 50 cinematic cutscenes used to bring its story to life. Not just exposition dumps—actual short movie-style scenes that deepen the characters and flesh out the history of BITTER.
Lukida’s personal quest to escape her dying planet takes center stage. But it’s more than just survival. As she digs deeper into BITTER’s secrets, she begins uncovering the truth about the galactic war that left her home in ruins—and her role in what comes next.
The tone balances whimsy and melancholy. While the world is dark and damaged, the characters maintain a spark of optimism that makes them easy to root for.
And those cutscenes? They’re fully voiced, high-quality, and surprisingly emotional.
Physical Editions Coming, but Only in Japan for Now
For collectors, there’s a bonus: physical editions of The Starbites will be available at launch in Japan, but only for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. Xbox Series X|S owners will have to go digital for now.
Priced at 6,380 yen (roughly $40–45 USD), the game’s standard edition includes all core content. No word yet on any deluxe or collector’s bundles.
IKINAGAMES told Gematsu that they’re currently finalizing plans for the PC and Western release, including physical edition options—but wouldn’t comment on a timeline. If past Happinet releases are anything to go by, a localized version could follow within a few months.
Until then, fans outside Japan will have to wait—or brush up on their Japanese.
