Star Stable Online Part 3

 

I just realized that as of November, it’ll officially have been a year since I started doing the main story in Star Stable. Well, that’s a lie because my data shows that I technically started playing through it in September and then started writing about it in November.

Recently, I’ve realized that I have fun writing about this little horse game. I have a few SSO related posts saved in my drafts, which I’ll get to eventually.

I can see why people like this little horse game. It feels like the kind of horse game I would’ve loved playing in the 2000s. In a way, the graphics being in the state they are makes me feel like I’m playing a PlayStation 3 game (in a good way, that system was the bomb!). 

Anyways, it’s time to write about the main quest again. This is the first one where I’m going to give some spoiler warnings, because it is a little further into the game. If you do not wish to be spoiled, turn away and have a nice day.

So there’s two missions I’d like to talk about involving Dark Core, Inspect HQ and Return to Dark Core. 

I’ll try to summarize what I experienced . I’ll refer to this as “Dark Core arc”. This is easily the most interesting part of the main quest, hands down. The fact that it got updated back in March has given me some hope for the rest of the story.

As mentioned in previous blog posts, Justin Moorland was kidnapped by Dark Core as per the orders of Mr Sands (one of the main antagonists). They intended to make him into another dark rider. At one point in the story, Dark Core unleashed a bunch of Pandoric energy onto Jorvik and I had to clean up that mess ghost busters style.

I love how, even though there’s this pink apocalypse happening, vendors are still selling their products. Just thought I should point that out.

“…Fuck!”

The mini game was alright, can’t say I got bored of it. Was nice to see some consequences of the main story affecting Silverglade Village (it adds some stakes).

Oh yeah, the player is working with the soul riders and Keepers of Aideen. For some reason I neglected to mention that. Dark Core is the antagonizing force in this story. 

I neglected to take pictures of the first time I lurked around Dark Core HQ. I was having a lot of fun with the hide and seek element of it. I also unlocked Valley of the Hidden Dinosaur, but have decided to make that a post for another day.

Well, anyways, Linda decides to push me to go to Dark Core HQ for a second time to spy on them to figure out what they’re trying to do. 

It is through “Inspect HQ” that we are given a glimpse into Darko:

Without giving away too much, he’s slimy and full of himself. I couldn’t wait to humiliate him in some fashion. 

Anyways, I returned to Linda after finding out their plans with the portal. 

I know that Anne is the fourth soul rider and all, but this mission made me feel included. Just riding with Alex, Linda and Lisa on this mission allowed me to feel a little more immersed in the story.

My heart fluttered when my horse grew wings and we flew into the night sky.

This scene sold me on the starter horse, as crusty as it is. When Harpyhawk said we had a strong bond, I felt bad for leaving her out in the pasture after maxing out her level.

Until I realized that, she likely was happy to be in the pasture with all her horse friends while still wanting to spend time with me. My own experience with horses tells me that you don’t need to always be riding a horse to have a bond with it; I’ve got a soft spot for older broodmares who are no longer rideable due to how many I worked with. So, no guilt over here. 

I can see why so many people resent the fact that they can’t use their favorite horses for this mission. 

PS: Star Stable team, if you’re reading this, then I’d love to see some flying mechanics be put into the game at some point. I love the races where you temporarily fly, wish it could be part of the gimmick. I get it, it likely wouldn’t be easy to implement.

Anyways, after rescuing Justin I give him a ride back. As I rode, I kept finding myself wondering if there’s people out there who ship their avatars with Justin because of this scene. I wouldn’t be surprised.

It was heartwarming to reunite Justin with Thomas. I hope later in the story we get to see Mr Hands formally apologize to Justin, since it seems like we got a glimpse into a potential start of a redemption arc.

You know what's funny? For some reason, I thought this would be the finale… but no.

Upon returning to Moorland Stables the next day, Justin and Thomas disappeared into South Hoof.

That's a problem.

A big, big, biiiiiig problem. 

Why, you may ask? Well you see, I hadn't unlocked Epona. Until then, I had no incentive to.

As of writing, I have unlocked Epona but I'm going to save that for Part 4.