Just in case you’ve forgotten, Square Enix is on a revival spree. Just last year, Square released Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers and Tactics Ogre: Reborn. For this year, it looks like Square Enix has at least two remakes or remasters planned before the year ends.
Aside from the rumored Final Fantasy Tactics remaster, Square is reportedly preparing to release a remake of Star Ocean: The Second Story before the year ends.
After an earlier leak, straight from Square Enix’s website, NateTheHate revealed the possible release window for the remake of the second entry in the JRPG franchise.
Nate has a track record of legitimate leaks, most notably pertaining to Nintendo Switch Online games and the lineups for Nintendo events.
While the remake’s launch window is narrowed down, there is still uncertainty about the game’s base. It’s unclear whether the remake will draw inspiration from the original 1998 PS1 game or its 2009 PSP remaster, Star Ocean: Second Evolution. The remaster featured an enhanced soundtrack, additional story missions, and new animated cutscenes, mostly retaining the original’s gameplay mechanics.
The 2009 remaster received a graphical upgrade and additional content for its PS4 and PS Vita versions in 2015, but only in Japan. Considering Square Enix and tri-Ace’s track record, fans speculate that the upcoming remake will be based on the 2009 remaster. However, the recently leaked character artwork showcased the logo of the original game, adding to the ongoing speculation.
Long before the genre-defying JRPG series, Final Fantasy, made its official debut, there existed another captivating JRPG franchise, one that fans old and new have grown to cherish – Star Ocean.
So, naturally, the potential revival of the Star Ocean franchise is nothing short of exciting.
However, there’s plenty of skepticism as to whether or not Square Enix can successfully pull off a proper remake or even a remaster. Both remasters of Chrono Cross and Tactics Ogre had and still do have technical issues.
Unfortunately, without a Square Enix Presents showcase to look forward to, we’ll have to wait for when Square Enix will be confirming this upcoming game.
For now, the premiere developers of iconic JRPG titles have their hands full with the upcoming launch of Final Fantasy 16 on June 22. The latest installment in Square’s best-selling JRPG series is now available for pre-load with the review embargo lifting tomorrow, June 21.
