Square Enix is pushing through with its nth revival/remake by bringing the classic PlayStation RPG, Star Ocean: The Second Story R, to the new era, as hinted at by the earlier leaks.
Beautiful crafted for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5 as well as the PC via Steam, Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a remake of the original Star Ocean 2, and it’s coming out on November 2.
Born out of the creative womb of the original title from 1998, this gem of a game quickly amassed a solid fan base, thanks to its engaging characters, engaging storyline, and complex decision-making mechanics. Now, under the glorious banner of a remake, it resurfaces, ready to impress once again with a revamped version of the original pixel art, fusing 2D and 3D graphics to create a world that is reminiscent of the 90s RPG goodness yet fresh and appealing for the modern eye.
The revamped title hints at the same intriguing science fantasy RPG narrative that made the original so iconic. It follows the journey of Claude C. Kenny, a human federation officer, and Rena Lanford, a mystically powered girl. When fate intertwines their paths amidst a sinister galactic plot, a saga unfolds.
We, as players, can choose to control either character in separate campaigns, effectively reeling us in through their unique perspectives. The decision-making aspect returns, with choices determining the recruitment of potential allies.
The game has been visually reimagined, combining the charm of 2D pixel characters with the awe-inspiring depth of its 3D environments. Yukihiro Kajimoto, the new character illustrator, and the original composer Motoi Sakuraba, who has re-arranged the soundtrack, have worked in harmony to breathe new life into this beloved title.
The resulting product is a visual and auditory feast, a testament to the timeless appeal of Star Ocean.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R impresses with an updated version of the game’s real-time combat. The addition of stun abilities through chain attacks adds a new layer of strategic depth to the already immersive battles. Even more intriguing is the feature where off-field party members can contribute to the fight with assist-style follow-up attacks, which further emphasizes the tactical flexibility in the combat system.
While this game is an HD-2D remake of the original, it doesn’t shy away from adding modern conveniences. You’ll find a long list of quality-of-life improvements like fast travel and full Japanese and English voiceovers. It offers a customizable party progression with skills in Cooking, Art, and Metalcraft as well, promising a more tailored RPG experience.
In terms of difficulty, Star Ocean: The Second Story R caters to a wide array of gamers. With a trio of difficulty tiers, including a Universe Mode for those seasoned veterans craving a formidable challenge, players can select the level that best suits their playstyle. This attention to detail, this understanding of the diverse gaming community, is what sets Star Ocean: The Second Story R apart.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R is not merely a remake. It is an homage to the original while pushing the boundaries of what a remastered title can be. It’s an amalgamation of the classic elements that made Star Ocean: The Second Story a legend in its time and the innovative ideas that embody the spirit of today’s gaming landscape.
Hopefully, the official announcement of the Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster is next.
