PGC NEWS

The Star Ocean series, developed by tri-Ace and published by Enix, has a rich history dating back to its 1996 debut. Among its installments, Star Ocean: The Second Story holds a special place in the hearts of many, often considered the pinnacle of the series. Having already seen a re-release on the PlayStation Portable as Star Ocean: Second Evolution, its latest iteration, Star Ocean: The Second Story R, marks a welcome return for fans and newcomers alike. This review delves into what makes this remake shine and where it falls short.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R Claude and Rena

A Timeless Tale Retold

Remakes and remasters are prevalent in the gaming industry, with varying degrees of success. Star Ocean: The Second Story R stands as a testament to how to revitalize a classic while preserving its core charm. The narrative blends science fiction with fantasy, juxtaposing a technologically advanced civilization with a medieval world bound by the Planet Development Preservation Pact. Set in 366 S.D. (2452 A.D.), the story follows Claude C. Kenny, son of Star Ocean veterans Ronyx and Ilia, as he investigates a mysterious signal on a desolate planet. A series of events transports him to the underdeveloped world of Expel, where he encounters Rena Lanford. Mistaken for a legendary hero of light after showcasing his advanced weaponry, Claude embarks on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Sorcery Globe plaguing Expel.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R Claude using a laser gun

While the narrative adheres to classic JRPG tropes – secret villains, the power of friendship, and a coming-of-age journey – it remains engaging and entertaining. The blend of futuristic and medieval elements provides a unique backdrop for the adventure. Star Ocean: The Second Story R allows players to experience the story from either Claude’s or Rena’s perspective, offering unique insights into their respective cultures and reactions to the unfolding events. The game boasts a diverse cast of recruitable characters, each contributing to the narrative depth and providing side stories that add flavor to the main plot.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R In-game battle scene

The Private Action (PA) system further enriches the narrative, allowing players to interact with party members in towns and cities, uncovering humorous anecdotes and poignant moments. These interactions influence character relationships, shaping the storyline and individual character outcomes. The PA system significantly enhances replayability, offering different romantic pairings and altering the fates of various characters.

A Visual and Gameplay Overhaul

Star Ocean: The Second Story R impresses with its stunning 2D-HD visuals. The blend of 2D sprite characters and 3D environments, complemented by detailed shadows and textures, creates a visually appealing experience. The world of Expel feels vast and immersive, with sprawling forests and towering mountains adding to the sense of exploration. Dungeons and cities are equally captivating, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R Exploring a town

The combat system has also received a significant upgrade. Gone are the days of button-mashing; Star Ocean: The Second Story R introduces strategic elements like the Break mechanic, allowing players to stun enemies by depleting their guard. The Perfect Dodge mechanic rewards precise timing with a powerful counterattack, while the Bonus Gauge provides party-wide buffs based on combat performance. The Assault Action feature allows players to summon characters from other Star Ocean titles, adding a nostalgic touch and expanding combat possibilities. These additions elevate the combat experience, making it more engaging and dynamic.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R Private Action scene

Beyond graphics and combat, quality-of-life improvements abound. Crafting is more streamlined, and map markers guide players, preventing them from missing crucial PAs. This streamlined approach enhances accessibility without sacrificing the core exploration experience.

Lingering Issues

Despite its numerous improvements, Star Ocean: The Second Story R has some shortcomings. The game retains the original’s emphasis on grinding, requiring players to level up and enhance their skills to overcome challenging boss encounters. While the updated mechanics alleviate some of the tedium, leveling remains a significant aspect of progression.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R In-game menu showing Private Actions

The new Japanese voice acting featuring the original cast can be jarring, as the actors’ voices have changed significantly over the past two decades. Thankfully, players can opt for the PlayStation Portable version’s voice acting or mix and match individual character voices. The remixed soundtrack also presents a mixed bag, with some tracks failing to capture the essence of the originals. However, the option to switch between the original and remixed soundtracks caters to individual preferences.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R World map navigation

Conclusion

Star Ocean: The Second Story R successfully revitalizes a classic JRPG, delivering a visually stunning and engaging experience. While the grinding aspects and some questionable voice acting choices remain, the numerous improvements to the gameplay, graphics, and quality of life features make this remake a worthy addition to any RPG fan’s library.