In this science fantasy RPG, choose between Claude or Rena, play through their perspectives, and unlock various endings. Recruit allies and defeat foes in fast paced real-time battles.
RPG Gamers summarySTAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R, the highly praised sequel in the STAR OCEAN series, is set to make an impressive return. A beautiful compilation of 3D environments and 2D pixel characters in a unique 2.5D style reimagines the game world, promising fans both new and old a revisit to the iconic JRPG in a fresh, contemporary manner.
The story unfolds in Space Date 366, where a Federation officer is thrust into a quest to save a young girl’s people on a mystical planet. The fate of the narrative will be largely influenced by your choice of protagonists- Claude or Rena. This choice will not only determine your perspective of the story but also the allies you can recruit.
Beyond the main narrative, players can immerse themselves in the Private Actions system, a unique feature where they can explore character relationships and open up an array of different endings. Fans of the STAR OCEAN series will be delighted to know that new character illustrations were created by Yukihiro Kajimoto, a long-time artist for the series.
In terms of battle dynamics, STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R promises exciting and fast-paced combat. Players can utilize the new ‘Break’ mechanics to deal continual damage and command their allies to join in with an Assault Action for enormous damage.
Customization in the game extends to party progression with a broad array of skills to choose from. Among these, Cooking, Art, and Metalcraft are included. The game also touts an improved Item Creation system, letting players masterfully craft ultimate equipment loaded with varying effects.
One of the many novel features of this remake is its full voiceover in both Japanese and English, utilizing the original cast from the first game. Moreover, the game is inclusive of dialogues from the 2008 STAR OCEAN SECOND EVOLUTION release.
Another notable change is the rearranged soundtrack crafted by Motoi Sakuraba. All tracks have been given fresh compositions featuring full-band performances and string sounds. Exploration and movie scene themes were given new life with updated recordings.
STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R also caters to different player skills by offering three difficulty levels: EARTH for a calming journey, GALAXY for a substantial challenge, and UNIVERSE for a daredevil test of player abilities.
Ahead of its November 2nd, 2023 release, pre-purchase bonuses like exclusive weapons for both Claude and Rena, a Sunrise Ring, and a set of recovery items (Mixed berries x20 + Resurrection Potion x20) are available to those who make early purchases.
