Disclaimer: Evaluation code for Star Ocean The Second Story R was offered to Nova Crystallis by the writer Sq. Enix earlier than launch.
Star Ocean 2 is a recreation that’s form of in an attention-grabbing scenario. It definitely feels just like the one recreation that Sq. Enix likes to deliver again round every now and then – what with the PSP remaster in 2007 and now a brand-new launch in the way in which of Star Ocean The Second Story R. The R after all, stands for remake and isn’t to be confused with the previous launch. Actually, at first I used to be considerably perplexed as to why this recreation wanted one other redo, however right here we’re with a correct remake all the way in which all the way down to its very core.
As a result of Star Ocean The Second Story R not solely has a visible overhaul nicely past that of a easy remaster, it’s bought some new methods too they usually stack up in a approach that provides numerous up to date design to its gameplay.
As somebody who by no means actually dabbled within the unique PlayStation launch or the PSP remaster, suffice to say that the streamlined nature of Star Ocean The Second Story R shocked me. In some methods I really feel like the two.5D pixel visuals are a bit of misleading due to this – they’re evocative of their unique period, and that’s high-quality. Followers have eaten up this visible model and Sq. Enix appears eager to proceed utilizing it with different initiatives.
Their utility to the 3D world doesn’t look misplaced, nevertheless. They’re colourful and the world is simply too in a approach that doesn’t invite clashing kinds even when that might have been the case. Star Ocean The Second Story R appears to be like nice, runs nice and all of that is in place to additional its attention-grabbing tackle narrative development.
The story props up two central protagonists: Claude C. Kenny and Rena Lanford – both of which you’ll have the chance to decide on who you’ll be following from the beginning. That is necessary as a result of every character has their very own half to play, and with all that goes on, there’s greater than sufficient room for a number of playthroughs right here.
The gist of Star Ocean The Second Story R facilities round this pair as Claude is shipped off to research a mysterious object on a faraway planet. With out going into direct spoilers, numerous issues occur and Claude is transported to an unknown location the place he encounters and saves Rena. Claude will get mistaken for a legendary hero and will get railroaded into that function to kick off a grand journey with all of the fantasy and science fiction one may ask for.
It’s not essentially the most unique story by many measures, however the twin nature of the protagonists places on a novel spin on traditional RPG tropes, and that is additional bolstered by a enjoyable solid of characters. I discovered myself invested of their adventures even when the plot was pretty fundamental – quite a bit shines by means of within the character scenes referred to as Personal Actions.
Personal Actions are principally particular scenes between particular characters, marked on the Information Map, and might influence how intimate they’re with you or in any other case. Some Personal Actions can change the general plot, which exhibits itself when making one other playthrough. They’re optionally available, however clearly value doing to see what is going to occur and your decisions on who you work together with.
On the gameplay aspect, Star Ocean The Second Story R boasts a real-time motion fight system that places an emphasis on technique in addition to particular mechanics. For instance. Utilizing the Break actions permits you to stun enemies by pushing your assault. There’s additionally the Assault Motion, which lets you choose an ally outdoors of your present celebration to help.
Battles themselves are quick paced with spells tooled to be extra handy than something. There’s numerous animations going off and may be skipped by means of in the event you’re uninterested in seeing them again and again.
Different RPG parts together with merchandise creation, cooking and naturally fishing. There’s quite a bit to do and as numerous it’s purely optionally available, I by no means felt too overwhelmed by it. In spite of everything, Star Ocean The Second Story R is a recreation rebuild on numerous previous parts from the previous, so it’s anticipated that they’d be saved round for appearances sake if something.
All of these items come collectively as you journey round to totally different areas with numerous consideration targeted on the distinctive background kinds. The presentation is taken up a notch with a dynamic soundtrack that interacts relying on the way you strategy the world map and enemy encounters.
Did Star Ocean The Second Story R want a remake? That I can’t actually let you know, however for brand spanking new followers this appears to be the way in which to go when it comes to “If I needed to play Star Ocean 2, the place do I begin?”
There’s numerous traditional RPG parts between the story and gameplay right here, but additionally consideration to modernization that made diving into the remake really feel prefer it wasn’t an encumbrance. The two.5D sprites are crisp and cute and look fairly at place with the 3D backgrounds. The fast-paced gameplay is a blast to play, and even when the story isn’t pushing any boundaries, the colourful solid of characters is at the least satisfying to observe. Star Ocean The Second Story R may not be the most important recreation this 12 months, nevertheless it’s a strong entry with loads of love for RPG followers new or previous.