Games Happy

As we speak, Sq. Enix introduced and launched a brand new Swap 2 model of Star Ocean The Second Story R. Similar to the Octopath Traveler I and II Swap 2 ports, Star Ocean The Second Story R doesn’t provide any improve path or save switch for current house owners. Having performed Star Ocean The Second Story R again in 2023 on all platforms, I used to be curious to see how the brand new Swap 2 port would feel and look. Ideally, it might ship an expertise that matches the PS5 model docked and a strong 60fps expertise handheld. Whereas I shall be specializing in the Swap 2 port for this function, I even have included a number of comparisons to provide you an thought of how Star Ocean The Second Story R on Swap 2 compares with different platforms.

Star Ocean The Second Story R Nintendo Swap 2 impressions

Earlier than discussing Star Ocean The Second Story R on Swap 2, I would like to provide you some context for a way the sport seemed and ran on different platforms. The PC model was an excellent port that scaled effectively even on decrease finish {hardware}. The PS5 model was a strong 60fps expertise all through, however all variations of Star Ocean The Second Story R had shimmering or jagged edges to a point alongside foliage loading in nearer than you’d count on. The answer to a number of these points was modding the PC model, however there may be solely a lot you are able to do. I needed to get used to the foliage shimmering on each platform, and whereas it wasn’t as unhealthy on PS5 because it was on Swap 1 and even PS4, it was nonetheless there.

Shifting over to Star Ocean The Second Story R on Swap 2, I am impressed with the way it seems and feels handheld. It would not have the identical draw distance because the PC model, however I did not count on that contemplating even different consoles cannot match that. Contemplating the PS5 model did not see a decision improve above 1080p and was capped at 60fps, the Swap 2 model having the identical goal and delivering within the opening hours is a good signal. Clearly Gemdrops and Sq. Enix have been conservative with the PS5 launch given how the sport runs on PC handhelds, however we have had some mediocre Swap 2 ports currently and I am glad to see Star Ocean The Second Story R ship right here.

Star Ocean The Second Story R PS5, Swap 2, PS4, Swap 1, and PC visible variations

For this comparability, I centered on how the Swap 2 model compares with the PS5 or Swap 1 launch when performed docked and likewise the way it seems handheld in contrast with the Swap 1 model by way of handheld enhance mode, Swap 1 model itself, and likewise the PC model on Steam Deck and ROG Ally. I wished to check extra on the ROG Ally, however a current Home windows 11 replace has made it reboot randomly whereas I play a number of video games (not all) and sadly Star Ocean The Second Story R is certainly one of them. I used to be solely capable of get a little bit of seize for my comparability immediately. 

Star Ocean The Second Story R on PS4, PS4 Professional, and PS5 all focused 1080p 60fps, however that they had completely different post-processing with the PS5 model having the very best of the lot. The Swap 1 model was effectively under 1080p. Sq. Enix says it targets 864p docked on Swap 1 and that appears in regards to the higher restrict as I additionally was capable of measure under that decision. The Swap 2 model then again is 1080p docked in addition to far as I can inform primarily based on counts I did. 

Star Ocean The Second Story R handheld comparability throughout Swap 2, Steam Deck, Swap 1, and ROG Ally

On the subject of transportable play, Star Ocean The Second Story R on Swap 2 is a step above the PC model on Steam Deck and a large improve over the Swap 1 model. It’s nevertheless inferior to the PC model on ROG Ally because the draw distance and anti-aliasing is rather a lot higher on ROG Ally whereas delivering 60fps or greater body charges. Regardless of that, Star Ocean The Second Story R on Swap 2 delivers a strong transportable model proper now and one I can see myself utilizing for a full replay. 

Observe: For the comparability above, I used Steam’s screenshot performance on Steam Deck and ROG Ally. I additionally used the Swap and Swap 2 screenshot capabilities to get handheld seize from these consoles as a result of there is no such thing as a different solution to get handheld seize proper now. I cropped the photographs to indicate the variations.

Star Ocean The Second Story R on Swap 2 additionally delivers a 1080p expertise handheld. I pixel counted it in 4 completely different areas and it was a 1080p expertise. I even in contrast it with the PC model operating at 1080p and it lined up. Gemdrops did an important job with it handheld up to now.

Star Ocean The Second Story R efficiency variations throughout PS5, Swap 2, PS4, Swap 1, and PC

Star Ocean The Second Story R focused 30fps on Swap 1, 60fps/30fps on PS4, 60fps on PS5, and supported as much as 120fps on PC. On Swap 2, Star Ocean The Second Story R targets 60fps each docked and handheld. Thus far, it holds that concentrate on effectively and mainly delivered what I wished from a Swap 2 port of the sport. I believe the console variations basically are a bit too conservative given it’s nonetheless 1080p 60 on PS5 when it certainly might do 120fps given the way it runs on PC handhelds, however that is one thing for an additional article. Considering how the PS5 and PS4 variations run, Star Ocean The Second Story R on Swap 2 is an efficient turnout for the port, however I want the Swap 2 and PS5 variations did extra. 

Star Ocean The Second Story R load occasions in contrast throughout PS5, PS4, Swap 2, Swap 1, Steam Deck, and PC

To check load occasions, I put in Star Ocean The Second Story R for Swap 2 on the Swap 2 inside storage, the Swap 1 model on Swap OLED SD card and on the Swap 2 inside storage, the PC model on Steam Deck and ROG Ally, and the PS4 and PS5 variations on my PS5 Professional inside storage. I did not have time to additionally take a look at the PS4 model on PS4 Professional for this text. I measured the time taken to load the title display screen from the dashboard and likewise to load an early sport save. The outcomes under are in seconds.

As you possibly can see, the Swap 1 model on Swap 2 and the native Swap 2 model each ship main load time enhancements over the Swap 1 model performed on Swap 1. In truth, they even match up with the PC model loading off an SSD. As for the PS5 and PS4 variations performed by way of PS5 Professional, the previous immediately masses the save and likewise has the quickest preliminary load. Observe that the sport has no PS5 Professional help both. Even the PS4 model on PS5 delivers quick loading. 

Is it price shopping for Star Ocean The Second Story R on Swap 2?

If you happen to do not personal the sport or wish to replay it on the go, Star Ocean The Second Story R on Swap 2 is a wonderful model of an important RPG. In a number of methods, the Swap 2 model jogs my memory of Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven’s improve, which brings us to the main points. The dearth of save switch, improve path, and the worth level primarily make it arduous to suggest for individuals who already performed it and supported it day one, however it’s a simple suggestion if you wish to replay it on the go or for newcomers who play on Swap 2. Even placing apart the improve path and worth of the discharge, no save switch is what actually annoys me with Sq. Enix’s Swap 1 and a pair of releases up to now. Whereas nothing has been introduced for it up to now, I hope this will get a correct cartridge launch so I can add it to my assortment as a result of the port is beautiful. 

Star Ocean The Second Story R is now accessible on PS5, PS4, Swap 2, Swap, and PC (Steam).