Review of Star Ocean: The Second Story R

Remember the days when JRPGs ruled supreme?

Well, buckle up, space travelers! Star Ocean: The Second Story R is here to remind us why we fell in love with the genre in the first place.

This remake of the beloved 1998 classic doesn’t just polish old memories – it crafts an experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

A Tale of Two Heroes

The game kicks off with a choice that’ll shape your entire journey.

Will you step into the space boots of Claude C. Kenny, a young Earth Federation ensign suddenly whisked away to a strange planet?

Or will you don the mysterious mantle of Rena Lanford, a girl with unexplained healing powers?

Whichever path you choose, you’re in for a wild ride across the planet Expel.

The story unfolds like a cheesy ’90s anime in the best way possible. There’s a mysterious meteorite called the “Sorcery Globe” turning animals into monsters.

There’s a prophecy about a Hero of Light. And of course, there’s a ragtag group of lovable misfits joining your quest. It’s campy, it’s messy, and it’s utterly compelling.

Combat That Packs a Punch

Star Ocean: The Second Story R truly shines in its combat system.

The battles are fast-paced, action-packed affairs where you control one character while the AI handles the rest.

But don’t worry – you’re not just button-mashing your way to victory.

The remake introduces two game-changing features:

• Assault Actions: Use the D-pad to call in party members for devastating combo attacks.

• Break System: Whittle down enemy defenses to make them more vulnerable to your attacks.

These additions make the already solid combat system feel fresh and strategic.

Plus, the new UI makes managing your party a breeze, even in the heat of battle.

Crafting Your Way to Success

If you’re the type who loves to tinker, you’re in for a treat. The game’s crafting system is deep, rewarding, and potentially game-breaking (in the best way).

As you level up, you’ll gain Battle Points (BP) and Skill Points (SP) to customize your characters.

Want to create mouth-watering dishes that buff your party? Pump points into Cooking.

Curious about that mysterious “?” item? Boost your Appraisal skill.

With options to replicate items and customize gear, you might find yourself losing hours just experimenting with different combinations.

A Feast for the Senses

Gemdrops has done an incredible job updating the visuals for modern hardware.

The 2.5D HD graphics strike a perfect balance between nostalgia and contemporary aesthetics.

Character sprites pop against beautifully rendered 3D backgrounds, with little details like swaying grass adding life to each scene.

And let’s not forget the soundtrack. Motoi Sakuraba’s compositions have been given new life, with the option to switch between the arranged and original versions.

Whether you’re exploring a peaceful town or engaged in a boss battle, the music perfectly sets the mood.

The Little Things That Count

It’s the small quality-of-life improvements that really make Star Ocean: The Second Story R shine:

• Visual cues for Private Actions (those delightful character interactions)

• Map markers for quest objectives and side activities

• A cooking minigame that’s surprisingly addictive

• Bunny Races for when you need a break from saving the world

These additions make the game more accessible without sacrificing the depth that fans love.

Not Just a Trip Down Memory Lane

While longtime fans will find plenty to love, Star Ocean: The Second Story R is also incredibly welcoming to newcomers.

The difficulty has been tuned to be more forgiving, making it a great entry point for those new to the series or JRPGs in general.

That said, veterans might find the game a bit easier than they remember.

It’s not uncommon to find yourself overleveled if you engage with all the side content.

But with multiple difficulty options available, you can always crank up the challenge if you’re looking for a more hardcore experience.

The Verdict

Star Ocean: The Second Story R isn’t just a great remake – it’s a testament to why this game is considered a classic.

It takes everything that made the original special and enhances it for a modern audience.

Have you played the old game? Or is this your first time? It doesn’t matter, this is one voyage through the stars you won’t want to miss.

So, are you ready to embark on this cosmic adventure? Expel awaits, and the Sorcery Globe isn’t going to investigate itself!