It will not be the first time that Square Enix ports its classic RPGs to modern platforms, for example, we can mention Romancing SaGa 3 and SaGa Frontier Remastered, and there are also Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King and Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age among others. Tomorrow Star Ocean The Second Story R releases and the question arises, is it worth playing the remake of this Japanese action RPG game, developed by Gemdrops.
Set for release on November 2nd for PS5, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch, Star Ocean The Second Story R improves upon the original in a variety of ways. The visuals have been upgraded, including the addition of voice acting, while quality of life improvements and interesting gameplay tweaks have also been introduced. This is exactly what the demo version of the mentioned game showed us, which we played and were pleasantly surprised.
In Star Ocean The Second Story R, players have the option to control either Claude, the son of a starship captain stranded on the medieval planet Expel, or Rena, an elf-like orphan with magical powers. Together they embark on a mission to investigate a mysterious asteroid that has unleashed monsters across the land. As the story progresses, players go through different worlds and meet various characters to gather in their group. While the story may not always be memorable, it takes players to strange and intriguing places. The game offers over a hundred different endings based on employment choices and relationship status with other characters. In terms of gameplay, the remake expands on the original by adding secondary skill systems, such as weapon crafting and orchestral performances, enhancing the overall experience.
One of the main features of Star Ocean The Second Story R is its visual presentation. The pixel art of the original returns with an HD enhancement, while the environments and backgrounds have been overhauled with a beautiful new 2.5HD look inspired by Octopath Traveler. This combination of 2D pixel art against 3D backgrounds creates a visually stunning world for players to explore.
Furthermore, English voice acting, a newly edited soundtrack, and a revamped combat system add to the overall enjoyment of the game. Combat now includes small floating clouds on the map that allow players to dodge or surprise attack enemies. Additionally, the ability to stagger or parry enemies adds depth to combat encounters, making battles more interesting and dynamic. In terms of streamlining the gaming experience, Star Ocean The Second Story R introduces features such as the ability to skip dialogue scenes, run at higher speeds, and benefit from generous autosaves. These improvements help make the game more accessible and reduce potential frustration.
All in all, Star Ocean The Second Story R stands out as a remake that successfully revitalizes the classic RPG. It retains the charm and style of the original, while incorporating modern improvements. Whether you're a fan of the original game or new to the series, it's worth diving into the unforgettable adventure this remake offers. Perhaps it's best to judge this remake once you've fully gone through and played it, however, the demo itself truly showed that we can have high expectations for this title.
English (UK) 
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