The second instalment in Square Enix and tri-Ace’s long-running sci-fi RPG franchise Star Ocean, will be receiving a proper remake by year’s end. It has been confirmed that Star Ocean: The Second Story will be re-released under the title Star Ocean: The Second Story R. The game, which initially debuted in Japan in 1998 for the PlayStation console, is undergoing a 2.5D remake and is scheduled for launch on 2 November 2023. This release will be made available simultaneously on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC (via Steam), with pre-orders now available across all platforms.
The announcement was accompanied by a trailer released by Square Enix (viewable below), which gives fans a glimpse into what they can expect from Star Ocean: The Second Story R. The trailer highlights the game’s new visual direction, which includes action-packed gameplay, battle sequences, and character illustrations created by Yukihiro Kajimoto, a series veteran. Additionally, the game will feature a reimagined soundtrack composed by Motoi Sakuraba, who also composed the original score.
The game’s story kicks off with the character Claude, an officer of the Federation, who is mysteriously transported to an undeveloped planet. As Claude searches for a way back home, he meets a girl named Rena. This encounter pulls them both into a quest to save Rena’s people, as an ancient prophecy had predicted. Players can start their journey with either Claude or Rena, and this choice will influence the perspectives and allies that players can recruit during the game. The game also features a ‘Private Actions System’ that allows players to build relationships with party members, which can unlock various endings.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R is being revamped with a 2.5D aesthetic, seeking to meld 3D environments with 2D pixel characters, so it won’t be comparable in style to modern chapters in the series. However, they aim to present both a classic RPG feel, combined with modern gameplay. The game will retain some original features that made it a classic, alongside new elements including swift real-time combat, strategic battle mechanics, and customizable party progression with various skills like Cooking, Art, and Metalcraft.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R introduces three new difficulty modes – “Earth” for a standard experience, “Galaxy” for a more challenging gameplay, and “Universe” for experienced players seeking the ultimate test of their skills. Regarding language support, Star Ocean: The Second Story R will offer both Japanese and English text and voiceover language options, with voiceovers performed by members of the original cast. Additionally, the game will have subtitle support in French, Italian, German, and Spanish via a software update available at launch.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R will be accessible on Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, and PC through Steam, beginning 2 November 2023
