The world of JRPGs is dense. From the Final Fantasy franchise to Chrono Trigger, JRPGs have continued to be some of the most popular games in the industry. The groundwork for the JRPG formula was laid in 1986 with Dragon Quest, and it has continued to evolve ever since. By the 90s, the genre had hit new heights. That decade introduced some of the best JRPG franchises that are still going strong, whether it be through remakes or brand-new chapters. Ever since the 21st century arrived, JRPGs have been everywhere. Series like Kingdom Hearts and Yakuza expanded what the genre could be, but one of the best was released in 1999 and remade in 2023.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R introduced a version of Star Ocean‘s sequel that boasted a fresh coat of paint and tweaked mechanics. Even though it originally launched in 1999, the new and improved take on the beloved JRPG not only introduced it to a younger generation, but it also modernized the gameplay while still staying true to the original’s uniqueness. Star Ocean: The Second Story R is more than just a simple remake. It puts a spotlight on the incredible mechanics and systems that make other JRPGs feel like they’re lacking, even today.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R Is a Special Remake That Shines a Light On Some of the Best Gameplay in JRPG History
The detail that Star Ocean: The Second Story R boasts is mind-blowing. Whether it’s the original game or the remake, the sheer complexity of its mechanics makes it one of the most impressive JRPGs to date. It’s clear that systems were put first during development, and it makes for one of the most layered and addictive experiences that a JRPG fan can find themselves with.
Crafting, Skill, and Combat Mechanics Aren’t Just Well-Done – They’re Downright Addictive
Star Ocean: The Second Story R goes deep with its various systems. The game embraces tinkering and carefully building the perfect group with the right set of skills. Building a strong party is one of the most important things, and it leads players to unexpected possibilities and play styles. Discovery is at the heart of Star Ocean: The Second Story R, and it simply makes experimenting with skills and abilities a blast. Not only that, but the remake adds the Break mechanic for damaging enemy shields and an Assault Action system that allows players to call in a non-active party member to assist during fights. JRPG fans who love customization and freedom but haven’t played Star Ocean: The Second Story R are missing out on some of the greatest crafting and skill systems in the genre. It’s still one of the best Square Enix games, and the combat and crafting aren’t the only details that make it so replayable.
Main Improvements Made From the Original Version
- Auto save
- Running by default
- Better item organization
- In-game tutorials
- Database with encyclopedia and player statistics
- D-Pad shortcuts
- Mini-map at the bottom of the screen
- Fast travel
- Viewing relationship levels between characters
Dual Protagonists Tell an Interwoven Story With Various Outcomes
- Male protagonist: Claude C. Kenny
- Female protagonist: Rena Lanford
The game allows players to see the story from two different perspectives. Claude is a Federation officer who crosses paths with Rena, which sets in motion events that have been predicted by a prophecy. Ultimately, the gameplay is stronger than its story, but the latter is still quite good overall. Dual protagonists mean that two playthroughs are necessary to fully experience the story as it’s intended, but it actually has even more replay value beyond that. Because of the game’s love for player freedom, Star Ocean: The Second Story R‘s ending has 99 different variations.
Beautiful Visuals Are the Highlight of Star Ocean: The Second Story R’s Cinematic Storytelling
It’s hard to remake a classic game, especially when it comes to JRPGs. The old-school graphics are often one of the defining features that help create a game’s vibe, and Star Ocean: The Second Story‘s visuals successfully maintain that classic feel while also giving the game a more modern makeover. It’s a delicate balancing act, but developer Gemdrops pulled it off. The blend of detailed 3D backgrounds and pixelated 2D characters makes it even more eye-catching than the original version. When it first launched back in 1999, the game’s 3D backgrounds were already cool enough, but the remake’s ultra-high definition approach enhances the vibe.
Find all 10 pairs
Find all 10 pairs
Star Ocean: The Second Story R Knows How Important Building a Strong Atmosphere Is
The visuals aren’t the only feature that helps make Star Ocean: The Second Story R feel so cinematic. Its music is just as important in telling Claude and Rena’s story. There are some great sci-fi JRPGs out there, and the right musical score helps breathe even more life into these amazing worlds. Motoi Sakuraba composed the original version’s incredible soundtrack, and he returned for the remake to give the music a wonderful upgrade. The visuals and the music really bring everything together, making Star Ocean: The Second Story R‘s atmosphere something truly special.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a Must-Play JRPG
Star Ocean: The Second Story R‘s plot may be cliche in some areas, but it makes up for it with some of the best systems in the genre. This JRPG is all about discovering new possibilities and building parties that make for some ridiculously fun encounters. The story is just a bonus. The depth of character skills, special abilities, and items, combined with the fast-paced, in-your-face combat, is a thrilling balance that can make players forget about the end-game. So, for those on the lookout for a new JRPG to jump into, Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a great option.
It may not be the best choice for those who prefer JRPGs with great stories, but lovers of deep, layered mechanics are bound to enjoy Star Ocean: The Second Story R. The game honors the classic version enough to feel nostalgic for longtime JRPG fans while also bringing plenty of modern upgrades that make it a great way to introduce younger gamers to the Star Ocean series.
- Released
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November 2, 2023
- ESRB
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T
- Developer(s)
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Gemdrops, Inc.
- Publisher(s)
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Square Enix
