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Cult Classic Star Ocean: The Second Story R Launches November 23rd

Star Ocean: The Second Story R

In the recent Nintendo Direct, Square Enix and tri-Ace announced Star Ocean: The Second Story R, a 2.5D (fusion of 3D environments and 2D characters) remake of the 1998 PlayStation cult classic, Star Ocean: The Second StoryThe sci-fi action RPG returns on November 23rd for the Nintendo SwitchPlayStation 5PlayStation 4 and PC via Steam. Peek at the gorgeous trailer below.

Apart from the graphical update, Star Ocean: The Second Story R will receive a UI overhaul, full Japanese and English audio, both original and rearranged music, and a new combat system with coordinated party attacks for more strategic approaches. 

Overview of Star Ocean: The Second Story R

For the first time Nintendo players can experience the visually explosive and fast-paced action battles of the second installment in the STAR OCEAN series. After a mission goes wrong, federation officer Claude is stranded on an undeveloped planet. There, he meets Rena, who possesses mystical powers. Play as either Claude or Rena and make decisions that will impact your destiny. STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R is a full remake of the 1998 science-fantasy RPG, rebuilt with striking graphics that combine 3D environments and 2D pixel characters. Plus, new combat features let you execute battles with strategic precision. STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R launches on Nintendo Switch Nov. 2.

Key Features

– Fantasy and Science Fiction collide in a unique visual style

From dangerous dungeons to bustling towns, the world of STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R is depicted in a stunning 2.5D style that combines beautiful 3D graphics with nostalgic 2D pixel characters. 

– Experience a story with dual protagonists

Start your journey with either Claude or Rena. Depending on your choice, the perspectives and the allies you can recruit will change. 

Get to know party members via the unique Private Actions system, grow relationships and unlock various endings.

New character illustrations have also been created by long-term series artist Yukihiro Kajimoto. 

– Thrilling, visually explosive battles!

Enjoy fast-paced combat and use new mechanics to strategically defeat foes. 

 “Break” by continuously dealing damage and order your allies to follow-up with an Assault Action to deal massive damage.

– Pair powerful gear with a plethora of skills

Customize party progression with a large selection of skills, including Cooking, Art, Metalcraft, and many more. Build up to Specialty levels and master the enhanced Item Creation system to craft ultimate equipment with different effects. 

– Japanese and English voiceover

All event scenes are now fully voiced using the same voice cast from the original game. In addition, the dialogue from STAR OCEAN SECOND EVOLUTION (2008) is also included and can be selected. 

– An iconic soundtrack rearranged by Motoi Sakuraba

All tracks have been re-composed, including full-band performance and strings sound. Exploration and movie scenes themes also have new recordings that take them to even greater heights.

– 3 difficulty modes

Pick EARTH for a relaxing journey, GALAXY for a satisfying challenge or UNIVERSE… if you’re brave enough to really put your skills to the test.

Standard and Collector’s Edition Preorders

Pre-orders are now up on the Square Enix Store, listing $49.99 USD for the Standard Edition and $199.99 USD for the Collector’s Edition. Apart from the pre-order bonuses listed below, purchasing either one of the editions in the store will grant you an exclusive equipable in-game item: a Prism Badge that can increase the stamina of your characters.

Pre-order bonus:

  • Pangalactic Federation Longsword
  • Forest Knuckles
  • x1 Set of recovery items (x20 Mixed berries + x20 Resurrection Potion)
  • x1 Sunrise Ring

Collector’s Edition ($199.99 USD)

Star Ocean: The Second Story R Collector's Edition
  • STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R Standard Edition game
  • Collector’s Edition goods box
    • STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK COLLECTOR’S EDITION
    • STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R ART BOOK
    • STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R Mini Acrylic Stand Collection Box

*This set is a SQUARE ENIX STORE exclusive.

*Game package is not packed inside the collector’s edition goods box, but will be shipped together.

*Collector’s Edition goods box size: W 270mm x H 74mm x D 190mm, Weight: 857g (not including game package)

Star Ocean: The Second Story R Media

I reported about the leaked Second Story R logo not too long ago, but I definitely set my expectations at just receiving a remaster similar to what they did with Star Ocean: First Departure RI’m so glad that I’m wrong; this is a pleasant surprise for old fans and a great welcome to newcomers in the series.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R releases November 23rd on Switch, PS5, PS4, and PC. Stay tuned to RPGFan for the low-down on all the exciting reveals from the Nintendo Direct.

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Tin Manuel

Tin Manuel

Tin is a designer and a writer by day and an adventurer in whatever game she is playing at night. She gets giddy talking about RPGs (specifically JRPGs), new releases, and reveres almost every female protagonist. She has two cats and two dogs, whom she loves dearly. She’s forgetful at times, but she will always remember Aerith’s death frame by frame in 480p.

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