During the Nintendo Direct, Square Enix revealed Star Ocean The Second Story R, a remake of the classic PS1 RPG.
After a handful of rumors, today brings confirmation that the second Star Ocean game is getting a remake. The new version, Star Ocean The Second Story R, was revealed during Nintendo’s latest Direct showcase (though it’s also coming to PlayStation consoles) with a trailer showcasing the new visuals and illustrations used to bring the story back to life.
Today SQUARE ENIX® announced the highly acclaimed second instalment in the STAR OCEAN series, STAR OCEAN® THE SECOND STORY™ is returning as STAR OCEAN® THE SECOND STORY R™. First released in Japan in 1998 on the PlayStation® console, STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R will return as a 2.5D remake, launching on November 2, 2023.
In a new trailer unveiled today, SQUARE ENIX provided fans with a first look at STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R. The trailer showcases the game’s new, stunning visual direction, action-packed gameplay, battle sequences and all-new character illustrations by series veteran Yukihiro Kajimoto, as well as a beautifully rearranged soundtrack by original composer, Motoi Sakuraba.
STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R has been revitalized with a charming 2.5D aesthetic that combines beautiful 3D environments with nostalgic 2D pixel characters, offering players both a classic RPG and modern gameplay experience. Players can expect to find some of the original features that made the original release so memorable alongside brand-new gameplay features including fast-paced, real-time combat and battle mechanics to strategically defeat foes, customizable party progression with an array of skills, including Cooking, Art, Metalcraft, and more. Three new difficulty modes have also been introduced including “Earth” which provides a standard experience, “Galaxy” for those looking for a more satisfying challenge, and “Universe” for seasoned players looking to put their skills to the ultimate test.
The epic story begins with Claude, a Federation officer, who finds himself transported to an undeveloped planet. While searching for a way home, an encounter with a girl named Rena draws them into a quest to save her people, just as an ancient prophecy foretold. Players will begin their adventure with either Claude or Rena, and depending on their choice, the perspectives and the allies’ players recruit will change. Players will get to know party members through the unique ‘Private Actions System’, which will allow them to grow relationships and unlock a variety of different endings.
STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R will launch with Japanese and English text and voiceover language support, with voiceovers performed by members of the original cast. Subtitle support for French, Italian, German, and Spanish will also be available via a software update at launch.
Pre-orders for Star Ocean The Second Story R are live now, and will launch for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4|5, and PCs on November 2, 2023.
