Star Ocean The Second Story R Revives Classic RPG

A timeless RPG classic is returning to Western shores when Star Ocean The Second Story R releases later this year. You can check out the reveal trailer above, which highlights the game’s new 2.5D aesthetic, 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.

From publisher Square Enix:

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.

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Originally released in Japan in 1998 for the PlayStation, Star Ocean The Second Story hit North American shores a year later in 1999. The game was ported to the PSP as Star Ocean: Second Evolution in 2008 (Japan) and 2009 (worldwide), and eventually released on PS Vita and PlayStation Network on the PS3 and PS4 in Japan only in 2015. This will be the first time English speaking audiences will be able to play SO2 on modern consoles.

Star Ocean The Second Story R will offer both Japanese and English text and voiceover performed by the original cast. French, Italian, German and Spanish subtitles will also be available via software update at launch. The remake is being developed by Gemdrops, best known for developing Crystar.

Standard Physical Editions are available to pre-order now for the Nintendo Switch, PS5 and PS4, as well as the Standard Digital Edition for PS5 and PS4 and Steam. Pre-orders for the Standard Digital Edition for Nintendo Switch will be available at a later date. Players who pre-order the physical or digital editions will receive the following digital content as a pre-order bonus:

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

A Square Enix Store exclusive, the Collector’s Edition is available as a special, limited quantity set made for both newcomers and fans of the cult classic. The CE includes: