Fans of the Star Ocean series, get thrilled! Star Ocean: The Second Story R, a modern reimagining of the series’ second installment, is officially announced at today’s Nintendo Direct presentation! Revitalizing the original 1998 PlayStation release, Star Ocean: The Second Story R showcases a unique 2.5D aesthetic that merges captivating 3D environments with nostalgic 2D pixel characters, offering players a blend of classic RPG elements and contemporary gameplay.
The title’s release was confirmed alongside a new trailer that provided fans with a glimpse into the game’s visually stunning direction, dynamic gameplay, battle sequences, and fresh character illustrations by series veteran Yukihiro Kajimoto, as well as a beautifully rearranged soundtrack by the original composer, Motoi Sakuraba.
The narrative of Star Ocean: The Second Story R revolves around Claude, a Federation officer, who is unexpectedly transported to an undeveloped planet. On his quest to find a way home, he crosses paths with Rena, a girl whose people are on the brink of destruction, leading them on a prophesied journey to save her world.
The player’s perspective and the allies they recruit vary based on the initial choice between starting the adventure as Claude or Rena. The unique “Private Actions System” enhances the game by enabling players to build relationships and ultimately unlock a variety of different endings.
One of the key features returning from the original release is the fast-paced, real-time combat and battle mechanics that enable the strategic defeat of foes. The game also retains its customizable party progression with a multitude of skills including Cooking, Art, and Metalcraft. Moreover, the remake introduces three new difficulty modes: “Earth” for a standard experience, “Galaxy” for more challenging gameplay, and “Universe” designed for seasoned players seeking the ultimate test.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R will launch for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam on November 2, 2023, with both physical and digital copies retailing at USD$49.99.
The game will support Japanese and English text and voiceover languages, performed by members of the original cast, on its launch. French, Italian, German, and Spanish subtitle support will also be available through a software update on the release day.
▍Star Ocean The Second Story R Gameplay
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 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 string sound. Exploration and movie scene 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.
▍Star Ocean The Second Story R Characters
■ Claude C. Kenny – CV: Yuji Ueda (JP)/Daisuke Nakajima (JP)/Spike Spencer (EN)
A young man with issues about his father, a great hero. He holds the rank of second lieutenant in the Pangalactic Federation. From early childhood to now, he’s always felt his father’s shadow looming in the way everyone regards him. It makes him doubtful of his own skills, giving him somewhat of a rebellious streak. By nature, he’s a serious-minded, caring person whose sense of justice makes it impossible to ignore anyone in trouble.
■ Rena Lanford – CV: Aya Hisakawa (JP)/Nana Mizuki (JP)/Claudia Lenz (EN)
A pure-minded girl with healing powers. A girl who lives with her mother Westa in Arlia, a village on the far end of Expel. Affectionate and guileless, she is well-liked by everyone. However, she knows that Westa is only her adoptive mother, and considering her unique healing skills, she has concerns about where she truly comes from.
■ Celine Jules – CV: Yuki Kaida (JP)/Saki Nakajima (JP)/Allison Hollingshead (EN)
A treasure hunter gifted in symbology. A symbologist from Marze, a hotbed of the symbolic arts. Far more interested in training and money than love, she regularly goes treasure hunting as a hobby whenever she’s free. In battle, she’s a powerful presence when providing support from the rear, but lacks close combat skills.
■ Ashton Anchors – CV: Daisuke Sakaguchi (JP)/Akira Ishida (JP)/Jeffrey Maxwell (EN)
An unhappy swordsman possessed by a two-headed dragon. A swordsman Claude and Rena encounter as they try to kill a two-headed dragon spoken of in Salva. He fights by mixing symbology with his dual-sword style.
■ Dias Flac – CV: Ryo Horikawa (JP)/Tomokazu Sugita (JP)/Kyle Hebert (EN)
A lone swordsman on a never-ending quest for strength.An Arlian swordsman who’s known Rena since childhood.He’s known across Expel as an accomplished sword master, expertly using all manner of cutting and slashing weapons, and he specializes in long-range attacks based on sword arts and magic.
■ Precis F. Neumann – CV: Yuko Sumitomo (JP)/Rie Kugimiya (JP)/Jhoanna Trias (EN)
An inventor taking her own path in life. A young girl lives with her father in the academically-driven town of Linga. Influenced by her inventor father, she’s taken an interest in machine technology, fighting with tools like the Robot Puncher in her backpack and Robbie, a small, transformable robot she developed.
▍Star Ocean The Second Story R Pre-Order Bonus & Collector’s Edition
Pre-orders for the standard digital edition of Star Ocean: The Second Story R is now open for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam, with Nintendo Switch being available at a later date. As a bonus, those who pre-order either the physical or digital editions will receive exclusive digital content that includes a Pangalactic Federation Longsword, Forest Knuckles, a Sunrise Ring, and a set of recovery items featuring Mixed Berries x20 and Resurrection Potions x20.
In addition to the standard game edition, a special Collector’s Edition, priced at US$199.99, will be exclusively available for purchase through the Square Enix Store. This limited set offers several contents, including a physical copy of Star Ocean: The Second Story R, a Collector’s Edition goods box, the original soundtrack Collector’s Edition, an art book, and a mini acrylic stand collection box.
