Star Ocean The Second Story R | Review Thread

[John Elden Ring]

Game Information

Game Title: Star Ocean The Second Story R

Platforms:

• PlayStation 5 (Nov 2, 2023)
• PlayStation 4 (Nov 2, 2023)
• Nintendo Switch (Nov 2, 2023)
• PC (Nov 2, 2023)

Trailer:

• Star Ocean The Second Story R - Claude C. Kenny Trailer
• STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R - Announce Trailer
• STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch

Developer: Gemdrops
Publisher: Square Enix

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 86 average - 92% recommended

Metacritic - 86 average based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic Reviews


Atomix - Alberto Desfassiaux - Spanish - 90 / 100

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is much more than a visual remake of the PlayStation classic. Gemdrops reworked a lot of the gameplay system and also aded tons of quality of life improvements that resulted in a better game than the original. A 2023 surprise, no doubt.

Checkpoint Gaming - Charlie Kelly - 8.5 / 10

Star Ocean: The Second Story R serves as a reminder from Square Enix that this is an RPG property not to be ignored. On offer is one of the most enjoyable of its genre I've played in some time with a heartfelt story, colourful cast, and a wonderful fusion of both fantasy and science fiction goodness. The quality doesn't end there, though. Deep leveling and specialistion systems make for meaningful refining of your party, becoming more self-sufficient the further along you get. This complements some battle encounters that are deeper than many other RPGs on the market, always keeping you on your toes. One or two quality-of-life additions that could've been better implemented aren't a worry for long when you also consider how gorgeous the world of Expel really is, with its characters popping off your screen. A killer title to convert newcomers and satiate longtime fans, this remake is one for all and all for one. Star Ocean forever.
Click to expand...

Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - Essential

Star Ocean The Second Story R is what a remake should be — a project that finely tunes and updates the original. The attention to detail, the upgraded environments, and the changes to the combat deliver an incredible experience.

GamingTrend - David Flynn - 70 / 100

Star Ocean The Second Story R is a wildly inconsistent package, with the ending portions falling off greatly in quality, but still a mostly fun game. Battle and its surrounding systems can have a lot of variation depending on your party and how you choose to play. However, it lacks polish in many areas making it very difficult to want to finish.

Hey Poor Player - Kenny McKee - 4.5 / 5

Star Ocean The Second Story R is a true treat for both series veterans and newcomers alike, going far beyond the scope of traditional remakes and bringing The Second Story to a brand-new, and completely wonderful, level.

Kakuchopurei - Jonathan Leo - 80 / 100

Coupled with an inviting HD-2D look that combines pixel art and 3D graphics that really invites you to play/replay it for copious amounts of time, this Star Ocean remake is worth diving into. If you crave 90s JRPG action with a lot of unlockables and power-up options, optional party members with backstories to uncover, and fast-paced combat, Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a no-brainer purchase that will get you into its scifi hooks and time capsule-packed halcyon RPG days.

One More Game - Chris Garcia - Buy

Star Ocean The Second Story R is a superb remake that takes an already content-heavy game and further improves the adventure with meaningful additions that enhance the experience by a wide margin. From simple quality-of-life conveniences to added crafting and customizing depth, Star Ocean The Second Story R does not disappoint.

Despite launching in between big releases, Star Ocean The Second Story R is a fantastic RPG experience that shouldn’t be overlooked. Fans of the original will be pleased with the breadth and scope that the remake offers, while newcomers can use this as a stepping stone to dive further into the series.

PSX Brasil - Portuguese - 90 / 100

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Press Start - James Mitchell - 9.5 / 10

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a tremendous remake. It gives the original game a visual overhaul that is simultaneously modern and nostalgic. But it doesn't stop there. It breaks open the mechanics to offer much more depth without destroying the spirit of the original. It's far and away the best way to experience one of the best Star Ocean games and one of the best RPGs ever made. If you're a fan of the genre, you owe it to yourself to check out The Second Story R. It's an absolute gem of a game that's endlessly playable and effortlessly stylish.

Push Square - Robert Ramsey - 8 / 10

Star Ocean The Second Story R is exactly what it needs to be: a faithful remake of a classic PS1 RPG that greatly enhances the experience for both new and returning players. A wonderful visual overhaul combined with numerous quality of life improvements and expanded battle mechanics make this a borderline must-play for anyone who's looking for an old-school adventure. Although the underlying PS1-era design does still have some rough edges - particularly in the storytelling and combat balance - it's hard to knock such a well crafted revival.

Siliconera - Jenni Lada - 9 / 10

Star Ocean The Second Story is among its best games in the series, and I believe the R release cements its role as the strongest entry.

Sirus Gaming - Conrad Huang - 8 / 10

With everything said and done, I believe that this game is something worth getting on any console, especially on the PlayStation 5. My recommendation for those who wish to experience what it is like to play JRPG games during the early 2000s, they should get the demo first and if they are comfortable with it, get the full game as soon as it is released.

 

[ethomaz]

Great scores for a PS1 game being released nowdays.
It obvious has design flaws for today standards but it is a great game.

IMO it is the best Star Ocean game.

BTW it is a mid PS1 game (1998) and not a early 2000s (PS2 already) game.

 

[Gods&Monsters]

I started playing the first one on PS+. I think I might have played it on PSP too? I had some flashbacks while I was playing but I'm not sure.

 

[ethomaz]

I started playing the first one on PS+. I think I might have played it on PSP too? I had some flashbacks while I was playing but I'm not sure.

It was a new version like that one for the second based in PSP version.

Star Ocean (original SNES)
Star Ocean First Departure (PSP version)
Star Ocean First Departure R (PS4 & Switch version)

 

[toadsage44]

My interest in this one is piqued. Might pick up the physical version, just wondering if it'll end up selling out and becoming rare/expensive or if I can hold out for a sale on it. I'd prefer the latter! Gonna have to play the first one before I get to this one, which unfortunately does not have a physical release, but it's on sale at the moment for only $6.29 USD