Square Enix has announced the return of the highly acclaimed second installment in the Star Ocean series, “Star Ocean The Second Story R.” The game, first released in Japan in 1998 on the PlayStation console, is set to make a comeback as a 2.5D remake on November 2, 2023. The RPG will be available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 (PS5), and PlayStation 4 (PS4) consoles, and digitally on PC via Steam. Pre-orders are now open.
The company unveiled a new trailer today, providing fans with a glimpse of the game’s stunning visual direction, action-packed gameplay, battle sequences, and all-new character illustrations by series veteran Yukihiro Kajimoto. The game also features a beautifully rearranged soundtrack by original composer, Motoi Sakuraba.
The remake revitalises the game with a charming 2.5D aesthetic that combines beautiful 3D environments with nostalgic 2D pixel characters. It offers players both a classic RPG and modern gameplay experience. The game retains some of the original features that made the initial release memorable, alongside new gameplay features including fast-paced, real-time combat and battle mechanics, customisable party progression with an array of skills, and three new difficulty modes.
The story begins with Claude, a Federation officer, who finds himself transported to an undeveloped planet. An encounter with a girl named Rena draws them into a quest to save her people, 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.
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.
Standard Physical Editions of Star Ocean The Second Story R are available to pre-order now for the Nintendo Switch, PS5 & PS4 consoles, as well as the Standard Digital Edition for PS5 & PS4 consoles, and PC via 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 several digital content as a pre-order bonus.
A Collector’s Edition is also available as a special, limited quantity set made for both newcomers and fans of the cult classic. This set is a Square Enix Store exclusive.
Star Ocean The Second Story R will be available for Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4 and PC via Steam on November 2, 2023.
