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MONSTER

Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness
Item: Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2016

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableJun 28, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4

DeveloperTri-Ace

Overview

STAR OCEAN, the epic, sci-fi RPG saga that takes players to the stars and beyond, makes its triumphant return with its forthcoming fifth installment in the series. The title is developed by tri-Ace, the celebrated studio behind each of the previous iterations, with character designs by akiman (Akira Yasuda).

Elsewhere

5.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

A tale of unfulfilled potential, Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness offers glimpses of engaging world-building and genre-blending ambition but is undermined by clichéd storytelling, shallow characters, and rushed pacing, leaving fans disappointed by its failure to deliver the emotional depth and cohesion expected from the series.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

49%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness receives mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its engaging elements despite its flaws. CGMagazine and GameGrin commend the narrative for its immersive premise and unexpected twists, noting that the protagonist’s quest to uncover Relia’s origins and save the kingdom offers a compelling framework. SpazioGames acknowledges the blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements, praising the mystery surrounding Relia and the game’s ambitious genre fusion. Additionally, XGN appreciates the engaging characters and narrative that keeps players invested, while GameGrin points to optional conversations and side quests as enriching character dynamics. These positives suggest the story had potential, particularly in its thematic depth and world-building, though execution often fell short. However, the majority of critics criticize the story for relying on clichés, shallow character development, and rushed pacing. 3DJuegos, Areajugones, and Destructoid all note the narrative’s predictability and lack of emotional depth, with characters feeling stereotypical or underdeveloped. Brash Games and GameSpot describe the plot as disconnected and tedious, while IGN and IGN Sweden highlight repetitive tropes like amnesia and forced relationships that undermine immersion. Critics such as Eurogamer Italy and GameCrate emphasize the story’s rushed conclusion and disjointed structure, with many pointing to poorly translated dialogue and underwhelming cutscenes as major drawbacks. Even when the narrative attempts to explore complex themes, it often feels formulaic or unoriginal, failing to elevate itself beyond typical JRPG conventions. Overall, the critical consensus leans heavily toward disappointment, with most reviewers finding the story lacking in originality, emotional resonance, and cohesive storytelling. While a few critics like CGMagazine and SpazioGames acknowledge its potential and engaging moments, the overwhelming sentiment is that Integrity and Faithlessness fails to meet expectations set by the Star Ocean series. The narrative’s reliance on clichés, underdeveloped characters, and rushed pacing overshadow any positive aspects, leaving many players unimpressed. Despite some praise for its genre-blending ideas or minor twists, the game is widely seen as a missed opportunity, with critics like 3DJuegos and IGN emphasizing that it falls short of delivering the epic scale and emotional depth fans hoped for. The mixed reception reflects a story that, while occasionally compelling, ultimately struggles to balance ambition with execution.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness delivers a bold, customizable combat system with dynamic real-time action and strategic depth, praised for its role-based flexibility and creative mechanics—yet plagued by erratic AI, repetitive design, clunky pacing, and technical missteps that undermine its promise. A mixed bag of ambition and execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

91%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness receives praise for its innovative real-time combat system, which emphasizes customization, strategic depth, and dynamic action. Critics like 3DJuegos highlight the "intense real-time combat with a customizable role system," while Brash Games commend the "improved combat system with party-based battles and seamless transitions." The rock-paper-scissors mechanic, character switching, and role specialization are frequently lauded for their flexibility and depth. IGN Italia notes the "dynamic and customizable" battle system with features like a "Reserve" bar for powerful moves, and Push Square appreciates the "faster battle system with a rock-paper-scissors paradigm." Additionally, GameGrin and Game Rant praise the variety of combat scenarios, including set-piece battles and preemptive strikes, which add to the game’s visual and tactical appeal. These elements collectively create an engaging core experience that rewards experimentation and adaptability. However, multiple critics point out significant flaws that undermine the gameplay’s potential. Issues like "unpredictable AI behavior" (3DJuegos), "poor AI gambit system" (Destructoid), and "flawed Rush Gauge mechanic" (Easy Allies) are recurring complaints, often leading to frustration during battles. Repetitive mission design, excessive backtracking, and unskippable cutscenes also detract from the experience. GameCrate criticizes the "large, barren environments" and "monotonous quests," while GameSpot and Gaming Age highlight tedious traversal and poor objective design. The combat’s complexity is sometimes overshadowed by imbalance, with IGN noting that managing seven characters becomes "unwieldy," and NZGamer describing the AI-controlled teammates as "poorly performing." Additionally, JeuxActu and LaPS4 point to chaotic camera work and repetitive enemy encounters, which reduce strategic engagement. These issues collectively create a disjointed experience that frustrates players despite the system’s initial promise. Overall, critics agree that Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness has a compelling combat foundation but struggles with execution. While the role-based mechanics, real-time action, and customization options are praised as highlights (GameSpot, IGN Italia), the game’s flaws—such as AI inconsistencies, repetitive design, and balance issues—are seen as major drawbacks (Destructoid, GameCrate, Eurogamer Italy). The consensus leans toward a mixed reception: the gameplay is innovative and rewarding for those who appreciate its depth but suffers from poor pacing, tedious elements, and technical shortcomings. As XGN notes, the combat "evolves into a fun experience" but remains inconsistent, while SpazioGames acknowledges that "depth is added but feels inconsistent." Ultimately, the game’s ambition is evident, but its execution leaves room for significant improvement.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness' art direction shone with Akira Yasuda's anime-style characters and lush environments, but outdated graphics, repetitive designs, and technical glitches like poor textures, frame drops, and clunky cameras left it feeling stuck in the past.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

28%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness received mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its strengths in character design and certain environmental elements. Brash Games praised the game’s use of PS4 capabilities to deliver "visually stunning environments" and detailed enemy designs, while Destructoid and Digitally Downloaded commended the aesthetic appeal of landscapes, wide-open spaces, and a convincing day/night cycle. IGN Spain and 3DJuegos specifically lauded Akira Yasuda’s character designs, noting their anime-style execution as a standout feature. Additionally, GameGrin highlighted impressive physics, animations, and expansive environments like vast plains and cities, while GameSpot acknowledged the beauty of specific locations such as emerald grass fields and tech labs. These positives suggest that the game’s art direction and character work were generally well-received, even if they couldn’t fully compensate for its technical shortcomings. However, the negatives were more pervasive, with critics frequently pointing to outdated visuals, repetitive environments, and technical limitations. CGMagazine and GameCrate criticized the game’s "outdated" graphics, citing low-quality textures, poor draw distance, and PS3-era character models that felt a generation behind. Game Rant and SpazioGames noted repetitive dungeon designs and generic, lifeless environments, while Eurogamer Italy and IGN Spain described the world as sparse and underdeveloped. Camera issues were another recurring complaint: Easy Allies and God is a Geek cited jittery or problematic camera mechanics that detracted from immersion, and Metro GameCentral called the art style "artistically bland" and reminiscent of PlayStation 2-era games. Frame rate drops during battles (Areajugones) and technical glitches like "polygon penetration" (SpazioGames) further undermined the visual experience, creating a sense of inconsistency across the game’s presentation. Overall, the consensus among critics was that Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness had promising artistic elements but struggled to meet modern expectations due to its reliance on outdated technology and repetitive design. While character designs by Akira Yasuda and some environmental details were praised (3DJuegos, IGN Spain), the majority of reviews emphasized the game’s technical shortcomings and lack of originality in world-building. Critics like CGMagazine and GameCrate highlighted how the PS3 port’s limitations—such as low-resolution textures and frame rate issues—undermined its potential, while others like Destructoid and Digitally Downloaded acknowledged aesthetic strengths that couldn’t fully offset the flaws. The game’s visual design ultimately felt like a mixed bag, with its artistic merits overshadowed by technical compromises and a lack of innovation in environmental variety.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Motoi Sakuraba’s Star Ocean soundtrack shines with emotional depth and atmospheric brilliance, hailed by critics for its soaring orchestration and immersive variety—yet faces criticism for rehashed tracks and uneven energy, leaving its impact polarizing despite its artistry.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

44%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness received widespread acclaim, particularly for its emotional depth and atmospheric contributions. Critics like Game Rant and IGN Spain highlighted Motoi Sakuraba’s work as a standout element, praising his ability to elevate the game’s tone with beautiful, emotionally resonant compositions that contrasted with other shortcomings. Push Square called the soundtrack “superb,” noting its effective blend of Japanese-infused prog-rock, while Gaming Nexus appreciated nostalgic tracks from previous entries in the series. The variety of themes—ranging from serene exploration music to intense battle sequences—was frequently praised for enhancing immersion, as noted by Brash Games and PlayStation LifeStyle, who described the soundtrack as “pleasant” and fitting the game’s arcade-like style. These positives underscore Sakuraba’s enduring influence and the music’s role in creating a cohesive, engaging experience. However, some critics found the sound design and musical elements less impactful. Easy Allies dismissed the soundtrack as “unremarkable,” arguing it failed to compensate for the game’s narrative or mechanical flaws. SpazioGames criticized Sakuraba’s work for being overly solemn and lacking the dynamic energy seen in series like Final Fantasy, while GameCrate noted that sound design detracted from immersion due to overlapping audio clips and flat voice acting. Additionally, Push Square mentioned that many tracks were reused from prior games, which some might view as a lack of originality. While these critiques focused on specific shortcomings, they collectively suggest that the music, though well-crafted, did not universally resonate as a transformative or groundbreaking aspect of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward appreciation for Sakuraba’s contributions, with many acknowledging his ability to craft a memorable and emotionally resonant soundtrack. While some reviewers, like IGN and Hardcore Gamer, emphasized its role as one of the game’s highlights, others pointed to areas for improvement, such as originality or dynamic range. The mixed feedback reflects a balance between admiration for Sakuraba’s artistry and recognition of the music’s limitations in fully compensating for the game’s broader issues. Despite these nuances, the soundtrack remains a defining strength, with its epic orchestration and thematic cohesion earning it a place as a key element of the game’s identity.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Star Ocean's Japanese voice work is praised for strength and improvement, while its English dub is panned for flat delivery, technical flaws, and emotional numbness, leaving critics divided but largely unimpressed.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

43%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness receives some positive remarks, particularly regarding its Japanese dubbing and improvements over previous entries. Areajugones highlights that the Japanese voice acting is "noted as strong," while Gaming Age acknowledges an "improvement over previous entries" in English voicework, adding entertainment to character interactions despite a lackluster plot. PlayStation LifeStyle praises the game for being "fully voiced in cutscenes," which is seen as a significant positive aspect, and SpazioGames notes that the English voice acting with subtitles provides a sense of completeness. These critiques suggest that while not exceptional, the voice work meets basic expectations and offers some engaging moments, especially in narrative-driven scenes. However, the English dubbing faces widespread criticism for its lack of energy, emotional depth, and technical flaws. Areajugones calls it "poorly executed," with lines lacking vitality and failing to convey emotion, while GameCrate describes the voice acting as "terrible," citing flat deliveries and audio clipping that undermines the narrative. God is a Geek labels it "dreadful" and "hammy," criticizing characters for unnatural delivery, and Push Square points out that English actors sound similar, making it hard to distinguish speakers without subtitles. Additionally, LaPS4 highlights poor lip-sync issues when switching languages, which detracts from the experience for non-Japanese speakers. These critiques collectively paint a picture of an English dub that struggles with consistency, emotional resonance, and technical quality. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward negative, particularly regarding the English voice acting. While some acknowledge minor improvements or functional aspects—such as Gaming Age’s observation of entertainment value in character interactions—the majority criticize its lack of depth, repetitive delivery, and technical issues. Areajugones, GameCrate, and God is a Geek are among the most vocal in their dissatisfaction, emphasizing that the voice acting detracts from the game’s storytelling. Despite PlayStation LifeStyle’s praise for cutscene voicing, the broader sentiment suggests that the English dub fails to elevate the experience, leaving many reviewers disappointed by its execution compared to the potential of the Japanese version or the game’s narrative ambitions.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness stumbles on PS4 with a toxic mix of clunky camera control, save system disasters, and erratic AI, drowning out its decent frame rates and quick load times. Frustrating glitches, outdated graphics, and combat polish issues paint a picture of rushed development, leaving players trapped in a flawed JRPG that fails to deliver on its potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

52%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness on the PlayStation 4 (PS4) receives mixed feedback, with some reviewers noting positives despite its flaws. MMORPG.com praises the game for running "smoothly most of the time" with a "solid framerate," while Wccftech acknowledges consistent 60FPS performance, albeit with minor graphical issues like jagged polygons. PlayStation LifeStyle highlights quick load times and stable frame rates during normal gameplay, suggesting the title is well-optimized in some aspects. Additionally, IGN Spain mentions that while there are graphical shortcomings—particularly in ship battles and environmental details—these are not framed as critical technical instability. These positives indicate that the game’s core performance meets expectations for a JRPG on the platform, though they are overshadowed by more persistent issues. However, the negatives dominate the critique of the PS4 version, with multiple critics highlighting significant technical shortcomings. The camera system is repeatedly criticized as one of the most problematic aspects: Digitally Downloaded calls it "one of the worst in recent memory," while Gaming Nexus and God is a Geek describe it as jittery, disorienting, and even causing motion sickness. Save systems are another major pain point, with 3DJuegos, Destructoid, and GameCrate citing locked saves during critical moments, sparse save points, and unskippable cutscenes that force repetitive gameplay. AI behavior is also frequently faulted—Areajugones notes "inadequate" combat performance, while SpazioGames criticizes "flawed" party members and enemies. Frame rate drops during large battles (as noted by PlayStation LifeStyle) and graphical issues like outdated textures (CGMagazine, SpazioGames) further undermine the experience. These flaws collectively create a sense of polish and optimization that falls short of expectations for a modern release. The overall consensus among critics is that Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness suffers from significant technical issues on PS4, particularly in camera control, save mechanics, AI behavior, and combat polish. While some reviewers like MMORPG.com and Wccftech acknowledge its solid frame rates and quick load times, the majority emphasize how these positives are overshadowed by persistent bugs and design choices that disrupt immersion. Critics such as 3DJuegos, Areajugones, and Destructoid highlight that the game’s technical flaws—ranging from erratic AI to unresponsive controls—create frustration and detract from its narrative and gameplay. Despite some praise for its ambition, the PS4 version is widely seen as a product of rushed development or cross-generation compromises, with many calling for improvements in future releases. The lack of a free-floating camera, inconsistent optimization, and repetitive combat mechanics further cement the perception that the technical performance fails to match the game’s potential.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness offers deep customization and post-game content that tempt repeat playthroughs, but its repetitive missions, short story, bland environments, and lack of substantial endgame content heavily undermine replayability, leaving a mixed, cautious verdict—likely only worth revisiting for fans of its mechanics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

36%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviewers generally acknowledge some positive aspects of Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness that contribute to its replay value. CGMagazine highlights the game’s deep leveling system and character customization options, which cater to diverse playstyles and encourage multiple playthroughs. Similarly, PlayStation LifeStyle emphasizes the extensive playtime (40–100 hours) through unlockable skills, roles, and strategic depth, calling it a “perfect time-sink” for RPG fans. Destructoid notes moderate replayability due to sidequests, post-game dungeons, and adjustable difficulty settings, while Push Square points to multiple endings, battle trophies, and private actions as incentives for exploring all content. SpazioGames also mentions varied combat mechanics and customization as factors that could entice players to revisit the game, despite criticisms of redundant side quests. However, the negatives dominate the critical consensus, with many reviewers citing significant flaws that hinder replayability. 3DJuegos and Areajugones criticize the repetitive mission design, unengaging narrative, and lack of depth, arguing that these issues make the game feel unworthy of multiple playthroughs despite customization options. Game Rant and GameSpew highlight the short main story (15–20 hours) and repetitive combat, while Gaming Age and NZGamer point to bland environments and underwhelming optional content as major drawbacks. MMORPG.com and ZTGD note that the game’s linearity and lack of substantial post-game content fail to justify its price tag, and Metro GameCentral describes the experience as “wearyingly familiar” after short playtime. Even critics like Hardcore Gamer and XGN acknowledge that while some elements like multiple endings or challenges exist, they are not enough to overcome the game’s core issues. Overall, the consensus among reviewers is mixed but leans toward a cautious assessment of Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness’s replay value. While some praise its customization systems, post-game content, and optional activities (as noted by CGMagazine, PlayStation LifeStyle, and Push Square), the majority criticize its repetitive design, short length, and lack of narrative depth. Critics like 3DJuegos, Areajugones, and NZGamer argue that these flaws significantly reduce long-term appeal, making it unlikely for most players to revisit the game. However, dedicated fans or those who value strategic depth may find merit in its mechanics, as suggested by Gaming Nexus and SpazioGames. Ultimately, the game’s replayability is seen as limited but not entirely absent, with its strengths and weaknesses balancing out depending on individual player preferences.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

83%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict of Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness is marked by a mix of praise for its core mechanics and nostalgic appeal, though these elements often feel overshadowed by broader shortcomings. Many critics highlight the game’s combat system as a standout feature, with 3DJuegos noting its “strong ideas and some enjoyable mechanics,” while Brash Games praises its “exciting and adventurous experience” and improved combat. CGMagazine and SpazioGames commend the customization options, job system, and dynamic battle mechanics, emphasizing their role in keeping players engaged. Additionally, the game’s story elements, character design, and soundtrack are frequently lauded—IGN acknowledges its “moments of brilliance,” while Push Square highlights its “excellent soundtrack” and “dynamic battle system.” These positives suggest that the game retains the franchise’s signature strengths, particularly for fans seeking familiar JRPG experiences. However, the negatives are equally prominent, with critics pointing to technical flaws, narrative weaknesses, and a lack of innovation as major drawbacks. Areajugones and Metro GameCentral criticize the “outdated mechanics” and “old-school to a fault” design, while Critical Hit and JeuxActu condemn the “weak narrative,” “repetitive gameplay,” and “unenjoyable experience.” Issues like poor AI, inconsistent difficulty, and technical glitches—such as the problematic camera (Digitally Downloaded) and “bloat[ed] and empty story” (GameSpot)—further detract from the experience. Many reviewers, including Eurogamer Italy and IGN Spain, note that the game fails to evolve beyond its predecessors, with “storytelling shortcomings” and “generic design” undermining its potential. Even the praise for the combat system is often tempered by frustrations with its “simplistic” execution (Gaming Nexus) or “repetitive” nature (NZGamer). These criticisms paint a picture of a game that struggles to balance ambition with execution. Despite these divides, the consensus among critics leans toward a mixed but ultimately underwhelming assessment. While several reviewers, like CGMagazine and Game Rant, argue that the game is “worth experiencing if players can overlook its flaws,” others, such as IGN and JeuxActu, deem it a “disappointment” that fails to meet the series’ potential. The general sentiment is that Integrity and Faithlessness appeals primarily to long-time fans who prioritize nostalgia over innovation, with Eurogamer Italy and LaPS4 noting its “niche” appeal. However, even among fans, there’s acknowledgment of its shortcomings—Digitally Downloaded calls it a “missed opportunity,” while Gaming Age describes it as “serviceable but not at full price.” Ultimately, the game is seen as a flawed yet partially enjoyable entry in the series, best suited for dedicated followers rather than newcomers or those seeking a groundbreaking JRPG.

TL;DR

Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness dazzles with dynamic combat and nostalgic JRPG charm but is weighed down by outdated mechanics, a weak story, and technical issues, delivering a flawed yet familiar experience that appeals mainly to die-hard fans—niche, serviceable, but lacking innovation.

MONSTER

Reviews

84 reviews found

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 4

Jul 7, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite technical flaws like the camera, the game offers an enjoyable narrative, fun characters, and a solid combat system. It is seen as a missed opportunity due to its issues but remains a worthwhile experience for fans of the series.

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PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Jun 27, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite dated graphics, technical issues, and a predictable story, the game is deemed 'very fun for RPG fans' due to its meaty campaign, strategy options, and long replayability.

CGMagazine

PlayStation 4

Jun 27, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite technical shortcomings and AI issues, the game is praised for its story, combat system, and customization. It’s deemed endearing and worth experiencing if players can overlook its flaws.

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MMORPG.com

PlayStation 4

Jun 28, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite flaws like simplicity, repetition, and a short campaign, the game is enjoyable for fans of the genre. It shows promise for future entries in the series.

GameGrin

PlayStation 4

Aug 16, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A solid RPG that appeals more to series fans. It has some negatives, including translation issues and empty maps, but overall is enjoyable and maintains the franchise's strengths.

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Push Square

PlayStation 4

Jun 27, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is faster-paced than previous entries but sacrifices narrative depth. It compensates with a dynamic battle system, strong character design, and an excellent soundtrack, making it the most approachable Star Ocean title despite its flaws.

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XGN

PlayStation 4

Jul 8, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Star Ocean 5 is a decent JRPG with a unique sci-fi/fantasy blend, engaging story, and dynamic combat, but its technical flaws, repetitive environments, and frustrating mechanics prevent it from being exceptional. It's worth playing for fans of the genre but falls into the middle due to its issues.

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SpazioGames

PlayStation 4

Jun 28, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is a mixed experience, with praise for its job system, story elements, and music, but criticism for technical flaws, AI issues, and uneven difficulty. It offers depth but falls short of expectations in several key areas.

Brash Games

PlayStation 4

Jul 11, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game offers an exciting and adventurous experience with a vast open world and improved combat, but its lackluster story and AI issues may deter some players despite its strengths.

IGN Italia

PlayStation 4

Jul 1, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game showcases tri-Ace's effort in combat design but falls short in narrative depth and emotional resonance, resulting in a mixed experience that balances innovative mechanics with storytelling shortcomings.

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