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Star Ocean: The Second Story R

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Star Ocean: The Second Story R
Item: Star Ocean: The Second Story R
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

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

AvailableNov 2, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperGemdrops

Overview

Two worlds, one fateful encounter. In an endless sea of stars, at the edge of the universe, two people who live in different worlds go on a journey to save planet Expel. Choose your path and witness an awakened destiny.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Star Ocean: The Second Story R are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praise the game for its compelling and well-written storyline, with unexpected twists and interesting encounters with new characters. Digital Chumps describes the narrative as evolving and twisty, with noteworthy reveals. Eurogamer Germany also highlights the story as the highlight of the game, while Everyeye.it commends its faithfulness to the original. GameSpot mentions that the motivations and situations of the main characters, Claude and Rena, make for great plot drivers, and the simplicity of the story allows character relationships to shine. TheGamer describes the story as a sprawling tale with compelling characters and wonderful storytelling. These positive opinions from critics such as Digital Chumps, Eurogamer Germany, Everyeye.it, GameSpot, and TheGamer highlight the strengths of the story in Star Ocean: The Second Story R. However, there are a few critics who mention some negatives regarding the story. Inverse notes that the overarching narrative falls victim to certain RPG tropes with generic bad guys and power of friendship themes. Gamer.no also mentions that while the story is enjoyable enough, it is not the strongest aspect of the game. GamingTrend mentions that the story starts off minimal yet meandering, and becomes less enjoyable as the plot progresses, with a lack of real plot hooks and a dip in quality in the final areas. These criticisms from Inverse, Gamer.no, and GamingTrend acknowledge that while the story in Star Ocean: The Second Story R may have some weaknesses, it still manages to be enjoyable overall. In conclusion, the majority of the critics found the story of Star Ocean: The Second Story R to be very good. They praised its compelling and well-written narrative, unexpected twists, interesting encounters with new characters, and the way character relationships are portrayed. The positive opinions from critics such as Digital Chumps, Eurogamer Germany, Everyeye.it, GameSpot, and TheGamer highlight the strengths of the story. While there were a few critics who mentioned some negatives, such as Inverse, Gamer.no, and GamingTrend, they still acknowledged the overall enjoyment of the story. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story in Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a strong aspect of the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics overwhelmingly praise the compelling and well-written storyline of Star Ocean: The Second Story R, with unexpected twists and interesting character encounters. While some critics mention RPG tropes and pacing issues, the majority find the story enjoyable, highlighting its strengths in character relationships and storytelling. Positive reviews from various sources underscore the game's narrative quality, making it a standout feature despite some minor criticisms.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Star Ocean: The Second Story R has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the combat system, noting that it has been improved and enhanced, making it deeper and more enjoyable. Atomix commends the combat system for its new mechanics and enhancements, while Digital Chumps highlights the action-based gameplay that allows players to freely move around a 2D plane in battles and attack enemies. The introduction of the Break mechanic, as mentioned by several critics including GameSpot and Noisy Pixel, adds a strategic element to battles by requiring players to chip away at an enemy's shield to temporarily immobilize them. The customization options, such as assigning points to skills and acquiring Super Specialties, were also lauded by Digital Chumps and RPG Site, adding depth and enjoyment to the gameplay. The exploration aspect of the game was also praised, with Gamer.no and Digitally Downloaded appreciating the freedom and customization it offers, allowing players to build up their characters and explore a vast world. However, there were some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Star Ocean: The Second Story R. Push Square mentions that the action-based combat can feel clunky by today's standards, and the dungeon design can be tedious. Despite these minor drawbacks, the core mechanics of the game have mostly stood the test of time, and the battle system benefits from expanded mechanics, as noted by Push Square. Additionally, Siliconera mentions that while the combat system is enjoyable, it may not offer much innovation compared to other titles of its time. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the gameplay of Star Ocean: The Second Story R is highly commendable. The combat system, with its new mechanics and enhancements, received significant praise from multiple critics such as Atomix, GameSpot, and Noisy Pixel. The customization options and exploration aspect were also highlighted as positive aspects by critics like Digital Chumps, Gamer.no, and Digitally Downloaded. While there were some minor criticisms regarding clunky combat and repetitive dungeon design, the majority of critics found the gameplay to be enjoyable and engaging. The extensive freedom, depth, and strategic elements offered by the game's combat system, customization options, and exploration contribute to the overall positive sentiment surrounding the gameplay of Star Ocean: The Second Story R.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about the gameplay of Star Ocean: The Second Story R, praising its improved combat system with new mechanics and strategic depth. Customization options and exploration are lauded for adding to the game's enjoyment. Some critics note minor drawbacks like clunky combat and tedious dungeon design, but overall, the game's core mechanics have stood the test of time and provide an engaging experience with freedom and depth.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Star Ocean: The Second Story R received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. The game's unique combination of 2D sprites with 3D backgrounds was widely praised for creating a visually stunning and immersive world. Critics such as Digital Chumps and Inverse commended the game for its crisp and smooth 2D sprites in a 3D world, which replicated the mood and detail of the original PlayStation 1 backgrounds with loving care. The revamped visuals in the HD-2D style were also highly appreciated, with critics like Wccftech and Siliconera highlighting the amazing upgrade and the new life it breathed into the locations while staying true to the original art style. The deep graphical overhaul and stable frame rates on different platforms, as mentioned by Atomix, further added to the positive reception of the game's visuals. While the overall sentiment towards the graphics and visual design of Star Ocean: The Second Story R was overwhelmingly positive, there were a few criticisms raised by some critics. GameSpot mentioned that while the backgrounds, foliage, and lighting looked amazing, the characters felt slightly out of place. Similarly, TheGamer noted that some players missed the old pre-rendered backgrounds, indicating a preference for the original design. Additionally, Digitally Downloaded mentioned texture pop-in issues on the Switch version, which could be seen as a technical flaw affecting the visual experience. However, these negative aspects were relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception of the game's visuals. In conclusion, the graphics and visual design of Star Ocean: The Second Story R were highly praised by the majority of critics. The game's unique combination of 2D sprites with 3D backgrounds, along with the deep graphical overhaul and stable frame rates, created a visually stunning and immersive world. Critics appreciated the attention to detail in replicating the mood and charm of the original PlayStation 1 backgrounds, while also embracing the HD-2D style to breathe new life into the locations. Although there were some minor criticisms, such as characters feeling slightly out of place and texture pop-in issues on the Switch version, the overall consensus was overwhelmingly positive, making Star Ocean: The Second Story R a visually impressive and successful remake.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics overwhelmingly praised Star Ocean: The Second Story R for its stunning blend of 2D sprites and 3D backgrounds, with the HD-2D style breathing new life into the game's visuals. While some minor criticisms were raised, like characters feeling out of place and texture pop-in issues on the Switch version, the game was hailed for its deep graphical overhaul and stable frame rates. Overall, the remake was a visual success, impressing critics and creating an immersive world true to its original charm.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Star Ocean: The Second Story R, it is evident that there are several positive aspects highlighted. Many critics praised the enhanced soundtrack, with mentions of new arrangements and remastered versions by Motoi Sakuraba. The use of a full orchestra and live recordings added depth and richness to the music, elevating the overall experience (Digital Chumps, Nintendo Life, Pocket Tactics). The voice acting was also widely praised, with critics mentioning high quality and impressive delivery (GameSpot, Noisy Pixel, Press Start Australia). The inclusion of multiple language options, such as English and Japanese voices, was seen as a positive feature (Atomix, Vandal, Siliconera). The ability for characters to compose their own music was also mentioned as a creative element that added to the game's appeal (Eurogamer Germany). However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Eurogamer Germany pointed out that while the soundtrack was beautiful, it lacked variation and restarted with each battle. GamingTrend criticized the voice acting for lacking context and not matching the dialogue boxes, and also mentioned a lack of a new translation or dub. These criticisms highlight some areas where the Sound Design and Music of Star Ocean: The Second Story R could have been improved. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a positive aspect of the game. The enhanced soundtrack, with its new arrangements and remastered versions, received widespread praise. The use of a full orchestra and live recordings added depth and richness to the music, enhancing the grandeur of the game. The voice acting was also highly regarded, with critics mentioning high quality and impressive delivery. While there were some negative aspects mentioned, such as a lack of variation in the soundtrack and issues with voice acting context, the overall sentiment is that the Sound Design and Music of Star Ocean: The Second Story R contributed positively to the game's atmosphere and overall experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praised the enhanced soundtrack and voice acting in Star Ocean: The Second Story R, with high marks for the full orchestra and multiple language options. While some noted issues like lack of variation in the soundtrack and voice acting context, overall, the Sound Design and Music were seen as positive additions to the game's atmosphere and experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the voice acting in Star Ocean: The Second Story R, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. Several critics, such as Digital Chumps and Shacknews, highlight the positive aspect of the game offering the option to choose between English and Japanese voices. This feature is praised as a welcome addition and allows players to experiment with their preferences. Additionally, GameSpot mentions that the voice acting has significantly improved compared to previous iterations, with voices that have more range and emotion. SpazioGames also commends the game for fully voicing the main dialogue lines with the original cast, providing a high-quality experience. Universo Nintendo further praises the voice acting for bringing the pixelated characters to life with varied emotions. On the other hand, there are critics who express some negative aspects of the voice acting in Star Ocean: The Second Story R. Noisy Pixel mentions that while the voice acting is well-done overall, there are instances of humdrum line reads. Wccftech criticizes the English voice acting, stating that it is not great. GamingTrend criticizes the voice acting for lacking context and not matching the dialogue boxes, citing instances where the tone of the voice lines doesn't align with the intended emotion of the scene. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Star Ocean: The Second Story R has its strengths and weaknesses. The availability of both English and Japanese voices, as well as the improvement in voice acting compared to previous iterations, are seen as positive aspects. However, there are criticisms regarding the quality of the English voice acting, occasional humdrum line reads, and inconsistencies in matching the dialogue boxes. Despite these negatives, the general sentiment is that the voice acting contributes to maintaining the story's pace, bringing the characters to life with varied emotions, and delivering on their respective roles.

TL;DR

voice acting

The voice acting in Star Ocean: The Second Story R receives mixed reviews, with praise for offering English and Japanese voice options, improved performances, and bringing characters to life with emotions. However, criticisms include humdrum line reads, subpar English voice acting, and inconsistencies in matching dialogue emotions. Overall, while having its strengths and weaknesses, the voice acting adds to the story's pace and character depth.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of technical performance, the majority of critics had positive opinions about Star Ocean: The Second Story R across different gaming platforms. Several critics praised the game's stable frame rates and resolutions on various platforms, including the PlayStation 5. Atomix, RPG Site, and Wccftech all mentioned that the game runs smoothly on the PS5, with stable framerates even during intense battles. This indicates that players on the PS5 can expect a seamless gaming experience without any major technical issues. On the Nintendo Switch, the opinions were also generally positive, although a few minor technical issues were mentioned. Digitally Downloaded noted texture pop-in issues on the Switch version, while SpazioGames mentioned occasional pop-up of distant buildings and vegetation. NintendoWorldReport mentioned slightly long load times, and Pocket Tactics noted slightly longer loading times as well. However, these technical issues were not considered significant or game-breaking, and the overall consensus was that the game runs well on the Nintendo Switch without any major performance issues or glitches. Overall, the critics' consensus is that the technical performance of Star Ocean: The Second Story R is very good across all gaming platforms. The positive feedback from critics such as Atomix, RPG Site, and Wccftech regarding stable framerates and resolutions on the PS5, combined with the generally positive opinions about the Nintendo Switch version, indicates that the game delivers a smooth and enjoyable experience for players. While some minor technical issues were mentioned, they did not significantly impact the overall gameplay experience. Therefore, players can expect a technically solid performance regardless of the gaming platform they choose.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics rave about Star Ocean: The Second Story R's stellar technical performance on various platforms, especially on the PlayStation 5 with stable frame rates and resolutions. Minor issues like texture pop-in on the Nintendo Switch were noted but not game-breaking. Overall, the game delivers a smooth gaming experience across all platforms, ensuring players enjoy a technically solid performance no matter where they play.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Star Ocean: The Second Story R are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics highlight the game's vast amount of content and multiple playthroughs feeling welcomed but not required. Digital Chumps praises the exploration of relationships with party members during Private Actions, leading to different unique party members and alternate endings. Eurogamer Germany and Everyeye.it also mention the presence of multiple endings, which adds replay value to the game. GameSpot emphasizes the inclusion of New Game Plus, 99 different character endings, and a post-game dungeon, providing ample replayability for players. Inverse and RPG Site both mention the high degree of choice and variability in the game, with Inverse specifically highlighting the optional party members, over a hundred Private Actions, and dozens of endings. Push Square mentions the optional, character-driven side stories that breathe additional life into the already colorful cast. The remake of the game, as mentioned by Push Square, also includes quality of life improvements that enhance the replayability, such as new map markers and menu icons to highlight side quests and points of interest. Overall, the positive aspects of the replay value of Star Ocean: The Second Story R include the multiple endings, customizable party members, New Game Plus feature, and the high level of choice and variability. While the majority of critics praise the replay value of Star Ocean: The Second Story R, there are few negative aspects mentioned. Wccftech mentions that to experience the game in its entirety, it must be played through at least twice, which might be seen as a negative for some players who prefer a more linear experience. Additionally, Wccftech notes that the addition of an extra character makes managing party slots more challenging. However, these negatives are minor compared to the overall positive reception of the game's replay value. In conclusion, the critics overwhelmingly agree that Star Ocean: The Second Story R offers excellent replay value. The game's vast amount of content, multiple endings, customizable party members, and New Game Plus feature are praised by multiple critics. The high degree of choice and variability, as well as the inclusion of optional side stories and quality of life improvements, further enhance the replayability of the game. While there are minor negatives mentioned, such as the need to play through the game multiple times and the challenge of managing party slots, the overall consensus is that the replay value of Star Ocean: The Second Story R is very good. Critics such as Digital Chumps, GameSpot, and RPG Site highlight the positive aspects of the game's replay value, supporting the overall analysis.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Star Ocean: The Second Story R's replay value, praising its vast content, multiple endings, and customizable party members. The game's New Game Plus feature, high level of choice, and optional side stories enhance replayability. Minor drawbacks include the need for multiple playthroughs and party slot management. Overall, the game offers excellent replay value, with critics like Digital Chumps and RPG Site applauding its positive aspects.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple videogame critics regarding the overall verdict of Star Ocean: The Second Story R, it is evident that the majority of critics had a highly positive view of the game. The first paragraph will focus on the positives highlighted by the critics. Atomix, Digital Chumps, Eurogamer Germany, Everyeye.it, GameSpot, Gamer.no, Inverse, Noisy Pixel, PlayStation Universe, Push Square, RPG Site, Shacknews, TheGamer, Vandal, Wccftech, CGMagazine, Checkpoint Gaming, Digitally Downloaded, Nintendo Life, NintendoWorldReport, Pocket Tactics, Press Start Australia, Siliconera, SpazioGames, The Games Machine, Universo Nintendo, and Destructoid all praised various aspects of the game, such as its captivating story, enjoyable gameplay, stunning visuals, improved mechanics, and faithful remake that retained the essence of the original. These positive reviews highlight the game's success in capturing the essence of the original while offering a fresh and updated experience, making it a great entry point for newcomers to the series and a must-play for fans of classic JRPGs. Moving on to the negatives, it is important to note that while the overall consensus was highly positive, there were a few critics who had some criticisms. GamingTrend mentioned that the game was a wildly inconsistent package, with mostly fun gameplay but lacking polish in many areas. They also mentioned a drop in quality in the final areas, which made it difficult to want to finish the game. Despite these criticisms, it is worth noting that this was an outlier opinion, and the majority of critics did not share these concerns. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive. The game is praised for successfully modernizing the original while adding new content that enhances the gameplay. It is considered a standout RPG and a blueprint for remaking classic titles in a modern era. Critics such as Digital Chumps, Push Square, and RPG Site specifically mention the game as a must-play for both new and returning players. The positive reviews highlight the game's impressive visuals, satisfying mechanics, compelling storytelling, and improvements in various aspects such as combat, sound, and side jobs. The overall sentiment is that Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a highly enjoyable and successful remake that revitalizes a beloved classic and offers a comfortable and visually appealing experience.

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise Star Ocean: The Second Story R for its captivating story, enjoyable gameplay, stunning visuals, and faithful remake that appeals to both newcomers and fans of classic JRPGs. While some critics mention inconsistencies and a drop in quality in final areas, the majority agree that the game successfully modernizes the original with new content, making it a standout RPG and a must-play for players old and new.

MONSTER

Reviews

82 reviews found

100

Digitally Downloaded

Nintendo Switch

Nov 1, 2023

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

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a modernized remake that retains all the great qualities of the original while giving it a luxurious overhaul. It is considered a masterpiece of the genre and highly recommended for JRPG fans.

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Universo Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Nov 1, 2023

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

The reviewer highly recommends Star Ocean The Second Story R as a standout classic JRPG with improved graphics and gameplay.

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Press Start Australia

Nintendo Switch

Nov 1, 2023

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

The review concludes that Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a tremendous remake, praising the visual overhaul, the depth added to the mechanics, and considering it one of the best RPGs ever made.

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RPG Fan

Nov 1, 2023

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

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is considered the definitive version of the game and one of the best games in the series, with overwhelming accomplishments and few flaws.

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Wccftech

PlayStation 5

Nov 1, 2023

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

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is the best entry in the series and one of the best remakes ever made, with a great story, improved gameplay, impressive visuals, and quality of life improvements.

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Siliconera

Nintendo Switch

Nov 1, 2023

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

Star Ocean The Second Story R is a robust remake that improves on the original game. It has gorgeous visuals, fun gameplay, a strong story, and attention to detail. It is recommended for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

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Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Nov 1, 2023

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

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a wonderful rendition of a classic RPG and a fantastic entry point into the Star Ocean series. The game's story, gameplay, and visual design are its biggest draws, with the visuals being particularly stunning. The improvements made in this remake could potentially set a gold standard for future remakes.

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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Nov 1, 2023

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

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a nearly perfect way to experience or revisit the best game in the Star Ocean franchise, with improvements in visuals, sound, combat, and side jobs.

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Shacknews

PlayStation 5

Nov 1, 2023

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

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a nearly perfect way to experience or revisit the best game in the Star Ocean franchise, with improvements in visuals, sound, combat, and side jobs.

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RPG Site

PlayStation 5

Nov 1, 2023

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

Star Ocean: The Second Story R successfully modernizes the game while adding new content that enhances the gameplay. Overall, it is a favorite among players in its enhanced form.

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