Square Enix has announced that Star Ocean: The Second Story R will release on Nintendo Switch in the coming months.
After Federation officer Claude discovers that he has been transported to an undeveloped planet. While searching for a way home he encounters a girl called Rena and is drawn into a quest to save her people as an ancient prophecy had once foretold.
You can choose to start your adventure as either Claude or Rena, with the perspectives and the allies you recruit changing based on your choice. You will be able to get to know your party members through the Private Actions System, allowing you to grow relationships and lead you to unlock different endings.
Originally released for the PlayStation in Japan way back in 1998, the RPG has been treated to a 2.5D remake that combines 3D environments with nostalgic 2D pixel characters to deliver “both a classic RPG and modern gameplay experience.”
With all-new character illustrations by series veteran Yukihiro Kajimoto and a rearranged soundtrack by original composer Motoi Sakuraba, you can expect the original game’s memorable features to be combined with new gameplay features such as “fast-paced, real-time combat and battle mechanics to strategically defeat foes, customisable party progression with an array of skills, including Cooking, Art, Metalcraft, and more.”
There are three new difficulty modes that have been introduced: Earth which provides a standard experience; Galaxy for those looking for a more satisfying challenge; and Universe for seasoned players looking to put their skills to the ultimate test.
The remake will launch with Japanese and English text and voiceover language support – with voiceovers performed by members of the original cast – with subtitle support for French, Italian, German and Spanish to be made available in a software update at launch.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R will release at retail and digitally on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch worldwide on 2 November 2023.
Those who pre-order either the physical or digital editions will receive the following digital content as a pre-order bonus: Pangalactic Federation Longsword, Forest Knuckles, Sunrise Ring and Set of recovery items (Mixed Berries x20 + Resurrection Potion x20).
Star Ocean: The Second Story R Trailer
Star Ocean: The Second Story R Screenshots
