New Star Ocean The Divine Force Trailer Details The Cooperative D.U.M.A, Vanguard Assault, Flight & Blindsides

July 27, 2022July 27, 2022 Orpheus Joshua

Square Enix has shared a new trailer for their upcoming action JRPG, Star Ocean The Divine Force. This second mission report trailer details the D.U.M.A. device and Vanguard Assault mechanic.

Check out our coverage of the first mission report trailer.

After suffering an attack by a Pangalactic Federation Battleship, the Ydas sent out an escape pod containing D.U.M.A. This creation is highly intelligent, referring to itself as a living being despite its appearance obviously not implying such. Moreover, it joins the party on its journey amidst its admittedly ambiguous intentions.

D.U.M.A grants each party member exceptional skills via Vanguard Assualt. This feature provides various benefits, such as flight during exploration in towns and the wild. Additionally, this functionality can even be implemented during combat, instilling combos with grander spice. As if that wasn’t enough, D.U.M.A can scan the field for interactable spots and treasure chests one would ordinarily never notice. Of the many items found throughout the world, Gems are especially significant since they boost D.U.M.A’s aptitude.

In combat, D.U.M.A can initiate a VA (Vanguard Assault) Attack, where holding down a specific button allows temporary levitation resulting in severe impact toward ground-based foes. This skill will also differentiate across every playable character and can be used when entering battle to boast preemptive strike bonuses.

If an enemy is set to attack you, changing direction while performing a VA Attack will cause a Blindside to occur. Star Ocean 4 fans should be abundantly familiar with this mechanic. Foes will lose sight of the player and be stunned, providing ample opportunity for terrific damage output.

Multiple enemies can simultaneously be Blindsided, making this a maneuver everyone must master. Further regarding Blindsides, the Aggression Radar UI encircled around the controlled character’s immediate vicinity will inform stationary players of when enemies are attacking. When using VA attacks to begin fights with Surprise Encounters, all enemies will be Blindsided, and greater spoils will be rewarded upon victory.

The next mission report trailer is stated to focus on the characters seeking D.U.M.A for their own ends.

You can view the second mission report trailer for Star Ocean The Divine Force below:

Star Ocean The Divine Force is the newest RPG from developer Tri-Ace. The game features a sci-fi setting as the sixth entry in the franchise with an action-focused battle system. This narrative tells an original story led by protagonist Raymond, the captain of a space trading ship, along with Ydas, and Laeticia, the princess-knight of an underdeveloped planet. After how lukewarm Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness was, it’s relieving to see this series be given another new chance.

Throughout Star Ocean The Divine Force, players get to choose between protagonists Raymond and Laeticia, witnessing the story from multiple unique insights. Raymond’s perceptions offer more sci-fi know-how, while Laeticia’s perspective focuses more on fantasy elements. Combat is real-time, utilizing quick maneuvers such as chain attacks that highly benefit from contextual positioning on the battlefield. Further, the addition of Stop Mode allows players to literally pause the action, letting them form new stratagems on the fly.