Star Ocean: The Second Story R Assault Action Combat Feature Will Have Other Star Ocean Protagonists

Square Enix and Gemdrops have provided further details for one of the new gameplay features in Star Ocean: The Second Story R, Assault Action.

In combat, only four playable characters can be on the frontline simultaneously. However, four other party members can be put in the back row and, when their respective gauges are filled, can be manually activated to trigger Assault Actions.

These actions differ depending on the party member and are customizable. However, there is an exception of sorts to that rule. Throughout the game, players may find certain items that grant Assault Action-exclusive characters, namely the protagonists of the other mainline Star Ocean titles.

These other characters will not participate in battle like standard party members and will instead be solely relegated to Assault Actions. This is a pretty neat way to include cameo appearances.

The bonus characters set to be featured in the Assault Action mechanic of Star Ocean: The Second Story R are Roddick Farrence from Star Ocean: First Departure, Fayt Leingod from Star Ocean: Till the End of Time, Edge Maverick from Star Ocean: The Last Hope, Fidel Camuze from Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness, Laeticia Aucerius from Star Ocean: The Divine Force, and Raymond Lawrence from Star Ocean: The Divine Force.

Star Ocean The Second Story R will feature fully voiced event scenes with the original voice cast, a newly arranged soundtrack by original composer Motoi Sakuraba with new songs, including some with a live band, as well as the new Break and Assault Action combat mechanics.

Players can anticipate two selectable protagonists, Claude and Rena, akin to the recently released Star Ocean The Divine Force. Claude is a Pangalactic Federation officer and son of the legendary Ronyx Kenny, causing him to have internal strife regarding his identity. During a mission, Claude’s ego gets the better of him as he’s transported to an underdeveloped planet and spotted by Rena, confusing him for the Hero of Light.

The Earth, Galaxy, and Universe difficulties will also be implemented. Further, the developer is Gemdrops, known for porting Star Ocean: The Second Evolution to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita in Japan. The original game was developed by tri-Ace.

Subtitled French, Italian, German, and Spanish language support will also be available via a launch day update.

• Be sure to check out our extensive coverage of this upcoming game.
• A free demo with save data carry-over is available.
• Check out our interview with the composer and producer.
• View our preview of this incoming title.
• Check out the opening movie.
• Soundtrack Preview

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is releasing for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam on November 2, 2023.