Star Ocean The Second Story R Reveals New Gameplay Trailer; Free Demo Now Available

Square Enix and Gemdrops have shared the gameplay trailer for their upcoming action JRPG Star Ocean The Second Story R. The basics of battle and exploration are detailed, with symbol encounters, unique spots full of items and experience, raid enemies, fishing, and more.

Just Counters, Breaks, and the Bonus Gauge are highlighted. The lattermost gives bonuses when attacking enemies in Break states or slaying them, with there being three levels. The benefits comprise increased attack power and enhanced item effects. However, it’s reduced to zero when your player character Breaks. Further, the Bonus Gauge battle effects can be changed depending on the battle formation.

Item Creation, Private Action, and Assault Actions are also detailed. Players can also look forward to completing missions, an improved UI, and fast travel.

Lastly, a demo for the game is now available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Progress will carry over to the full game. You can choose between Claude and Rena as your protagonist and experience the first three or so hours, with a level cap of 12. Some gameplay alterations were also specifically made for this demo.

“Cross-generational saving will also allow PlayStation 4 console players to continue playing on the PlayStation 5 console with the same save.”

Achievements and trophies won’t unlock in the demo proper, but they’ll unlock once you play the full game and carry over your data.

You can view new screenshots for Star Ocean The Second Story R via our gallery below:

You can view the new gameplay trailer for Star Ocean The Second Story R below:

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.

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.

View our preview of this incoming title.