Star Ocean: The Second Story R Releasing November 2023; It Looks Incredible Beyond Words

During today’s Nintendo Direct, Square Enix announced Star Ocean: The Second Story R, a definitive version of the second entry in the Star Ocean franchise. The presentation here is akin to HD-2D in a 3D environment. It looks absolutely breathtaking.

The game is described as a “full remake of the 1998 science-fantasy RPG, rebuilt with striking graphics that combine 3D environments and 2D pixel characters. Plus, new combat features let you execute battles with strategic precision.”

” “Break” by continuously dealing damage and order your allies to follow-up with an Assault Action to deal massive damage.”

Square Enix also confirmed the following:

“The entire original soundtrack has been rearranged by its original composer, Motoi Sakuraba, for a much richer, fuller sound. Not only that, but he’s composed entirely new music for certain parts of the story, including some boss battles. Some tracks have even been recorded live with a full band!”

The following pre-order bonuses were also confirmed for all platforms:

• Weapon for Claude: Pangalactic Federation longsword
• Weapon for Rena: Forest Knuckles
• Sunrise Ring accessory
• 20 x Resurrection Potions
• 20 x Mixed Berries

Standard physical edition pre-orders are now available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, and standard digital edition pre-orders are also available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. Nintendo Switch digital pre-orders will go live at a later date.

Purchasing the game digitally on PlayStation Network will give both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions. Additionally, save data from the PlayStation 4 version of the game can transfer to the PlayStation 5 version.

The following notes were also shared on the title’s PSN page:

Owners of a PS4 disc copy must insert it into the PS5 every time they want to download or play the PS5 digital version. PS4 game disc owners who buy the PS5 Digital Edition disc-free console will not be able to get the PS5 version at no extra cost.

The new character art is by Yukihiro Kajimoto.

Further, “all event scenes are now fully voiced using the same voice cast from the original game. In addition, the dialogue from STAR OCEAN SECOND EVOLUTION (2008) is also included and can be selected.”

The official website confirmed the voice cast for the following characters:

Claude C. Kenny:

• Yuji Ueda (JP)
• Daisuke Nakajima​ (JP)
• Spike Spencer (EN)

Rena Lanford:

• Aya Hisakawa (JP)
• Nana Mizuki​ (JP)
• Claudia Lenz (EN)

Celine Jules:

• Yuki Kaida (JP)
• Saki Nakaima (JP)
• Allison Hollingshead (EN)

Ashton Anchors:

• Daisuke Sakaguchi (JP)
• Akira Ishida​ (JP)
• Jeffrey Maxwell (EN)

Dias Flac:

• Ryo Horikawa (JP)
• Tomokazu Sugita (JP)​
• Kyle Hebert (EN)

Precis F. Neumann

• Yuko Sumitomo (JP)
• Rie Kugiyama​ (JP)
• Jhoanna Trias (EN)

The game will also feature Earth, Galaxy, and Universe difficulty levels and subtitle support for the following languages via a launch update:

• French
• Italian
• German
• Spanish

Square Enix also confirmed the game is launching for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam.

The key art was revealed:

You can view official screenshots, and character renders via our galleries below:

 

Pre-ordering the physical release grants a reversible cover drawn by Yukihiro Kajimoto. It is uncertain if this applies to only pre-orders or all purchases.

Pre-order #StarOcean The Second Story R to receive exclusive bonus content when the game launches on Nintendo Switch, PS5/4 and Steam on November 2, 2023. https://t.co/sEsppwrN3V pic.twitter.com/Wd7MpSKoSL

— STAR OCEAN (@StarOcean) June 21, 2023

Gemdrops, known for their work on porting Star Ocean: Second Evolution to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita in Japan, and developing several other titles, is helming development:

[Title Announcement: SO2R]

After 25 years long years, the "STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY" remake is coming out on Nov. 2nd✨

Expect beautiful 3D visuals & extra exhilarating battles…and more updates soon😍

Oh, and Gemdrops is handling all the development for this one😎#SO2R https://t.co/LkBnDZezuZ

— Gemdrops (@Gemdrops_EN) June 21, 2023

For those unfamiliar with the Star Ocean franchise, Star Ocean 2 is the only game that has not been ported to modern platforms in the West. Star Ocean: The Second Story was initially a PlayStation 1 game before receiving an enhanced release titled Second Evolution.

This revamped release of the second game in the series initially launched for the PSP and even received an official English localization. However, it has not greeted Western shores on modern platforms despite being available for PlayStation 4 in Japan.

We previously spoke to Square Enix about the possibility of Star Ocean: The Second Evolution coming to the PlayStation 4 in the West, but they said it primarily depends on fans being vocal.

You can view the game’s official trailer below: