Star Ocean: The Second Story R Is Absolutely STUNNING... | Review/Impressions

[@GhibliNova]

Grandia 1 in this art style would be a dream come true Also, the people who made Star Ocean were people who defected from the Tales of series after development arguments during the first Tales of game, and created Tri Ace, which was then bought by Square.

[@statesminds]

Yess im glad grandia 1&2 got mild remasters at all but really wish they got more. Some of my favorite games and this artstyle so good

[@mechaotakugamer]

You beat me to it in informing Matt about tales and star ocean

[@flyingplantwhale545]

Or Lunar

[@grahfkarate1799]

Xenogears would be perfect

[@leif54]

Yes! Grandias graphics as they are now, at least the polygons is in need of an overhaul

[@bumbayker]

The reason why Star Ocean Second Story plays similarly to older Tales of games because the creators of the Star Ocean franchise were former members of Wolf Team (Namco Tales Studio) the developers of the first Tales of game (Phantasia). Due to creative disputes they left Wolf Team after the game was completed and 3 of them formed their own game developer company tri-Ace.

[@josemontanez1075]

“It’s not about money anymore, it’s about time”. Completely agree with you there.

[@BigWillTheThrill]

They took nothing away, the simply made everything better. The combat, the IC, the travel, the art, the skills. Its all just better. Gemdrops has crafted a masterpiece.

[@Kensterrrrr]

Masterpiece? Thanks for the laugh. People use that word to loosely.

[@BigWillTheThrill]

@@Kensterrrrr I've seen your other comments. You are just a pointless hater with nothing of value to say.

[@transientanus]

I preferred the old way of abilities where your specialty moves evolved as you used them instead of just being able to throw points into it as soon as you get it.

[@cosmosofinfinity]

@@Kensterrrrr Do you have an actual argument to dispute that classification?

[@War624]

​@@KensterrrrrFor fans of this series, it is.

[@Dacho_Shaki]

Imagine Xenogears being remade in that style. Then my life will be at full circle.

[@hoosier_dad]

Yessss

[@HasegawaRayven]

Complete with deathblows?

[@invisibleBDK]

Star Ocean 2 was my first real RPG (after Pokemon Gen 1) growing up, and I've replayed it a million times. Seeing it get this treatment in 2023 really warms my heart. One of my all time favs for sure.

[@kazuhirala]

Im genuinely surprised at how well its been playing. This has to be a sleeper hit that many are going to miss out on for a while

[@jojostar571]

how are load times? are you playing physical? The demo had awful post-battle loading.

[@kazuhirala]

I know exactly what you mean, it fairly smoother than the demo, So I've noticed little prolonged loading here and there. @@jojostar571

[@bayoudrummer9855]

Super instant loading and fast travel

[@thirdsupernova]

​@@jojostar571What did you play it on?

[@AZ23MJ]

I’ll just miss out until it goes on an inevitable sale

[@TheMightyWumbo]

Imagine seeing a remastered Pokémon game like this

[@KrimsonKracker]

Thank you Matty for highlighting this PHENOMENAL remake of a nearly-forgotten classic! 😎

[@James-gj8rn]

I love it so far, i just hits all the right notes for me, i love the characters, i love the story, the combat is really fun and this has to be the single best use of the HD-2D art style i've seen, it looks absolutely incredible :)

[@statesminds]

Yeah i LOVE how it looks so much

[@manbearpigsereal]

This is NOT HD-2D.

[@daveonezero6258]

@@manbearpigsereal Right it is something else. It is 3d backgrounds with redone sprites. It is better.

[@GT-li8wg]

As someone who played this for countless hours as a teenager(the original) it's rearranged in all the right ways. It adds ton of modern improvements such as quick heal, fast travel to any important spots, and a map that highlights timed events. This allows you to enjoy the game to a greater extent, and the graphics and music are A+. This is 11/10 for me.

[@cosmosofinfinity]

The new artwork is absolutely gorgeous, and actually animating the mouths during speech always impresses me

[@IncessantWake]

I didn't finish it in 1998 but alas, finally by the end of 2023 I bought this and finished it. This game is a gem!

[@LuciferHunter-kt7pm]

I bought this game on switch and PS5! I loved this game when I was 19 and I love it now…..in my 40’s……sheesh

[@EtherealRune]

To all the people being concerned regarding the "pre-order" weapons. The "Pangalatic Officer Longsword" doesn't break anything - It only replaces the Sinclair-blade from previous titles which you could grab as soon as you were able to enter the world-map. It's more convenience than anything and will be outdated very quickly as well. In fact, the first weapon for one of your potential companions you will find in the weapon shop of the VERY FIRST village (Salva) already boosts 160 ATK by itself. I wouldn't fuss about it too much, since the most you can do early game is auto-attacking only anyways and that way you shorten the time doing that slightly.

[@chisaten]

I'm glad a newer generation of gamers is getting to play this game. I loved it so much on the PSP that after I completed the game, I bought an official guide and sunk hundreds of hours into replays. That's why I don't want to buy it again. XD

[@colinanthony2011]

This visual style is jus perfect to me. I’ll take a million more games like this please.

[@juststeve2579]

Same I love this art style. I think it's so beautiful and fits so well. I hope we get more games like this

[@joebilly3719]

the sprites looks super jarring against the backgrounds, would be much better if they used higher quality sprites, like Eiyuden Chronicles will do.

[@MyNameisRevenant]

​@@joebilly3719I was thinking about that too, so far its only the character sprites what hits me the wrong way. That aside, it is a good game.

[@davissmith2667]

If you thought the pre order sword was op at the start…. Don’t try the customization skill

[@Brian-ti7xm]

2d pixel sprites + 3d environments = a entire genre of beautiful art. Really think minecraft f*d up not doing this while adding basic quests for item rewards like a way to buy tamed horses and diamonds.

[@Jesamisus]

First star ocean game I beat, now looking to replay "star ocean: First departure" and finish it this time. Other entries look like a blast like "Till the end of time" for example.

[@ShadesMan]

9:03 - ironic, you should mention barrels and go over their details. They look good from any angle, though there's probably a 'best' angle I'm sure. Barrels are fun.

[@erickreyes7902]

For those who havent played this game GET IT!... great story, good combat... everything is moderation in this game its a fun game... but for those who played this in the PSP like me... maybe I'll wait for a SALE...

[@MiamiSunrise]

Star Ocean 6 was actually pretty damn good but i think this game will be a stronger shot in the arm for Star Ocean as a franchise.

[@jonetgames]

It has such a unique look, I've never seen anything like it, stunning. 😮 It's like the opposite of older games, where you had prerendered/2D backgrounds and the characters were 3D models, now the backgrounds look 3D and the characters are 2D.

[@manbearpigsereal]

This game isn't HD-2D, a cursory glance at octopath and triangle strategy makes it clear that it's not. It's 2.5D.

[@joebilly3719]

thank you, surprised so many people making this mistake.

[@itsAphelion.]

The only KZbinr I trust when it comes to reviews 😎

[@michaelcoffey1991]

Imagine that...... a game.... no forced online always...... no pay to win cash shop....... not broken for a year hoping their mods and fans fix it..... just a brilliant love letter and homage to the series and jrpg's. I hope it sells like hotcakes.

[@RaifSeverence]

This comment makes me think you need to play more eastern developed games if everything you said is astonishing

[@Sakura_Matou]

@@RaifSeverence Eastern made games are some of the biggest offenders. I know I am Japanese.

[@CrimsonBladezz]

It wont and im sick of you hypocrites complaining about pay to win or broken game the reason we have those issues is because you fools keep buying those games you even bought cybershit 2077 again

[@Gladgrampa]

Wtf are you talking about? It's a remake of a PS1 RPG. Why would there be online play or a shop? This is a terrible take. Gtfoh.

[@markusbisma5015]

Isnt this game have denuvo

[@TheMixedPlateFrequency]

I have always held a fondness for Star Ocean since my childhood because it seemed like a delightful amalgamation of Final Fantasy and Star Trek, which, in hindsight, is quite amusing. Upon playing the remake, a noteworthy observation emerged- the inclusion of voice acting in the dialogue significantly enhanced the overall storyline. Additionally, it became apparent that Claude's narrative gains substantial strength during the initial to middle segments of the game. However, as the storyline progresses on Energy Nede, there is a perceptible shift, and Rena's narrative appears to take precedence, exhibiting greater strength from that point until the conclusion.

[@mrwillham5393]

man. i cant wait for the next generation switch. having improved hardware to be able to run all these games at an actual solid fps.. the scope of the games will be grander. im excited. hope it comes before 2030, then we can get sick games like this.. but more sickerrrrrrrrr

[@ianboast9928]

Retro Rebound is a great place to come for role playing game reviews

[@haroldnecmann7040]

He the most non bias at all😂

[@donaldclark752]

Far better remake than I could have imagined. Well said Matty

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

This game deserves more love!

[@anthonycampbell97]

Yesss Star Ocean 1, 2 and 3 are brilliant. 4 is a great prequel to the series too, but I understand peopels issues with it. Would still recommend it. They need to bring 1-3 to PC

[@awakenedsoul2638]

0:30 Let me correct you bub, this is HD 2.5D Remake not HD 2D.

[@midnightstrike3625]

This style is really reminding me of FFVI and VII, where Vi has the mode 7 to give the illusion of 3d and VII has the controllable camera but also has classic feeling character models.

[@flynnoflenniken7402]

As a longtime fan of the Star Ocean games, they're not everyone's cup of tea. Star Ocean 3 was I think the very second JRPG I ever played after FFX, so everything was a fresh and new and interesting experience like nothing I'd experienced before at the time, and I definitely understand others not getting as into it if they happen upon the series at a later point in their gaming history. But man, I really love the combo of Star Trek and anime, and I wish there more games with that kind of setting and aesthetic. It's a shame PSO2:NGS ended up being a trainwreck.

[@dragonquestfan2002]

This was my first star ocean game and I just finished the main story after 22 hours of playtime. Absolute banger of a game, I legitimately couldn't stop playing. I'm looking forward to doing all the post-game stuff and making a ng+ file.

[@RenRenification]

“This game seems like squares answer to the tales of series.” OMG this made me laugh out loud. Do be this young and yet so confidant lol.

[@xSabinx1]

Isn't tales older?

[@StewNWT]

and the character portraits make it way better than OP or TS

[@samuelrainville9219]

The demo was incredible. I can proudly say that it is an upgrade from the OG, from what I played so far. Good Job Gemdrops and I want to play more of this!

[@stephenwong8053]

Starocean 3 was crazy ahead of its time (no pun intended) and honestly fits so well with modern themes of today. i cant wait for that remake to happen

[@Atreides217]

Great review/impressions! I just started the demo and it is gorgeous.

[@toyotam.7100]

Love love this title... been waiting so long. 😍. Thank you Enix.

[@sophdog1678]

The original was hugely engrossing and repayable, it was my favourite of the series. It had a crazy 3 or 4 discs to play, and I loved it. Square did such a good job with the Octopath games and I expect them to do a great job with this Tri-Ace gem.

[@johnarevalo3450]

The demo was my 1st taste of star ocean. I loved it, pre-ordered, and picked up the game today! Can't wait to continue this weekend

[@KuriosNerfie42]

Played the original on ps1 back in the late 90s and the psp remaster. Loved both of them. The original was one of those games I used to come back to every year, back when I had time to do such things. I'll definitely be picking this up sometime because the QoL changes look amazing, as well as the art style!

[@phantomthief9396]

Star Ocean has always been a franchise I have stayed away from. Just didn't want to dedicate the time to it but.. This game looks STUNNING and charming as hell. Mattys opinions have definitely forced me into putting this on the backlog. Between Octopath, Sea of Stars and now this.. Amazing.

[@soulechelon2643]

Only reason why I haven't started yet is because I have so much anxiety about who to pick first and what my initial team will be lol. Was a huge fan of the original and I'm so glad it's been remastered/remade so amazingly well.

[@milkweedreflections]

Pick Rena. If you choose Claude you can’t recruit Dias, and Dias is an absolute badass character.

[@soulechelon2643]

@@milkweedreflections I know all the characters and how to recruit them. I played the original 3+ times. Dias is good but I don't like his personality. Edgelord swordsman is eh.

[@milkweedreflections]

@@soulechelon2643 Good luck finding anyone who agrees with that, lol. Dias is a beast.

[@soulechelon2643]

@@milkweedreflectionsI don't care if anyone agrees with me dude, it's a single player JRPG, I've played it to 100% completion thrice over, and I'll play this version however I want without some rando telling me what to do. You can go away now. In fact I'll help you out the door and just not give you any more attention.

[@milkweedreflections]

@@soulechelon2643 Cool story. Now tell me how Dias is "edgy" please.

[@daveonezero6258]

If it works like First Departure R the combat skills don't work much at level 1 but at level 10 they proc a lot. Godspeed, feint, counter are always going off with my 3 melee people in that game. It is a cool flexible system.

[@metal_gear_jay]

I played Star Ocean- The Second Story on the playstation 1 when it was released. In fact, I still own the copy. I absolutely LOVED this game. I may need to pick it up again.

[@arrynroyce72]

Many of the developers on the Tales of Phantasia team worked on Star Ocean thereafter, so your comparison makes sense.

[@bullfrogjay4383]

I would love Capcom to release a Breath of Fire compilation in this art style. Especially 3+4.

[@jordankelly4684]

Playing this game feels like reconnecting with a long lost childhood friend.

[@statesminds]

I love the original and the remake has been awesome. I absolutely love the way it looks. You should play Grandia remastered on switch! Some other jrpgs i love from the era. Just need Lunar 1&2 to be remastered and most of my favorite ps1 rpgs will be available.

[@ryanbourbeau3078]

I am hoping SO BAD that one day we get lunar 1 and 2 maybe in a double pack. That would be so amazing!

[@statesminds]

@@ryanbourbeau3078i have the first one on psp but sadly dont have the second for ps1. Was disappointed it wasnt on sega genesis mini 2 with english even tho was on japanese one. So emulation on a pc is only way i can play if i wanted.

[@MisterH203]

I thought lunar 2 was on ps1

[@badboy-gn8fu]

did you buy the switch version? is entire game all on the cart?

[@ryanbourbeau3078]

@@badboy-gn8fu I got the switch version it requires a 3gb download :( but runs great ptherwise

[@razorsharp5643]

Playing the PS1 version of this game blew me away. One of the best RPGs of ALL TIME right here. Sure, the second world is a little empty, but other than that, this is a gorgeous title. There's even been a niche community to beat Dias in the colosseum, apparently. This is one of the true underrated games, I think. People just don't know much about Star Ocean.

[@metatroncube]

"When I was becoming a big JRPG guru". What a guy!!! He's a guru! A guru of JRPGs he's never played!

[@AnimatronicBadgerlord]

I find the story/narrative of the game to be good (I played it back on PS1 when it released, but I was young) But the setting, and the interactions of the characters are what I like more. It's one of the reason that Octopath Traveler II is one of my favorite games because it's more character based than it is about the overall story. This game has hints of that as well where you can have many different characters and seeing them react to what's going on as well as the PAs with each other to add some optional added lore is a great balance. I think the PAs are a great way to add that story because it doesn't feel forced on you and awkward as you're going through the main plot, and you can skip it on subsequent playthroughs to shorten things a bit.

[@hundun5604]

What a pleasant surprise, a remake. I did not know.🎁 If there where no sprite characters, I wouldn't recognise it.

[@JohnRambo1947-July-6th]

I go Rena because you need her to get Dias, and I love Dias ❤

[@QueenViolet8]

Man as one who played the original on my PS1 ❤ I spent hours playing the game till the clock stopped I crafted and enjoyed publishing books and getting royalties from them I am looking forward to playing this again and seeing all the different endings!

[@bobmcbobg1696]

I don’t know why this game is so hard to find physically. Randomly ran into it at a Walmart lol. So I bought it. Last one they had btw. I checked other places while waiting in line, sold out everywhere! But I’m more of a turn based/tactical rpg player. So maybe I just leave this unopened and see what happens in the future 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@WdawgSmith]

Well my guess would be that 90% of its sales are digital and only 10% are physical So they were like “why are we making physical copies again?” That’s probably how the meeting went down All it takes is one good pie chart showing how the company can save money and it’s a done deal Not that I personally care (I know I know I should) whether it’s physical or digital But it must be frustrating for hardcore physical copy gamers It’s just a losing battle unfortunately The only reason they are hanging on is because people are more likely to pre order and spend like 130 dollars on a “deluxe” edition if it comes with a physical copy of the game Not talking about this game but just mostly bigger titles with pre order extras and shit

[@greencastle337]

Ps1 jrpgs are getting so much love lately ❤

[@johntracy72]

I got Star Ocean Second Story R for Switch on Sept 10. Great game. I still have the original Playstation version from 1999.

[@Taikaru]

Star Ocean is one of my favorite series. It deserved a good remake, so glad to hear from any sources that they knocked it out of the park!

[@sharadaarun6222]

The moment you compared it to trails i was like "Ok NOW I need to but this!" Thanks for the review !!😃

[@jrpgGuitarSlinger]

The game is phenomenal with all the enhancements. I was REALLY surprised to see what SE has done here with this game. The visuals, combat system, huge beautiful world, the many skills and items, etc.. This has turned out to be the biggest shocker I have seen this year by a mile. Can't recommend the game enough to jrpg fans..

[@charliestewartchukkers]

I think ff7 should have considered this style over what we got on mobile

[@Duckman8213]

I’m planning to ply it but I currently play Divinity Original Sin 1 and 2. Then I’m playing FF 7-9 and then Persona 3 Reload. Then FF10 and 12. Then I’ll play Star Ocean.😊 Oh and I still need to play Sea of Stars but BG3 came out around the same time and that game took over my life.

[@solidwisdom8749]

Now this is a true faithful l remake . If they turned it into a complete 3d remake it wouldev been cool but keeping the style of the original while making it look modern still is extremely faithful. Played like few hours and its a blast from the past and still feels new

[@clayton_games]

I am of the opinion that SO2 is the only good Star Ocean (and it's amazing)

[@RawPower867]

Playing the Switch version of this right now and didn't notice any chugging. I did notice a lack of anti-aliasing, but it's not that noticeable unless the screen is a few inches away from your face. Not sure if the other versions are like that, but whatever. Game is still gorgeous on Switch.

[@Art-lf7zq]

Good to see you enjoying this game. Played this multiple times on the PS1 back in the day and played the PSP remake a few years ago. Still held up. I really do miss the original PS1 voices though. Especially the "Call Bunny" voice lines. "COME 'ERE BUNNEH!" and "EY BARNIEE" are lines I still randomly think of to this day.

[@negaknight]

Star Ocean 2 was the game that truly made me fall in love with JRPGs back in the day. The remake is by and large a pure upgrade, although I do miss some of the aesthetic sensibilities that came with the PS1; that polygon blob slowly morphing into your item during crafting was sooo satisfying, now its just the same crafting animation in every game. Just nostalgia induced nitpicks, though.

[@Hogo69]

The original was my first jrpg as a kid. Can’t wait to dive into this.

[@4Clubs]

My copy arrives on the 9th. I'm embarrassingly hyped for this one, it's one of my favourite JRPGs of all time.

[@Johnson-gu8gg]

Played the PSX version for the first time last year. Fantastic game! Will definitely pick this up sometime in the future

[@RatedRY]

Glad you enjoyed it, also if you like old school anime's there's an adaptation of the first half of the game called Star Ocean Ex.

[@haroldnecmann7040]

Heart to heart?

[@Deathsneeze007]

Great work. Love your stuff man

[@dainiergarcia5076]

So3 is one of my favorite games of all time I wish they remake it

[@midnightstrike3625]

Matty, it's funny you mention the Tales series because some of the same people who made the original Star Ocean were a part of the team that made Tales of Phantasia (the first game in the series).

[@ski9392]

How are the loading times on the Switch? Are they really bad or not too bad?

[@RawPower867]

About 2-3 seconds, usually.

[@Fingerknee]

So2 is up there with ff7 for me. Major nostalgia

[@BWV88]

Lol!! . . You and I have the exact same history with star ocean. I remember the last hope looking cool, but I don't know if it was the cheesy dialog that threw me out of it or if I simply didn't have the patience for an rpg at that time in my life because I was all about arkham and read dead back then. . . Now a days, I've been in a better mood and I have a feeling this game might be able to scratch that specific nostalgic itch I've been missing from the late 90's, so I'm gonna give star ocean a "second" chance with second story R. Haha! . . Thanks for another entertaining review my friend and keep em comin.

[@rodneymathews6775]

Star Ocean: The Second Story was my first time experiencing The SO series back in '99 during the PS1 era and I've never looked back! To me, The Second Story is that series' FF7 based on popularity. I really love the 2.5D style of this remake! I'm loving it so far as I've already put in 7 hours worth.

[@alexshinra1066]

Star ocean 2 was always my Favorite part. Want more oldschool jrpgs with this fantastic look

[@paulklaric3318]

Xenogears remake is what we really want.

[@joebilly3719]

So long as they dont use those ultra low pixel sprites that are super jarring against detailed backgrounds and instead use proper sprites like the game Eiyuden Chonicle is going to do, then yes, would be welcome.

[@macatron69]

This game looks absolutely beautiful! I hope it eventually comes to Xbox.

[@m4r_art]

Xenogears remake incoming? The art style totally translates!

[@joebilly3719]

This style exactly, meaning using the ultra low pixel sprites that are super jarring against detailed backgrounds? No, God no. But using proper sprites like the game Eiyuden Chonicle is going to do, then yes, would be welcome.

[@1SpicyMeataball]

I was skeptical. I'm a longtime fan of the og for ps1, played it back when it came out in 1998. It was my first jrpg. This remake made me fall in love with it all over again. Many quality of life improvements. Combat is smooth as butter once you gets used to the change. They fixed the bugginess of some gameplay elements, and fleshed out parts of the script. My few critiques are some of the VAs are bland. It did away with the polygons morphing before your eyes in item creation. The change to 3D lost some background elements like mood lighting and certain camera angles so it sometimes looks flat.

[@maxamillion2k7]

I still play the PSP Star Ocean....can't wait to play this one.

[@GuardianKenny]

My favorite PS1 game of all-time. Sorry FF7. Great review!

[@Falco-Lombardi]

I'll def get this whenever it goes on sale, there's just other games i wanna finish first

[@johntracy72]

I renamed Claude Kenny as Josh because I worked with someone named Josh Kenny. Same with Ashton Anchors. I renamed him Rusty because I knew someone in Florida nearly 40 years ago named Rusty Anchors.

[@dsmith8616]

If I’m not mistaken… the Voice Actor for Claude C. Kenny, is the same actor that did the voice work for Shinji Ikari, from Neon Genesis Evangelion… Spike Spencer 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@jeffmilligan5307]

I'm totally playing this game. Till the end of time was my fav. Star ocean, Albel is the best.

[@thepaper888]

First Departure R, I play all 5. So now ......

[@white_rabbit909]

awesome stuff, as usual🧡

[@Necr0e1]

for those curious, the sword he talks about gives +115 atk over the base longsword.

[@angietrif]

Great review! It would be really helpful if your videos were a bit brighter, so we could see your awesome set up better!

[@HyruleStreams]

Amazing game!! So stocked to play this