| Platform | OVERALL |
|---|---|
| PlayStation Portable | 8.00 |
| Overall | 8.00 |
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For those unfamiliar with Tri-Ace's Star Ocean series Star Ocean Second Evolution (SOSE) is the second game in the franchise and was originally released by Enix for the PlayStation (the original entry being released on the SNES). Square-Enix has now re-released the first two games for the PSP with some graphical improvement. Speaking only for the first two games, the Star Ocean series gives the outward appearance of being a traditional JRPG set in a sci-fi setting. Each game does start in a Star Trek-like space craft but before long you are breaking the prime directive and laws of physics and somehow finding your way in the usual JRPG Middle Ages where the most advanced weapon is a Mithril sword. This is disappointing given the possibilities of a space-based RPG, though SOSE makes up for the setting by providing two different characters to play the game with (each with their own story). Combat is action rather than turn-based and during battle you can assign tactics to you party members. Battles are random for the most part and are welcome as that game requires a fair amount of level grinding. The main bosses are well spaced out and by the time you get to them you are usually close to or at the appropriate level. SOSE offers a deep skill system to augment your abilities in and out of battle, but for all its depth it can be side stepped entirely without affecting the game. The story starts out intriguing but becomes convoluted quickly and by the 20 hour mark is an improbable mess with wild coincidences used to fill gaping plot holes. SOSE is a game of tremendous value with plenty of depth and replay, but for those of you like me, you can get through it in 30 hours. It is a must-buy for any PSP owner who enjoys JRPGs -- either of the two Star Ocean games are among the very best on the system. |
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Posted by aspro Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:20:05
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aspro (8m)
I have the PS3 Star Ocean in my Gamefly Q, so that will be coming at some point for me to check out. Have never really gotten into the series...the only one I ever played was a few hours of SO 2 on the PS1. I hope I like it though. Hungry for RPG's.