TGS 2023: Star Ocean The Second Story R Hands-On

At this year’s Tokyo Game Show (TGS), we were treated to an exciting hands-on preview of Star Ocean The Second Story R thanks largely in part to Bandai Namco and Square Enix.

Developed by Square Enix, this remake of the beloved PlayStation classic promises to deliver a blend of nostalgia and modern enhancements. The demo showcased at TGS offered a glimpse into the updated visuals, gameplay improvements, and overall direction of the game.

Sal couldn’t stop talking about how he played this waaaaaaaaaaay before I was even born. Going on about Claude this, Rena that. Crafting weird crap. Oh and the weird chibi art style.

All that’s gone and replaced by HD graphics in the new visual overhaul. The game’s character models, environments, and animations have been beautifully reimagined for contemporary gaming platforms. The character designs maintain their iconic charm while benefiting from the power of modern hardware, resulting in a stunning visual experience that captures the essence of the original.

The Star Ocean The Second Story R TGS demo allowed players to explore familiar locations and engage in battles with a refined combat system. The real-time action combat that fans loved in the original has been enhanced, offering smoother and more responsive controls. Sal couldn’t stop commenting in the background while I was playing the demo.

The ability to switch between characters on the fly and execute special moves adds depth to the combat experience. Furthermore, the demo hinted at an updated skill system that promises to provide more strategic options for players.

Star Ocean The Second Story R retains the heart of its captivating narrative, offering a branching story with two playable protagonists, Claude and Rena. The TGS demo showcased snippets of character interactions and voiced dialogues, demonstrating the effort put into delivering an immersive storytelling experience. Fans of the series can look forward to rekindling their emotional connections with the game’s characters through these engaging performances.

While Star Ocean The Second Story R remains true to its roots, the demo hinted at some modern features. Players can expect quality-of-life improvements, such as an updated user interface and enhanced menus, making the game more accessible to a new generation of gamers. The demo also showcased the inclusion of Japanese and English voice acting, allowing players to choose their preferred language.

Star Ocean The Second Story R impressed TGS attendees with its striking visuals, refined gameplay, and dedication to preserving the essence of the original while incorporating modern enhancements. The demo provided a tantalizing taste of what fans can expect when the full game is released.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to the world of Star Ocean, this remake is shaping up to be a must-play title for JRPG enthusiasts, promising to deliver a delightful blend of nostalgia and contemporary gaming excellence.