Star Ocean: First Departure R

Dec 05, 2019 7 years ago

Type Base game 2019 Genres Adventure Role-playing (RPG) Companies Square Enix · Publisher · Tose · Developer · Square Enix Creative Business Unit I · Supporting Follow Log in to follow

An improved remake/remaster of the 2007 PlayStation Portable game Star Ocean: First Departure, which was a remake of the first game in the series, Star Ocean, released on the Super Famicom in 1996.

What it’s like

Star Ocean: First Departure R offers a nostalgic journey through the origins of a beloved sci-fi fantasy saga, blending space exploration with medieval adventure. The experience is defined by its substantial length and high replay value, driven by a robust New Game+ system that encourages players to experiment with different character builds and narrative choices. While the story provides a solid foundation for classic JRPG tropes, the true strength lies in the progression mechanics and character interactions rather than deep literary complexity. The combat is functional but often criticized for being repetitive or clunky compared to modern standards, serving more as a vehicle for stat growth than tactical depth. Visually, the game presents a clean, updated presentation of its 1996 source material, prioritizing clarity over stylistic flair. It feels like a polished artifact for enthusiasts who value content volume and series lore over cutting-edge mechanical innovation or cinematic storytelling.

Strong in Progression / ReplayabilityCharactersPolish / PerformanceStory / Narrative

Keep in mind The combat system is dated and can feel repetitive or clunky for players seeking modern tactical depth. · Pacing may drag during long traversal segments, making it less suitable for those preferring fast-paced narratives.

AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from rpgamer.com, rpgfan.com, metacritic.com, bossrush.net, foggyproductions.com, reddit.com.