Star Ocean: First Departure

"Wonderful RPG for Story Lovers"

THE BASICS:

While the Star Ocean series has always had a wonderful story line and long playability, The First Departure seems to show its roots in SNES history through a rather brief story line. Don't get me wrong, it definitely links with Star ocean: The second story, but the fact it has multiple endings which include one of them with a character having feelings for the wrong character it kind of messes things up, especially if you've played The second story. I still say the game is well worth it.

STORY: 8/10

Like I said, the story is still brilliant. However there are a lot of Loop holes, unanswered questions, and the Private Action story board seems to be bugged. I've attempted to get specific Private Actions at the appropriate times just as the Guide has said and how I remember from the SNES version, sadly they seem to never pop up correctly... including my favorite "Bar fights" with Cyuss and Phia.

CONTROLS: 10/10

The controls in this game are far better then the SNES version. Especially since we now have the ability to free run with the analog stick. There are still only 2 shoulder buttons for Special skills, but that's just as well. The controls are still very responsive and easy to work with.

GRAPHICS: 7/10

Since this is only a port from the SNES game, the Graphics are still mildly ok. There are still some glitches with them such as being 'hooked' on part of the landscape you're not even touching. The Cinema's are beautiful and make up for the problems found with landscape catching. This is a definite improvement from the SNES version though.

CHARACTERS: 10/10

Aside from "name changes", which is a minor thing to me, the characters still have great depth and enjoyable attitudes. PERICCI especially considering she is entirely hooked on Roddick (Ratix), but then again, who couldn't love a Kitty girl with Purple hair?! Private Actions make Character story boards all the more deep, I have a challenge for you all "Figure out Welch".

SOUND/MUSIC: 7/10

Another great thing about Star Ocean games, the Sounds and Music are delicious and wonderful, granted they're recycled they are still great. There's not much else I can say about it other then that it's good.

VOICE ACTORS: 9/10

The voice acting of the characters are wonderful... all but Millie's and Roddick's. Saddly Roddick sounds like a childish whelp that has been beaten silly with a wet noodle. Millie on the other hand sounds like she's still in grade school for an 18y/o character. Other then those two, the voice actors are great. Ashlaey and Percci's voice actors seem perfectly set for their attitude, age, and apparent 'build'.

OVERALL: 7/10

The game is not 40+ hours like the other Star Ocean games, but it can be thanks to the Cave of Seven Stars. That cave you REALLY need to be level 100+ just to survive the first 10 floors and is a great challenge. Here's another Challenge for you folks "Pericci solo" She has a Self/Group heal skill, but lacks in HP/SP and DEF, so give it a shot, see how far you can get.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 10/31/08

Game Release: Star Ocean: First Departure (US, 10/21/08)