Star Ocean: Second Evolution

"Re-live the epic struggle..."

Star Ocean: The Second Story is my favorite RPG of all time... but I am going to try to give a completely unbias review. Here we go...

Gameplay: 10/10

Control being the first item, the game handles just as well on the PSP as it did on the PSone. The control schemes, though customizable, are very user-friendly. Battles flow seamless, with interruptions only in the form of spells being casted by either friend or foe. Animations both in and out of battle are executed excellently through the use of 2-D sprites over beautiful pre-rendered backgrounds. Also, the inclusion of voice acting makes playing through the story again all the more enjoyable.

Graphics: 9/10

I dock a point only for one reason, and that is for the animated cutscenes. I found the cutscenes in First Departure drawn and animated much better than in this sequel. Aside from that, and as previously mentioned, character sprite animations both in and out of battle are flawless. Attacks and special moves are animated brilliantly and the inclusion of three-hit combos for the regular attacks transitioned very, very well. The spells in battle, too, have been sharpened and, possibly for the best, shortened so as to allow smoother battle flow.

Sound: 9/10

The music is, as in its original form, fantastic. Being heard over the weak speaks of the PSP can give a distorted sound in some respects, but heard over higher-quality speakers or through headphones can make the music sound as it rightfully should. My nitpick here is the voice acting. I will say that some characters were given superb VAs, but there are quite a few instances where the voice acting is down-right awful.

Story: 10/10

In essence, the game follows the typical RPG formula of a save-the-world scenario. However, it is on the scale of saving the universe. Cliche, yes, but very involving. The game spans two worlds and puts you in a multitude of situations ranging from humorous little side-stories to emotional plot points. The story, tried and true, remains just as gripping through its re-invention.

Overall: 9/10

Again, my biggest nitpick with whole game is the average voice acting in many areas throughout the game. However, regardless of that small item, the game still remains my all time favorite RPG and I strongly recommend it to people both unfamiliar with the series and to those who have just never had a chance to enjoy the original... and also to those who have.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/26/09

Game Release: Star Ocean: Second Evolution (US, 01/19/09)