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Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a remake of the 1998 role-playing game, released on November 2, 2023, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam. Its defining presentation is a blend of pixel-art characters and 3D environments. Square Enix also lists new battle mechanics, English and Japanese voiceovers, and both original and rearranged music. Those features make it a potentially appealing way to revisit the game, but the available product information alone cannot establish how well the combat, pacing, or performance holds up in play.
What is Star Ocean: The Second Story R?
It is a remake of Star Ocean: The Second Story, originally released in 1998. Square Enix announced the remake for November 2, 2023, across four platforms. The title’s “R” identifies this remake; it is not a new entry in the series.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Star Ocean: The Second Story R (PS5) | $25.10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Star Ocean The Second Story R PS5 Game | $25.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - PlayStation 5 | $17.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Star Ocean The Divine Force - PlayStation 5 | $22.75 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Square Enix Star Ocean Second Story R (PlayStation 5) | $65.75 | Buy on Amazon |
What changed in the remake?
A mix of pixel characters and 3D settings
Square Enix describes the visual approach as a 2.5D aesthetic: pixel-style characters appear in 3D environments. That is the clearest distinguishing feature in the publisher’s description. It is a deliberate blend of old and new presentation rather than a fully 3D redesign.
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Battle and audio additions
The publisher’s launch announcement lists new battle mechanics, English and Japanese voiceovers, and original and rearranged music. These are feature descriptions, not proof of how satisfying the battles feel or which soundtrack version a player will prefer. The information available here does not establish the specific mechanical changes in enough detail to judge their balance or impact.
#1 Best Overall
- Internet connection and download required to access additional languages and bug fixes
- From dangerous dungeons to bustling towns, the world of STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R is depicted in a stunning 2.5D style that combines beautiful 3D graphics with nostalgic 2D pixel characters
- Start your journey with either Claude or Rena; Depending on your choice, the perspectives and the allies you can recruit will change
- Customize party progression with a large selection of skills, including Cooking, Art, Metalcraft, and many more; Build up to Specialty levels and master the enhanced Item Creation system to craft ultimate equipment with different effects
- Japanese and English voiceover
Platforms and demo availability
| Platform | Release information | Demo information | Format information established here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | Released November 2, 2023; Square Enix lists it as a platform. | Not stated. | Square Enix Store lists physical editions; regional stock and price can vary. |
| PlayStation 5 | Released November 2, 2023; Square Enix lists it as a platform. | Not stated. | Not stated. |
| PlayStation 4 | Released November 2, 2023; Square Enix lists it as a platform. | Not stated. | Not stated. |
| PC via Steam | Released November 2, 2023. | Steam describes a demo covering the beginning of the game through Krosse Cave. | Steam release. |
The Steam demo offers a practical way to sample the opening before buying on that platform. The available listing does not establish that the same demo is offered on consoles. For Switch physical editions, check the regional Square Enix Store listing for current stock and price.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Star Ocean: The Second Story R worth playing?
If you are interested in a remake that retains pixel-character styling while placing it in 3D environments, the announced presentation and added audio options give you concrete reasons to investigate it. Returning players may also value having a 1998 series entry remade for current platforms. Newcomers can use the Steam demo, where available, to see whether the opening appeals to them.
Rank #2
- PlayStation 5 Video Game Square Enix
- Color: Multicolor
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 1.5 x 13.5 cm
- Reference: S7195736
- If what you want is quality at the best price do not keep looking!
A firm verdict on the game’s overall quality would require evidence about the actual experience: combat depth, story and pacing, controls, performance, and loading behavior by platform. The official release and store descriptions do not settle those questions, so they are not a basis for claiming that one version runs best or that the remake is a must-play. If performance is your deciding factor, look for platform-specific testing before choosing a version.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Fantasy and science fiction meet in a unique graphic style
- Experience the story with two protagonists: start your journey as Claude or Rena
- Look forward to new character illustrations from Yukihiro Kajimoto, the longtime artist of the series
- Combine powerful equipment with a huge number of skills
- Order now and secure yourself as a DLC: Pangalactic Federation Longsword (Claude), Forest Mittens (Rena), 1x Set of Recreation Items (20x Mixed Berries + 20x Revival Potion) + 1x Sunrise Ring
Rank #4
- Fly Around Areas Freely - characters can freely move in 360 degrees roaming the skies; Whether flying to explore rockfaces and roofs of buildings, or leaping off cliffs to enter battles, there’s more freedom in terms of adventuring and battling
- Fastest and Strongest Action in the Series - Characters can subdue large numbers of enemies with high-speed movement attacks, special abilities where you can vanish for a moment right in front of your enemy, and a skill which could kill in one hit
Rank #3
- Experience one-of-a-kind combat with dynamic, fast-paced RPG battles where the battlefield becomes your weapon, and anything goes.
- Adapt your party’s skills to the situation with outlandish jobs and customizations to strategically subdue enemies with over-the-top moves.
- Live it up in Japan and explore all that Hawaii has to offer in an adventure so big it spans the Pacific.
- Unforgettable moments await at every step of the journey with a unique mix of quests and activities to enjoy at your leisure.
Which version should you choose?
- Choose Steam if you want to sample the opening first: its listing describes a demo that continues through Krosse Cave.
- Choose Switch if you specifically want a physical copy: Square Enix Store lists physical editions, but availability and pricing depend on the region and can change.
- Choose between PlayStation and PC based on your setup and preferences: the established release information does not support a performance ranking among them.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
