The 86 Metacritic RPG Critics Loved That Makes Today’s Cinematic JRPGs Look Shallow (& It’s Not Persona 3 Reload)

Japanese Role-Playing Games, or JRPGs, are a huge part of the gaming world. Titles like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger remain incredibly popular. The genre really took shape in 1986 with Dragon Quest, and has been developing ever since. The 90s were a golden age for JRPGs, launching many franchises that are still thriving today through both remakes and new installments. In the 21st century, JRPGs have become even more widespread, with series like Kingdom Hearts and Yakuza pushing the boundaries of the genre. One standout game, originally released in 1999, recently received a remake in 2023.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a reimagining of the classic JRPG, bringing a polished look and updated gameplay to the 1999 original. This remake isn’t just for newcomers; it also modernizes the experience while preserving what made the first game special. In fact, Star Ocean: The Second Story R highlights the impressive design choices that still set it apart from many other JRPGs today.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R Is a Special Remake That Shines a Light On Some of the Best Gameplay in JRPG History

The level of detail in Star Ocean: The Second Story R is incredible. Both the original game and the remake feature remarkably complex systems, making it one of the most impressive JRPGs ever created. It’s clear the developers prioritized gameplay mechanics, resulting in a deeply engaging and addictive experience for JRPG fans.

Crafting, Skill, and Combat Mechanics Aren’t Just Well-Done – They’re Downright Addictive

Star Ocean: The Second Story R offers a lot of depth, encouraging players to experiment and create their ideal team with customized skills. Building a powerful party is key, leading to diverse strategies and unexpected gameplay. The game truly shines when you discover new skill combinations and abilities, and this remake adds even more with the new Break and Assault Action systems. If you’re a JRPG fan who enjoys customization and freedom, and you haven’t tried Star Ocean: The Second Story R, you’re missing out on some of the genre’s best crafting and skill systems. It remains a top-tier Square Enix title, and its replayability extends far beyond just the engaging combat and crafting mechanics.

Main Improvements Made From the Original Version

Auto save
Running by default
Better item organization
In-game tutorials
Database with encyclopedia and player statistics
D-Pad shortcuts
Mini-map at the bottom of the screen
Fast travel
Viewing relationship levels between characters

Dual Protagonists Tell an Interwoven Story With Various Outcomes

Male protagonist: Claude C. Kenny
Female protagonist: Rena Lanford

Players experience the game’s story through the eyes of two characters: Claude, a Federation officer, and Rena. Their meeting kicks off a series of events foretold in a prophecy. While the gameplay is the strongest part of the game, the story is still well-done. To get the complete narrative, you’ll need to play through the game twice, once as each character. However, the game offers even more reasons to replay it, thanks to its focus on player choice. In fact, Star Ocean: The Second Story R has a whopping 99 different endings based on your decisions.

Beautiful Visuals Are the Highlight of Star Ocean: The Second Story R’s Cinematic Storytelling

Remaking a beloved classic JRPG is a tough challenge, especially when the original’s look is so iconic. Star Ocean: The Second Story manages to capture the nostalgic feel of the original while also updating the visuals for modern gamers. Developer Gemdrops struck a great balance, creating a game that’s even more visually appealing than the 1999 original. The combination of detailed 3D backgrounds and pixel art characters is striking, and the updated high-definition graphics really enhance the game’s atmosphere.

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Star Ocean: The Second Story R Knows How Important Building a Strong Atmosphere Is

Beyond the impressive graphics, the music is key to the cinematic feel of Star Ocean: The Second Story R, powerfully enhancing Claude and Rena’s journey. Great science fiction JRPGs need compelling soundtracks to truly bring their worlds to life, and Star Ocean: The Second Story R is no exception. Thankfully, Motoi Sakuraba, who created the original game’s beloved music, returned to remaster the soundtrack for the remake, giving it a fantastic polish. The combination of the visuals and music creates a truly special atmosphere in Star Ocean: The Second Story R.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a Must-Play JRPG

Okay, so the story in Star Ocean: The Second Story R isn’t exactly groundbreaking – you’ve seen some of these tropes before. But honestly, the gameplay is so good, I didn’t even care! It’s all about experimenting with different characters, building the perfect team, and just having a blast in battles. The combat is super fast and really gets you involved. There’s so much to learn with skills, abilities, and items, it’s honestly addictive. I completely lost track of even trying to rush to the ending. If you’re looking for a new JRPG to play, I definitely recommend checking this one out.

While Star Ocean: The Second Story R might not appeal to players who prioritize strong narratives in JRPGs, those who enjoy complex and detailed gameplay will likely love it. The game successfully blends the charm of the original with modern improvements, making it a good option for both veteran Star Ocean fans and newcomers alike.

2026-02-12 23:35