84
CRITIK
Star Ocean: The Second Story R
Two worlds, one fateful encounter. In an endless sea of stars, at the edge of the universe, two people who live in different worlds go on a journey to save planet Expel. Choose your path and witness an awakened destiny.
Critik
Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
84
Critics overwhelmingly praise the compelling and well-written storyline of Star Ocean: The Second Story R, with unexpected twists and interesting character encounters. While some critics mention RPG tropes and pacing issues, the majority find the story enjoyable, highlighting its strengths in character relationships and storytelling. Positive reviews from various sources underscore the game's narrative quality, making it a standout feature despite some minor criticisms.
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Gameplay
89
Critics rave about the gameplay of Star Ocean: The Second Story R, praising its improved combat system with new mechanics and strategic depth. Customization options and exploration are lauded for adding to the game's enjoyment. Some critics note minor drawbacks like clunky combat and tedious dungeon design, but overall, the game's core mechanics have stood the test of time and provide an engaging experience with freedom and depth.
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Graphics and Visual Design
91
Critics overwhelmingly praised Star Ocean: The Second Story R for its stunning blend of 2D sprites and 3D backgrounds, with the HD-2D style breathing new life into the game's visuals. While some minor criticisms were raised, like characters feeling out of place and texture pop-in issues on the Switch version, the game was hailed for its deep graphical overhaul and stable frame rates. Overall, the remake was a visual success, impressing critics and creating an immersive world true to its original charm.
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Music and Sound Design
82
Critics praised the enhanced soundtrack and voice acting in Star Ocean: The Second Story R, with high marks for the full orchestra and multiple language options. While some noted issues like lack of variation in the soundtrack and voice acting context, overall, the Sound Design and Music were seen as positive additions to the game's atmosphere and experience.
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Voice Acting
73
The voice acting in Star Ocean: The Second Story R receives mixed reviews, with praise for offering English and Japanese voice options, improved performances, and bringing characters to life with emotions. However, criticisms include humdrum line reads, subpar English voice acting, and inconsistencies in matching dialogue emotions. Overall, while having its strengths and weaknesses, the voice acting adds to the story's pace and character depth.
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Technical Performance
84
Critics rave about Star Ocean: The Second Story R's stellar technical performance on various platforms, especially on the PlayStation 5 with stable frame rates and resolutions. Minor issues like texture pop-in on the Nintendo Switch were noted but not game-breaking. Overall, the game delivers a smooth gaming experience across all platforms, ensuring players enjoy a technically solid performance no matter where they play.
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Replay Value
85
Critics rave about Star Ocean: The Second Story R's replay value, praising its vast content, multiple endings, and customizable party members. The game's New Game Plus feature, high level of choice, and optional side stories enhance replayability. Minor drawbacks include the need for multiple playthroughs and party slot management. Overall, the game offers excellent replay value, with critics like Digital Chumps and RPG Site applauding its positive aspects.
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Overall Verdict
Critics overwhelmingly praise Star Ocean: The Second Story R for its captivating story, enjoyable gameplay, stunning visuals, and faithful remake that appeals to both newcomers and fans of classic JRPGs. While some critics mention inconsistencies and a drop in quality in final areas, the majority agree that the game successfully modernizes the original with new content, making it a standout RPG and a must-play for players old and new.
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84
CRITIK
Reviews
81 reviews found100
Digitallydownloaded.net
Nov 1, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a modernized remake that retains all the great qualities of the original while giving it a luxurious overhaul. It is considered a masterpiece of the genre and highly recommended for JRPG fans.
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95
Press-start.com.au
Nov 1, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
The review concludes that Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a tremendous remake, praising the visual overhaul, the depth added to the mechanics, and considering it one of the best RPGs ever made.
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95
Universonintendo.com
Nov 1, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
The reviewer highly recommends Star Ocean The Second Story R as a standout classic JRPG with improved graphics and gameplay.
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92
Rpgfan.com
Nov 1, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R is considered the definitive version of the game and one of the best games in the series, with overwhelming accomplishments and few flaws.
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90
Destructoid.com
Nov 1, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
The review describes the game as a classic that captures the otherworldly wonder of its predecessor. It recommends the game to every RPG fan and hopes for a new beginning for the series' future.
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90
Psu.com
Nov 1, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a standout RPG and a blueprint for remaking classic titles in a modern era.
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90
Nintendolife.com
Nov 1, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R is one of the most impressive RPG releases of 2023, with a compelling story, thrilling combat, gorgeous visuals, and a remixed soundtrack.
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90
Nintenderos.com
Nov 1, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Una auténtica joya para los amantes de los juegos de rol clásicos
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90
Inverse.com
Nov 1, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Star Ocean The Second Story R is a stunning remake that meaningfully updates a classic RPG. It is one of the most impressive remakes Square Enix has put out to date. The main narrative still feels a bit slow and underdeveloped at times, but so much has been improved that it hardly matters. Sets a high new benchmark for how to remake classic RPGs.
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90
Atomix.vg
Nov 1, 2023
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a successful remake that captures the essence of the original while offering a fresh and updated experience. It is a great entry point for newcomers to the series and offers a unique and enjoyable RPG experience.
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