Star Ocean The Second Story R has been revitalized with a charming 2.5D aesthetic that combines beautiful 3D environments with nostalgic 2D pixel characters, offering players both a classic RPG and modern gameplay experience.

Players can expect to find some of the original features that made the original release so memorable alongside brand-new gameplay features including fast-paced, real-time combat and battle mechanics to strategically defeat foes, customizable party progression with an array of skills, including Cooking, Art, Metalcraft, and more. Three new difficulty modes have also been introduced including “Earth” which provides a standard experience, “Galaxy” for those looking for a more satisfying challenge, and “Universe” for seasoned players looking to put their skills to the ultimate test.

The epic story begins with Claude, a Federation officer, who finds himself transported to an undeveloped planet. While searching for a way home, an encounter with a girl named Rena draws them into a quest to save her people, just as an ancient prophecy foretold. Players will begin their adventure with either Claude or Rena, and depending on their choice, the perspectives and the allies' players recruit will change. Players will get to know party members through the unique ‘Private Actions System’, which will allow them to grow relationships and unlock a variety of different endings.

What’s in the Star Ocean The Second Story R demo?

The free demo lets you experience this interstellar adventure for three hours or until you make your way to the exit of Krosse Cave - whichever comes first.

In that time, you’ll get to see how the story gets underway as Pangalactic Federation officer Claude C. Kenny is transported to a mysterious location by an equally mysterious mechanism. Around that time, a local named Rena, is attacked by a monster in the Sacred Forest. Claude jumps into action and saves her, but his advanced technology means Rena mistakes him for a hero of myths from her homeland.

She hopes he can save her nation, while he wants to find a way back home. Together, they set off for the village of Arlia… and an epic adventure begins.

The game’s Dual Protagonist system means you can start your journey as either Claude or Rena, and both options are available in the demo. If you’re playing the game for the first time, we recommend starting with Claude, but the choice is yours. Depending on the hero you pick as your lead, the perspectives and allies you can recruit throughout the full game will change.

Whoever you choose as the lead, you’ll get to explore the opening field areas in their beautiful new 2.5D art style, which combines expressive 2D pixel art characters with attractive 3D environments.

You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to test out the combat system, which allows for blisteringly fast-paced battles, where ‘breaking’ enemies allows you to dish out spectacular damage in seconds. It’s flashy, visually explosive and super-satisfying.

Please note that there have been some minor adjustments for this demo and some features of the full game are not available. In addition, your character level is capped at 12. If you hit that, battles will no longer give you experience or other rewards.

Does your progress in the demo carry over to the full game?

Yes, it does!

If you purchase the full version of Star Ocean The Second Story R on the same platform you played the demo, you’ll be able to import your save data to the full game.

Everything you earn, including story progress, items, Battle Points (BP) and Skill Points (SP) used to strengthen character skills, will also be transferred into the full game. And while you can’t earn trophies or achievements in the demo, they’ll unlock when you import your demo save data to the full game.

In short, you’ll be able to carry on from exactly where you left off!

Pre-order the game to get access to some awesome bonuses:

• Weapon for Claude: Pangalactic Federation longsword
• Weapon for Rena: Forest Knuckles

There’s also an early purchase bonus available:

• Sunrise Ring accessory
• 20 x Resurrection Potions
• 20 x Mixed Berries

Early purchase bonus available if you buy the game before 23:59, November 16, 2023 (Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4) or 8:59 PST / 17:59 CET / 16:59 GMT, November 16th, 2023 (Steam).

Star Ocean The Second Story R will launch with Japanese and English text and voiceover language support, with voiceovers performed by members of the original cast. Subtitle support for French, Italian, German, and Spanish will also be available via a software update at launch.

Star Ocean The Second Story R will be available for Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4 and PC (Steam) on November 2, 2023.