Square Enix shared a new update about Star Ocean: The Second Story R, revealing that the game will include new and remixed songs by original composer Motoi Sakuraba. The company wants to provide “a fresh feel to familiar music” alongside the remake’s new features.
Originally announced in the June 21 Nintendo Direct, Star Ocean: The Second Story R aims to recapture longtime Star Ocean fans and bring newcomers into the fold. Fans will be able to experience new content, select new difficulty modes, and enjoy a faithful telling of Star Ocean: The Second Story’s story in the remake. Moreover, Motoi Sakuraba returns to score the game’s soundtrack.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R New Songs and Features
According to Square Enix, composer Motoi Sakuraba is rearranging the original soundtrack and bringing remixes into the game. The Star Ocean: The Second Story R soundtrack includes new songs and rearranged music tracks. As a result, the soundtrack should feel familiar to fans who played Star Ocean: The Second Story or Star Ocean: Second Evolution while having new music to enjoy. Square Enix also shared two new images of Sakuraba and his team composing and performing music for the upcoming remake.
Alongside new music, players have access to English voice acting from Star Ocean: Second Evolution, the PlayStation Portable remaster of the original Star Ocean: The Second Story. Star Ocean: The Second Story R also includes new Japanese voice recordings from the game’s original cast. Additionally, the remake includes Japanese voice acting from Star Ocean: Second Evolution, and players may switch between all three voice acting options at any time. More languages for text will be added in post-launch updates.
Here’s an overview of the upcoming title, courtesy of Square Enix:
About Star Ocean: The Second Story R
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.
Lastly, Star Ocean: The Second Story R launches November 2 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam.
