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Star Ocean: The Second Story

Developer: tri-Ace Publisher: Enix
30 July 1998
Star Ocean: The Second Story - cover art
Glitchwave rating
3.69 / 5.0
0.5
5.0
 
 
75 Ratings /
#1,065 All-time
#41 for 1998
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In collection Want to buy Used to own  
1998 tri-Ace Enix  
2xCD-ROM
JP 4 988601 003124 SLPM-86105 / SLPM-86106
1999 tri-Ace Enix  
2xCD-ROM
XNA 7 11719 44212 7 SCUS-94421 / SCUS-94422
2xCD-ROM
GB 7 11719 15782 3 SCES-02159 / SCES-12159
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Star Ocean: The Second Story is first and foremost, the grinder's dream. Realizing the depths that their previous title's skill system was capable of, Tri-Ace further improved surrounding gameplay aspects such as its massively raised level cap and added complementary mechanics such as character-specific talents. This system at least enables players to work towards a goal beyond simple levelling not unlike the original, but allows for greater, more reasonable end points. While combat remained the same from the series' debut, the pace is less frenetic and not nearly as tedious, with long-winded spell and attack animations breaking up the monotony into tolerable chunks. Also of note are the various environmental effects on the battle screen that add some layer of strategy to combat.

But this sequel also succeeds on more than a single overarching mechanic. The story in particular operates on a more personal level than the first, with effective uses of character moments and generally better pacing. The returning slew of optional characters are unfortunately meaningless in terms of story impact - reducing the game to focus on only two major characters, but the cast's design, personality, and sub-stories are at least memorable.
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Blah_Blee 2021-06-28T13:56:05Z
2021-06-28T13:56:05Z
7 /10
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Catalog

Dragonhawk Star Ocean: The Second Story 2024-03-17T14:30:26Z
2024-03-17T14:30:26Z
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
Anatommy Star Ocean: The Second Story 2024-03-12T10:17:57Z
2024-03-12T10:17:57Z
3.0
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
HSoaresLima Star Ocean: The Second Story 2024-02-14T02:35:54Z
2024-02-14T02:35:54Z
4.5
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
Giann96 Star Ocean: The Second Story 2024-01-21T00:30:47Z
PS1 • XNA
2024-01-21T00:30:47Z
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
Donnie_Dedalus Star Ocean: The Second Story 2024-01-08T15:48:47Z
PS1 • XNA
2024-01-08T15:48:47Z
4.0
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
mickilennial Star Ocean: The Second Story 2024-01-04T17:20:48Z
PS1 • XNA
2024-01-04T17:20:48Z
4.0
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
hevykofe Star Ocean: The Second Story 2024-01-04T11:41:29Z
PS1 • XNA
2024-01-04T11:41:29Z
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
Moonlight_Shiori Star Ocean: The Second Story 2024-01-01T05:20:54Z
2024-01-01T05:20:54Z
C
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
Pashmee Star Ocean: The Second Story 2023-12-23T22:00:02Z
2023-12-23T22:00:02Z
3.0
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
guttertransbian Star Ocean: The Second Story 2023-12-23T00:19:29Z
2023-12-23T00:19:29Z
4.0
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
Sverkhchelovekunilingus Star Ocean: The Second Story 2023-11-25T17:15:38Z
2023-11-25T17:15:38Z
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
townandcountry Star Ocean: The Second Story 2023-11-06T03:42:37Z
2023-11-06T03:42:37Z
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
Player modes
Single-player
Media
2x CD-ROM
Franchises
Also known as
  • スターオーシャン セカンドストーリー
  • スターオーシャン2 Second Evolution
  • Star Ocean2 セカンドエヴォリューション
  • View all [3] Hide

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  • slib 2020-08-23 02:52:11.865439+00
    been replaying and I'm convinced this may be the best JRPG on the PSX
    reply
    • slib 2020-09-06 20:57:14.122298+00
      well it's the best Action RPG at any rate
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  • Miry 2021-11-15 21:05:20.025163+00
    got this one for around £100. is a solid jrpg with an engrossing and sweet storyline. it's well-known for its large variety of endings (87 to be exact).

    regarding the criticisms, i'm personally not too keen on the battle system, which i find too troublesome for its own good. i believe there are also "affection points" (the compatibility rating you share with party members) which you can alter through "private actions", which can further be activated when you're outside of a town. the game isn't explicit on this concept, and it's something i found out through google searching. i wish i found that out sooner.

    other than that, it's a great little jrpg. if you're thinking of purchasing it (it's not cheap), then i'd say go for it. it's definitely good for multiple playthroughs.
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  • Tarafaeryn 2022-12-25 12:00:49.297723+00
    The perfect jrpg for people that hate turn based combat
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  • Regal_Throes 2023-08-24 14:23:09.250556+00
    The only PS1 JRPG on par with Suikoden II imo.
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