Star Ocean: Till the End of Time Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 55 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 73 Ratings

  • Summary: The first PlayStation 2 installment in the acclaimed science fiction RPG series, the Director's Cut version is considered to be the culmination of the developer?s true vision. STAR OCEAN was originally released with two versions in Japan. The development time was extended for the North American release in order to incorporate the extra features of the Director's Cut, the only stateside release of the title. STAR OCEAN builds on the first-rate concepts of earlier games in the series and leverages the technological capabilities of the PlayStation 2 to surpass them. In addition, the larger data capacity of the Director?s Cut allows for multiple added extras providing the most complete game package possible. Incorporating the new features with gorgeous, extended cinematic sequences and an unparalleled real-time battle system, including a new VS. mode, STAR OCEAN is sure to attract a new group of admirers and thrill the longtime fans of the series. STAR OCEAN's protagonist, Fayt Leingod brings his family and childhood friend, Sophia Esteed to the Federation-managed resort planet Hyda for a long-deserved vacation. Their dreamy holiday turns into a nightmare when Hyda is attacked by an unknown space military. In the heat of the attack, Fayt is separated from Sophia and his family and begins an emotional quest into the unknown to find his loved ones. [Square Enix] Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 55
  2. Negative: 1 out of 55
  1. 94
    If the phenomenal storyline, eye-popping CG cinemas and soulful orchestration weren't enough, the plethora of gameplay nuances and player diversions are sure to make the most jaded gamer giggle like a school girl.
  2. Star Ocean 3 lays out one of the most fun, intriguing and overall best role-playing games not only from just this year, but in any time recently.
  3. This game is the game that the original Japanese release was supposed to be and anyone who has been waiting in anticipation should be satisfied with the finished result.
  4. Simply steeped too deeply in old role-playing game conventions and standbys. Games like "Star Wars: KOTOR" have changed the landscape, while more similar titles like "Final Fantasy X" and "Xenosaga" have a better battle system and a more epic feel, respectively.

See all 55 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 29
  2. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. KennyM
    10
    An engaging storyline, a brilliant soundtrack, loveable characters and 80+ hours of epic gameplay are what Star Ocean 3 bring to the table. I've always been a fan of Final Fantasy and Star Ocean, and I would have to put this title on a par with FFX.

    Negatives? The leveling up can become monotonous further on into the game. Especially after the story has finished if you choose to undertake the bonus dungeons. I put so much time into completing Sphere 211 that it could have been put onto its own disc.

    Bring on Star Ocean 4!
    Expand
  2. Along with Rogue Galaxy this has to be one of the most severely underrated games (by the critics). It deserves much better! There is SO much to do in this game. The plot is great (though a bit cheesy at times) with plenty of surprises along the way. The gameplay is challenging and there are plenty of side quests and secrets to uncover/explore. The environments are so neat and original and the music is fun. Expand
  3. I gave this game a 10/10 for several reasons. The first being the story. This game has a story that keeps you interested through out the entire game and is filled with characters that you actually like. Also due to the large number of Private Actions that you can have the ability to take part in the story changes a bit every time. This leads into my second reason for giving this game a 10 out of 10 and that is it's extremely high replay value. Due to the different romance options that Private Actions give you the ending of the game can vary. Also due to the fact that you have four characters (Albel, Roger, Pepita and Nel) that you have to choose from when filling your party cut scenes change. The last reason that I believe that this game deserves a 10/10 is because of it's length. Due to the Private actions and optional dungeons the main story is pretty long. (A bit more than the average game.) But any real RPG lover wants a challenge and the bonus dungeons in this game do exactly that! The three dungeons that are unlocked after finishing the game will supply any gamer with a challenge and lots of play time. Also the bosses in these dungeons are flash backs to other Tri-Ace games (Freya and Lenneth from Valkyrie Profile). So it's fun to in a way see familiar faces. So in short I would recommend this game to anybody that likes a good RPG. Expand
  4. SamieShaya
    7
    It's a good game, no doubt about that, but it's also much worse than Star Ocean: The Second Story, which in my opinion is the best RPG ever made. The battle system isn't as fun as it was, the story isn't as good, the characters aren't as good. It's a good game, but not a great one. Expand

See all 29 User Reviews