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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
Star Ocean: The Second Story
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 13 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 11 votes
Read user comments
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Game Info
Publisher: Enix Corporation
Developer: Tri-Ace
Genre(s): Third-Person Action, Role-Playing Game
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: July 30, 1998
Summary
In an endless sea of stars, at the edge of the universe, a single fateful encounter is about to take place. For the gods have hurled a deadly meteorite into an unsuspecting planet, unleashing powerful mysteries and sudden chaos. Now, two people from different worlds will collide into a journey so deep, they might not ever make it back. [Enix]
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Just RPG
I would have to say the single feature that most caught my attention would have to be the emotional points. Started in the original Star Ocean game, it has been honed and perfected in the sequel (I am told it's better in the next in the series).
Read Full Review >PSX Nation
The problem I found here is that swithcing between characters in your party and trying to control them all at once is pretty hard. It's nice that Enix and Tri-Ace added the option to choose but we feel that the standard is the way to go.
Read Full Review >IGN
It's so full of optimization that's it's bound to be one of the classics for PlayStation. It stands out from the rest in several areas, the integral Item Creation, group spells, Custom Combinations, Individual Skills, and the many characters that can be played throughout.
Read Full Review >Absolute Playstation
As with all RPG's, it's really all about the story and this is where Star Ocean really succeeds. Besides being an incredibly long game to play, it's also interesting and has characters that you want to root for and see victorious.
Read Full Review >TotalGames.net
If you persist past the ugly and confusing combat and a Bible worth of speech, there is a harmlessly atmospheric, quirky game underneath.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
With at least 50 hours of gaming in each character's scenario, Star Ocean might not be compelling enough to play through twice, but the first time is as engaging as any RPG you're likely to play. Highly recommended in any case.
Read Full Review >GamePro
Although it's far from perfect, Star Ocean: The Second Story is a remarkably expansive game with a complex, immersive plot and highly compelling characters.
Read Full Review >Electric Playground
The Second Story, with it’s excellent skill system, item creation and complicated character relationships, takes two steps forward in RPG gaming. Unfortunately, it takes one of those steps back by being mired in some old and tired RPG conventions and by lack of documentation.
Read Full Review >All Game Guide
The amout of things to do in this game is staggering. From the Private Actions to the Skills, this game will keep you occupied for many, many days.
Read Full Review >PSM Magazine
Delivers an engaging adventure for an instant role-playing classic.
Game Revolution
While it doesn't provide the graphical flash of "Final Fantasy 8," it delivers a different graphical beauty that feels warmer than the all too familiar polygonal experience. It's got a good story that sadly weakens at the end; though there's just enough steam left to get you through.
Read Full Review >Gaming Age
Gamers will no doubt enjoy the flexible interface with its different options, not to mention the game as a whole.
Read Full Review >GameCritics
It leaves out the most crucial element: a compelling story. The story is predictable and unimaginative and little is done to move the story forward any faster than at a snail's pace.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 9.7 (out of 10) based on 11 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Chris P. gave it a10:
Absolutely amazing. The combat has tossed aside the boring turn based system for a more challenging free movement system. The storyline has a few cracks but nowhere near as much as other RPG's and it more than makes up for that with the ability to tinker with how your characters feel about one another. The Private Action system allows you to actually interact with your characters and learn more about their past, and... well your main characters past. The music, composed by Motoi Sakuraba is some of the best music you'll hear anywhere. Do yourself a favor and try this game out. It might be challenging at first, but the payoffs later on will become so very apparent.
William A. gave it a 10:
To me personally i think the game kicks ass. granted controlling so many characters is difficult but after a while it becomes normal. also the gameplay is smooth and the story is solid (and funny depending on who is with you) the private action is a novel idea more rpg's should try to include this feature in their games as well. i couldn't really begin to truly praise this game and that's a lot from me considering i'm almost a straight squaresoft fan been playing since final fantasy for nes.
Vid M. gave it a 7:
Loved the first world. Hated the second. First twenty hours or so are awesome, but by then the game has played itself out.
