Square Enix, Tri-Ace and Gemdrops’ role-playing game, Star Ocean The Second Story R has achieved over 2,000 “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews on Steam.
Star Ocean The Second Story R director at Gemdrops, Yuichiro Kitao, took to Twitter/X to share that the game has achieved more than 2000 “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews on Steam, indicating its success with fans. He thanked everyone for their support.
Steam reviews have lauded the graphical upgrades as well as the Quality of Life features and refinements among the reasons behind their positive reviews. More than 2000 players have reviewed Star Ocean The Second Story R and 96% of them are positive, which is a substantial achievement, given the high review count. As such, the game’s director is pleased with out things panned out for the Gemdrops developed remake.
While the remake reuses the original 2D sprites from the original game, they are enhanced with dynamic lighting filters to blend better with the environment, similar to other 2D games like Octopath Traveler and Streets of Rage 4. Additionally, scenarios for towns, dungeons, and the overworld have been completely redesigned using 3D models instead of pre-rendered backgrounds. A new soundtrack arranged by Motoi Sakuraba is also included, though players have the option to switch between the classic and arranged tracks at any time.
In terms of Quality of Life features, the remake now includes an auto-save feature and in-game tutorials to give a rundown on the mechanics. There’s no longer a dedicated walk/sprint button, and characters sprint by default. Items are categorized and sorted in the menu, and there’s a database for various info like item and monster encyclopedia, player stats, and past tutorials. Players can control characters when switching leaders, and characters in the active party are visible on screen. The battle party size is adjustable, and d-pad shortcuts offer quick access to map, items, quick heal, and menu.