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STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R

PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2023

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Quick resume

In this science fantasy RPG, choose between Claude or Rena, play through their perspectives, and unlock various endings. Recruit allies and defeat foes in fast paced real-time battles.

Global score

94/100

Genres

Action, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure

Pros

  • Faithful and high-quality remake
  • Deep crafting and skill systems
  • Nostalgic and immersive
  • Quality of life improvements
  • Multiple endings and replayability

Cons

  • Some voice acting criticized
  • Story considered formulaic by some
  • Combat can be simplistic or uneven
  • Difficulty spikes may frustrate
  • Sedentary gameplay

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to choose protagonist, party members, crafting, and skill development, allowing personal direction."

  • Competence
    4

    "Game offers deep skill systems, crafting, and combat mastery with feedback and challenges, rewarding player effectiveness."

  • Competition
    -2

    "Focus is mainly on personal progression and exploration with limited evidence of direct player-vs-player competition."

  • Continuation
    5

    "Players report long play sessions, multiple playthroughs, and high attachment due to nostalgia and depth."

  • Cooperation
    -1

    "Gameplay centers on individual party management rather than multiplayer cooperation; some party interaction but mostly solo."

  • Creativity
    5

    "Extensive crafting, item creation, character customization, and multiple endings encourage creative play styles."

  • Domination
    -3

    "No evidence of exerting control over others; interactions emphasize equal participation and character relationships."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Strong nostalgic appeal and immersive fantasy world provide escape from real life stresses."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of personal desire and nostalgia, not obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    5

    "Players encouraged to try different party setups, crafting combinations, and skill builds to break or optimize the game."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Game features multiple areas, secrets, and discovery elements with visible enemies and points of interest."

  • Expression
    4

    "Character portraits, voice acting, and customization options allow personal expression within the game."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strongly rooted in sci-fi fantasy with imaginative story, characters, and settings."

  • Fellowship
    1

    "Some community and shared enthusiasm among fans, but gameplay is largely solo-focused."

  • Growth
    5

    "Players learn complex systems, develop strategies, and improve skills through gameplay."

  • Health
    -4

    "Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and engagement; not designed for idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Character interactions and private actions foster emotional connections, though limited to in-game relationships."

  • Leadership
    -2

    "Players manage party but no evidence of leading other players or groups."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong emphasis on leveling, item acquisition, crafting, and unlocking multiple endings."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Players experience flow and enjoyment, though some difficulty spikes cause tension."

  • Sensation
    4

    "Visual and auditory enhancements, including music and voice acting, provide sensory enjoyment."

  • Status
    -2

    "No strong social recognition mechanics; focus is on personal achievement."

  • Story
    3

    "Narrative immersion with character interactions and multiple endings, though story is sometimes formulaic."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Combat and crafting require planning, problem solving, and tactical thinking."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some difficulty spikes and boss fights provide moments of suspense and excitement."

  • Value
    4

    "Players feel the game offers good return on time invested due to depth and replayability."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat and battles are central, involving defeating enemies and bosses."

  • Survival
    2

    "Players manage resources and avoid failure in challenging encounters, though not primary focus."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026