Square Enix has announced that the popular second installment in the STAR OCEAN series, STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY, will be returning as STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R. Originally released in Japan in 1998 for the PlayStation console, the game will now be remade in a 2.5D style.

In a newly revealed trailer, SQUARE ENIX provided fans with a glimpse of STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R. The trailer showcases the game's updated visuals, action-packed gameplay, battle sequences, and new character illustrations by Yukihiro Kajimoto, a veteran of the series. Additionally, the game will feature a rearranged soundtrack by the original composer, Motoi Sakuraba.

STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R has received a charming 2.5D makeover, blending beautiful 3D environments with nostalgic 2D pixel characters. This combination offers players a mix of classic RPG elements and modern gameplay. The remake will retain some of the beloved features from the original release while introducing new gameplay mechanics, including fast-paced, real-time combat, and customizable party progression with various skills such as Cooking, Art, and Metalcraft. Three new difficulty modes, namely "Earth," "Galaxy," and "Universe," have been added to cater to different player preferences.

The game's epic story revolves around Claude, a Federation officer, who gets transported to an undeveloped planet. In his quest to find a way back home, he meets a girl named Rena, and together they embark on a mission to save her people, as prophesied in ancient legends. Players will begin their adventure as either Claude or Rena, and depending on their choice, the perspectives and allies they recruit will change. The game features a unique "Private Actions System," allowing players to deepen relationships with party members and unlock various endings.

STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R will be released with Japanese and English text and voiceover language support, featuring the original cast reprising their roles. Subtitles for French, Italian, German, and Spanish will be added through a software update at launch.

Standard Physical Editions of STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R are available to pre-order now for the Nintendo Switch, PS5 & PS4 consoles, as well as the Standard Digital Edition for PS5 & PS4 consoles, and PC via STEAM. Pre-orders for the Standard Digital Edition for Nintendo Switch will be available at a later date. Players who pre-order the physical or digital editions will receive the following digital content as a pre-order bonus:

Pangalactic Federation Longsword
Forest Knuckles
Sunrise Ring
Set of recovery items (Mixed Berries x20 + Resurrection Potion x20)

STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R COLLECTOR'S EDITION is available as a special, limited-quantity set made for both newcomers and fans of the cult classic.

SET CONTENTS:

- STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R Standard Edition game
- Collector's Edition goods box
STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK COLLECTOR'S EDITION
STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R ART BOOK
STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R Mini Acrylic Stand Collection Box
*This set is a SQUARE ENIX STORE exclusive.

Star Ocean The Second Story R is currently in development for PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and will launch on November 2.

Check out the trailer below.