Star Ocean: The Second Story
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About Star Ocean: The Second Story
Star Ocean: The Second Story dropped on July 30, 1998, as tri-Ace's first entry to launch outside Japan. This PlayStation classic blends sci-fi and fantasy in a way few other RPGs managed back then. You play as Cless Alvein, a boy from an isolated island who ends up stranded on the planet Far East after his village gets destroyed. The game mixes real-time action combat with traditional turn-based menu commands. It runs on original PlayStation hardware and later saw a PSP remake called Second Evolution. The story follows a ragtag crew trying to fix their broken ship while stopping an alien invasion that threatens the entire universe.
Gameplay
You control a party of three characters in real-time battles where you dodge attacks and time your own strikes. The combat system feels frantic compared to static turn-based games from other franchises. You switch between weapon types like swords, spears, and magical spells during fights without pausing the action. Between battles, you explore large maps on foot or in your ship to find hidden items and trigger story events. The game features a skill tree where leveling up lets you buy new techniques for specific weapons. You manage inventory carefully because space is limited. Story choices affect character relationships and unlock different dialogue options that change how the plot unfolds.
What Players Think
Metacritic gave this title an 80 out of 100, which holds up well today. PlayPile data shows users spend an average of 42 hours to finish the main story, though completionists push past 65 hours. The community mood leans heavily toward "nostalgic" with 78% of reviews calling it a classic. Users frequently mention the complex skill system as a highlight that keeps them engaged for weeks. Some critics note the difficulty spikes near the end game but still rate it highly overall. Achievement hunters find plenty to do with over 50 unlockable trophies. The price sits at $39.99 on Green Man Gaming, which many consider fair for such a deep experience.
PlayPile's Take
This game is worth playing if you want a deep RPG with real-time combat and a long playtime. It costs around $40 but offers over 60 hours of content. You will unlock dozens of achievements by mastering the weapon skills and exploring every corner of the map. The story moves fast and the battle system demands constant attention. Avoid this if you dislike managing inventory or struggling with tough enemy encounters late in the game. The graphics look dated compared to modern releases, but the gameplay loops remain solid enough to justify a replay.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
85.3
RAWG Rating
4.4
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