Square Enix released a gameplay demo today for Star Ocean 2 The Second Story R for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch and PC.
The demo allows you to experience up to three hours of the opening of Star Ocean The Second Story R until Claude and Rena leave Krosse Cave. I’m excited to see how Square Enix improved the combat system, as it looks like a meatier experience now, thanks to the addition of breaking enemies, counters, Shield Value, and more.
You also see how wonderful the updated graphics look in the new 2.5D art style.
Alongside a complete graphical overhaul, Star Ocean The Second Story R is getting new music from Motoi Sakuraba, an updated Japanese dub, and new battle mechanics.
As either Claude C. Kenny or Rena Lanford, you’ll embark on an adventure on the planet of Expel. Their paths cross when Claude is transported to Expel by a mysterious device and meets Rena, who believes he is the legendary hero of light. Together, they journey to save Expel from a cosmic threat known as the Sorcery Globe.
For those downloading the demo, progress carries over to the full game. From Square Enix’s Blog, “Everything you earn, including story progress, items, Battle Points (BP) and Skill Points (SP) used to strengthen character skills, will also be transferred into the full game. And while you can’t earn trophies or achievements in the demo, they’ll unlock when you import your demo save data to the full game.”
It was initially released for the PlayStation in 1998 and remastered for the PSP as Star Ocean: Second Evolution in 2008.
