New Features Revealed for Star Ocean: The Second Story R

The highly anticipated action JRPG, Star Ocean: The Second Story R, has unveiled new information in the latest issue of Famitsu. The game, developed by Square Enix and Gemdrops, promises several exciting features that will enhance the gameplay experience.

One of the notable additions is the fast travel functionality, which allows players to easily navigate the game’s expansive world. Icons are used to indicate the significance of different areas, with red representing main story progression, yellow for side activities, and green for Private Action availability. Players will also be informed about limited-time events, enabling them to prioritize their tasks effectively.

In terms of combat mechanics, the game introduces the Break mechanic. This allows players to put enemies into a break state by dealing enough damage, rendering them temporarily immobile and vulnerable to increased damage. Breaking a leader-type enemy will also have a negative impact on other enemies on the field.

Additionally, the Assault Gauge fills over time and, once full, players can perform powerful Assault Actions that call allies to execute devastating attacks. Link Combos enable party members to perform special moves in rapid succession, providing players with the flexibility to choose the order of actions.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R also offers various side activities for players to enjoy. These include fishing, with a comprehensive encyclopedia to complete, and a colosseum where battles have specific conditions. There is also a mention of bunnies, though it remains unclear whether players will be racing them or placing bets.

The game boasts fully voiced event scenes featuring the original voice cast, as well as a newly arranged soundtrack by composer Motoi Sakuraba. Two selectable protagonists, Claude and Rena, offer different perspectives and storylines for players to explore.

With its diverse language support and release for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam on November 2, 2023, Star Ocean: The Second Story R is shaping up to be an exciting and immersive experience for fans of the series.

Sources:
– Famitsu, issue #1815, September 28, 2023.