Star Ocean: The Second Story R

Our analysis

An excellent HD-2D remake that delivers some of the most fun in a Square Enix RPG in ages, blending refreshing sci-fi storytelling, dual protagonists, and a brilliantly deep skill system spanning everything from cooking and fishing to writing novels and taming animals. Snappy, fast-leveling combat keeps things consistently enjoyable, and the private-actions system gives welcome focus to relationship-building. Combat can devolve into button-mashing late on and the parry mechanic gets lost amid the effects, but the heart, humor, and replayability make it well worth playing.