Star Ocean 1 and 2 destined for PSP rerelease

by Jem Alexander { May 10th 2007 at 7:00AM }

During a recent press conference in Japan, Tri-Ace (in conjunction with Square Enix) have revealed that they will be remaking Star Ocean and Star Ocean: The Second Story for the PSP. Originally on the SNES and the PSX, respectively, these titles should get some decent spit-and-polish treatment before their release. Though from the look of the presentation slides, I wouldn't expect any Final Fantasy III style 3D-ification. But that's ok, 2D better suits the anime style of the game.

While the short blurb is beyond my limited Japanese knowledge, there is mention of the 30th of May. I'm doubtful that will be the release date, though there's the possibility that we'll see some more information being released on that day.

Though there's little more to say than that, we'll let you know of any developments. Be sure to check out the slides captured from the conference over at Gemaga 1985. With Dissidia and now the first two Star Ocean games on the way, it looks like RPG fans are going to have a tough time putting their PSPs down.

PS3 owners, be sure to check out this post over at PS3 Fanboy for more Square Enix news.

[Via GamesAreFun]

Tags: Square Enix, SquareEnix, Star Ocean, StarOcean, Tri Ace, Tri-Ace, TriAce

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

INPAQ @ May 10th 2007 7:34AM

Never played SO1, but SO2 was one my absolute favorite RPGs for PS1 (enjoyed way more than the overhyped FF7). Seriously can't wait for this, thank you SE!!

txa1265 @ May 10th 2007 7:39AM

Never played either, but have heard good things and am always in pursuit of a decent PSP RPG!

daniel-kun @ May 10th 2007 7:40AM

This is so funny. Just one year ago the users where longing for RPGs on the PSP, and now they can't even decide between all the Square Enix treats we're getting.
But till today, I still haven't played a single good RPG (except for Innocent Life, if you count that) on my portable. I am *so* waiting for FF:CC... but for Europe, it will be at least another year till release :(

kingofwale @ May 10th 2007 9:30AM

TWO Star Oceans? I've never played any SO games before, anybody tell us if they are any good?

But hey, RPG for PSP? how could anybody say no?

Sweet, I suppose this is on TOP of the other 'fighting' game we are getting from Enix, right? Along with Crisis Core and FFTACTIC?

*drools*

merc25 @ May 10th 2007 11:04AM

TO those who don't know who tri-Ace is, tri-Ace was started by the majority of the team who did Tales of Phantasia(because of a naming dispute with Namco). The team went on to do Star Ocean, a solid fast paced RPG with multiple paths and endings. Skip some years ahead to release of Valkyrie Profile(which I am sure needs no explaining to you guys). Moving on ahead, we have Star Ocean the Second Story, plays like the first one but with more skills, magic, and in full 3D(it has 2D sprites for the characters and 3D effects for the spells and skills).

Item creation has always played a role in the series, the second game has the best item creation system. You can only get 20 of item instead the traditional 99. Level goes up to 255, trust me it ain't easy to do. In Second Story, the more you use a spell or skill the better it becomes. Also in the second game, are main two storyline paths(depending on the character you select at the beginning), there are a possible of ~85 endings(a end cut scene showing the characters interacting). The series is also known for the relationship system(which ultimately determines the endings you will get), it does this primarily through character interactions in Private Actions.

The first two main series games are good(despite the first one never coming to English speaking shores),
Star Ocean 3: Till the End of Time, however, is a bastardization(and a piss poor game) of the series. Number three has put me off of the entire series, all together.

Alien @ May 10th 2007 12:05PM

Wow , awesome news ... cant wait for the release :D

kingofwale @ May 10th 2007 12:24PM

>merc25

is Second Story on PS1? How many CD were it on? Maybe they can even do an improvement on the graphics

Saigon @ May 10th 2007 12:51PM

"Never played either, but have heard good things and am always in pursuit of a decent PSP RPG!"

I second that.

cafecito @ May 10th 2007 2:14PM

It's great we're getting a lot of RPGs like Star Ocean series and all... but I'd really like some new, original RPGs.

Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed my copy of Valkyrie Profile (Another Tri-Ace masterpiece) but I'm longing for a new experience, instead of a PS1-recycle. A new entry in the Star Ocean universe would've been sweet.

Sweeeeeeeet.