Star Ocean: The Second Story R

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a 2.5D remake of the 1998 action role-playing game Star Ocean: The Second Story, developed by tri-Ace and published by Square Enix. Originally released in November 2023, it rebuilds the PlayStation classic by placing 2D pixel-art characters within detailed 3D environments, and pairs the visual overhaul with extensive quality-of-life options: players can switch between the original and a newly rearranged soundtrack, choose Japanese or English text and voice, and even swap the Japanese voice track between the original cast and the cast from the PlayStation Portable version, Second Evolution. Modern conveniences include fast travel and streamlined presentation of the game's Skills, Specialties, and Item Creation systems. The story follows Claude, a Federation officer stranded on an underdeveloped planet, who meets a local girl named Rena and is drawn with her into an ancient prophecy; players choose to begin the game as either Claude or Rena, a decision that changes the perspective, available companions, and eventual endings. Its real-time combat, deep skill system, Private Actions between party members, and multiple endings are hallmarks of the original. The remake is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam, and, as of July 16, 2026, natively on Nintendo Switch 2, with the Switch 2 edition running at a higher resolution.