Quick hands on with Star Ocean: First Departure

By Spencer . September 20, 2007 . 3:13pm

I can already imagine fans debating about Star Ocean: First Departure. While it looks fantastic compared to the Super Famicom game, the combat system is on iffy ground. When you jump into battle the screen switches to an open field that you can run in. You control a single tiny sprite that represents Ratix. By pressing on the d-pad you can make him run around and pressing the circle button makes him swing his sword. The X button lets you rotate characters so you can switch over to your healer. It’s basic, but the new system is quite an evolution from the Star Ocean of yesteryear on the Super Famicom.

The difference in the combat system is debatable, but I liked the overhaul Star Ocean got. An anime introduction, character portraits and the new graphics make Star Ocean: First Departure more than an advanced port.

TAGS: PSP, Square Enix, Star Ocean

Next >

< Prev

jeffx

I dig it, I don't care for fundamental changes as I haven't played the original that much anyway. Can you ask any rep about a possible US port? that would be quite the scoop... although you already got one with Dungeon Explorer (haven't seen anyone else report on it)

Spencer

Heh. You know Star Ocean is coming to North America.. ;).

Chris

If you actually get free movement, just that alone makes it a huge improvement over the original.

JeremyR

That screenshot illustrates what I always found puzzling about Japanese games. Half of it is in English. HP/MP. Range: Short. I guess the people who play games there know what those words mean, but it just seems strange.