Comments on: Star Ocean: Second Evolution: Still Stunning After All These Years http://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/01/star-ocean-second-evolution-still-stunning-after-all-these-years/ The secret level in the world of video game news. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:27:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: mikehttp://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/01/star-ocean-second-evolution-still-stunning-after-all-these-years/comment-page-1/#comment-611827 mike Thu, 11 Jun 2009 05:39:30 +0000 http://www.siliconera.com/?p=27172#comment-611827 oh, yeah i would like to add, they removed the flashback when Dias was blooded with cecille killed by the bandits. (correct me here though, maybe i just missed it, but i was really hoping to see it, otherwise. oh, yeah i would like to add, they removed the flashback when Dias was blooded with cecille killed by the bandits. (correct me here though, maybe i just missed it, but i was really hoping to see it, otherwise.

]]> By: mikehttp://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/01/star-ocean-second-evolution-still-stunning-after-all-these-years/comment-page-1/#comment-571583 mike Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:39:30 +0000 http://www.siliconera.com/?p=27172#comment-571583 oh, yeah i would like to add, they removed the flashback when Dias was blooded with cecille killed by the bandits. (correct me here though, maybe i just missed it, but i was really hoping to see it, otherwise. oh, yeah i would like to add, they removed the flashback when Dias was blooded with cecille killed by the bandits. (correct me here though, maybe i just missed it, but i was really hoping to see it, otherwise.

]]> By: mikehttp://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/01/star-ocean-second-evolution-still-stunning-after-all-these-years/comment-page-1/#comment-571508 mike Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:31:07 +0000 http://www.siliconera.com/?p=27172#comment-571508 PERKS<br>- Hit 3x instead of 1. Good<br>- You can now chain skill with your attacks. Good<br>- Voices (it is actually okay, because you are given the skip function, AND better private quality time)<br>- More PA's added (some are very funny!)<br>- More skills?(Learn skill) i dont know though<br>- Pictures with the text + voices add to a rich dialouge<br>(and makes you identify what they actually look like)<br><br><br>CONS<br>- Character Pictures changed at the status screen<br>(i like the original i think we all do)<br><br>- some voice inconsistencies and sprites inconsistencies as stated above.<br>(Tri ace made a good job at the sprite detail, but square enix got lazy about it.)<br><br>- TAUNT skill removed?? <br>(i dont know how to use in battle anymore it was important for me!)<br><br>- Flip skill removed (needed it for a good sword dance but at least hitting 3x is better)<br><br>- EXPLOSION ANIMATION REMOVED!<br>(damn this was my favorite and they removed the distortion animation at 2nd evo, and now it is not. Eruption now does better. Major bummer!)<br><br>- Orchestra was made a lot easier<br>(Before, obtaining orchestra was one of the hardest to do in SO 2nd story as you had to find out which character uses which instrument, but this was changed in 2nd Evo, which any char can create music from any instrument. The point being, they removed the original intended difficulty for a very powerful skill now made a bit too cheap.)<br><br>- changing HERALDRY to SYMBOLOGY (kinda sucked, it would have been better if it was like "ARCANE", but i guess they had trademark issues. But they could have thought of something much much better.)<br><br>- Canvas pictures does not reveal the whole body when you try to look at the portrait anymore... (unlike in SO 2nd story, celine anyone?)<br><br>NOW comparing these... now i dont know.. i guess I like the original better... PERKS
- Hit 3x instead of 1. Good
- You can now chain skill with your attacks. Good
- Voices (it is actually okay, because you are given the skip function, AND better private quality time)
- More PA's added (some are very funny!)
- More skills?(Learn skill) i dont know though
- Pictures with the text + voices add to a rich dialouge
(and makes you identify what they actually look like)

CONS
- Character Pictures changed at the status screen
(i like the original i think we all do)

- some voice inconsistencies and sprites inconsistencies as stated above.
(Tri ace made a good job at the sprite detail, but square enix got lazy about it.)

- TAUNT skill removed??
(i dont know how to use in battle anymore it was important for me!)

- Flip skill removed (needed it for a good sword dance but at least hitting 3x is better)

- EXPLOSION ANIMATION REMOVED!
(damn this was my favorite and they removed the distortion animation at 2nd evo, and now it is not. Eruption now does better. Major bummer!)

- Orchestra was made a lot easier
(Before, obtaining orchestra was one of the hardest to do in SO 2nd story as you had to find out which character uses which instrument, but this was changed in 2nd Evo, which any char can create music from any instrument. The point being, they removed the original intended difficulty for a very powerful skill now made a bit too cheap.)

- changing HERALDRY to SYMBOLOGY (kinda sucked, it would have been better if it was like “ARCANE”, but i guess they had trademark issues. But they could have thought of something much much better.)

- Canvas pictures does not reveal the whole body when you try to look at the portrait anymore… (unlike in SO 2nd story, celine anyone?)

NOW comparing these… now i dont know.. i guess I like the original better…

]]> By: mikehttp://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/01/star-ocean-second-evolution-still-stunning-after-all-these-years/comment-page-1/#comment-571350 mike Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:06:41 +0000 http://www.siliconera.com/?p=27172#comment-571350 May i ask a question?<br><br>In the Original 2nd story - ( well if i can remember correctly) if i go for a private action i can select the non-main characters i would like (noel, dias ashton celine etc. -) so i could use them for pickpocket and also edit the endings<br><br>But now in the 2nd evolution - i cant choose the optional characters anymore..... bummer... though... i dont know if the what i am typing here is correct, but it seems to be apparent in my situation... i just want to know if i could ever control the non-main characters, it is what i am mainly after now..... can anyone answer? thanks! <br><br>email May i ask a question?

In the Original 2nd story – ( well if i can remember correctly) if i go for a private action i can select the non-main characters i would like (noel, dias ashton celine etc. -) so i could use them for pickpocket and also edit the endings

But now in the 2nd evolution – i cant choose the optional characters anymore….. bummer… though… i dont know if the what i am typing here is correct, but it seems to be apparent in my situation… i just want to know if i could ever control the non-main characters, it is what i am mainly after now….. can anyone answer? thanks!

email

]]> By: kelseahttp://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/01/star-ocean-second-evolution-still-stunning-after-all-these-years/comment-page-1/#comment-565418 kelsea Mon, 16 Mar 2009 01:42:34 +0000 http://www.siliconera.com/?p=27172#comment-565418 The first thing that bothered me about the translation was that they pronounce Rena differantly than what I'm used to. In the anime, they say "Reh-na." In the new translation, they say "Ray-na"<br>Whichever is correct isn't the issue, it's just not what I'm used to. <br><br>I'm really happy with Leon's voice though. It sounds very close to his original voice, which is good, because it was freaking perfect. The first thing that bothered me about the translation was that they pronounce Rena differantly than what I'm used to. In the anime, they say “Reh-na.” In the new translation, they say “Ray-na”
Whichever is correct isn't the issue, it's just not what I'm used to.

I'm really happy with Leon's voice though. It sounds very close to his original voice, which is good, because it was freaking perfect.

]]> By: Vrakanoxhttp://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/01/star-ocean-second-evolution-still-stunning-after-all-these-years/comment-page-1/#comment-562971 Vrakanox Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:07:36 +0000 http://www.siliconera.com/?p=27172#comment-562971 Very good review, I've been rocking this game since it came out. So many choices and so much replayability! I've been recommending this one to my friends. It's one of the best RPG's I've played in a good while. After playing the original and this one for the psp I am very excited about number 4. Very good review, I've been rocking this game since it came out. So many choices and so much replayability! I've been recommending this one to my friends. It's one of the best RPG's I've played in a good while. After playing the original and this one for the psp I am very excited about number 4.

]]> By: ShadowYurihttp://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/01/star-ocean-second-evolution-still-stunning-after-all-these-years/comment-page-1/#comment-562965 ShadowYuri Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:48:09 +0000 http://www.siliconera.com/?p=27172#comment-562965 Thanks for the aperçu ^_^<br>lostinblue : as far as I know, the framerate issue with First Departure was coming from the new model of PSP... Didn't have any, with my system bought a year ago.<br><br>It seems that everything I enjoyed in the first PSP remake will be there again (a lot of voice acting during events, mainly), so I should have a good "Private Time"... Although I don't find the battle system to be as enjoyable as a Tales of, the Star Ocean series seems to be feeling better than ever. Can't wait to play The Last Hope ! Thanks for the aperçu ^_^
lostinblue : as far as I know, the framerate issue with First Departure was coming from the new model of PSP… Didn't have any, with my system bought a year ago.

It seems that everything I enjoyed in the first PSP remake will be there again (a lot of voice acting during events, mainly), so I should have a good “Private Time”… Although I don't find the battle system to be as enjoyable as a Tales of, the Star Ocean series seems to be feeling better than ever. Can't wait to play The Last Hope !

]]> By: ed smithhttp://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/01/star-ocean-second-evolution-still-stunning-after-all-these-years/comment-page-1/#comment-562963 ed smith Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:45:09 +0000 http://www.siliconera.com/?p=27172#comment-562963 Ahhhhh, you taunt me with mention of Star Ocean: Blue Sphere. I still remember how bad I wanted to play that when I was a kid -- how I kept hoping it would come over -- only to have my dreams crushed lol<br><br>great review! Ahhhhh, you taunt me with mention of Star Ocean: Blue Sphere. I still remember how bad I wanted to play that when I was a kid — how I kept hoping it would come over — only to have my dreams crushed lol

great review!

]]> By: Jennihttp://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/01/star-ocean-second-evolution-still-stunning-after-all-these-years/comment-page-1/#comment-562961 Jenni Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:39:46 +0000 http://www.siliconera.com/?p=27172#comment-562961 I haven't had any lagging or glitching - battles are smooth and fluid for me. <br><br>I have noticed that sometimes, while running on the world map, that the area ahead doesn't always pop up as quickly as it should, but other than that - perfect. :D I haven't had any lagging or glitching – battles are smooth and fluid for me.

I have noticed that sometimes, while running on the world map, that the area ahead doesn't always pop up as quickly as it should, but other than that – perfect. :D

]]> By: Jennihttp://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/01/star-ocean-second-evolution-still-stunning-after-all-these-years/comment-page-1/#comment-562960 Jenni Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:38:42 +0000 http://www.siliconera.com/?p=27172#comment-562960 Yup, they're called robbies. Or one was called Robbie. I chose Bowman over Precis this round, so I'm not sure...<br><br>Yup! I recruited Celine and Ashton my first time around to check that, and have already secured their endings.<br><br>Right now I'm trying to get a Rena/Dias, so I don't want to have Claude in the party too much till I recruit him. What I'll try and do is get a Claude/Welch to see if that's possible. I may not be able to check that out completely until a second playthrough as well though, since Rena's my main character this playthrough. Yup, they're called robbies. Or one was called Robbie. I chose Bowman over Precis this round, so I'm not sure…

Yup! I recruited Celine and Ashton my first time around to check that, and have already secured their endings.

Right now I'm trying to get a Rena/Dias, so I don't want to have Claude in the party too much till I recruit him. What I'll try and do is get a Claude/Welch to see if that's possible. I may not be able to check that out completely until a second playthrough as well though, since Rena's my main character this playthrough.

]]> By: denpanosekaihttp://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/01/star-ocean-second-evolution-still-stunning-after-all-these-years/comment-page-1/#comment-562945 denpanosekai Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:12:44 +0000 http://www.siliconera.com/?p=27172#comment-562945 It was fine to me, but then again I run every game off the memory stick. It was fine to me, but then again I run every game off the memory stick.

]]> By: lostinbluehttp://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/01/star-ocean-second-evolution-still-stunning-after-all-these-years/comment-page-1/#comment-562943 lostinblue Mon, 02 Feb 2009 02:48:06 +0000 http://www.siliconera.com/?p=27172#comment-562943 I have a question, I heard voice acting on Star Ocean 1 remake was bad, seeing that this is (I think) the same engine, was that fixed? are battles constantly fluid now? I have a question, I heard voice acting on Star Ocean 1 remake was bad, seeing that this is (I think) the same engine, was that fixed? are battles constantly fluid now?

]]> By: Nyanyaanhttp://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/01/star-ocean-second-evolution-still-stunning-after-all-these-years/comment-page-1/#comment-562939 Nyanyaan Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:58:18 +0000 http://www.siliconera.com/?p=27172#comment-562939 Just looking through the guide also Precises Bohbots get a name change in the localization. Some of the new designs which I know are based on the anime threw me too -- Celine does come across a few years too old, Leon now far more emphases the beastman and Rena looks like shes like um 8 or something. But given even in it's original form Second Story is one of my 2-3 all time favs I'll live with it.<br><br>As this new guide is not quite as comprensive as the PS1 one, do we know what changes have been made in the endings? Are specials like Celine marrying the Prince of Cross and being able to save the sick girl still available? Is Claude-Welch possible? That one would be interesting since it's kind of looking like shes being used as a new mascot type character, and several of the original pairings at the end were quite final. (i.e. the one where Rena ends up staying wih Claude). Just looking through the guide also Precises Bohbots get a name change in the localization. Some of the new designs which I know are based on the anime threw me too — Celine does come across a few years too old, Leon now far more emphases the beastman and Rena looks like shes like um 8 or something. But given even in it's original form Second Story is one of my 2-3 all time favs I'll live with it.

As this new guide is not quite as comprensive as the PS1 one, do we know what changes have been made in the endings? Are specials like Celine marrying the Prince of Cross and being able to save the sick girl still available? Is Claude-Welch possible? That one would be interesting since it's kind of looking like shes being used as a new mascot type character, and several of the original pairings at the end were quite final. (i.e. the one where Rena ends up staying wih Claude).

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