Quick hands on with Star Ocean: First Departure

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.