A Quick Glimpse Into Playstation 3’s Star Ocean – Released At Last!

The Star Ocean franchise has been around for a very long time now, and is still a quietly lucrative alternative to the more famous JRPGs out there. Last year the Xbox 360 was treated to the newest installment within the series; Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope. The game was well received, however a Playstation version was nowhere to be seen. Now, at last, players can pick up Playstation 3’s Star Ocean.

The release of this version isn’t a straight port, but rather is named the ‘international’ edition, and features some minor extras. Firstly, the original Japanese vocal track has been added as an option. This can be a welcome extra for those preferring their JRPGs with a bit more authenticity. Additionally, gamers can toggle the HUD show to reveal the original Japanese artwork for characters. Not a huge extra, but welcome all the same.

Onto the game itself, and Playstation 3’s Star Ocean can not disappoint. The game expands the fighting system of earlier installments within the franchise, providing a easy but fun attack approach which is gradually levelled up as time goes on. New features like the Rush gauge add a brand new spin to the combat, rewarding fast handed gamers with additional advantages.

The plot that runs throughout Playstation 3’s Star Ocean is typically grand, as one would expect from producers Square Enix. A great feature is the optional Private Actions, which allows users to interact among their characters to gain a deeper sense of character development. This might not be integral to the plot, but is great for users hoping to fully immerse themselves with the storyline.

It may have taken a long time, however Playstation 3’s Star Ocean is certainly worth the delay. The visuals, whilst maybe below Final Fantasy standards, are still stunning and the plot can reward you the more you put into it. Any followers of the genre should definitely explore this nice game.