One of the most revered and beloved JRPG’s is finally back! Announced during the June edition of the Nintendo Direct, Square Enix has revealed Star Ocean The Second Story R, a remake of the 1998 PlayStation classic and one of the major highlights during what many consider the golden age of RPG’s. The title will be launching for the Nintendo Switch, and other systems such as the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC through Steam on November 2 this year.

Two worlds. One fateful encounter.

Introducing a modern 2.5D remake of one of our most beloved titles – #StarOcean The Second Story R.

Landing on Nintendo Switch, PS5/4 and Steam on November 2, 2023. pic.twitter.com/EbIr3AJLbg

— STAR OCEAN (@StarOcean) June 21, 2023

The remake will consist of the original base game, with a more modern take on the 2D pixel art style with a combination of 3D graphics. A trailer also dropped showcasing the characters running around areas and battling enemies. The landscapes have been given a much more vibrant emphasis that makes all of the colors pop on screen. The dialogue segments also have a full character view with a complete animated art piece when they’re talking. The battles were also given a major facelift, with abilities and attacks gleaming through making it a beautiful display.

The story of Star Ocean The Second Story R follows two main protagonists, Claude C. Kenny and Rena Lanford, whom you will need to select in at the beginning of the game as your main character. Both of the protagonists have different playthrough’s with variations of how the game plays plays out. You’ll be able to recruit different characters and add them to your party, some of which are only accessible if you play as either Claude of Rena. The battle mechanics are all played in real time, allowing you to control the entire party at once and give commands to specific players, or, make them auto battle with a pre-selected style.

As we already mentioned, the original Star Ocean The Second Story launched in 1998 for the PlayStation, with North American getting in 1999 and Europe in 2000. As the name suggests, it was the second entry in the Star Ocean franchise, with the first one releasing back in 1996 for the Super Famicom in Japan only. The title received an updated version in 2008 for the PlayStation Portable; Star Ocean: Second Evolution, making this newest one the third edition of the all-time classic.

Star Ocean The Second Story R will launch later this year on November 2 for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC through Steam.