Square Enix’s remastered remake Star Ocean: First Departure R is out today for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. Originally released on the legendary Super Nintendo, this new version is a remaster of a decade-old PSP remake. Check out the launch trailer here!
From a power yet undiscovered, a new generation will be born.
Our tale begins on the primitive planet of Roak where Roddick lives in the peaceful and uneventful town of Kratus.
As a member of the village’s local “Defence Force” tasked with the protection of Kratus, Roddick learns of a mysterious disease that has broken out in the neighboring town. Those infected turn to stone, but continue to live on in a petrified state.
Roddick, along with his two friends Millie and Dorne, make their way to the neighboring town. Informed of a cure for the sickness, they head to Mt. Metorx where a healing herb is rumored to grow. When they reach the summit, the party encounter Ronyx and Ilia, who appear before them in a pillar of light.
Star Ocean: First Departure R was first unveiled earlier this Spring and before the year has ended, fans of JRPG are now fortunate enough to already play it. Since the original game never came out in the West and the only version ever to make to our shores is bound on the ancient PlayStation Portable, Star Ocean: The First Departure never really had the chance to establish itself among other JRPG classics. With Star Ocean: First Departure R, two massively popular home consoles are getting the game at last. The Xbox never truly managed to win the hearts of JRPG players and as such the absence of an Xbox One port is understandable. But no Steam port seems like a mistake as the PC platform is probably home to one of the largest underdog audiences of Japanese games. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a belated PC port sometime down the line.
