Star Ocean: First Departure R is just a little rough around the edges, with sound design that could have used an update much like the art got and not enough directions for newcomers. Still, for those who enjoy big-scale adventures with amazing animation, fun dungeons and lots of originality in its storyline, this first installment of the Star Ocean franchise is exactly where to get it.
STAR OCEAN First Departure R
tri-Ace · Dec 5, 2019
About
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. Thus, the story of STAR OCEAN begins...
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Critic reviews
- 8.0Overall, this particular port of Star Ocean is simultaneously the absolute best way to play the game today and a bit underwhelming at the same time. Only little has changed between First Departure and First Departure R, mainly portraits, audio choices and upscaling while the gameplay remains rather outdated. The port was literally made for more sales, but I’m still glad they brought this classic game to modern consoles and I had a bunch of fun playing it once again. Here’s hoping we see a Star Ocean: Second Story R in 2020!
- Its wide variety of options to customize the presentation to your own preferences is one I wish more remasters would take note of, and I had fun despite a cliché story and simplistic combat. At this game’s core, it’s a very average game that set the framework for a very great sequel. I think if Square Enix gets an opportunity to do this again with Star Ocean: Second Evolution, I can easily see them knocking it out of the park.
- 8.5Star Ocean: First Departure R is a phenomenally solid game for those looking for an old-school RPG to play that will also offer a wealth of content and replayability. I enjoyed my time playing this remaster immensely, and became enamored of the story and its characters rather early on. It might not be worth revisiting if you've already played the PSP version, but newcomers should definitely pick up this version of the game to add to their library. Star Ocean: First Departure R is one nostalgic trip to the stars that is well worth taking.
- 8.1I love Star Ocean: First Departure R. It’s a must-play for JRPG fans, and gaming historians. By modern standards, it might seem fairly simple, but this is a port of a PSP port of a Super Famicom game. It holds up very well and is by far the most accessible way to play this first story. Even players who aren’t JRPG fans might really enjoy the combat. Especially if they’re into hack and slash and beat ‘em up games.
- 7.0Calling First Departure R a full remaster is a bit of a disservice. Though the new character artwork and Japanese voice track are nice additions, this is still very much the same Star Ocean game that fans played a decade ago.
Gamer reviews
I'm a sucker for old-school RPG titles, and I am so glad that the Switch brought over Star Ocean: First Departure. And for a really fair/decent price too! The reason I'm giving this game a solid 8.5/10 is because of how amazing the storyline is, given how old this game really is. It's fast-paced, open-world, the skill/level-up system is amazing, and I honestly feel as though this game along with many other titles came out too early for their generation/era of games. Superb title and highly recommended for Open World JRPG fans!
Nostalgia-inducing port to relive the feels with a few additions to the remake. Still a great game! Thumbs up! Although, I did expect more to be added or "remastered" when I heard they were going to bring it on to the N. Switch. They could've at least edited the sprites to match the FDR artwork.
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