Unveiling the Long-Awaited Remake of a Classic PS1 RPG

According to recent leaks from the official North American support site for Square Enix, it seems that the classic PlayStation JRPG, Star Ocean 2: The Second Story, may be in the process of being re-released. The game was originally launched in 1998 on the PlayStation, and was localized for North America the following year. Since then, it has undergone several re-releases, including versions for the PlayStation Portable, PS3, PS4, and PlayStation Vita. The game's enduring popularity could be one of the reasons why Square Enix has decided to modernize it for current platforms. Developed by the esteemed studio tri-Ace, Star Ocean: The Second Story is an action-RPG that is known for its unique blend of science fiction and fantasy elements, which combines space travel with medieval environments. Among tri-Ace's RPG repertoire, which includes Valkyrie Profile, Infinite Undiscovery, and Final Fantasy 13-2, Star Ocean 2 is particularly cherished and is often considered to be the definitive entry in the series.

A logo for Star Ocean: The Second Story R was found on the official North America support website for Square Enix, suggesting that a remake of the game is currently in development. Although it is unclear how the banner image was discovered since it has been removed and was not displayed on the website, its upload confirms the existence of the potential remake.

The name of the game is a noteworthy aspect to consider. The original release for PlayStation was titled Star Ocean: The Second Story, but it was later updated and re-released in 2008 as Star Ocean: Second Evolution. With the leaked remake being named Star Ocean: The Second Story R, it is possible that the game will not include the improvements and new content introduced in Second Evolution. These additions included a new playable character, 13 additional endings, expanded and added cutscenes, fully voiced acting, and a comprehensive overhaul of the game's combat system. Fans are likely hoping that the majority of these enhancements will be retained in Star Ocean: The Second Story R.

A new version of Star Ocean 2 seems like a logical step for Square Enix, especially given the relatively minor changes made to the first game's remake. While it's unclear when an official announcement will be made, it's possible that the game could be revealed at any time as a surprise release, rather than being included in one of the major gaming events of the summer. It's worth noting that there are indications that Star Ocean: The Second Story R is currently in development.

Source: RPG Site