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This game can be very entertaining or very frustrasting.

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: October 27, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I'll try to be as objective as I can with this review.

Story: The storyline is similar to most RPGs out there. I won't go into details, but it should be pretty entertaining for most people. However, if you're used to huge stories like FF7-10 or Xenogears, you might find it lacking in this game. One neat thing about SO2 is that you can play as two different characters. The overall journey is still the same, but there are some minor story and gamplay differences. This certainly enhances its replay. The characters you recruit on the way are also all optional. So if you don't like a character, you don't have to take him/her. A big plus.

Gameplay: This is where the entertainment or frustration sets in. SO2's item creation system is extremely complicated, and made worse because the game doesn't explain much about it. We're talking about hours upon hours of experimentations to get the desired items(and you won't even know they're the desired items) from this system. However, if you like experimentation as I do, this game is perfect for you. Another method is to use guides and charts, which you can find online for free easily these days.

The battle system is fun for those who wants to actively participate in them, but will be too much to handle for more laid-back players. You're not going to get away with just jamming the X button like with many Final Fantasy games.

Music/Graphics: Fairly average on both accounts, if you ask me. You probably won't get annoyed by them, but they certainly don't shine.

Problems with the game: This game suffer from two problems. The first is the number of bugs. The game will sometimes freeze right when a battle is over. It happened to me twice my first game and 3 times the next. The other problem is the stupidity of the AI. Because the battle is active, you can only control one character at a time, leaving the AI to control your other ones. Unfortunately, you can't expect the AI to always do the 'logical' thing. It does make the game more difficult, though. :)

Overall: An unpolished game which I enjoyed immensely. However, it's not for everyone.

good game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: March 07, 2000
Author: Amazon User

This is a really good game. There are over 80 possible endings, so it has excellent replay value. I really like the 3-D backgrounds, and all the things you can do in it. There is blacksmithing, art, cooking, music, and much more. There are so many things to do that it is just a great game.

An Original Game

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: June 26, 2000
Author: Amazon User

This game has an interesting plot, unique game play, but sometimes the bosses are so powerful, you have to go to a previously saved level and do some major level building.The FMV's are great but there aren't too many.Private Actions are awesome and there's a wide variety of characters to chose to be in your party. Overall, a good challenge and must have for determined diehard RPG fans!

Great game with few flaws!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: November 11, 1999
Author: Amazon User

This Game has a great story and an excellent assortment of attacks. The Bonus Dungon is the most challanging level of any game I've ever played. Sound isn't that great, but not nessary for game. Over 100 hours of fun.

The 2nd Best RPG of 1999

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: April 09, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Where do I start? The music? The graphics? The gameplay? The 86 possible endings? The backgrounds are almost photographic and detail; the character sprites, while not as good looking, are still in a rather cute anime style. The music was so good that I went through the trouble of importing the soundtrack *and* the arrange album! The gameplay is incredibly addictive. I literally played this game for hours on end experimenting with the Item Creation options and the Private Actions. The battle system is the most fun I've ever had in an RPG. Plus, the aforementioned 86 endings offer endless replay value; a feature quite obviously missing from other games. The only reason why I say it's the second best, not *the* best RPG of 1999 is due to a little game called Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete.

Super-Ultra-Perfect-Mega-Must-Have-Great-Game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: April 02, 2000
Author: Amazon User

I must say, this is possibly the best game I have ever played. Good graphics, interesting characters, great battle system, really cool item creation, tons of endings, etc. You must buy this game.

AWSOME

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: May 20, 2000
Author: Amazon User

You won;t want to stop playing this game!You can be anyone in battle and has cool graphics!GOTTA BUY IT!

When you start you'll never stop!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: May 02, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Oh my God. I have never played a more addicting game. If youhave to play any game, THIS IS IT! You can be any character in thegame in battle but out of battle you can be only two main characters, Claude Kenni ( a strong fighter) or Rena Lanford ( your only good healer). The battle system reminds me of a Link game. Except you can use heraldic spells or Killer Moves. Out of the battle, you have to adapt your skills to make awesome items and weapons. You can develop battle skills out of battle with skill points. Every level you get skill points for those skills. You can ingage in private actions with your own teamates to boost their feelings. You can't say enough good things about this game. I haven't beaten the game but I'm told there are 86 different endings (no kidding)...

A Pleasant Surprise

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: November 27, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Despite its obscure roots, I was surprised by Star Ocean. I bought it used about 6 months ago and it has been making heavy rotation on my PlayStation ever since. It's just so innovative.

On how it fares in the major RPG aspects:

Graphics: Nice, crisp, and smooth. The rendered intro is very cool. It has a similar style to Grandia with sprite charaters and 3D environments sans slowdown.

Story: Above average, but I like the whole sci-fi outer space theme. Also, playing it from 2 perspecives is cool. Dialogue, for the most part, is good, but the reason you play isn't the story, its the...

Battles: One of the best parts. Similar to Grandia but you can atack and move freely. Although many easy battles are hack-hack-slash, the hard battles require skilled movement. Certain ememies need to be struck from behind, you can parry,To reach certain flying enemies, for example, it is easier to have one character balance on another's head to attack!

Characters: About on par with the story. SO:TSS has 8 characters with style, but you don't really connect the way you do in Square RPGs.

Sound: Nothing special music-wise, but the sound effects are good. Also, the charcter voices get EXTERMELY annoying after extensive battling.

Other Notables: Oh, yeah, the REAL reason to buy this game is not mentioned above; the item creation system is simply awesome. You can cook, blacksmith, mix herbs... all to make very useful items instantly. It takes into account your skill in the field and your raw materials, and poof! An item.

Overall: A nice overall package that deserves attention from RPG fans who want a new experience, and/or a break from Final Fantasy. Kudos to developer Tri-Ace for an original RPG concept.

A real sleeper hit

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: July 29, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I've been an RPG fan for longer than I can remember, and have played around 70 of em.

Despite the VERY harsh review of gamecritics.com, I thought this game was actually really good. A nice breath of fresh air from the very linear, but nonetheless brilliant, Final Fantasy games.

Hell, sure the story wasn't to die for,but beautiful music,acool combat system, and tons of replay value make this one that every fan of the genre should own.

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