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Excellent game with some flaws

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: June 22, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Personally, this game tops one of my favorites. This is the first game in the series that I played, and I was motivated to play it after exploring a prequel being made. I found the story to seem solid and the battle system to be adequate, so onward I went to find the game and play it.

Starting out, I found that for being on the PS2, it had rather good graphics. Most of the characters were well designed and their costumes looked very good. However, the amount of costumes were rather limited. Additionally I could easily pick out which characters were more developed in terms of graphics. For example, Fayt, the protagonist who is with his friend and parents on a vacation planet of Hydra IV, had a well-developed round face, hair that moved as he moved, and an overall had a nice look. Very early in the game you meet a group of circus performers and one is dubbed 'Ursus the Strong.' Looking at his design, you can see some not-so-great alignment in his costume and he has a somewhat mediocre look.

As with many JRPGS (Japanese Role Playing Games), story, dialogue, and characters are important. Starting with story, I must say that at the beginning, its simplistic nature was actually enjoyable although not original. However, as the game progressed, a major plot twist occurs and throws the game into a different direction and creates a very original atmosphere. Although I overall liked the story, the plot twist that happens makes the characters seem insignificant and the train of though can be confusing. However, most terms used in the game can be accessed by a very optional and helpful dictionary that outlines all the terms used in the game, whether it be a planet, race, or concept.

Moving on, we get to the dialogue. Be warned that this game has a lot of dialogue. Normally, that is a very good thing as it sinks the players into the game more. However, the dialogue could have been executed better. The voice acting was very good, but the pauses in-between conversations sound very awkward and out of place. If you like dialogue and story above actual playing, this game will give you its fair share, as almost every area has scripted dialogue.

As with every RPG, there is a great deal of design put on the characters. Fayt Leingod, the protagonist, is an Earth-born male college student who likes to play games (let's connect with the audience). He is a well-intended character who cannot refuse to help someone in need and will go out of his way to help them. The other characters all have background information that is revealed later in the game. Each character has their own unique personality; you have the good-willed, the happy-go-lucky, the hopeless, the annoying, the pessimistic, the reclusive, and the blunt. The wide variety of characters is sure to provide enjoyment for all to experience. Each character can in the end, according to a liking/affection level, be paired with Fayt in order to experience different endings.

Now, for those who want action, there definitively is enough of it. The real-time battle system is a different step from my adored Final Fantasy series. Characters have more control on countering, evading, and attacking. While you control one character, the AI controls your others. You can freely switch between each character and use them to your needs. Every character has a strong point and weak point, some times you might need a ranger, and sometimes you need a healer, or you might need someone to just melee. Either way, it can be accomplished here.

Star Ocean also removes "random encounters" that PLAGUED many other RPG's. Now you can see your enemies before you engage them. Strategically planning, you can avoid annoying situations which could not have happened in games like Final Fantasy or Lost Odyssey. Yet, like every game, there is a major flaw in the battle system, at least to me. Unlike traditional RPG's, mana, or MP, in this game can kill you if your character runs completely out of mana. In most games, your character can continue using physical attacks or regenerate mana. Unfortunately for Star Ocean, this is not an option. No HP or MP equals death.

Moving on we explore a wonder called 'inventions.' This is a unique feature which allows the players to create new items and even patent them and make money off them. Additionally, they can synthesize add-ons to their current weapon to make it that much more powerful. The different skills range from Cooking, Writing, Alchemy, Smithing, and more.

And so we reach the music. I am a fan of classical music and this game sure has enough instrumental music to satisfy me. The music ties in with the environment around it, i.e. fast-paced-music in battles, slow and eerie music in scary situations, and so on.

Combining all these factors makes a very enjoyable game. Sure, it has its flaws, but I ask for a game that does not. In the end, it is opinion, and it is my opinion that this is a enjoyable game. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes RPG's and a good story. Although it does not get a five from me, it is quite possible on my top three list on favorite games. I am dead excited for a sequel (but not a prequel).

Pros:
+Story
+Characters
+Battles
+No random encounters
+Inventions
+Music
+Voice acting

Cons:
-Weak dialogue transitions
-MP damage will result in death
-Some repetition
-Noticeable difference between well-developed and under-developed characters

Good Collectible

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: August 18, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Did pretty well on gamerankings, I'm an RPG nut so I'm all for a game like this anyway. But all aside it's a good game, standard rpg mechanics with a decent story.

Love this game!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: September 02, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I absolutely love this game!!! I just can't quit playing it!!! There are soo much stuff that you can do. There are a ton of side quests and you can get different characters for different parts depending on relationships with those characters. Not to mention that you can collect battle trophies which passes the time that you spend leveling your characters up. There is also a two player battle game on here where you can play any character and they have different outfits. Also you don't always have to play the main character Fayt. You can choose to play anyone that you have in your party. To be honest there is a lot of talking at times but the interaction between the characters is hilarious!!!

Now I have read some of the other reviews and they do seem a bit harsh. I mean just cause square makes this game doesn't mean that it's just like final fanasty nor should it be compared to it. Not every RPG is a final fanasty or anything like it!!! I hate it when everyone clumps things together like that it's like comparing Iron Man and Batman. Two different comics...... (marvel and D.C.). Yeah final fanasty is the most popluar franchise and most are really awesome to play but they are not necessarily the bases of all RPGs. I know a few people that like this game and hate final fanasty. So it's like comparing apples to oranges!

Sorry for all of you reading this and going wtf. I just felt that this game isn't getting fair reviews cause of all the comparing. This is a definite game for all who love RPG games. For all the reason's listed above. I would also recommend getting the strategy guide cause there is sooo much you can miss without it. Happy playing!!!!!

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