Why do you love/hate Star Ocean?

[the7k]

I've actually heard that Star Ocean 4 is worse than Star Ocean 3. I haven't played SO4 and only played a little of SO3, but I've heard from multiple folks that SO4 is as bad as it gets.

Only played a little of SO2, but I enjoyed it. Guess I need to give the PSP remakes of 1 & 2 a shot.

[MrPopo]

I've only played a little of the original SO, so most of my experience is the PSP remakes and SO4 (never played 3). I've found that both PSP remakes are pretty good. They keep the battle system intact, but the field is much larger now. There's a dynamic zoom that goes on and it fully uses the screen real estate. I found that the original SO felt a little cramped at times. The voice acting for the PSP games is of fairly good quality; about the same level as Tales of Symphonia. Both games use the same skill system but the order of when certain skills can be bought changes. The one problem is that an essential skill isn't unlocked in SO2 until relatively late, which prevents you from using most of your skill points for a good portion of the game. Overall I'd recommend both.

As for SO4, I enjoyed it. The battle system is quite fun, and the bonus grid is one of those nice features that you can completely ignore, but it rewards you for utilizing it. The english voice cast is a pretty mixed bag; no one has any clue what to do with Lymle and Sarah's VA makes me want to stab jaws (which is unfortunate, since I'm usually down with winged chicks with glasses). I haven't gotten around to replaying the PS3 version with the JP voices, but I have played a little of the opening. I've found that so far the voices seem to match the characters more.

The thing that most people seem to dislike about SO4 is the fact that it's full of your standard anime tropes and cliches. None of the character types are "interesting" in that regard; you've seen them all before. That said, it was all done well enough. Each standard achetype is executed fairly well, so your enjoyment will correlate directly with your need to have a fresh experience or not. There's also a plot twist that, while horribly cliche, I legitimately did not see coming. So I guess that's something. But like any Tri-Ace venture, the story is not the strong point. The strong point is the combat, and this game has quality combat.

[weasels]

ok here's the thing. the psp remake of the first one is probably a game you want to skip. they took out a lot of dialogue and changed up some stuff. imho, don't get it. now for the remake of the sequel, i have been told that it's a great remake and has been recommended to me. i agree with everyone in saying that 3 sucks. i feel 2 is the best.

[lisalover1]

I love the Star Ocean series because they are Japanese Action RPGs, and they're very good ones, at that.

[Ziggy]

I only ever played the first one, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

What about the PSP games? Are they better than the original games or should I just look for the original versions of Star Ocean 1 and 2?

Well the first one was Super Famicom only, so unless you can read Japanese, getting the original cart will have little reason. You could put the DeJap translation patch on the cart, if you were so inclined. Or you can play it on an emulator or flash cart. I think the flash cart is the best option since it will allow you to play other fan-translated games like Tales of Phantasia.


Was there ever a translation patch for Star Ocean: Blue Sphere on the GB Color?

[weasels]

Was there ever a translation patch for Star Ocean: Blue Sphere on the GB Color?

yes and no. The Aeon Genesis translation group is working on it. of course when it will be released is anyone's guess.

http://agtp.romhack.net/project.php?id=sobs

[mobiusclimber]

I played the translated ROM for SO (SFC) on the PSP before they even announced they were releasing a remake of it (same thing happened w/ Front Mission and a couple other games, LOL). I thought it was ok but a lot of the story is either hidden or intentionally obscure (so you have to use your imagination, bah, who wants to do that?) so I didn't get as much out of it. Also the story seemed fairly simplistic and over before it even began. I liked it a bit more than Tales of Phantasia tho.

SO2 on the other hand is all kinds of awesome. Everyone has already said what's so great about it tho so yeah. But I can't see bitching about SO3 being set on an undeveloped planet when every SO is like that (I haven't played SO4, so no idea if it is too, but the first two games are). I hven't played SO3, and I'm dreading the day I'll do so as I keep hearing how bad it is.

[Ziggy]

I played the translated ROM for SO (SFC) on the PSP before they even announced they were releasing a remake of it (same thing happened w/ Front Mission and a couple other games, LOL). I thought it was ok but a lot of the story is either hidden or intentionally obscure (so you have to use your imagination, bah, who wants to do that?) so I didn't get as much out of it. Also the story seemed fairly simplistic and over before it even began. I liked it a bit more than Tales of Phantasia tho.

For me, the story was great. Especially the way it opened up. It reminded me of Star Trek (TOS) which I have to admit, I love the cheesy stories. The ending was also very good, I though, but I don't wanna ruin it for any one so I'm not gonna talk about it.

yes and no. The Aeon Genesis translation group is working on it. of course when it will be released is anyone's guess.

Shit, if Aeon Genesis is working on it, then that's all that needs to be said.

[weasels]

Shit, if Aeon Genesis is working on it, then that's all that needs to be said.

point very much taken. ^^

[AppleQueso]

SO2 on the other hand is all kinds of awesome. Everyone has already said what's so great about it tho so yeah. But I can't see bitching about SO3 being set on an undeveloped planet when every SO is like that (I haven't played SO4, so no idea if it is too, but the first two games are). I hven't played SO3, and I'm dreading the day I'll do so as I keep hearing how bad it is.

I'm assuming you're referring to what I said here?

Lastly, I have a small nitpick: What's the point of making a sci-fi RPG in space if a majority of the game takes place on an "underdeveloped planet" that resembles the world of any other fantasy RPG anyhow?

Yeah I haven't played much of the other games in the series, and I'm aware that they pretty much all work from this setup. It's a small nitpick anyhow, like I said.