Star Ocean – Second Evolution takes you on a journey with the ambitious young man Claude C. Kenny, an officer in the Earth Federation, during an exploratory mission on the planet Milocinia where a mysterious energy field has been discovered. During the investigation, Claude comes across a strange device and, despite orders not to approach it, he activates the device by examining it. Suddenly, he finds himself transported to an unknown planet called Expel, a world with a medieval feel, far removed from the advanced technology he knows.
In this new world, Claude meets a young girl named Rena Lanford who believes in the prophecy of a savior from another world who will rescue her planet from an imminent catastrophe. Rena becomes convinced that Claude is the foretold hero due to his advanced weapon and strange appearance. Together, they embark on an epic journey to uncover the planet’s secrets and confront mysterious threats endangering Expel. Along the way, Claude and Rena befriend a diverse cast of characters, each with their own stories and motivations, from brave warriors to mysterious sorcerers. Their destinies intertwine in a complex web of conspiracies and secrets, leading to the discovery that the threat facing Expel is not just local but spans across the stars. This compels them to travel between planets and confront hidden forces seeking to control the universe through the magical sphere or energy node.
The game features a blend of classic role-playing elements and modern innovations, offering players the choice to play as either Claude or Rena, with the journey evolving and concluding in different ways depending on the choices made. There are ten additional playable characters, but only six can join the main group of eight. The game introduces a real-time action-based combat system known as the 3D Battle System, where players control one character while the AI manages the others, with the option to switch between characters during battle, adding a layer of strategic depth.
The game also offers an item creation system, allowing players to develop their characters’ skills in fields such as cooking, smithing, and writing, enabling them to craft unique items and weapons to aid their quest, such as the ability to perform counterattacks. Additionally, the private action system enables players to build relationships with other characters, influencing story development and possible endings. Gameplay varies between exploring towns, solving puzzles in dungeons, and engaging in epic battles against enemies and bosses. The game encourages exploration and interaction with the surrounding world, with side quests that add depth and enrich the overall experience.
This version is a remastered edition of the original Star Ocean: The Second Story that was released on the PlayStation. The graphics have been enhanced to suit the PSP’s capabilities, with new animated anime cutscenes that bring the characters and events to life. All voice acting has been re-recorded with a new cast, giving the characters more depth and emotion. Additionally, the battle system has been improved for smoother and more responsive gameplay, and the user interface has been updated for better accessibility. A new character named Welch Vineyard has also been added, bringing new content and additional side stories to explore.