Star Date: 346 (2432 A.D.)
Among the dozens of planet civilizations that have developed space travel, countless others are still in the stone and bronze age, relying on old fashioned swords and magic for daily needs. When one planet is contaminated by an intergalactic disease, its inhabitants turn to stone. The few survivors are removed from their home by the Terran Alliance — a special task force that helps keep the balance of third-world planet development, but also an organization at war with the original beings that caused the stone-turning disease in the first place. Far from home, Roddick and Millie travel from planet to planet, fighting alongside the Terran Alliance and planet locals to stop the evil Lezonians, and craft the cure to restore their home.
In the vast sea of stars, countless planets swim, isolated from one another… until now.
Square-Enix’s timeless classic, Star Ocean: First Departure will be arriving digitally to PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch this winter as an HD remaster from the 2007/2008 PSP version on December 5th, 2019.
Originally released only in Japan in 1996, the very first Star Ocean game has been the underdog of the series. The 2007/2008 PSP version was the first time it was ever available in English. Over a decade later, First Departure will be seeing the light of day for a whole new generation of fans, and be available for the first time on home console since the Super Famicom, under the title First Departure R.
There is plenty more to celebrate than just an upscale of graphic resolution. The game will feature generous new gameplay customization, including a new English voice cast, the original 2007 Japanese voice cast, and a brand new Japanese voice cast for the HD release. Players can change between all three voice options at any time. In addition, players will have the option to use the 2007 character illustrations, or brand new ones. New battle mechanics have been mentioned (details still unknown), and a new 2x Speed mode included for faster travel time. Experience it just how you did when you first played it on your PSP for nostalgia’s sake, or relish the brand new material.
Pre-orders have already begun. Exclusive to the PS4 release, pre-orders will include a dynamic theme and live mini soundtrack.
Something worth noting is that alongside First Departure, Star Ocean: Second Story was remade for the PSP as Second Evolution in 2008/2009. With Star Ocean: First Departure R nearing completion, a successful launch will almost guarantee that a Star Ocean: Second Evolution R will be right around the corner in 2020.
