Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 55
  2. Negative: 1 out of 55
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  1. GMR Magazine
    70
    A truly attractive game that sometimes even manages to better its competition, but the gameplay is just too riddled with holes for comfort. [Sept 2004, p.91]
  2. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    72
    Storywise, if developer Tri-Ace had slimmed down the boring, medieval planet section (which hogs about 70 percent of the game) and fast-tracked you to the crazy head trip that is the fourth dimension, Time could have been an awesome, shorter RPG. Instead, it's merely a solid, loooooong game. [Oct 2004, p.104]
  3. 70
    Little extras like item invention, a multiplayer arena, and Battle Trophies round out the package nicely, and keep things fresh.
  4. It's got a fast paced battle system, an interesting plot, and how the game ends is all up to you. The experience is full of matching-making, engaging battles, and textbook plot development.
  5. If you're into the storytelling style – which you'll get a taste of in the first few minutes – you'll probably enjoy it. There's just nothing exceptional about any particular element of the game.
  6. games(TM)
    70
    The highlight is undoubtedly Motoi Sakuraba’s wonderful score, ranging from memorable, up-tempo tunes to serene orchestral numbers with just about everything you could ask for in between... But it’s the fundamentals that keep us coming back to Star Ocean night after increasingly late night. [Nov 2004, p.104]
  7. A game you have to play through at your own pace; there are so many things you can do that are optional it is a title that personifies the idea that the more you put in the more you will get out.
  8. It is addictive, and does have some brilliant and different features, but many RPG fans will feel that the flaws could easily have been ironed out with the extreme delays in this game’s production.
  9. This game is the game that the original Japanese release was supposed to be and anyone who has been waiting in anticipation should be satisfied with the finished result.

Awards & Rankings

51
25
#25 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
13
#13 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 149 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 11 out of 149
  1. Jun 28, 2011
    10
    Along with Rogue Galaxy this has to be one of the most severely underrated games (by the critics). It deserves much better! There is SO muchAlong with Rogue Galaxy this has to be one of the most severely underrated games (by the critics). It deserves much better! There is SO much to do in this game. The plot is great (though a bit cheesy at times) with plenty of surprises along the way. The gameplay is challenging and there are plenty of side quests and secrets to uncover/explore. The environments are so neat and original and the music is fun. Full Review »
  2. Mar 23, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. This is a great game no doubt about that. It's more for someone who's new to JRPGs in general but it's still a great game regardless. People will nitpick about how other RPGs are better but that distracts the point of playing a game if you're going to compare it to another game. It has a good battle system and a pretty good story (although midway through the game, it threw me a nasty curveball). For what it's worth, this is a must have for any PS2 owner. hopefully, it gets a port for Ps3 alongside the first two Star Ocean games Full Review »
  3. Nov 20, 2018
    10
    One of the best game on the PS2 in my opinion. Also the best game in the franchise by far. True classic.