Star Ocean: Till the End of Time

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 149 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 113 out of 149
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 149
  3. Negative: 11 out of 149
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  1. Aubunn
    Mar 26, 2022
    7
    Star Ocean 3 has a lot of polish for a PS2 RPG, and the quality of the real time battle mechanics is on par with the industry’s greatest. However, a brutal difficulty spike and the introduction of a complex, frustrating crafting system hold back the game’s fantastic world building. A shallower learning curve and a more well-paced story would make this game a genre defining title, but it’sStar Ocean 3 has a lot of polish for a PS2 RPG, and the quality of the real time battle mechanics is on par with the industry’s greatest. However, a brutal difficulty spike and the introduction of a complex, frustrating crafting system hold back the game’s fantastic world building. A shallower learning curve and a more well-paced story would make this game a genre defining title, but it’s shortcomings prevented me from finishing this one.… Expand
  2. CloudStrife05
    Aug 23, 2021
    9
    I truly enjoyed SO: TTEOT. A JRPG that surprised on how good it was. It was the first Star Ocean I have ever played back when it was released on the PS2.
  3. TJ_of_Carolina
    Feb 8, 2020
    7
    The game has horrible gameplay pacing and everytime you get to a new area the enemies are almost twice your level, requiring a lot of grinding. Leveling takes a long time and requires fighting many, many enemies much stronger just to gain one level. The story is mediocre and has a lot of highs and lows, at certain points I found myself struggling to care, The plot twist at the end is theThe game has horrible gameplay pacing and everytime you get to a new area the enemies are almost twice your level, requiring a lot of grinding. Leveling takes a long time and requires fighting many, many enemies much stronger just to gain one level. The story is mediocre and has a lot of highs and lows, at certain points I found myself struggling to care, The plot twist at the end is the best part about the story… Expand
  4. staroceansurfer
    Dec 11, 2018
    9
    Phenomenal game, could it be better? sure. I couldn't say enough about this game.
  5. SexyTractorDsco
    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.
  6. Vectus
    May 10, 2017
    10
    amazing game a nice blend of scifi and fantasy . it gave the sense of adventure in a time where open world games still where finding their footing . dose a nice job of making you feel like there is a vast galaxy around you.
  7. spacewolf9
    Jan 15, 2017
    10
    I have come back to this game time and time again. I first borrowed it from a friend back in 2005 and had to return it before I could do any of the post game content. The second time around my disc would freeze after the last boss battle (again preventing me from end game content). The third time around I was able to play through this gem and enjoyed it as much as the previous two timesI have come back to this game time and time again. I first borrowed it from a friend back in 2005 and had to return it before I could do any of the post game content. The second time around my disc would freeze after the last boss battle (again preventing me from end game content). The third time around I was able to play through this gem and enjoyed it as much as the previous two times and am finally blazing through the bonus dungeons whilst perfecting my crafting.

    I was a huge fan of FFX and similar titles but compared to Till the End of Time they just don't hold up. The battle system in SO3 is excellent and engaging. Turn based combat may have been all the rage in the early 2000's but I can't even play one now.

    The amount of value in this title and actual content is astonishing compared to modern RPGs and the inventor system and world is enthralling enough that in 2016/2017 when you're playing it you feel connected to a dynamic world. This is a rare feat for an offline game.

    Most of the characters and most of the story is engaging and A+ while some of it is a little cringe worthy. Overall I still have to give this game a 10/10 for everything that it delivers and standing the test of time.
    To this day, SO3: Till the End of Time is my favorite console RPG.    … Expand
  8. Vorch
    Aug 8, 2016
    10
    It is 2016 and I still play this game's soundtrack.
    One of the deepest stories in an RPG, one of the best combat systems, and one of the best Original Sound Tracks....

    One of my top 5 favorite RPGs of all time.
  9. Squerol
    Sep 4, 2014
    10
    Great, stunning and dynamic combat system, great overall game design, deep story, freedom of our actions, well made, but hard to learn "how-to" crafting, solid gameplay, graphics, difficulty levels, Battle Trophies unlockables, once again great combat, very interesting playable characters and its development (awesome combat skills, plenty of stats), lot of equipment, great music (someGreat, stunning and dynamic combat system, great overall game design, deep story, freedom of our actions, well made, but hard to learn "how-to" crafting, solid gameplay, graphics, difficulty levels, Battle Trophies unlockables, once again great combat, very interesting playable characters and its development (awesome combat skills, plenty of stats), lot of equipment, great music (some tracks are really memorable, like Crossel boss theme, battle theme, bosses theme, and some more) and some optional dungeons after completing base game... Game is veeeery long, and its on 2 (!) Discs, and on 2nd Disc story gets 360' degree, really... Surely one of the best Action RPG ever on PS2, even one of the best CRPG ever overall. 10/10 note fully deserved. Plus it is well optimized on PCSX2 emulator.… Expand
  10. AlienSpaceBats
    Apr 30, 2014
    6
    I wondered whilst playing if Till the End of Time was made by committee to try and make the most irritating, tedious and frustrating game experience possible -- maybe that's hyperbole; the first 3/4 of the game were enjoyable enough - what constitutes disc 1 is great fun. Upon returning to the same, boring, medieval planet we've spent the last 30 hours on, the game's shortcomings come intoI wondered whilst playing if Till the End of Time was made by committee to try and make the most irritating, tedious and frustrating game experience possible -- maybe that's hyperbole; the first 3/4 of the game were enjoyable enough - what constitutes disc 1 is great fun. Upon returning to the same, boring, medieval planet we've spent the last 30 hours on, the game's shortcomings come into focus; the ridiculous mechanics, stupid, outdated JRPG conventions ground me into the floor. Whoever thought that losing HP for performing an attack, or reaching zero MP KOs your character deserves a swift kick in the backside, the same goes for cheap, pathetic higher level enemies who repeatedly interrupt your attacks and spam knockdown moves whenever able, unnecessary things like repeating two of the larger dungeons from disc 1 at the end of the game for no good reason but contrivance... the only consolation is the lack of random encounters.… Expand
  11. Nerusan
    Mar 23, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand 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… Expand
  12. Caestus
    Feb 23, 2013
    9
    First of all: The battle system, and everything that has somehow to do with it is great. After the storyline is complete there are optional dungeons in which there are many mighty optional bosses that let you keep playing this game. The Soundtrack is also a good one, the graphics are average and the story is not the best out there. Still the game is exceptional if you are looking for aFirst of all: The battle system, and everything that has somehow to do with it is great. After the storyline is complete there are optional dungeons in which there are many mighty optional bosses that let you keep playing this game. The Soundtrack is also a good one, the graphics are average and the story is not the best out there. Still the game is exceptional if you are looking for a game with a deep battle system.… Expand
  13. moonman1994
    Jul 13, 2012
    10
    I gave this game a 10/10 for several reasons. The first being the story. This game has a story that keeps you interested through out the entire game and is filled with characters that you actually like. Also due to the large number of Private Actions that you can have the ability to take part in the story changes a bit every time. This leads into my second reason for giving this game a 10I gave this game a 10/10 for several reasons. The first being the story. This game has a story that keeps you interested through out the entire game and is filled with characters that you actually like. Also due to the large number of Private Actions that you can have the ability to take part in the story changes a bit every time. This leads into my second reason for giving this game a 10 out of 10 and that is it's extremely high replay value. Due to the different romance options that Private Actions give you the ending of the game can vary. Also due to the fact that you have four characters (Albel, Roger, Pepita and Nel) that you have to choose from when filling your party cut scenes change. The last reason that I believe that this game deserves a 10/10 is because of it's length. Due to the Private actions and optional dungeons the main story is pretty long. (A bit more than the average game.) But any real RPG lover wants a challenge and the bonus dungeons in this game do exactly that! The three dungeons that are unlocked after finishing the game will supply any gamer with a challenge and lots of play time. Also the bosses in these dungeons are flash backs to other Tri-Ace games (Freya and Lenneth from Valkyrie Profile). So it's fun to in a way see familiar faces. So in short I would recommend this game to anybody that likes a good RPG.… Expand
  14. shaunbomb
    Jul 6, 2012
    9
    As my score would indicate, I believe this is an amazing game. Sure the argument could be made that some of Square-enix's other PS2 titles or even PS1 titles such a chrono cross, FF9 or xeonsaga were better than this one, but i think people have to remember that this game came out when square was well known for producing top notch, lovingly crafted and inspired RPG's, not **** like FFX-2As my score would indicate, I believe this is an amazing game. Sure the argument could be made that some of Square-enix's other PS2 titles or even PS1 titles such a chrono cross, FF9 or xeonsaga were better than this one, but i think people have to remember that this game came out when square was well known for producing top notch, lovingly crafted and inspired RPG's, not **** like FFX-2 and FF13.

    The main standouts for me in this game are the music and the story. The soundtrack is made up of a mix of high energy synth rock songs that kick ass and mood tracks that do a great job bringing environments to life. The soundtrack in this game pumps you up at the right times and other times it helps you resonate with how characters in the story might be feeling about events taking place. In other words, it does everything an RPG soundtrack should do exceptionally well.

    The second standout aspect of this game for me is the story. I have never played an RPG with so many WTF?! moments and I really wish i could explain in depth what i mean when i say that but I can't without giving up too many plot spoilers. Saying that the story has sufficient plot twists, interesting settings and likeable characters will have to suffice, not to mention that it is extremely satisfying to complete.

    One major thing that makes this a great old style RPG is the freedom you enjoy throughout the game aswell as the sidequests you can complete. There are tons of sidequests and several secret dungeons to complete. This is something Square has strayed from recently and i don't know why. Hallway Fantasy 13 doesnt even have an overworld let alone sidequests (at least no sidequests that i saw considering i was bored after 6 hours of gameplay in a linear direction.) This game includes the largest and most in depth "secret" dungeon of any RPG ive ever played. SPHERE COMPANY, 200 floors of difficulty curve madness with tons of bosses exponentially harder than the last boss in the main story just waiting to be conquered by the completionist inside all of us. This dungeon is insane. If it was the only sidequest in the whole game, it would probably suffice. You're looking at 10's if not 100+ potential hours to beat it and if that isnt a reason to fork over 40 bucks or whatever this game will cost you, i dont know what is.

    Anyways, for me those are the best reasons to buy this game, good old style RPG fun (the battle system is pretty fun too, forgot to mention that). This game really caters to hardcore rpg fans IMO and gives them exactly what the want. It really succeeds in all of the areas that caused RPG's to become popular in the first place.    … Expand
  15. okamimiyazaki
    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 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 andAlong 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.… Expand
  16. SamieShaya
    Mar 6, 2009
    7
    It's a good game, no doubt about that, but it's also much worse than Star Ocean: The Second Story, which in my opinion is the best RPG ever made. The battle system isn't as fun as it was, the story isn't as good, the characters aren't as good. It's a good game, but not a great one.
  17. KennyM
    Jan 26, 2009
    10
    An engaging storyline, a brilliant soundtrack, loveable characters and 80+ hours of epic gameplay are what Star Ocean 3 bring to the table. I've always been a fan of Final Fantasy and Star Ocean, and I would have to put this title on a par with FFX.
    Negatives? The leveling up can become monotonous further on into the game. Especially after the story has finished if you choose to    An engaging storyline, a brilliant soundtrack, loveable characters and 80+ hours of epic gameplay are what Star Ocean 3 bring to the table. I've always been a fan of Final Fantasy and Star Ocean, and I would have to put this title on a par with FFX.
    Negatives? The leveling up can become monotonous further on into the game. Especially after the story has finished if you choose to undertake the bonus dungeons. I put so much time into completing Sphere 211 that it could have been put onto its own disc.

    Bring on Star Ocean 4!    … Expand
  18. JimtheTwo
    Dec 1, 2007
    9
    After being on a streak of RPGs, including Final Fantasy X, X-2, XII, and IX (eww), and also Skies of Arcadia for DC, and being highly disappointed by all of them, I was talked into Star Ocean 3. It was infinitely better than FFX which is saying a lot. Good job Tri-Ace.
  19. DemonS.
    Oct 16, 2005
    10
    This is one of the best Rpg's out there, It has a deep story line that all rpg fans will love.
  20. Ramzacloud
    Oct 2, 2005
    10
    One mistake people make about this game is thinking it will be like another Square-Enix RPG. Obviously it won't be because the actual creators of Star Ocean is Tri-Ace. Square-Enix had, in no way, any part in making this game. They just brought it out of Japan. The battle system is very worthwhile, it gives a sense of individuality towards battles. It can challenge those who are good One mistake people make about this game is thinking it will be like another Square-Enix RPG. Obviously it won't be because the actual creators of Star Ocean is Tri-Ace. Square-Enix had, in no way, any part in making this game. They just brought it out of Japan. The battle system is very worthwhile, it gives a sense of individuality towards battles. It can challenge those who are good and challenge those who aren't. The way you move around and attack, making every battle a little different, instead of mashing the X button like in turn-based games. The story is a bland at first, but gets very interesting. Although character development isn't it's strong point, the story telling is superb. We could also mention how neat the graphics are. The music some of the best you'll hear. Motoi Sakuraba has a good nack at making music for this game. The Divine Spirit of Language is a good example. Lastly, I'd like to comment on the voice acting. I think all the voices fit the characters as well. But what I really must say is that I fell in love with Farleen and her voice. =^_^=… Expand
  21. SteveW.
    Sep 17, 2005
    10
    Before i bought this game i knew 2 things about it 1) it was an rpg 2) it was co made by Enix this was enough to make me buy it and boy am i glad i did this is quite possibly the best rpg game iv ever played since like the old days of Terrenigma the story is gripping the battles are flawless and well yeah this game is just great. if your an rpg fan and like to get wrapped up in a nice rpg Before i bought this game i knew 2 things about it 1) it was an rpg 2) it was co made by Enix this was enough to make me buy it and boy am i glad i did this is quite possibly the best rpg game iv ever played since like the old days of Terrenigma the story is gripping the battles are flawless and well yeah this game is just great. if your an rpg fan and like to get wrapped up in a nice rpg for months on end this game is for you!… Expand
  22. Ward
    May 16, 2005
    5
    This from the same people who brought us the fantastic Materia system (FF7), the beautiful floating gardens (FF8) and the mature heartwarming love story of Tidus and Yuna (FF10)? Ultimately the only review that matters is one
  23. Sora09
    Jan 25, 2005
    10
    Epic story,amazing battle system,many hours of gameplay. obviosly square-enix has done it again. Better than any rpg ever made (excluding the final fantasy series and kingdom hearts) worth playing.good graphics.its a game that u wont wanna return. ps. i dont even have the game yet, thats how appealing this game is.
  24. Protomark
    Jan 25, 2005
    9
    Probably the only thing i can fault this game for is it's absolutely abhorrent cutscene pacing. every now and then in the middle of conversation, everyone will stop and just kinda hang out for a little, as if someone just said something very awkward. but if you're bothered by it, you can just turn the voices off. Otherwise, this game is blessed with an involving story, likable Probably the only thing i can fault this game for is it's absolutely abhorrent cutscene pacing. every now and then in the middle of conversation, everyone will stop and just kinda hang out for a little, as if someone just said something very awkward. but if you're bothered by it, you can just turn the voices off. Otherwise, this game is blessed with an involving story, likable characters, and a deceptively deep real-time combat system. just don't let anybody gang up on you.… Expand
  25. LukeM.
    Dec 16, 2004
    10
    This game is one of the best rpgs out ok so its graphics aint the same as the Final Fantasy Series but the storyline and battle system make up for this. All in all this game is absolutely amazing.(albed is the best)
  26. JaxP.
    Dec 14, 2004
    10
    Very good rpg game.
  27. Aqueous
    Oct 15, 2004
    10
    Firstly, someone said that hair doesn't move in this videogame? Are you joking? It moves all the time: when characters are walking around, when the wind blows and it certainly moves in FMVs. Anyone who has seen Fayt's "Awakening" FMV will without doubt see hair moving...I have no idea where this idea of no hair movement comes from - it's crazy. This game is a class act. It Firstly, someone said that hair doesn't move in this videogame? Are you joking? It moves all the time: when characters are walking around, when the wind blows and it certainly moves in FMVs. Anyone who has seen Fayt's "Awakening" FMV will without doubt see hair moving...I have no idea where this idea of no hair movement comes from - it's crazy. This game is a class act. It incorporates everything that is good about the RPG genre and adds elements which are sometimes lacking - such as the unique battle system and a real sense that your characters are individuals. I recommend anyone who likes RPGs to buy this game and even those who aren't RPG fans but interested in story-based games should give it a try.… Expand
  28. MarcD.
    Sep 30, 2004
    6
    When it comes to RPGs, the bottomline is...there have been many better games before. Star Ocean simply doesn't have enough. The characters aren't memorable, the battle engine is quirky, the music is lackluster and the visuals are all so plain. On top of all that, the story seems to be over convulated and lacks a certain punch necessary to draw the player in. Not bad...just not When it comes to RPGs, the bottomline is...there have been many better games before. Star Ocean simply doesn't have enough. The characters aren't memorable, the battle engine is quirky, the music is lackluster and the visuals are all so plain. On top of all that, the story seems to be over convulated and lacks a certain punch necessary to draw the player in. Not bad...just not worth the full price of retail.… Expand
  29. OpalE.
    Sep 30, 2004
    9
    Absolutely amazing storyline details. Hey Fayt, there's something on the back of your shirt!!!
  30. PeterH.
    Sep 18, 2004
    10
    Kick arse game, I´ve played about 7 hours of it so far. I haven't really been stuck anyplaces (I did use a guild for the haulers mini game thingy tho, to get all the treasures without too much hassel there). I love exploreing and stuff in this game. Nothing like running around looking for treasure chests.
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Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best PS2 Game of 2004
25
#25 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
13
#13 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 55
  3. Negative: 1 out of 55
  1. GamePro
    80
    The biggest issue in the Ocean is boring and repetitious town and dungeon designs...The battle system is out of this world - the rest of the game is a little more grounded. [Sept 2004, p.108]
    Read full review
  2. GamerArchive
    80
    The battle system, the storyline, and even the aesthetics manage to impress, culminating in a game that’s quite highly thought of by Gamer Archive.
    Read full review
  3. DarkStation
    80
    The pace on the battle system was perfect, and more games should be moving towards the real time battle systems.
    Read full review
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