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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. FranJ.
    Jul 27, 2004
    10
    This game kicks ass especially the free time battle.
  14. Shwam
    Sep 11, 2004
    10
    This is the best game since Chrono Trigger fo reals.
  15. ChelyL.
    Sep 6, 2004
    9
    I believe the graphics are excellent compared to Star Ocean 2 (though I still love that game completely), but the first couple hours are a bit of a snooze fest- but so was the first hour long conversation in Star Ocean 2. They're needed to build up the story. Only -real- complaint I have at this time is that map in the corner. It doesn't rotate, so if you look at it and then I believe the graphics are excellent compared to Star Ocean 2 (though I still love that game completely), but the first couple hours are a bit of a snooze fest- but so was the first hour long conversation in Star Ocean 2. They're needed to build up the story. Only -real- complaint I have at this time is that map in the corner. It doesn't rotate, so if you look at it and then your character you're suddenly running the opposite direction you wanted to go. It's nuts. But a good game nonetheless.… Expand
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. JohnC.
    Sep 16, 2004
    7
    This was a fun RPG but i felt it was a forgetable game.
  19. Zato
    Sep 16, 2004
    10
    It simply caught my imagination like all fantasy RPG's should. An awesome experience it was.
  20. OpalE.
    Sep 30, 2004
    9
    Absolutely amazing storyline details. Hey Fayt, there's something on the back of your shirt!!!
  21. EnrivM.
    Sep 7, 2004
    10
    SO3 is one of my favourite RPGs published on the ps2, maybe even ever. However, I played the English version for two minutes before hitting the power in disgust. The English voices are so bad I have trouble imagining why anybody would play it :( It is made all the worse when you have heard the superb quality Japanese voices. I realize the game barely fit on two dvds as it was. If only SO3 is one of my favourite RPGs published on the ps2, maybe even ever. However, I played the English version for two minutes before hitting the power in disgust. The English voices are so bad I have trouble imagining why anybody would play it :( It is made all the worse when you have heard the superb quality Japanese voices. I realize the game barely fit on two dvds as it was. If only they would release games in english/japanese varieties the same way old anime VHS releases were :(.… Expand
  22. ShardStriker
    Sep 7, 2004
    9
    Only complaint is the terrible graphics, I mean, hair doesn't even move in the wind or explosion blasts, not even in FMV's. but the aquaelie seen was pretty sweet.
  23. 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
  24. JaxP.
    Dec 14, 2004
    10
    Very good rpg game.
  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. Yourbodyisawonderland
    May 23, 2004
    10
    This game is fan-tastic! hoo haha!
  27. ShuzinL.
    Sep 17, 2004
    10
    This game is just fantastic. I'll admit the long video sequences are a piss off, but the ability to skip them is an ingenius addition. Also the character faces were too sunshine happy, but meh, Albel made it all better. God he's evil, I love it (Just like Sephiroth). Anywho, improve the voice talent and fix a few glitches, and bam, best RPG on the face of the planet. Lao Out.
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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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

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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]
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  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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