Star Ocean: The Second Story

 PlayStation
Star Ocean: The Second Story Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 75 Ratings

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  • Summary: In an endless sea of stars, at the edge of the universe, a single fateful encounter is about to take place. The Gods have hurled a deadly meteorite into an unsuspecting planet, unleashing powerful mysterious and sudden chaos. Now, two people from different worlds will collide into a journeyIn an endless sea of stars, at the edge of the universe, a single fateful encounter is about to take place. The Gods have hurled a deadly meteorite into an unsuspecting planet, unleashing powerful mysterious and sudden chaos. Now, two people from different worlds will collide into a journey so deep, they might never make it back. … Expand
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STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R - Official Launch Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. Just RPG
    96
    I would have to say the single feature that most caught my attention would have to be the emotional points. Started in the original Star Ocean game, it has been honed and perfected in the sequel (I am told it's better in the next in the series).
  2. PSX Nation
    90
    The problem I found here is that swithcing between characters in your party and trying to control them all at once is pretty hard. It's nice that Enix and Tri-Ace added the option to choose but we feel that the standard is the way to go.
  3. IGN
    88
    It's so full of optimization that's it's bound to be one of the classics for PlayStation. It stands out from the rest in several areas, the integral Item Creation, group spells, Custom Combinations, Individual Skills, and the many characters that can be played throughout.
  4. GamePro
    80
    Although it's far from perfect, Star Ocean: The Second Story is a remarkably expansive game with a complex, immersive plot and highly compelling characters.
  5. PSM Magazine
    80
    Delivers an engaging adventure for an instant role-playing classic.
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Electric Playground
    80
    The Second Story, with it’s excellent skill system, item creation and complicated character relationships, takes two steps forward in RPG gaming. Unfortunately, it takes one of those steps back by being mired in some old and tired RPG conventions and by lack of documentation.
  7. GameCritics
    30
    It leaves out the most crucial element: a compelling story. The story is predictable and unimaginative and little is done to move the story forward any faster than at a snail's pace.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. ShinyShinii
    May 30, 2021
    10
    This is one of the best JRPGs ever made.
    Crafting (cooking, smithing, etc), relationships, recruiting specific characters, private actions,    This is one of the best JRPGs ever made.
    Crafting (cooking, smithing, etc), relationships, recruiting specific characters, private actions, and exploring are all fun!!!!!!!

    Combat is great and balanced!!!

    Do yourself a favor and play this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    … Expand
  2. ArkonBlade
    Dec 30, 2010
    10
    if you are wondering why sqaursoft is held in such high regaurd even though now adays most of there RPG;s are half assed all you have to do isif you are wondering why sqaursoft is held in such high regaurd even though now adays most of there RPG;s are half assed all you have to do is look back at the PS1 era RPG's they did and you will find alot that are of the highest qaulity and this game is among them . the story telling is top notch , great charicters . a fun new combat system that moves away from turn based (not like theres any thing wrong with turn based combat) . lots of side quest and a intresting new way to get charicters in your party that are effected by your decisions . great boss battles and some nice challanging ones and a real tough final boss battle that actaully made me feel i had to put some real effort into it . alot of differnt endings which give this RPG alot of replay . a deffinite must play for any RPG fan.… Expand
  4. Rafa_Vyr
    Apr 3, 2023
    10
    simply one of the best jrpg games with action or underwear of all time To watch two is very top right There are several a huge sign of weaponssimply one of the best jrpg games with action or underwear of all time To watch two is very top right There are several a huge sign of weapons in the game is very good difficulty very good right for veterans I recommend young man played one of the best games in the world Playstation is undoubtedly much better than today's youth… Expand
  5. Wolfie1987
    Mar 27, 2014
    10
    The greatest Star Ocean game, the last good Star Ocean game, a true RPG classic. I love the complex "private actions" mechanic which allowsThe greatest Star Ocean game, the last good Star Ocean game, a true RPG classic. I love the complex "private actions" mechanic which allows the player to influence relationships and thus which ending you'll get. There are over 86 possible endings, setting a benchmark.… Expand
  6. VendonJura
    Jun 15, 2018
    10
    Star Ocean The Second Story is in my opinion by far the best RPG ever made. This game here is just godlike. It has an amazing story, it hasStar Ocean The Second Story is in my opinion by far the best RPG ever made. This game here is just godlike. It has an amazing story, it has billion hidden explorations you can enjoy. Many hidden characters, the skills get stronger and some of them changes how they look like as more you use them (best skill system), it has 2 different worlds and muuuuuch more. You also can start the game as a girl Rena Lanford or the Boy Claude Kenny and both of them has different sequences you can get. Like if you start with the boy then you will not be able to get Dias in your party but if you start with the girl then you will be able to. This game has so much to offer it's just amazing. This game feels like several games in one that's how big it is in Playstation 1 times. It has some unlockables like sounds. Every word, every sound the character say in battle is unlocked untill you have a hidden picture which is made by these sounds you've unlocked. As more you unlock as more you can see what this picture is. You also will unlock several difficulty modes and much much more. This game is for me the number 1 of ALL RPG games of all time followed by Lufia 2. I so wish to have this game as a Remaster HD for PS4 with Welch.… Expand
  7. zaozabot30
    Feb 26, 2023
    7
    Could've been a great game. Combat is chaotic and unresponsive, would've been better if it was turn based. Crafting mechanics is a gimmick andCould've been a great game. Combat is chaotic and unresponsive, would've been better if it was turn based. Crafting mechanics is a gimmick and not that fun to use. Grinding is a must. Inventory management is horrible, especially in combat.
    Pixel characters look fine, but nothing special. Some prerendered backgrounds aged poorly, others are gorgeous. World is fun to explore, each city is unique and each dungeon has a style. Music is there.    … Expand
  8. AlienSpaceBats
    Jan 25, 2014
    5
    I found The Second Story too mired in archaic JRPG conventions that made the game impossible to enjoy. I wanted to like it, and I did for aI found The Second Story too mired in archaic JRPG conventions that made the game impossible to enjoy. I wanted to like it, and I did for a few hours, but the prospect of having to grind (and grind some more) to proceed, ridiculous difficulty spikes, content hidden to all but psychics (suffers from "how was I supposed to know that!?" syndrome) ensured I cancelled my adventure 6 hours in. Unexpectedly weak.… Expand

See all 16 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best PS1 Game of 1999
20
#20 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1999