Star Ocean: The Second Story

 PlayStation
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
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  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.
  5. Absolute Playstation
    88
    As with all RPG's, it's really all about the story and this is where Star Ocean really succeeds. Besides being an incredibly long game to play, it's also interesting and has characters that you want to root for and see victorious.
  6. GameSpot
    83
    With at least 50 hours of gaming in each character's scenario, Star Ocean might not be compelling enough to play through twice, but the first time is as engaging as any RPG you're likely to play. Highly recommended in any case.
  7. TotalGames.net
    83
    If you persist past the ugly and confusing combat and a Bible worth of speech, there is a harmlessly atmospheric, quirky game underneath.
    All this publication's reviews
  8. PSM Magazine
    80
    Delivers an engaging adventure for an instant role-playing classic.
    All this publication's reviews
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. All Game Guide
    80
    The amout of things to do in this game is staggering. From the Private Actions to the Skills, this game will keep you occupied for many, many days.
  12. Game Revolution
    75
    While it doesn't provide the graphical flash of "Final Fantasy 8," it delivers a different graphical beauty that feels warmer than the all too familiar polygonal experience. It's got a good story that sadly weakens at the end; though there's just enough steam left to get you through.
  13. Gaming Age
    75
    Gamers will no doubt enjoy the flexible interface with its different options, not to mention the game as a whole.
  14. 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.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 75 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 75
  3. Negative: 7 out of 75
  1. 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.… Full Review »
  2. RPGKing4
    Mar 11, 2012
    10
    This is my favorite game of all time. Absolutely amazing. Great combat system, lots of interesting characters, good story. This game is aThis is my favorite game of all time. Absolutely amazing. Great combat system, lots of interesting characters, good story. This game is a pleasure to play through.… Full Review »
  3. 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.… Full Review »
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