Star Ocean: Second Evolution

 PSP
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
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  1. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    70
    It still looks a lot like it did on PSOne 10 years ago. [Jan 2009, p.84]
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  2. GamesRadar+
    70
    Quite formidable among other PSP offerings. Unless you hated First Departure, this one is definitely worth a try.
  3. Game Informer
    70
    Second Evolution feels like an anonymous and formalic RPG most of the time, but extraordinary moments occasionally rise to the surface. [Feb 2009, p.87]
  5. Gamervision
    70
    I’m still willing to give the other games in the series a try, but my patience for this franchise as a whole is wearing thin.
  6. Pocket Gamer UK
    70
    Star Ocean: Second Evolution is a solid RPG remake with some nice new tweaks. It's just a shame it's not better tailored to the PSP.
  7. Gamer.nl
    70
    The original Star Ocean: The Second Evolution was, somewhere in the past, a very good game. The beautiful surroundings, lengthy gameplay, extended skill system and a decent story will satisfy most of the RPG-gamers. Nevertheless, Star Ocean isn't the same game as it was a couple of years ago.
  8. Cynamite
    70
    The neat but dated graphics let us overlook the stupid dialogues.
  9. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    70
    If you're into old-school RPGs, then its dose of sci-fi fantasy is good enough to bring a smile to a Klingon's face. [May 2009, p.69]
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  10. GamingTrend
    68
    SO: SE will appeal to some RPG fans, but I’m certainly not one of them. I need at least a somewhat interesting story and/or characters to keep me engaged in a game, and these aspects were completely missing.
  11. PSM3 Magazine UK
    63
    Under no circumstances will RPG aficionados feel short-changed here. [Mar 2009, p.74]
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  12. G4 TV
    60
    The biggest fault of Star Ocean: The Second Evolution is that there's almost no conflict. Everybody in the game is polite.
  13. D+PAD Magazine
    60
    The excellent qualities of Second Evolution are always at war with its meandering, trifling aspects.
  14. TotalPlayStation
    60
    Plenty of old-school classics have held up far better, and while there's still fun to be had, the rest of the game's painful pacing and conversations hurt more than the good parts help.

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best PSP Game of 2009
40
#40 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2009
23
#23 Most Shared PSP Game of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 47 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 47
  3. Negative: 6 out of 47
  1. BasilZero
    Nov 19, 2011
    9
    In just less than 6 months apart, Squareenix remakes the Star Ocean 2 game for the PSP. Fans who loved the original will love this new remakeIn just less than 6 months apart, Squareenix remakes the Star Ocean 2 game for the PSP. Fans who loved the original will love this new remake as it includes a few new changes, new graphic interface and more fluid animation than its PS1 version. Other than that nothing much noting other than the new remixed Original sound track and a few new additions such as remade Cutscenes.… Full Review »
  2. Vectus
    Aug 11, 2017
    10
    a very good remake of a hidden gem on the ps 1 during the end of its life cycle. a mix of fantasy and sci fi this game was really somethinga very good remake of a hidden gem on the ps 1 during the end of its life cycle. a mix of fantasy and sci fi this game was really something special in a time where not many rpgs made unique sci fi settings . i would compare it to xenogears in that respect. the game play is also very satisfying seeing the battle take place in real time was really cool to look out.… Full Review »
  3. moonman1994
    Jul 16, 2012
    9
    This remake of Tri-Ace's Star Ocean the Second Story is very well done. It like the original game is filled with a great story and greatThis remake of Tri-Ace's Star Ocean the Second Story is very well done. It like the original game is filled with a great story and great characters. Like in the original story there are many optional characters to choose from and this makes the game fun to play over again. Also this game is an improvement on the original title with the addition of playable characters and the addition of cutscenes. If you are a fan of the original game or a fan of the Star Ocean series you will enjoy this game. If not the battle system enough should be enough to make anyone enjoy this game.… Full Review »
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