Star Ocean: Second Evolution

Star Ocean: Second Evolution is, undoubtedly, a better title than its predecessor from a technical standpoint and also in its gameplay and story. It is an excellent role-playing title, suitable both for newcomers who want to know the series as for classic fans of the series that, although many years have passed since the original's release, won't disappoint Square Enix classic RPGs followers.

But the action-based battles and a presentation that is second to none, especially in the world of handheld games, makes Star Ocean: Second Evolution a fun RPG and worthy addition t anyone's PSP collection.

An admirable port, even by the excellent standards of Square Enix. Should you count yourself among the honourable ranks of RPG-Fans, do not miss out on Star Ocean: Second Evolution.

With a story that’s worth replaying, a cast of characters that are both fun and unique, and a skill/battle system that just begs to be used and abused, it’s easy to see why the original PS1 version is still heralded to this day.

For the people that already own the original, you might want to give this one a go for the updated translation and added voiceover work, but there are not nearly as many changes here as there was in the first Star Ocean PSP title.

Most quality RPGs can easily absorb dozens of hours of your time; Second Evolution doubles that with multiple playable character perspectives and a compelling tale that simply screams for a second playthrough.

Even though Second Evolution plays pretty much the same as First Departure, don’t let the similar conventions fool you—Second Evolution is a much better game.

Star Ocean: Second Evolution is clearly a better game than First Departure, despite suffering from some of the same issues.

Most RPG fans will be relatively happy with Star Ocean: Second Evolution as a purchase, especially if they are fans of tri-Ace titles.

If you are a gamer who likes their PSP (and what is not to love) then this action role playing title is for you and is a must buy. Especially if the upcoming Xbox 360 exclusive Star Ocean: The Last Hope interests you then find out why the series is loved by the older gamer who grew up on the original games.

Star Ocean: The Second Story is an entertaining RPG that has withstood the test of time. Although the graphics do look a little outdated, the storyline has enough to offer and leveling your characters is still as addicting as always.

JRPG fans should really enjoy Star Ocean: Second Evolution. Sure, it sticks to the formula in ways we've seen many times before, but at the same time it also deviates in ways that make it more than just another RPG.

Second Evolution is a far cry from the whole new experience that Square Enix teased its loyal base of gamers with but there's enough new about it that some new issues have cropped up.

It may not stand out massively in the RPG world, but Star Ocean: Second Evolution deserves a lot of recognition for simply being an enjoyable, well scripted and interesting RPG.

One of the strongest JRPGs on PSP. [Apr 2009, p.107]

Not an evolution with big innovations, but a correct remake. This is the best definition for Star Ocean: Second Evolution, a very suitable game for RPG fans if they hadn't still played one of the best and most innovative titles for PlayStation.

Star Ocean: Second Evolution is a good remake. This Square Enix RPG joint offers original new ideas, a nice combat system and two main characters. On the other side, the pace is slow, difficulty level is too high and casual encounters are way too many. If you love RPGs, and you're looking for something new on the combat side, you should try it.

It’s painfully slow for a PSP title at points, but it’s as old-school an RPG as you could wish for. The pseudo real-time combat makes things a little more interesting than your usual random battles, though.

The combat is tedious and boring, the visuals are bland and ugly, and I can't remember the last game I played where so many words were spoken and yet so little of substantive importance was said.

While there are a few issues here and there, Second Evolution is a solid update of a compelling RPG from the past.

Evolution's new localization justifies this PSP port's existence for fans of the franchise. The PS1 version's overly literal translation and amateur-hour voice work was mercifully binned, replaced here with an expanded, well-acted script delivered by capable actors.

Second Evolution is an engaging action role-playing game that's just as enjoyable as its PlayStation forebear.