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PC|XS|PS5|ONE|PS4 Star Ocean: The Divine Force

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PC|XS|PS5|ONE|PS4 Star Ocean: The Divine Force

Unread postby icycalm » 29 Oct 2022 18:50

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https://starocean.square-enix-games.com/en-us

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1776 ... VINE_FORCE

Just released. "Mixed" review rating so far, which looks bad on a new game, because it means even the new game enthusiasm isn't enough to carry the game.

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Journey Beyond Eternity (Launch Trailer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36UGmuIgXSw

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https://steamcommunity.com/id/KanyeOfTh ... ed/1776380

Kanye Of The West wrote:For the fans of the franchise, it's better then 4 and 5, but still not as good as the earlier titles.

For those new to Star Ocean, prepare for noticeable budget limitations. Star Ocean has always been an fairly niche JRPG series, and with it comes that budget jank. Also expect a classic Star Ocean bait and switch. It's a series that touts itself as a sci fi, space opera, but in reality the vast majority of the games are set on 'Under developed' planets, which are typical fantasy/medieval planets.

The highlight of the games though, the combat, is solid. It's a fully 3D real time combat system with fairly robust combo/special customisation options, and there's extra layers to the combat, such as destroying enemy parts to disable attack and gain special resources, or the blindside/sudden attack mechanic.

Exploration is a big feature too, within the first hour or two of the game you get the ability to boost into the air, letting you reach high places or clear gaps. It's fun, and the open fields are large enough to accommodate the feature, but there's still a 'corridorr' feeling to them. There's invisible walls about, but they're fairly forgiving. I think it's more due to how each field seems like it's in the middle of a valley, at least in the beginning.

Bit too early to talk about plot or characters. They're not unlikable, it's all very trope-y though, and I don't think I'll ever be comfortable with lead male character design. Star Ocean is known for its private actions, which are special interactions you can have with party members that help build up your relationships, which I always appreciated, and are still here in this game.

As mentioned above, this clearly didn't have the budget the more popular JRPG franchises have, and the visuals are where it's most noticeable., They're not bad, but they're a bit last gen, and the locations I've been to, at least so far, are very generic. Knowing this franchise though, there will be some some pretty out there locations later in the game. Sound is neither here nor there. It's definitely serviceable, I just have a feeling after all is said and done there's not a track I'll end up remembering.

TL:DR - It's a good game, but it's made on a budget. Go in with that mind set, and I think you'll have a good time.
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icycalm
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Joined: 28 Mar 2006 00:08
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