STAR OCEAN First Departure R out now on Nintendo Switch and PS4

HD remaster of classic sci-fi RPG lands on modern platforms. Here’s everything you need to know.
By Duncan Heaney
Tags: Star Ocean First Departure R

Good news for all RPG fans who’ve been waiting for this one - the countdown is over and we have lift-off! STAR OCEAN First Departure R is now available for Nintendo Switch and PS4.

This HD Remaster of the classic RPG adds new visuals, new features and even new voiceover. You can get a sense of what to expect in the new trailer - and read on for more information about this spectacular sci-fi adventure.

What is STAR OCEAN First Departure R?

The game’s an enhanced version of the classic STAR OCEAN First Departure - originally released in the West on the Playstation Portable.

It follows a young swordsman, Roddick, and his allies, who set out in search of a cure to a deadly disease. But before long, they’re drawn into a much grander adventure - one that will take them on an epic journey across the sea of stars.

STAR OCEAN First Departure R improves the original game with a host of new features and gameplay adjustments, including:

  • Full English and Japanese voiceovers - you can switch between the original voice cast from the PSP version in both English or Japanese. Alternatively, you can choose a newly recorded version that features the Japanese voice cast from the original Japan-exclusive Super Famicom version!

  • New Character Illustrations - this version of the game features brand new character art, drawn by famous illustrator Katsumi Enami (STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE). But if you do prefer the original character illustrations… well, they’re in here too.

  • Speed Mode - allows you to speed up movement, helping you get around the world more quickly

  • Adjusted Game Balance - the battle difficulty has been tweaked, which means you’ll face a more balanced combat challenge.

How do you play STAR OCEAN First Departure R?

You can buy STAR OCEAN First Departure R digitally right now on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.

Simply visit their respective stores to get it:

Then, once downloaded, get ready to blast off on an adventure you won’t soon forget!

To stay up to date with more information about this game and the STAR OCEAN series as a whole, make sure you follow on social media:

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