Genre: Role Playing Game

Reviewed on: Sony PSP

Available for: PSP

Publisher: Square Enix

Developer: Square Enix

Rating: 12+ (PEGI)

Muliplayer: No

Game Name: Star Ocean: Second Evolution Platform: Sony PSP Publisher: Square Enix Rating: 12+ (PEGI) Genre: Role Playing Game It’s only been five months since the release of the fully revamped first chapter in the Star Ocean series. But the chaps over at the Square Enix hive have obviously been busy little bees for they have produced another sweet feast of gaming honey in the form of Star Ocean: Second Evolution.

Originally Called Star Ocean: The Second Story, it was the first Star Ocean games to hit European shores but undoubtedly one of the most classic of PlayStation games.

The Second Evolution plays much the same as Star Ocean: First Departure did, so gamers that played their way through that and have a thirst for more will find it easily quenched by this latest instalment. Players that didn’t play First Departure shouldn’t be put of by this fact though, as the storyline itself makes sense independently.

From the get-go players are presented with a choice that will reflect upon the whole of the game as there are two playable characters to choose from, each with their own storyline but ultimately intertwining. There’s Claude C. Kenny, a member of the Federation and Rena Lanford, a young girl who is in search of her parents. Because of this choice, there is a great amount of replay value in this title.

The combat system is very much the same as it was in First Departure but the fact that players can be instantly familiar with it means that the learning curve can be greatly reduced. That said, combat is never too complicated though there are deep features like Item Creation for player to tinker with.

The graphical style is again very similar to First Departure in the fact that there are luscious pre-rendered backgrounds with rather crude sprites. This style is comfortingly reminiscent of old classics like Final Fantasy VII and other great RPG’s from yesteryear.

Cut-scenes are plentiful, presenting players with an anime treat that delivers on rich storyline and a strong Japanese RPG charm. Despite the fact that they are so frequent, there is little fear of them becoming irritating because of their sheer beauty.

Although there are many comparisons with First Departure, Second Evolution has truly evolved from it’s predecessor by providing an apparelled storyline that twists, turns and surprises every step of the way - it’s truly one of the most intriguing that the RPG world has ever known.

SCORE 8 / 10