Square Enix dived into their back catalog of RPGs, and pulled out Star Ocean First Departure, specifically the 2008 HD remaster which launched on PSP. That’s after it originally launched on the Super Famicom in Japan in 1996. The Remaster Re-release (whew) is called Star Ocean First Departure R, and it’s out now on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch for $20.99.
Star Ocean First Departure R is a pixelated, sci-fi RPG starring Roddick, a young swordsman on the alien planet of Roak. Roddick teams up with allies from Roak and from Earth to combat a deadly disease that’s turning everyone to stone. And kill lots of monsters along the way.
The HD remaster features both Japanese and English voices, as well as the original Japanese voice recordings from the Super Famicom version. Players can also switch between original character illustrations, or the newer versions drawn by Katsumi Enami, who did the artwork for 2009’s Star Ocean: The Last Hope.
The remaster also includes some helpful quality of life improvements, such as improved game balance, and a Speed Mode to quickly get around the world.
Star Ocean First Departure R is available now on PlayStation 4 and Switch. It’s rated T for Teen.
