Unlike most RPGs, both the main and non-player characters actually remember what the gamer chooses to say to them. Thus, it is not possible to insult another person, and then simply bring up the choice menu again to make a different comment. As a result, Star Ocean offers a variety of outcomes and plot twists, including over 80 slightly different endings. The ability to alter the storyline, either slightly or greatly, remedies a problem common to many RPGs. Whereas most titles of the Role-Playing category offer one storyline with one goal, Star Ocean's multiple choices and outcomes contribute a great deal to the title's replay value.
Like the graphics, the sound is quite vibrant and varied. Star Ocean offers plenty of styles of music to fit different situations and moods. The game also features digitized voices, which are neither spectacular nor annoying.
The game employs an interesting variety of graphics styles. The backgrounds and towns consist of detailed, colorful pre-rendered images. The players and enemies instead are classic sprite-based characters who express themselves with both animations and thought bubbles similar to those in comic books. Finally, the overworld map itself is fully polygonal and 3D. The overall mix of styles actually works quite well, and results in a sharp-looking game with plenty of detail and small touches. Unfortunately, the pre-rendered backgrounds can also camouflage paths and doorways, especially in dark caves and rooms. It can be quite frustrating to run around a cave for half and hour, touching every wall in hope of finding an exit.
As with most of the game's features, Star Ocean offers a unique battle system as well. With the exception of a few titles such as Tales of Destiny, most RPGs force the player wait a certain amount of time before execution of a command. And even when the time limit elapses, the player generally chooses from a menu and watches the computer perform the attack. Star Ocean, on the other hand, allows the player full control over the main character's actions. Depending on the setting the gamer chooses, battles can vary from semi-turn based to completely real time. In addition, the player can choose among multiple formations for the party to strategies for individual party members, such as multiple levels of aggression and use of magic. The battle system takes time for the player to learn, but eventually becomes quite natural and simple.
Still, Star Ocean is not without its flaws. As I mentioned before, though the pre-rendered backgrounds look nice, they do interfere with the gameplay from time to time. The use of fewer dark, poorly contrasting colors would have helped. The translation of the story itself is competent, if a bit dry. The script also reveals several bloopers, such as describing an item as "very nutritive," as well as a few awkward lines. The game also starts rather slowly, although it eventually picks up to a brisk pace.
In the end, Star Ocean will surely please any RPG fan with its storyline and unique features. The large amount of characters and choices let the player feel that he is truly in control of a world's outcome and future. Gamers will no doubt enjoy the flexible interface with its different options, not to mention the game as a whole. For gamers looking for another entertaining RPG, look no further.
-- Rachel Lewis
