Star Ocean: First Departure

'Star Ocean : First Departure' in brief, is a classic RPG that even today holds key elements that push it above many other J-RPG's of both it's time and even now.

Plotwise, considering this was made more than a decade ago, you do sort of 'get what you pay for'. Don't get me wrong, in it's day this would of been a decently strong story arc and it is by no means poor now, however, a decade on and we have seen the same kind of repetitive plot recycled over and over. While you will get some enjoyment out of it i just didn't feel as strong a connection to the characters as much as i do with other games and that's what really makes this game repetivie. You don't have as much as a drive to see it through to the end, but stick with it because it won't disapoint.

Battle system is suprising fluid. I think that it works really well and is a nice substitute to classic 'turn-based' rules. Battles can be difficult if you do not level characters and while some may find grinding annyoing sometimes, it does not detract from the fun. Multiple endings also encouage re-plays which adds again to this games charm.

All in all, its a great little game to have portable. While not amazingly short, by no means is it amazing long and it feels very much like a 'hit or miss' kind of game. You will either love it or hate it.

Whether you enjoy it or not though, you will be impressed with it's re-booted anime style, added voices which are a nice touch and decent musical score. The very fact that the forth title will be out soon shows that it has it's strenghs and this is a great addition to the growing number of RPG's out there.

Have not rented it but own it already.

I am a fan of these games having played star ocean till the end of time, bought a psp just for crisis core and star ocean games plus the kingdom hearts game that will be coming out in the near future.

I never got to play the old version of this game so this is awesome for someone like me, excellent psp rpg and second evolution is even better! but I would play this one first then the 2nd... :)