Star Ocean 2 remake combines lovely 2D and 3D graphics

Star Ocean: The Second Story R — (Image credit: Square Enix)

The Star Ocean 2 remake is real, and it's launching later this year on November 2.

Square Enix unfortunately leaked the Star Ocean 2 remake last week, uploading a new visual on their website that strongly hinted at the forthcoming remake being in the works. Now, we finally know Star Ocean: The Second Story R is real, and it's arriving on PC, PS5, PS4, and Nintendo Switch platforms on November 2.

Two worlds. One fateful encounter.Introducing a modern 2.5D remake of one of our most beloved titles - #StarOcean The Second Story R.Landing on Nintendo Switch, PS5/4 and Steam on November 2, 2023. pic.twitter.com/EbIr3AJLbgJune 21, 2023

What's arguably the most intriguing thing about Star Ocean: The Second Story R is that it's combining 3D backgrounds and landscapes with 2D pixelated characters. It's almost combining the best of both worlds really, a riff on the "2DHD" format that Square Enix has pioneered with games like Octopath Traveler over the last few years.

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And yes, this is technically the second remake of Star Ocean 2. The Second Evolution R was the first remake of Star Ocean 2, but that was a PSP-exclusive game that launched all the way back in 2008, a decade after the game originally launched, and never made it to any other platforms. Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a remake of the original 1998 release.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R follows both Claude and Rena, who come together after the former is stranded on a remote planet following a mission gone wrong. You can play as either of the two leading characters, and make story-specific decisions that'll change how the game plays out.

Check out our new games 2023 guide for a full look over all the other games set to launch on multiple platforms this year.

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.