Square Enix has rolled out an exciting update for Star Ocean: The Second Story R, bringing in more content and a challenging new difficulty level. This free update, now at version 1.1, is accessible across all platforms where the RPG is available.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a 2.5D reimagining of the original Star Ocean: The Second Story from the PlayStation 1 era, a beloved RPG crafted by tri-Ace and published by the then Enix. The remake of Star Ocean: The Second Story R has been widely acclaimed by gamers, solidifying its place as one of the standout RPGs in 2023.
It's no wonder that Square Enix has released a fresh update for Star Ocean: The Second Story R to keep players immersed in the game. Version 1.1 introduces a new difficulty mode called Chaos, along with new Raid Enemies featuring the Ten Wise Men, accessible post-story completion. Additionally, there are new weapons, armor, and accessories for all characters, hinting at exciting endgame crafting possibilities within Star Ocean: The Second Story R.
The update also includes new character illustrations, an expanded character graphics collection menu, the ability to revisit all unlocked endings, and customizable New Game+ options like resetting character levels or retained items. Hardcore gamers can now push beyond the max level in Star Ocean: The Second Story R and embark on a fresh challenging journey at the Chaos difficulty level.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R is just one of the many remakes Square Enix has introduced in recent years. While the publisher has a history of revisiting its classic titles, the focus on remakes has been more pronounced lately. Square Enix's lineup includes remakes such as Live A Live, Tactics Ogre Reborn, and the revamped Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion featuring Zack Fair as the central figure, a character whose significance has been revitalized in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
Looking ahead, Square Enix's future plans may see a shift away from frequent re-releases. Following Takashi Kiryu's assumption of the presidency, the CEO pledged significant changes in Square Enix's development strategy, focusing on AAA titles and established brands while phasing out lesser-known franchises or those that fail to meet expectations.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R V1.1 Patch Notes
Introducing the challenging new difficulty level, CHAOS mode
- Dive into the intense CHAOS mode, a freshly added dynamic difficulty level.
Unveiling Raid Enemies (The Ten Wise Men)
- Engage in battles against individual members of the formidable Ten Wise Men after completing the main storyline.
- Each Wise Man showcases a distinctive special attack for added excitement.
Introducing Assault Action characters (The Ten Wise Men)
- Defeat the new Raid Enemies to acquire special Jewels that summon the Ten Wise Men through the Assault Action system.
Character Art Gallery
- Unlock captivating NPC character art by renowned character designer Yukihiro Kajimoto at various in-game events, featuring NPCs like Regis, Allen, Mariana, Eleanor, Clyde, and Leifath.
- Access all unlocked character art, including playable characters, conveniently from the game's title screen.
Ending Collection Feature
- Explore all the unlocked ending variations through the newly added Ending Collection available in the Special section on the title screen.
Additional In-Game Items
- Version 1.10 introduces a fresh array of items, including weapons, equipment, and character accessories, post-story completion.
- Players can now reset character levels while retaining acquired items, fostering continuous character growth in New Game+ mode.