Star Ocean: The Last Hope - 10 Hours In

  • By LarkAnderson, GameSpot
  • Posted Feb 24, 2009 5:57 pm PT

If you're a fan of Japanese role-playing games, then today's your lucky day as you should be able to find Star Ocean: The Last Hope, the fourth game in the spacefaring series by developers Tri-Ace, on store shelves in the US. Though we try to have reviews ready on or before release, this time it...

If you're a fan of Japanese role-playing games, then today's your lucky day as you should be able to find Star Ocean: The Last Hope, the fourth game in the spacefaring series by developers Tri-Ace, on store shelves in the US. Though we try to have reviews ready on or before release, this time it simply wasn't possible and I've only recently been able to start on it.

In case you're wondering if The Last Hope is for you, know that it continues many Star Ocean traditions like having a strong and fun real-time combat system and providing a richly detailed universe that is meticulously explained via an in-menu dictionary. Fans will further enjoy the fact that this is a prequel rather than a sequel (for reasons obvious to those who have completed Star Ocean: Till the End of Time), and as it takes place at the very beginning of space exploration for the planet Earth, the entire game is steeped in a sense of discovery.

As Edge Maverick, it's your job to assist the Space Reconnaissance Force in their quest for a new home for mankind, as global nuclear war sort of made Earth not the most happening place to be. Because it takes place so early in the Space Date Calendar, you'll literally be going where no man has gone before as you explore the galaxy, so there's no need to worry about pesky rules like the Underdeveloped Planet Preservation pact since they don't exist yet! Throughout your journey, you'll be making history as you make those critical first impressions with the other sentient races out there too, so try not to mess things up.


Yup, in the future, they still use bows and arrows.

The Last Hope starts out with an in-depth tutorial of the new combat system, and covers basics like movement, attacks, skills, and more (for more detailed information about this, be sure to check out our recent preview). From there, I was eased into the story and explored a new planet called Aeos that is similar to Earth in most ways, save for the presence of gigantic and really mean insects that are immune to railgun fire, but not swords or arrows for some reason. After taking out the first big boss on what may or may not be valuable beachfront property someday, Edge and his childhood-friend-slash-possible-love-interest Reimi made the acquaintance of Faize Sheifa Beleth, an Eldarian (read: space elf) skilled in the arts of Symbology and the Rapier. After this, it was off to yet another planet where the group was joined by Lymle Lemuri Phi, a powerful little girl that keeps a hellhound as pet.

Though it's way too early to say anything definitive about The Last Hope, the combat system--which just about has to be the strongest aspect of any JRPG because of the amount time you spend in battle--is fun, engaging, and nuanced. The addition of the blindside system to dodge and counter attacks adds a strategic element that is further enhanced by the bonus board, which lets you tailor post-battle rewards however you wish. Technically, the game is solid, though there are a few things to complain about: the camera system has some problems anytime there's an object between your character and it, the framerate suffers (just a bit) when you're performing flashy attacks on several enemies simultaneously, and for some reason enemies are only really visible on the field if they're within 10 yards or so. These issues are for the most part pretty minor though.

As mentioned previously, Star Ocean: The Last Hope is in stores in the US as of today for the Xbox 360. If you're still unsure about it, be sure to watch Sophia's video preview below and check out our final word in the review that will be up soon.

75 Comments

  • KillbombX

    Posted Mar 2, 2009 8:54 pm PT

    This game is awesome. If you like JRPGs there is no need to wait any longer.

  • SavoyPrime

    Posted Mar 2, 2009 4:14 pm PT

    Exocent - Nah, they can often take this long for RPGs. Took them forever to get the review out for Valkyria Chronicles.

  • Exocent

    Posted Mar 2, 2009 8:51 am PT

    Judging by how long its taking to write the review, this game must be epic...

  • piipossz

    Posted Mar 1, 2009 5:04 pm PT

    best gameplay ever star ocean rulezzzz!!

  • homestarmy6

    Posted Mar 1, 2009 2:25 pm PT

    Well if you play the game like I have they explain that the creatures sense the vibrations from the gun and are able to detect the attack before it happens thus making guns useless...

  • Hidole555

    Posted Feb 28, 2009 4:32 am PT

    I'm REALLY having a hard time trying to understand why the main-characters use a Bow & Arrow and a sword. I suppose if you were fighting on the now-hellish Earth you could just throw a cup of water at someone and they would die. I don't want to turn this into an FPS or TPS, but I think if I was told I was Earth's last hope and the guy who told me it gave me a Bow & Arrow to defend myself, I would have kicked that guy square in the balls.

  • Penguins20

    Posted Feb 27, 2009 1:14 pm PT

    @ ff7cloudking: I think it says Shai Armor...Shat armor would be cool, but I don't think the Shat Helm and Shat Gloves to go with it would be easy to find...

  • Dreamlinker

    Posted Feb 27, 2009 12:53 am PT

    Tyrant242, you should read and learn... LarkAnderson GameSpot staff member

    Posted Feb 26, 2009 2:19 am GMT

    Hey all, sorry for the International confusion--I've updated this blog to reflect that it's out in the US.

    Nice game but i agree with squarejp

    the voice acting seems unnatural..... childish again....

    The voice acting is unnatural, looks more like a duped movie!
    Childish!
    The sound that play's is lame and you have to turn it off, alway's the same... you don't play the same song for 2 hours in a row! If you do, you need some help!

  • Tyrant242

    Posted Feb 26, 2009 12:05 pm PT

    god do some of you actually bother to read the articles. it clearly states that it should be on shelves IN THE US at this time. try to sound intelligent before you speak ok

  • bynen

    Posted Feb 26, 2009 11:07 am PT

    Yea i will prolly pick this game up..
    i need a new rpg to play.
    this should tide me over till ME2 and FF13

  • SmartGhost

    Posted Feb 26, 2009 10:44 am PT

    I have starOcean 2 and three that where for the playstation i liked them but i rather see this game on PS3

  • Vaporeon_Blast1

    Posted Feb 26, 2009 10:33 am PT

    This game is so good i defo recomend this game!
    peace out.

  • dubb55

    Posted Feb 26, 2009 10:09 am PT

    Have to keep my eye on this one looks good sofar

  • darkanima9

    Posted Feb 26, 2009 8:54 am PT

    Ready To Play Here But My Xbox360 Not The Same Region Of The Game

  • the-obiwan

    Posted Feb 26, 2009 7:38 am PT

    Cantius

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 1:38 pm PT

    beat the game, then review the game, gamespot.

    what he sayd ^

  • scy99 posted Feb 26, 2009 4:15 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    scy99

    Posted Feb 26, 2009 4:15 am PT (hide)

    Personally I am a Tri-ace fanboy, I really don't care for x360, Wii, or Ps3, due to the fact they all have stupid rehased FPS games, or garbage like that which I just don't care for. (Halo 3, whoopie who gives a flying f*** about it, its just a rehashed fps) Its nice to see a real game for once. Sure its a sequil but at least the game won't suck (no tri-ace game I have played has been bad) Anyway If I wanted to play a lame fps i'd play it on PC where I can actually aim properly. Most games on the new consoles are a total waste of money, they are too short and not near worth the price. Namely: Bioshock, Deadspace, to name 2. I felt sorry for people who bought those. only to beat em in 6-8 hours on 1st playthru. And they have virtually 0 replay value.

  • 10679

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 10:48 pm PT

    xJackelx

    the guy got it wrong. xbox360 has sold 940,000 units in jaoan. ps3 hasn't done that well in japan. it only has sold 2.8million units

  • Saije

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 10:35 pm PT

    @12345678ew

    Yeah, that post was also irrelevant. All you were really doing is being a PS3 fan boy troll, Fool. If those kids at your school had any sense they would have knocked you out for being a smug, pompous, ass.

  • Mkamzng1

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 10:30 pm PT

    I'm gonna rent this game next week and see how much fun i have with it.

  • squarejp

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 9:51 pm PT

    I like the Star ocean 3: Till the end of time. But i dont' really like the character settings and dialogue. They are childish and not serious enough to suit the environment. But I love the game system, it makes me love to level up and enjoy collecting trophies. I don't know about the 4th installment.....the voice acting seems unnatural..... childish again....

  • 12345678ew posted Feb 25, 2009 8:54 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    12345678ew

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 8:54 pm PT (hide)

    lol a bunch of kids at my school were all excited about this game..... i started rattling off games i was looking forward to or wanted to buy on ps3.... they got pissed and walked away before i was even half done. all in 2009 too..... but then again, my opinion on this game is irrelevant, because i don't like rpgs at all, so if you do, have fun. i'm going to play killzone 2.

  • Xions-Fursy

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 8:01 pm PT

    I'm about 20 hours in and I love it so far.

  • dark_kartos

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 7:02 pm PT

    Nice. Too bad i have to wait a month to buy this freaking game.

  • LarkAnderson GameSpot staff member

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 6:19 pm PT

    Hey all, sorry for the International confusion--I've updated this blog to reflect that it's out in the US.

    Also, I'm not the same guy who reviewed Halo Wars, moose_knuckler. That would be Luke Anderson

  • Chico_Azteca

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 6:09 pm PT

    ill pick this up as soon as i see it around here (Mexico), i juts hop e they dont try to abuse our wallets again..

  • West_Side_LOgic

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 5:53 pm PT

    definitely picking this one up.

  • moose_knuckler

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 5:16 pm PT

    lol is this the same guy who reviewed halo wars? I thought they fired him already (jk). Anyway, I anticipate this game will get a 8-8.5 on gamespot even though other places haven't faired as well on this game, seems more like a fan-favored kind of game since majority of normal gamers give it a 9+.

  • ff7cloudking

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 5:06 pm PT

    At 3:28, does it say that one of their inventions is "Shat armor"?

  • smsmith1978 posted Feb 25, 2009 2:55 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    smsmith1978

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 2:55 pm PT (hide)

    Sunnyboy777, well I hope you have a 360 as well as a PS3 then, otherwise your purchased copy won't be much use.

  • simonsworld

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 2:55 pm PT

    i got good feelings about this honey

  • Sunnyboy777

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 2:44 pm PT

    Hmmm nice, might pick it up after I finish KZ2

  • hawaiiinsomniac

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 2:14 pm PT

    Sweet! I just picked up my copy... I can't wait to play it... jrpg FTW!

  • tatton777

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 1:40 pm PT

    I've been playing this game off and on since yesterday afternoon. It is solid, it is fun, it is probably the best JRPG for the 360. I can't say this early on in the gameplay that the story is as fantastic as others but it is by far the best JRPG fighting I've played on any sytem in quite awile. I'm digging it!!

  • Cantius

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 1:38 pm PT

    beat the game, then review the game, gamespot.

  • Roman16

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 1:36 pm PT

    i trust u guys going to pick it up RIGHT NOW!

  • th3chos3non3

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 1:04 pm PT

    seven hours in and the game is quite solid. voice acting, action, in game cinematics engine and still three discs. feels a bit like grandia III if any of you are familiar with SE's other intellectula properties...which are worth playing just as much as the flagship series...

  • calvinsora

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 12:23 pm PT

    I know it sounds childish, but I really wish this comes to PS3. I think it's fair, you get FFXIII.
    Ultimately, congrats on having such a nice game.

  • Supabul

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 12:03 pm PT

    Well I can't wait to play this, I'm sick of FPS's

  • kindredmachine

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 11:45 am PT

    I'm about 4 hours in and this game sounds, plays and just feels like a Star Ocean game.. which is a GOOD thing! If you like JRPGs this is easily the best one yet on the Xbox 360.

  • Extra_Life

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 11:22 am PT

    @ magusat999 - If you'd like clarification of my comment, from my PC it says 'Gamespot UK', as it it does in the page address, hence the contention. To the casual UK reader, that line could be taken as the game having had a PAL release (although I am aware of the later PAL release date)

  • the-obiwan

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 10:41 am PT

    THIS GAME IS AWESOME DUDE . ROCK ON \m/

  • FalseGod420

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 10:38 am PT

    OMG it taking to long to the to the store why do movie to get to stores on time but game ALWAY get there a day or 2 late from the release date WTF even the stores i called are like WTF

  • piipossz

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 9:32 am PT

    This game is going to be really amaizing i cant w8 to play it!!!

  • AzureWind213

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 9:28 am PT

    If you think the JRPG's are bad you probably are forgetting Eternal Sonata...

  • laptop12 posted Feb 25, 2009 9:23 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    laptop12

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 9:23 am PT (hide)

    i don't like this game design, it's not my type, don't like the costume, just only want to play real SE product like FF series...

  • SoulReaper1337

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 9:22 am PT

    I have been playing this game non-stop since it came out and i love it, though I'm starting to wonder what I'm going to do when Final Fantasy comes this year, lol

  • tyladog

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 8:12 am PT

    @ magusat999

    I'm currently on the Gamespot UK site. Think the only real differences on them are advertising and the New Release dates. All the previews and reviews seem to be identical. That being said, the outrage is a bit pathetic. Just check the release date for your region people. It's quite easy to do.

  • metalgear-solid

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 7:59 am PT

    Yes, it needs to be specified! I'm using GameSpot UK and it's all the same.
    Another attempt at making the US look like the only country in the world.

  • magusat999 posted Feb 25, 2009 6:36 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    magusat999

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 6:36 am PT (hide)

    The reason the author didn't need to specify "US shelves" is because this is the USA website (duhhh). There IS a gamespot.uk as well as other versions of the website - but this one ain't it. Feel the flag, baby!

    Now if this was a foreign language release, that has no confirmed release in english or playable on NTSC systems, I could see outrage... oh wait, Gamepost does THAT too...

  • method115

    Posted Feb 25, 2009 5:54 am PT

    @ sixoneone: Completely agree JRPG's are dominan t on PS3 which is funny considering PS2 had so many good JRPG's. PS3 fanboys like to make the situation looks better then it is by announcing future releases but it's simply being positive and looking at the glass half full. PS3's selection of JRPG's sucks and from the looks of it will for a while.

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