Square has delivered us a worthwhile RPG, and giving fans what they want.
First off, the graphics are downright gorgeous. While there are some instances of slight jaggedness, and minor clipping, the experience as a whole is amazing. In my time playing, the graphics were crystal-clear, and I could easily make out every detail of the characters and environments. On top of that, they are full of color, with great lighting effects. Easily some of the best graphics I have seen in an RPG, and in gaming in general. This is a great demo piece for HD gaming.
However, the sound is both epic and serious and at times, downright.....silly. Yes, some of the dialogue can border on, "why did they put that in there/why did they say it like that?" Even if a bit ridiculous at times, the voices are all unique and likable. The shining star the game however, no pun intended, is the soundtrack. This has to be one of the most lively and vivid that I have heard from Square yet.
Now on to the gameplay. If you have ever played Star Ocean, you will be in familiar territory. If you haven't, then this is a great time to start. Basically, enemies appear on screen. Approaching them from the front starts the battle normally. However, approaching them from behind will have them "surprised", giving you a head start on your tactics. This also works in your enemies favor, so watch out! Once the battle begins, it played like your standard action game, similar to something like Devil May Cry, and even Kingdom Hearts. Battles are real-time, and you can move freely around the battlefield, attacking and defending as you please. Whats new in this game is the ability to Blindside, or quickly getting behind your enemy, by holding down B, and releasing when a yellow reticule appears. Holding it down for too long will cause your character down become dizzy for a few seconds, immobilizing your character. You also have a jump button for that quick getaway or quick counter attack. The gameplay is what sets it apart from other RPGs and it always remains fun, without becoming tedious.
Now for the main part of any RPG, and in this case, Star Ocean, is the story. While it definitely isn't original, it is very immersive. Basically, WWIII has ended, and Earth can't be sustained for life anymore, so now humans must live in Space. Special people known as SRF, or Space Reconnaissance Force, have been sent to gather intel about other planets to sustain our life for the future. You are Edge Maverick, one of the SRF personnel joined by long-time friend Raime. After an unsuccessful warp jump, a series of events unfold for the future of the galaxy. What happens is unique, but like Till the End of Time, the game takes a little while to get going. But once it does, it doesn't let up.
Overall, if you are a fan or Star Ocean, and RPGs in general, you owe it to yourself to try out The Last Hope. This is rumored to be the last entry in the long running series, so I can see this being a fitting end if that is the case.