An excellent RPG with a lot of things to do / 3rd best 1999 Playstation favorite after Grandia and FFVIII.
User Rating: 9 | Star Ocean: The Second Story PS
Star Ocean was absolutely amazing. Despite "ancient" graphics, innovation and story make this the best RPG I've played since FF7. First, innovation. The battle system is refreshing and active: you actually take control of the characters and physically attack the enemy, using just your "boring old sword" or a variety of special moves. Although enemies may not be state-of-the-art, they are intelligent enough to use what defenses they have to stop you and counter, often requiring you to actually base your attack around your judgment. Item creation is extremely deep and involving and the Private Actions allow you to get to know the characters a bit more, transforming them from little pictures into people. All this is backed up by a solid story. Whether you choose the little boy who's stranded on a strange planet or the girl that finds him, you are surrounded in mystery that motivates you through most of the story. Graphics and sound (namely the character's "voices") may outdated, but the story and characters take you along for a mysertious and grand adventure that you won't soon forget!
First of all I have played many RPG's, and I love the versatility of this one. I, like many other RPG players, have to say that, The versatility of this game is astounding, with over 86 different endings, and a wide variety of characters to choose from, not all of which you must acquire, but rather for a challenge, if you wish, you can go through the game with only ever getting 3 char. or even up to 8 of 12!
