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| Star Ocean: First Departure | 
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| From: Square Enix
Category: Video Games
List Price: $39.99
Buy New: $31.95
You Save: $8.04 (20%)
Buy New/Used from $31.95
Avg. Customer Rating:  (3 reviews)
Sales Rank: 33
Platform: Sony Psp
ESRB: Teen
Media: Video Game
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: No
Age: 12 - 20 years
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2
Dimensions (in): 0.1 x 0 x 0
MPN: 90819
Model: 662248908199
UPC: 662248908199
EAN: 0662248908199
ASIN: B001CM62UM
Release Date: October 21, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Highly anticipated PSP remake of the original Star Ocean that was never released in the United States | | • | Classic RPG action with private actions that alter the outcome of future actions | | • | Enhanced game play and more dynamic battle features, as well as new playable characters | | • | New artwork and animation make for beautiful backgrounds and cut-scenes | | • | Item creation system and skill system allow for character development throughout the story |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Space Date 346: The crew of a Terran Federation ship arrives on the planet Roak. With the help of a stalwart band of local heroes, the crew must work together to unravel a mystery and halt a galactic war. First Departure is a remade version of the very first Star Ocean, created anew with 3D graphics and CG cutscenes. Additional scenarios and characters, integrated 2D and 3D graphics in the style of the PS one game console sequel, fully animated movies, and other bonus features transform the game into a completely new experience.
Amazon.com Product Description
Thanks to Square-Enix, the original Star Ocean has finally made it to the United States in the form of Star Ocean: First Departure. A PSP remake of Star Ocean, which was never released in the U.S., First Departure adds several new elements, including all new backgrounds and a tweaked battle system, while still preserving the exciting storyline and themes of the original.  | 
Star Ocean: First Departure has been given new artwork and animated cut-scenes. View larger. | 
Enter battle with basic melee attacks, special arts, or spells View larger. | 
In battle, you can control a character while the AI handles your teammates. View larger. | Back to the Beginning
It is Space Date 346, and in a sleepy town on the planet Roak, defense-force members Roddick, Millie, and Dorn are on yet another dull patrol when a mysterious plague begins turning people to stone. Fortunately, Ronyx and Ilia, members of a Terran Alliance reconnaissance mission, beam down to the surface just in time. They explain that the plague is actually a biological weapon, and they take the defense-force to the space vessel to discuss how to save Roak from this mysterious attack. The majority of this role-playing game (RPG) actually takes place in the past, because the party realizes that the only way to save the people of Roak is to collect a particular genetic sample from the Roak of old. The game play of First Departure is fairly traditional RPG that has you moving about the world map on your journey, traversing towns and dungeons, progressing the plot as you go. Choose the Right Strategy
You enter battle either using basic melee attacks, special arts that require MP points and that can grow more powerful with use, or spells that also require MP points but take time to cast and can be interrupted before completion. Tactics let you set strategy commands for your characters before they enter battle and can be changed in the middle of battle. All characters will fight according to their set strategy, with different situations requiring different strategies. Private actions are sometimes offered as a character approaches a town on the world map. These private actions depend on timing as well as which characters you have with you as you enter town.. The outcome of these private actions will affect subsequent private actions, for better or worse. All New Artwork and New Characters
Star Ocean: First Departure uses a slightly altered version of the engine used for Star Ocean: The Second Story, but with many similar features. However, the pre-rendered backgrounds and 3D battle fields have been given new artwork and animated cut-scenes, and new playable characters have been added. First Departure has been given a much more dynamic battle system, letting you control a character while the AI handles your teammates. During battle, characters can move freely about the field, executing normal attacks with the X button, and performing special attacks with the L or R triggers. What's more, you can switch characters at any time with a quick press of the Circle button. First Departure also features an item creation system that lets you create new weapons and items to help you in battle, and an extensive skill system for developing your character as you play. You can boost certain party attributes, spending SP on skills to increase your fighters' speed in battle, for example, or spend points that develop your item creation ability and raise your character's strength.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Much-anticipated,and for once,not disapointed. November 20, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
I haveto applaud that they FINALLY brought this game over from Japan. Ever since Star Ocean 2 I have been waiting and waiting for the first one to come out over here. It took more than a decade,but when it finally arrived,I played and beat it three times within a week and a half. That's how much I played it,because it is NOT a short game. The first time,without a strategy guide,the other two,with one. My only complaint is about the strategy guide,which I corrected SEVERAL times,including paths in the Cave of Seven Stars! (the bonus dungeon) The game itself is VERY playable,amusing,and has the same endearing qualities and Star Ocean 2 which I loved so much and missed in Till the End of Time. THANK YOU.
Doing justice to a game long overdue for a release November 16, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I played this on a ROM some time ago when DeJap released their translation patch. I loved it, just thought it needed some polishing. And, honestly, I couldn't be more impressed. I thought the systems in the second Star Ocean were some of the best I've ever seen in an RPG, despite the learning curve, and this game is basically Star Ocean done in the style of the Second Story. I couldn't be happier. The game is beautiful, the environments look fantastic. I always thought the original was a little cramped, and now the areas are much, much larger. The storyline isn't the most original, by any means, but it's pretty good for standard RPG fare, and the characters and events have a nostalgic charm that really reminds the player of the classic 16 bit RPGs of yore. The item creation and skill systems, as well as Private Actions, have been updated to the depth of the second game and really add that little something that set The Second Story apart from its contemporaries. All I have left to say is I can't wait for the release of Second Evolution.
 The First Departure in the US October 22, 2008
15 out of 17 found this review helpful
Pros:
+Well done cutscenes
+Visually stunning
+Fun gameplay and mechanics
+Fairly good storyline
Cons:
-The difficulty is a little steep; it'll require some level grinding which some may not enjoy as much as others
In Japan, a little company called Enix (now Square-Enix) crafted an RPG called Star ocean where it was released on the Super Famicom in 1996. Star Ocean never made it to US shores. However, American gamers were able to play Star Ocean: The Second Story, which became a cult classic in 1999 and later Star Ocean: Till the End of Time in 2004. Now we have a chance to play the first Star Ocean and see just where those elements came from.
Star Ocean is probably best known as being one of the RPGs which really brought Science Fiction to the RPG realm. The story itself may seem somewhat dated by today's standards, but it still manages to be really good. The story is told through traditional text boxes and from time to time through some really well done animated scenes.
The Star Ocean series also contains a well known battle system. Rather than being turn based like many JRPGs on the market, Star Ocean opts instead for real time battles where the player is able to run around freely and perform melee attacks and special attacks. You're able to switch party members at any time you need to and open up menus to use items, magic, etc. If you've played any games in the "Tales of..." series, then you probably have an idea of just how the battle system in Star Ocean works. Whoever you choose to be in battle, the AI controls the others.
The battle system may take some a while to learn, and that's bad when you consider two key things. The first is that Star Ocean is not an easy game. You may have to spend some time level grinding from time to time. The difficulty isn't helped any when you consider that your AI controlled allies aren't exactly bright. While some could attribute it's difficulty to old school charm, Star Ocean has never been known to be an easy game series. Most will welcome the challenge, but the level grinding can be a chore for some gamers who want to move the story forward.
Visually, Star Ocean First Departure obviously looks better than its Super Famicom counterpart. It doesn't take the PSP to its full potential but there's a lot of detail in the towns and character artwork. Artistically, Star Ocean First Departure is a grand game. Musically, however, there aren't nearly as many memorable tracks. There are a few good ones, but for the most part you probably won't be humming too many of Star Ocean's tunes.
If you're a Star Ocean fan, then picking up the First Departure is a treat to see where the roots of the series come from. Some might find it dated, but back in 1996 it was ahead of its time and that makes it worth remembering now.
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