Square Enix has announced remake Star Ocean: The Second Story R, arriving November 2nd for Nintendo Switch, PS4 and PlayStation 5, Windows through Steam. The science-fiction themed role-playing game will sport a new 2.5D visual aesthetic.

Based on Super Famicom role-playing game Star Ocean: The Second Story and PlayStation Portable remake Star Ocean: Second Evolution, The Second Story R incorporates 2D pixel art with 3D-rendered environments. Preorders have opened at distributor CDJapan for the four-disc soundtrack album, scheduled for release on November 8th.

The upcoming release will include full Japanese and English-language voice acting, along with new battle mechanics and both original and arranged music featuring a full-band performance. The Collector's Edition for PS4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch will be bundled with the physical edition of the soundtrack.

Enix published the second installment in the Star Ocean action role-playing game series for the PlayStation console in 1998. Sony Computer Entertainment introduced developer tri-Ace's science fiction title to English-language territories the following year. A two-disc compact disc release of Motoi Sakuraba's soundtrack saw publication late in 1998.

In 2008, Tose Co., Ltd. developed the PSP remake Second Evolution. Square Enix published the soundtrack album that year on two compact discs, bundled with a DVD including the opening cinematic and a promotional video.

More recently, the 87-track Star Ocean: The Second Story digital edition was published thorugh streaming platforms YouTube Music, Spotify and Amazon Music Unlimited, alongside the 87-track score from the PSP adaptation.


From the product page:

This four-disc set contains every piece of music from STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R, a remake of the renowned RPG that expertly weaves fantasy and sci-fi into a colorful gaming tapestry.

Along with the game itself, the soundtrack has also undergone a remake thanks to Motoi Sakuraba, who originally composed the music. The battle themes have been re-envisioned for live band performances, and the addition of string instruments makes the overworld and cutscene tracks grander in scale and more opulent than ever.

While no melodic journey across the celestial sea would be complete without such classics as "The venerable forest" and "Stab the sword of justice," a few tunes have been created specifically for your STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R listening pleasure.

Square Enix Music - Star Ocean: The Second Story R Original Soundtrack

CDJapan - Star Ocean: The Second Story R Original Soundtrack

YouTube Music - Star Ocean: The Second Story / Star Ocean: Second Evolution

Apple Music - Star Ocean: The Second Story / Star Ocean: Second Evolution

We're bringing a fresh feel to familiar music!

The entire original soundtrack has been rearranged by original composer Motoi Sakuraba, with new and remixed tunes in #StarOcean The Second Story R. pic.twitter.com/mAGa26vhNS

— STAR OCEAN (@StarOcean) July 25, 2023