First Departure was the first instance of the game receiving an English-language localization, and introduced extensive voiced dialogue, along with new animated cutscenes by animation studio Production I.G. Square Enix published the soundtrack album in 2008 on two compact discs, bundled with a DVD including promotional content.
Home console port Star Ocean: First Departure R emerged in 2019, currently available to download for PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers. Uploaded in 2022, a 67-track edition of the digital soundtrack by series composer Motoi Sakuraba is available for streaming on YouTube Music Spotify and Amazon Music Unlimited.
From the product page:
Our tale begins on the primitive planet of Roak where Roddick lives in the peaceful and uneventful town of Kratus. As a member of the village’s local “Defence Force” tasked with the protection of Kratus, Roddick learns of a mysterious disease that has broken out in the neighboring town. Those infected turn to stone, but continue to live on in a petrified state.Nintendo - Star Ocean First Departure R
Roddick, along with his two friends Millie and Dorne, make their way to the neighboring town. Informed of a cure for the sickness, they head to Mt. Metorx where a healing herb is rumored to grow. When they reach the summit, the party encounter Ronyx and Ilia, who appear before them in a pillar of light.
Square Enix - Star Ocean Series (Streaming)
YouTube Music - STAR OCEAN First Departure Original Soundtrack
5 years ago today #StarOcean First Departure R first launched on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch!
— STAR OCEAN (@StarOcean) December 5, 2024
Tell us your most memorable moments from the first title in the series. pic.twitter.com/mYjzqZNbhp