Crono
09-03-2004, 11:34 AM
I know there's not many RPG fans around here, but I'll post this for the select few that are looking into the game (Vampyr and BlueFire).
As you probably know, Star Ocean 3 is the sequel to Star Ocean 2. Star Ocean 2 was a sleeper hit on PSX. It was a very deep game with an awesome story and tons of extras.
Without spoiling anything, the only thing I can tell you is that the Star Ocean series takes place in our very own universe, except hundreds of years into the future.
So anyway, as you may or may not know, the Star Ocean series has a real-time battle system. There are no random encounters in SO3, instead you simply run up to an enemy and engage it on a battle field. That, or it can see you and chase you, but it is still possible to avoid regular battles if you wish to do so. If you've played Chrono Cross or Xenosaga then you'll know what I'm talking about.
As for the battle engine itself, it's quite simple. X does a weaker attack while O does a stronger attack. Holding on to each of those buttons will perform special attacks which you've assigned them to. You also have a fury meter, and if an enemy's fury meter is at 100% then you can't hit them with regular attacks using the X button. And either of the two attacks will consume your fury bar it seems, depending on which one you used, the stronger or weaker one. Also, pressing triange will bring up the battle menu where you can use items and such. And pressing R1 will toggle through your characters. Though from what I've seen, your main character will stand and do nothing if you switch to the others. Maybe there's a way to change that, I'm not sure. I'm only 5 hours into the game right now. You can also hit multiple times in a row, multiplying damage in combos.
From what I've seen so far the game's battle system and interface are easy to navigate and it won't take you very long to learn the basics.
The game also has voice acting. IGN said the acting was horrible, so horirble that you'd want to turn off your tv. Honestly I don't think they are that bad, really. They're tolerable at least.
As for extras in the game, I already know that there are battle trophies, you can get them by beating certain enemies under certain conditions, like within a certain time or without taking damage. Also there are 3 modes of difficulty, the hardest one you have to unlock.
So far I am enjoying the game's story, and it's gameplay, and that it was worth the $80.
So... if you're looking for a solid RPG on the PS2, definitely pick this game up. I'm positive that this will hold me off until Suikoden IV (which got delayed until January... bastards). And it's probably one of the best RPGS for this holiday season. When I went into my EB yesterday I was surprised to find out how many people had actually pre ordered the game. I'm glad it's selling well so far.
If there's anything else you'd like to know... feel free to ask. But like I said, if you need an rpg to hold you off until something bigger, definitely consider this game.
As you probably know, Star Ocean 3 is the sequel to Star Ocean 2. Star Ocean 2 was a sleeper hit on PSX. It was a very deep game with an awesome story and tons of extras.
Without spoiling anything, the only thing I can tell you is that the Star Ocean series takes place in our very own universe, except hundreds of years into the future.
So anyway, as you may or may not know, the Star Ocean series has a real-time battle system. There are no random encounters in SO3, instead you simply run up to an enemy and engage it on a battle field. That, or it can see you and chase you, but it is still possible to avoid regular battles if you wish to do so. If you've played Chrono Cross or Xenosaga then you'll know what I'm talking about.
As for the battle engine itself, it's quite simple. X does a weaker attack while O does a stronger attack. Holding on to each of those buttons will perform special attacks which you've assigned them to. You also have a fury meter, and if an enemy's fury meter is at 100% then you can't hit them with regular attacks using the X button. And either of the two attacks will consume your fury bar it seems, depending on which one you used, the stronger or weaker one. Also, pressing triange will bring up the battle menu where you can use items and such. And pressing R1 will toggle through your characters. Though from what I've seen, your main character will stand and do nothing if you switch to the others. Maybe there's a way to change that, I'm not sure. I'm only 5 hours into the game right now. You can also hit multiple times in a row, multiplying damage in combos.
From what I've seen so far the game's battle system and interface are easy to navigate and it won't take you very long to learn the basics.
The game also has voice acting. IGN said the acting was horrible, so horirble that you'd want to turn off your tv. Honestly I don't think they are that bad, really. They're tolerable at least.
As for extras in the game, I already know that there are battle trophies, you can get them by beating certain enemies under certain conditions, like within a certain time or without taking damage. Also there are 3 modes of difficulty, the hardest one you have to unlock.
So far I am enjoying the game's story, and it's gameplay, and that it was worth the $80.
So... if you're looking for a solid RPG on the PS2, definitely pick this game up. I'm positive that this will hold me off until Suikoden IV (which got delayed until January... bastards). And it's probably one of the best RPGS for this holiday season. When I went into my EB yesterday I was surprised to find out how many people had actually pre ordered the game. I'm glad it's selling well so far.
If there's anything else you'd like to know... feel free to ask. But like I said, if you need an rpg to hold you off until something bigger, definitely consider this game.