Star Ocean: First Departure

[Shadow Fire]

Director: Joe Asanuma, Naoko Kusumi

Producers: Yoshinori Yamagishi, Hidekazu Terakawa

Music: Motoi Sakuraba, Asunaro

Starring: Yuri Lowenthal, Katie Leigh, Dick Smallberries Jr., Sam Gold, Julie Maddalena

Rating:


Plot

Spacedate 346... an intergalactic war rages on, while on the underdeveloped planet known as Roak, its inhabitants are blissfully unaware of the troubles occuring beyond their world. On the continent of Muah, in the town of Kratus, a young girl known as Millie, heads into the town's defence agency. Her friends, Roddick and Dorne are waiting, bored due to the lack of excitement. However, they soon face adventure as bandits attack the town. They are swiftly defeated, and the three friends are branded heroes of the town.

All is not well, however, as a strange disease begins to spread around. A disease which turns the hapless victim into stone, preserving them for eternity. When the outbreak is found to be more serious than previously expected, Roddick, Milly and Dorne head for nearby Mount Metorx, where it is said that magical herbs grow which can treat anything. Before they arrive however, it is discovered that Dorne has contracted the disease, which is spread by touching an infected person or animal. When the three friends arrive, strange light appears before them, and two strangers appear. They identify themselves as Ronyx J Kenny and Ilia Sylvestri, humans from a planet called Earth.


Ronyx and Ilia transport the three Roakian friends to their orbiting spaceship, where they attempt to treat Dorne's condition. Unfortunately, the disease is parasitic, and currently untreatable. The only way to treat it is to create a vaccine from the blood of the first host of the virus. His condition worsening, Dorne asks to be sent home to his bed, so he can "die" in familiar surroundings. He is sent back with his friends and Ilia, who watch sadly as he turns to stone. Returning to the ship, a strange vessel appears as if from nowhere. It is a Lesonian vessel, and the negotiators aboard admit solemnly that they are responsible for the recent events. However, they were coerced into the acts against their will. Unfortunately, finding the host of the virus they unleashed would be impossible, as the host was killed 300 years prior.

Ronyx and Ilia soon realise that the Pangalactic Federation they are part of has abandoned Roak's rescue mission. Risking court-martial, they tell Roddick and Millie of a way to travel through time, and steal the spaceship from the spacedock. They make haste for a planet called Styx, which has a sentient Time Gate. Upon their arrival, Ronyx appeals his case to the gate, which accepts their motives as goodwill and allows them to travel to Roak, 300 years past. As they all enter the vortex, Ilia stumbles, causing her and Roddick delay. When they enter the vortex, they end up separated from Ronyx and Millie. Their journey begins to reunite with their friends, as well as finding the source to the mysterious disease that plagues Roak in 300 years time.


Review

Square Enix have managed to kick some serious butt with this game! Originally released as Star Ocean for the SNES in 1996, it didn't see release outside of Japan. The only English adaptation was thanks to emulation, and a fan-made translation patch. However, thanks to a massive fanbase, it was recreated on the PSP as Star Ocean: First Departure, and given a proper English version.


The visuals are wonderful, a realistic background showing in various locations. Various cutscenes are played in anime-style, and all character dialogue is voiced with the text. The world map is a 3D wonderland, in which exploration can take some time. The music fits the game perfectly. Some tunes are upbeat and cheerful, others more gloomy.


The battle system is Real Time, and as such, positions and choices can make or break the battle. When walking through an area where enemies are, whether the overworld or a dungeon, a random battle may be initiated. In this case, you'll enter battle mode, where you must defeat all enemies in order to win. Escaping is also another alternative, should you be too weak to face a particular enemy. The only character you control during the battle is the team's leader. All other characters are controlled by computer, using the tactics you specify via the main menu. Naturally, bosses are tougher than conventional enemies, so ensure that you save as often as you can.


Overall

Star Ocean: First Departure is a game that I'd recommend for anyone who owns a PSP. Hours of entertainment can be had, the storyline is wonderful, music perfectly fits the mark, and the overall game is just too good to refuse.