Star Ocean: First Departure
| File:Star Ocean First Departure.jpg | |
| Developer(s) | TOSE[citation needed] |
|---|---|
| Publisher(s) | Square Enix |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation Portable |
| Genre(s) | Action RPG |
Star Ocean: First Departure is an enhanced remake[3] of the original Star Ocean. The first details of the game were revealed at the "Star Ocean Special Stage" during the Square Enix Party 2007, alongside those of Star Ocean: Second Evolution. Yoshinori Yamagishi, producer of the series, stated that he wants the remakes to feel as though they're completely new games.[4] The game was released in Japan on December 27, 2007, and was released in North America and Europe on October 21, 2008 and October 24, 2008 respectively; making it the first time that the original Star Ocean was officially released outside of Japan.[1]
The game sold 115,280 copies in Japan by end of 2007.[5] As of November 30, 2008, the game has sold 204,996 copies in Japan.[6]
Enhancements
First Departure uses a slightly altered version of the engine used for Star Ocean: The Second Story with similar features, including prerendered backgrounds and 3D battle fields. Production I.G provided new artwork and animated cutscenes for the game. New playable characters have been added as well. There are new voice actors and extensive amounts of new, fully voiced dialogue.[7] Some music from Star Ocean: The Second Story, such as that of the bonus dungeon and riding a bunny on the world map, are played during similar scenes in the remake. It also features a theme song: "Heart" by the Japanese group Asunaro.
The English localization was handled by Nanica, Inc., with voice-over production services provided by Epcar Entertainment, Inc. Recordings were made at the Oracle Post studios in Burbank, CA.
Eigenschaften
A notable game mechanic, called Private Actions, play a role in the character development. These are certain events that occur within towns, during which character developments happen. This can cause characters to either gain or lose "affinity" toward other characters in the party. When their affinities are high enough, characters can have "rage", which increases their attack power, when certain allies fall in battle, until that ally is revived. For example, if Roddick has a high affinity toward Millie, then if Millie falls in battle, Roddick will become angry, until either Millie is revived or the battle ends. Private Actions also affect which character's endings you see.
Voice cast
| Character (EN/JP names) | Japanese voice actor | English voice actor |
|---|---|---|
| Roddick Farrence (Ratix Farrence) | Mamoru Miyano | Yuri Lowenthal |
| Millie Chliette (Milly Kiliet) | Hitomi Nabatame | Katie Leigh |
| Dorne Murtough (Dorn Marto) | Kentaro Ito | Dick Smallberries Jr |
| Ronyx J. Kenny (Ronixis J. Kenni) | Kenji Hamada | Sam Gold |
| Ilia Silvestri (Iria Silvastoli) | Sanae Kobayashi | Julie Maddalena |
| Ioshua Jerand (Joshua Jerand) | Jun Fukuyama | Ethan Murray |
| Erys Jerand (Eris) | Kana Ueda | Stephanie Sheh |
| Mavelle Froesson (Marvel Frozen) | Houko Kuwashima | Tara Platt |
| Pericci (Perisie) | Yukari Tamura | Alicyn Packard |
| Phia Melle (Fear Mell) | Megumi Toyoguchi | Dorothy Fahn |
| Cyuss Warren (Cius Warren) | Hiroki Touchi | Grant George |
| Ashlay Bernbeldt (Ashlay Barnbelt) | Norio Wakamoto | Michael McConnohie |
| T’nique Arcana (Tinek Arukena) | Chihiro Suzuki | Vic Mignogna |
| Welch Vineyard | Tomoe Hanba | Melissa Fahn |
| Lias Warren | unknown | Robert Mark Klein |
| Yvena | unknown | Cindy Robinson |
| Asmodeus | Ryotaro Okiayu | Joe J. Thomas |
| Jie Revorse | Sho Hayami | George C. Cole |
| Del Argosy (The Crimson Shield) | Yutaka Aoyama | Richard Epcar |
| Martoth Chliette | unknown | David Lodge |
| Mrs. Farrence | unknown | Ellyn Stern |
Star Ocean: First Departure Eternal Edition
Alongside the regular version of First Departure, a limited edition package, the Eternal Edition, was released. It included a branded PSP Slim & Lite and an alternate box art, and other accessories. It retailed in Japan for ¥24,840.
References
- ^ a b "From CHRONO TRIGGER to THE LAST REMNANT: Square Enix Rolls Out an Exciting E3 2008 Lineup of New Epics and Fan Favorites" (Press release). Square Enix. 2008-07-09. Retrieved 2008-07-09.
- ^ [1]
- ^ Square Enix Party Press Conference Announcement | Square Enix
- ^ Voice actors surf PSP Star Oceans - PSP News at GameSpot
- ^ Takahashi (June 18, 2008). "Famitsu Top 500 of 2007". Gemaga.com. Retrieved 2009-01-01.
{{cite web}}: Text "GEMAGA.COM" ignored (help) - ^ "Sony PSP Japanese Ranking". Japan-GameCharts.com. Retrieved 2009-01-04.
- ^ Hirohiko Niizumi (2007-05-12). "Voice actors surf PSP Star Oceans". GameSpot. Retrieved 2009-01-09.
