E3 2008: Second Evolution of the PSP's Star Ocean franchise coming
PSP-exclusive sequel to follow after just a few months
It's like waiting for a bus. After four years without any new Star Ocean sailing, Square Enix goes and announces not only a re-engineered PSP exclusive episode in the megalithic RPG series, but an almost immediate sequel, too.
In fact, judging by the sparse E3 fact sheet, Second Evolution reads as more of a spin-off than a direct sequel. But this is no bad thing,
especially if the first PSP Star Ocean title is as expansive as the
PlayStation 2 original.
If it is, there's not a hope in hell that we'll have finished First Departure in time for the January 2009 release of Second Evolution.
Taking place in the same universe, this game follows the fortunes of a young Federation officer who's whisked off to the far reaches of the galaxy and anointed as the 'Hero of Light'. With his newfound heroic stature, he sets about saving a newborn race and fulfilling a prophecy.
With the real-time battles replacing the standard turn-based mechanics of most RPGs, Star Ocean: Second Evolution promises some grandiose depths of gameplay for the PSP, so hit 'Track It!' to keep in touch with the Star Ocean rebirth.
