Usually a sequel sports better graphics. But Star Ocean: First Departure was more remake than port while Star Ocean: Second Evolution seems more port than remake. First Departure got a sexy modern makeover; Second Evolution shows its wrinkles and age spots-it still looks a lot like it did on PSone 10 years ago. Luckily, Second Evolution has been a few perks in its favor. Originally, this was the second RPG from tri-Ace, the Japanese developer that started with the first Star Ocean and went on to make Valkyrie Profile, among other things.

It was their first go at pre-rendered 3D background graphics, which is why it looks a little primitive now, but they were getting better at crafting a story and making a game flow smoothly around it. Second Evolution has a surprising amount of replay value in that department if you’d like to try more side quests and explore different forks in the plot; you can play the whole game a second time through from the perspective of a different hero.

Even the character don’t grab you, Second Evolution still has a couple of entertaining tri Ace hallmark. The real time combat system is fun, like taking a break to play a good 3D beat ’em up, and if you like a lot of number-crunching in your RPG’s, there are dozens of characters skills to develop as the quest goes on. This isn’t the best game tri-Ace has ever made, but it’s better than it was the first time around, and that’s enough to make it an RPG worth checking out.
[via Gamespot]