Star Ocean: First Departure R is a game that shows its age but despite it conveys an incredibly fun adventure that is reminiscent of pure old-school RPG fun. I was most appreciative of how many hidden tasks there were in this game and just how varied your cast can get by the end depending on your choices. It helps that the game is relatively short, meaning, you can replay it and have a radically different experience each time. I thoroughly enjoyed the cast but felt a particular affinity for Ronyx and Ilia. I felt that the game was at its narrative excellence when it refocused to give us their interpretation of this world. I very distinctly recall the conversation both Ronyx and Ilia had regarding the differences between their belief in the religious, spiritual, and technological and how this clashed with what the people of this world believed. Star Ocean is unique in that each person has their path in life influenced by how and where they grew up as each world is so distinct.

In general, the OST was simple but effective. I felt that the combat was fun though my only two complaints are how fast some mages would fire spells at you and the difficulty in attacking some characters as the positioning system would take my playable character all over the place. I wasn't too bothered by the back-tracking in the second half of the game but did feel that the encounter rate can be a bit overwhelming at times. I enjoyed the specialty system a lot and felt that it added so much nuance to the world as well as the game systems. Symbology is a core part of the world you're exploring and so nurturing various techniques which reflect one's attunement with it felt so appropriate. The feeling of gaining a very useful "quality of life" through leveling different skills/specialties was great. I just wish the game did a better job of explaining it and guiding you through it. I think this particular aspect of the game served its purpose well when it was first released because players would likely share different techniques in person leading to moments such as, "Did you hear? If you level x and y, you get the z specialty which lets you open a shop anywhere on the map!" These moments were seminal for older RPGs and likely had a great impact on players back then. Finally, I would like to bring attention to the art. Enami is one of my favorite artists of all time. She brings each work to life in such a beautiful way and it's no different with Star Ocean. The amount of soul and passion in each character's art is astounding.

Otherwise, it's hard to criticize this game. It's a great pocket of adventure with so much soul. And I must end this review with: Phia and Mavelle are top 1.

my first entry into the star ocean series, started this because 2nd story R looked really cool but this game was plenty cool too, it had like the usual jrpg jank and annoying random encounters but the very simple but still fun combat and the specialty system actually gave me quite a bit of gameplay elements to get invested in, ive leveled and used so many of them that my party was just OP as fuck by the end of the game but surprisingly the final boss still gave me some trouble (not much but still)
the story was good, not great, not awful but good and it as well as the characters had soul and thats what matters the most to me in the end, i do wish both were a bit more fleshed out but this game came out in 96 so i can forgive that
another thing that kinda disappointed me was that i expected this game to take place in space way more but like 80% of it was on the same planet , i guess thats my bad on expecting something that star ocean is clearly not

conclusion is, i liked this game and i can't wait to get on 2nd story now :)

Lots of people will say a lot of things about XB2, how it has technical issues and a horrid looking mix of Dynamic Resolution and a Sharpening Filter. Or how the English VA work is spotty as hell, particularly for main characters and particularly for big emotional cutscene moments. Or how the gameplay is obtuse and poorly explained. Or how the story seems incoherent and meandering and goofy as hell.
All of these complaints are correct, and it's still one of the best JRPGs ever made.
The basic issue is that XB2's total holistic experience is stronger than the sum of its parts by orders of magnitude. It may not be the most fun game in the moment, but it ends up being one of the best experiences you can have playing an RPG. And a lot of this has to do with how it progresses.
Aside from technical issues, most of the dealings around combat, story, and even English VA work get considerably (even exponentially) better as the game goes on, almost to the point that it feels intentional.
And moreover, it does the one thing I ask an RPG to do properly: tell its story through gameplay. XB2, as messy as it is, uses gameplay to tell and express many of its best story moments, as is the forte of the Xenoblade series in general.
XB2 could best be summarized as a game that introduces plot thread and gameplay feature so continually and rapidly for its first 60% that it feels like the game is destined to end up being an incoherent, plot-hole-ridden mess. But it's all to perform it's great magic trick of using those threads to produce the world's most beautiful knot in its latter 40%, resulting in an experience that leaves many of its players with some form of longing for a return to its story again.
It is not a coincidence that this game's word of mouth is so much stronger than even other games in its own series. Its value as a total and holistic experience is something that is difficult to explain and is best experienced firsthand

[Gameplay]
The gameplay of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is widely regarded as one of its greatest strengths Of The Whole Game. It offers a rich and immersive experience that combines elements of exploration, combat, character progression, and a deep and interconnected world. One of the standout features of the gameplay is the expansive and visually stunning world of Alrest. Players are able to freely explore various environments, ranging from lush forests and vast plains to towering mountains and bustling cities. The world is filled with intricate details, hidden treasures, and diverse wildlife, creating a sense of wonder and discovery as players traverse its landscapes. Combat in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is both strategic and dynamic. Players control a party of characters, each with their unique abilities and roles in battle. The combat system revolves around a real-time action approach, where players execute auto-attacks and unleash powerful abilities called "Arts" to defeat enemies. The key to success lies in effectively managing the party's abilities, coordinating combos between characters, and exploiting enemy weaknesses. This strategic depth keeps combat engaging and rewarding throughout the game. Character progression is another compelling aspect of the gameplay. Each character has a distinct class known as a "Driver," and they are bonded with sentient weapons called "Blades." Blades provide additional skills, buffs, and unique combat abilities to their Drivers. Players can acquire new Blades through a gacha-like system, creating a sense of excitement and customization as they build their party with different combinations of Blades and Drivers. The game also features a deep and interconnected quest system, allowing players to engage in a variety of side quests and story-driven missions. These quests provide opportunities for character development, world-building, and rewarding loot. Additionally, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 boasts a robust crafting and upgrade system, enabling players to enhance their equipment, customize their characters' abilities, and further optimize their combat effectiveness.

[Graphics & Performance]
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 showcases impressive graphics and performance on the Nintendo Switch. The game's optimization ensures a smooth and stable performance, allowing players to enjoy seamless gameplay without significant performance issues. The frame rate remains steady, contributing to a fluid and responsive gaming experience. Additionally, the controls are well-implemented, further enhancing the overall gameplay satisfaction. One notable aspect of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is its captivating art style. The game's visuals boast a vibrant and diverse world filled with breathtaking landscapes, intricately designed characters, and imaginative creatures. The art direction seamlessly combines elements of fantasy and science fiction, resulting in a unique and visually stunning experience. The attention to detail in both the environments and character designs adds depth and richness to the game's overall aesthetic. It is worth mentioning that the release of the Nintendo Switch OLED model has the potential to enhance the visual presentation of Xenoblade Chronicles 2. OLED screens offer advantages such as deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and enhanced contrast especially for the Design Features On The Stand Out Characters Pyra & Mythra Where Anywhere That Shows A Glowing Green Would Look Its Best. These features can further elevate the game's already impressive visuals, creating a more immersive and visually striking experience for players. Although the game currently does not support native 4K resolution, if Nintendo were to release 4K hardware in the future, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 would likely benefit from the increased visual fidelity and detail that 4K resolution provides, further enhancing the immersion and beauty of the game's world.

[World Building]
The world building in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is widely regarded as one of the selling points for me since I love it when world building is implemented into TV/Films Or Games. The game presents a vast and intricately crafted world that immerses players in a rich and diverse setting. The game takes place in the world of Alrest, a vast titan-covered land where humanity resides on the backs of colossal creatures called Titans. Each Titan serves as a unique environment, with distinct ecosystems, civilizations, and cultures. This concept alone sets the stage for a truly captivating and imaginative world. The attention to detail in the world of Alrest is remarkable. From the towering landscapes to the smallest details in the environment, everything feels meticulously designed. Each Titan has its own distinct geography, climate, and inhabitants, creating a sense of wonder and exploration. The game seamlessly blends various landscapes, including lush forests, expansive deserts, icy tundras, and bustling cities, ensuring that players never grow tired of their surroundings. Moreover, the game's world is brought to life through its dynamic day-night cycle and weather system. The passage of time and changing weather conditions not only add realism but also impact gameplay and the behavior of NPCs, further enhancing the sense of immersion. The world of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is also populated by a wide array of memorable characters, each with their own stories, motivations, and relationships. The NPCs provide depth and context to the world, making it feel alive and interconnected. The game's side quests, often tied to specific locations and characters, further enrich the world and allow players to delve deeper into its lore. Furthermore, the game's narrative and lore expand upon the world building, revealing a complex history and mythology that players gradually uncover. The interconnectedness of various plot elements and the revelations about the world's past add layers of depth and intrigue.

[Story]
The plot of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a complex and epic journey that takes players through a series of unexpected twists and turns. The story begins with the protagonist, Rex, a salvager who is hired by the Torna organization to retrieve an ancient ship. During the salvage, Rex encounters Pyra, a legendary Blade known as the Aegis. After a fateful encounter, Rex forms a pact with Pyra and sets out on a quest to bring her to Elysium, a paradise said to be located at the top of the World Tree. Throughout the game, Rex and his companions face numerous challenges and confrontations. They encounter various factions and characters, including the mercenary Driver Vandham, the inquisitor Mòrag, and the prince of Tantal, Zeke. Along the way, they learn that the Torna organization, led by Jin and Malos, aims to unleash an ancient weapon called Aion on Elysium, with the intention of destroying humanity. Rex and his allies must stop Torna's destructive plans and uncover the true nature of Elysium. As the plot unfolds, significant revelations occur. The true identities of certain characters are unveiled, such as Nia being a Blade herself. Pyra also reveals her other form, Mythra, and the existence of a third form, Pneuma. The group delves into the history of the Aegis War, the conflicts between Blades and Drivers, and the impact of the Architect, Klaus, on the world. In the climax of the story, the group reaches Elysium, only to discover it as a desolate wasteland. They meet Klaus, who explains the origins of the world and his role in its creation. The Architect's imminent death prompts the group to confront Malos, who has obtained the powerful Aion. After a fierce battle, the group succeeds in stopping Malos, but at the cost of Pneuma sacrificing herself to prevent the destruction of Alrest. The aftermath of the final battle brings about a renewed world, with the Titans merging to form a new landmass. Pyra and Mythra are revived in separate bodies, reuniting with Rex and offering a sense of closure to their journey.
Overall, the plot of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 weaves a complex and engrossing tale filled with unexpected twists, emotional moments, and grand revelations. It explores themes of identity, the consequences of power, and the nature of existence, providing players with a satisfying narrative experience.

[Music]
Composed by the renowned Yasunori Mitsuda, along with contributions from other talented composers such as ACE, Kenji Hiramatsu, and Manami Kiyota, the music of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is an extraordinary soundtrack. One of the standout aspects of the soundtrack is its sheer breadth and diversity. The music encompasses a wide range of genres and styles, seamlessly blending orchestral arrangements with electronic elements, rock-inspired tracks, and ethereal melodies. This variety reflects the diverse environments and epic scale of the game's world, enhancing the immersive experience for players. The compositions themselves are incredibly memorable and emotionally evocative. The melodies are richly layered, with intricate harmonies and soaring motifs that perfectly capture the grandeur and emotion of the game's story and setting. From the epic battle themes that accompany intense encounters to the serene and melodic tracks that underscore moments of exploration and tranquility, each piece of music is expertly crafted to enhance the player's emotional connection to the game. In addition to the composition, the quality of the audio production is outstanding. The sound design and mixing of the soundtrack are of the highest caliber, ensuring that every instrument and vocal performance is crisp, clear, and immersive. The attention to detail in the sound effects and the way they are integrated into the music further enhances the overall audio experience. Furthermore, the soundtrack features exceptional vocal performances. The game's iconic main theme, "Beyond the Sky," sung by the talented Jen Bird, is a breathtaking and emotional piece that has become synonymous with the game itself. Other vocal tracks, such as "Counterattack," "Drifting Soul," and "One Last You," showcase the power and beauty of the vocal performances, adding an additional layer of depth to the music. The impact of the soundtrack extends beyond the game itself, as many of the tracks have become beloved among the gaming community. The music of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has garnered a dedicated following, with fans creating covers, remixes, and orchestral arrangements, further highlighting the lasting impression it has made.

[Voice Acting]
One Major Area Within Xenoblade Chronicles 2 I wanted to talk about in my review video which left me divided was the voice acting. Unfortunately The English Voice Acting Is Bad, The Reason I Don’t Like The English Dub Is Due To The Lack Of Energy Going Into The Characters At A Giving Moment Or Tone, Or That Some Of The Casting Choices Didn’t Fit. particular, the portrayals of Rex, voiced by Al Weaver, and Nia, voiced by Catrin-Mai Huw, have been criticized for not capturing the intended tones of their characters. Rex, the protagonist of the game, is portrayed in English by Al Weaver. Some players feel that Weaver's performance doesn't fully capture the energy and emotions of Rex, leaving his character feeling somewhat flat. Similarly, Nia, one of the main characters and a key member of the party, voiced by Catrin-Mai Huw, has been criticized for not matching the desired tone of her character. This has led to a division among players who feel that the English dub fails to deliver the intended depth and personality for these characters. However, amidst the criticisms, there are those who appreciate the English voice acting in certain areas. One standout performance is from Skye Bennett, who voices both Pyra and Mythra, two important characters in the game. Many players feel that Bennett successfully brings the right amount of energy and emotion to these characters, creating a more engaging experience for English-speaking players. In contrast, the Japanese dub of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has garnered widespread praise. Fans of the game often highlight the Japanese voice acting as exemplary, citing the actors' ability to effectively convey the intended energy and emotions of the characters. The Japanese voice actors are also seen as more fitting for their respective roles, enhancing the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game for players who prefer the original language track.

[Characters]
The characters in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 are a major highlight of the game, contributing to its emotional depth, engaging storytelling, and player investment. The diverse cast of characters showcases memorable personalities, complex relationships, and compelling character arcs.
The protagonist, Rex, is a relatable and optimistic young salvager thrust into a grand adventure. His journey is marked by growth, determination, and a strong sense of justice, making him a likable and endearing character. Players witness his development from a naive youth to a capable leader, which adds depth to his role in the narrative. The supporting characters in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 are equally well-developed. Pyra and Mythra, the dual personas of a powerful Blade, provide a captivating duality with distinct personalities. Their individual struggles and their evolving relationship with Rex add emotional depth and complexity to the story. Nia, another prominent character, undergoes a compelling character arc that explores her secrets, personal growth, and evolving relationships with the rest of the party. Her journey is emotionally charged and offers surprising revelations that deepen her connection to the overall narrative. The game features a wide range of other characters, each with their own unique traits and motivations. From the stoic warrior Morag to the enigmatic Tora and his artificial Blade Poppi, the cast offers a diverse array of personalities and backstories that enhance the overall experience. Furthermore, the game's affinity system allows players to form bonds and deepen relationships between the characters, leading to heartwarming and sometimes heart-wrenching moments. This mechanic encourages players to invest in the characters' stories and fosters a sense of attachment and empathy.

[Pyra & Mythra]
Pyra and Mythra, the dual personas of the Aegis in Xenoblade Chronicles 2, are indeed beloved characters due to their strong development and compelling story arcs. Their depth and complexity contribute to their status as amazing characters in the game. Firstly, Pyra and Mythra's character development is intricately woven throughout the narrative. They are introduced as enigmatic and powerful beings with their own goals and motivations. As the story progresses, players gradually uncover their rich histories, personal struggles, and emotional growth. The journey of self-discovery and acceptance they embark upon allows players to witness their transformation from enigmatic figures to fully realized individuals with distinct personalities, fears, and desires.
Moreover, Pyra and Mythra's contrasting personalities create a fascinating dynamic. Pyra embodies compassion, warmth, and a nurturing nature, while Mythra represents strength, determination, and a hint of vulnerability. This duality adds depth to their characters and allows for complex interactions with the other members of the game's cast. The development of Pyra and Mythra also explores existential themes. Their identities as the Aegis, created to be the ultimate weapon, raise profound questions about their purpose and the consequences of their existence. Their struggle to reconcile their roles as both protectors and potential destroyers delves into philosophical and moral quandaries, making them compelling characters to follow. Furthermore, Pyra and Mythra's growth is complemented by their emotional connections with the other characters, particularly with the protagonist Rex. Their relationships evolve organically, displaying moments of camaraderie, trust, and romantic tension. These dynamics deepen their characters and offer players engaging and emotionally resonant storytelling.

[Summary]
Gameplay: 8
Graphics & Performance: 8
World Building: 9
Story: 8
Characters: 8
Music: 9
Voice Acting (EN): 4
Voice Acting (JP): 10
Difficulty: Very Hard
Length: 64-100 Hours
Audience: 12-16+
Perk: Collector

Final Score: 9.3/10

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offers a rich and immersive gameplay experience that combines exploration, combat, character progression, and a deep and Interconnected world. The expansive and visually stunning world of Alrest, filled with intricate details and diverse wildlife, creates a sense of wonder and discovery. The strategic and dynamic combat system, along with the compelling character progression and quest system, keeps the gameplay engaging and rewarding. The graphics and performance on the Nintendo Switch are impressive, with a vibrant art style and attention to detail. The captivating world building immerses players in a vast and intricately crafted world, filled with unique environments, civilizations, and cultures. The story is complex and epic, filled with unexpected twists, emotional moments, and grand revelations. The music, composed by Yasunori Mitsuda and other talented composers, is extraordinary, with a diverse range of genres and styles that enhance the immersive experience. The English voice acting has received mixed reviews, with some performances lacking energy and not capturing the intended tones of the characters. However, the Japanese voice acting is widely praised. The characters in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 are a major highlight, with memorable personalities, complex relationships, and compelling character arcs. Pyra and Mythra, in particular, stand out with their strong development, duality, and emotional depth. Overall, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offers a captivating and immersive RPG experience that is sure to engage players for hours on end.