When approaching a town, players can split up the party to go around and talk to the other members and get to know them better. The story then adjusts to the characters who are in the player’s party at the time, but unique scenes are available to players through what is as Private Action. In dialogue, players decide if they want to add a character to their party or not.

Sure, you’re tasked with the generic hero quest of collecting emblems and defeating a powerful boss, but the journey getting there will be different for each player.

In many ways, Star Ocean First Departure R is not a linear experience. The cast of characters only grows more abundant, and each new member of the party adds a layer of personality to the group that shines during the story scenes. Still, the story is relatively straightforward and takes the player on a mission to save a planet, even when the odds are stacked against them. Now, the quest becomes a little more complicated and dives into the realm of time travel, but that’s all a part of this adventure, and I’d hate to spoil it too much for players.

So with his friends Millie and Dorne, they set out on an adventure. However, if he leaves with them, he’ll never be able to return. They’ve just informed him that there’s nothing he can do to help them, but they may be able to find a cure. In an attempt to save them, he encounters two humans, Ronyx and Ilia, from a planet called earth. Well, he probably wished too soon as his whole life changes once a virus that turns people into stone began to infect those he loves. He lives in a town that doesn’t see too much action and craves something more. Star Ocean First Departure R introduces our hero, Roddick.

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