STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R Shadow Drops on Nintendo Switch 2
When I reviewed STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R a few years ago, it ended up being one of the biggest surprises of the year. I had an absolute blast with it, thanks to its gorgeous 2.5D presentation, fast-paced combat and the freedom to shape your adventure depending on whether you chose Claude or Rena. It’s a remake that not only respects the original but also makes it feel fresh for a modern audience. Now, that adventure has arrived on Nintendo Switch 2.
Square Enix has released STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R for Nintendo Switch 2, bringing the acclaimed RPG to Nintendo’s new system with graphical enhancements and additional quality-of-life improvements. The release joins a growing list of Square Enix titles making the jump to Switch 2. Originally released in 1998, STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY has long been regarded as one of the standout entries in the series. The remake blends detailed 3D environments with charming 2D pixel characters, while offering players the choice between the original soundtrack or a newly arranged version. Both English and Japanese voice acting are included, with Japanese players even able to choose between the newly recorded original cast and the cast from STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution.
The adventure follows Federation officer Claude, who finds himself stranded on an underdeveloped planet after a mysterious accident. Alongside Rena, a young woman connected to an ancient prophecy, players embark on a journey filled with memorable party members, real-time battles, deep skill progression and Private Actions that influence relationships and determine which of the game’s multiple endings you’ll see. If you’ve never played it before, this is an RPG that’s well worth your time.
That said, I’ve heard a lot of concerns from players over the past few days regarding the lack of a save file transfer or an upgrade path from the Nintendo Switch version. I’ve reached out to Square Enix to see if they can provide any insight into those decisions, and I’ll update this article as soon as I hear back.
