The North American release of STAR OCEAN™ is packed with extras as it contains all of the features of the Japanese “Director’s Cut” version. The development time was extended to implement what is considered to be the developers’ true vision for the stateside release. Multiple added features allowed by the additional capacity include extended high-resolution cinematic sequences, two new areas with varied gameplay, new playable characters that expand the story and VS. modes.
STAR OCEAN™ has received accolades from the enthusiast press after much anticipation, which included Official PlayStation Magazine’s “The Big Games of 2004” (January 2004) and IGNPS2’s “The RPGs of 2004”(June 4, 2004). Reviews following up the expectations have been positive:
“… Star Ocean aims no less than to define the very universe we’re in. Other RPGs might feature massive wars and the destruction of worlds, but Till the End of Time’s intergalactic epic actually reveals the nature of our universe... To say that it’s a hefty RPG is quite the understatement… 4 out of 5.”
- OPM Magazine (September 2004)
“…after having spent more than a month straight playing all that we could of the final translated English version, all we have to say is that the five year wait has been worth it…Till the End of Time somehow manages to take one of the most complicated battle engines we’ve ever seen and simplify it so that just about anyone can use it. 9 out of 10.”
- IGNPS2 (August 6, 2004)
About STAR OCEAN™
STAR OCEAN™ overflows with action, exploration, fast-paced combat and an intricate plot, which results in an immensely deep gaming adventure. Character development is versatile and open-ended, allowing for true freedom in character growth through battle. While moving from one section of the game to the next, fully polygonal graphics create a magnificent environment for one to explore. The multifaceted story is presented in gorgeous CG movies and event sequences. The entire experience in STAR OCEAN™ is also enhanced with Dolby Pro LogicRII sound.
The story begins as STAR OCEAN™’s protagonist, Fayt Leingod brings his family and childhood friend, Sophia Esteed to the Federation-managed resort planet Hyda for a vacation, but the dreamy holiday is abruptly ended when Hyda is attacked by an unknown space military. In the heat of the attack, Fayt is separated from his family and Sophia, and he begins an emotional quest into the unknown to find his loved ones. Along his journey, he gets caught up in the war of an uncharted planet, but in the end, he learns the terrible untold secret about the world and himself.
Marketing and Advertising Support
The STAR OCEAN™ launch is supported by television advertising campaigns throughout September. The spots will run in various time slots on target network, cable and syndicated programming such as MTV, MTV2, Spike, Comedy Central, Cartoon Network, WWE and G4techTV. The combined print and online advertising campaigns in various gaming magazines and sites will reach millions of gamers through November.
BradyGames’ STAR OCEAN™ Till the End of Time™ Official Strategy Guide is the essential resource to help players save the universe from the clutches of evil. Gamers will find complete coverage of all mini-games, sub-quests and bonus dungeons and, through a handy foldout, can learn how to create the most powerful weapons through Original Creation. Detailed equipment and item lists are provided, along with all-inclusive bestiary coverage. With area maps, boss tactics and an exhaustive walkthrough, players will breeze through even the toughest battles and enjoy endless gameplay options. This Signature Series guide is available for $15.99 U.S. / $22.99 CDN at electronics, book, and software retailers, or online at www.bradygames.com.
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated STAR OCEAN™ “T” for Teen. For more information about the ESRB, visit http://www.esrb.org. Additional information on STAR OCEAN™ can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/games/starocean/.
About Square Enix Co. Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix) develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Square Enix brings two of Japan’s best-selling franchises - FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 60 million units worldwide and DRAGON QUEST (DRAGON WARRIOR® in North America) which has sold over 35 million units worldwide - under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
Square Enix, Inc. is 100% subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd. with offices in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA. It handles operations in North America, including the development, localization, marketing and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix can be found on the Internet at www.square-enix.com.
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