STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R launched late last year on the Nintendo Switch, as an improved remake of the original, boasting re-arranged music, new battle mechanics and full voice acting, as well as a mix of 3D environments with gorgeous pixel characters for an iconic look.

Now the title gets a hefty update, either to tempt you back in or to get you on board with the game for the first time!

There are now more reasons for you to play STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R with the latest update to the game which includes a new difficulty mode, post-game Raid Enemies, new weapons, and more.

There’s a demo available on the eShop if you’re still on the fence. Here’s the full description of the game from the publisher:

TWO WORLDS, ONE FATEFUL ENCOUNTER.

The highly acclaimed second instalment in the STAR OCEAN series, returns as STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R.

Brought to life with a unique 2.5D aesthetic, which fuses 2D pixel characters and 3D environments, this remake includes everything that made the original release so great while adding new elements too!
Experience new battle mechanics, full Japanese and English voice overs, original and re-arranged music, fast-travel and so much more! Discover the definitive version of a classic but modernized JRPG that’s perfect for newcomers and long-time fans alike.

STORY

Space Date 366 - A Federation officer finds himself transported to a mystical planet. While searching for a way home, an encounter with a young girl draws him into a quest to save her people, just as an ancient prophecy foretold...
Choose your path and witness an awakened destiny.

KEY FEATURES

- Fantasy and Science Fiction collide in a unique visual style
From dangerous dungeons to bustling towns, the world of STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R is depicted in a stunning 2.5D style that combines beautiful 3D graphics with nostalgic 2D pixel characters.

- Experience a story with dual protagonists
Start your journey with either Claude or Rena. Depending on your choice, the perspectives and the allies you can recruit will change.
Get to know party members via the unique Private Actions system, grow relationships and unlock various endings.
New character illustrations have also been created by long-term series artist Yukihiro Kajimoto.

- Thrilling, visually explosive battles!
Enjoy fast-paced combat and use new mechanics to strategically defeat foes.
“Break” by continuously dealing damage and order your allies to follow-up with an Assault Action to deal massive damage.

- Pair powerful gear with a plethora of skills
Customize party progression with a large selection of skills, including Cooking, Art, Metalcraft, and many more. Build up to Specialty levels and master the enhanced Item Creation system to craft ultimate equipment with different effects.

- Japanese and English voiceover
All event scenes are now fully voiced using the same voice cast from the original game. In addition, the dialogue from STAR OCEAN SECOND EVOLUTION (2008) is also included and can be selected.

- An iconic soundtrack rearranged by Motoi Sakuraba
All tracks have been re-composed, including full-band performance and strings sound. Exploration and movie scenes themes also have new recordings that take them to even greater heights.

- 3 difficulty modes
Pick EARTH for a relaxing journey, GALAXY for a satisfying challenge or UNIVERSE… if you’re brave enough to really put your skills to the test.