Star Ocean: The Second Story R is set to arrive on November 2, 2025, with Square Enix confirming the minimum and recommended PC specs to ensure smooth gameplay. The publisher also revealed that the title will include Denuvo anti-piracy protection, a topic that often sparks debate among players and critics alike.
new functions
The game, developed by tri-Ace, reimagines the classic PlayStation original from 1998 as a striking 2.5D experience. The team promises a timeless look that blends retro charm with modern design. Players will witness 3D environments paired with 2D pixel-art characters, delivering an RPG experience that nods to the past while embracing contemporary gameplay improvements. The Second Story R preserves the core elements fans remember, while introducing distinctive features such as strategic real-time combat and a flexible party progression system. Players can enjoy new options like cooking, crafting, alchemy, and more, all woven into a familiar narrative fabric.
Digital release for PC via Steam will feature three new difficulty modes: Black for a calmer journey, Galaxy for heightened challenge, and Universe for players seeking the ultimate test. On the accessibility front, the game will ship with English and Japanese text and voice work, complemented by subtitles in Spanish, French, Italian, and German. The team has invited players to lend their voices to some characters, enhancing the sense of immersion for fans across regions.
system requirements
The developer lists the minimum PC specifications as an AMD A8-7600 or Intel Core i3-3210, 8 GB of RAM, and an AMD Radeon RX 460 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti GPU. The install size is modest, at about 20 GB, and these settings are expected to run the game at 30 frames per second with 720p resolution on default graphics. For players aiming to enjoy the adventure at 1080p and 60 FPS, a more capable machine is advised. Square Enix outlines recommended hardware as AMD Ryzen 3 1200 or Intel Core i5-3300, 8 GB of RAM, and either an AMD Radeon RX 470 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 for a smoother experience at higher detail levels.
Publish on PC and consoles
At this stage, the release plan centers on bringing Star Ocean: The Second Story R to PC first, with confirmation that console ports will follow. The game preserves the option to choose between two main protagonists, a mechanic that influences certain side quests and the pool of recruitable party members. Blending medieval fantasy with spacefaring elements, the title showcases an advanced real-time combat system designed to feel both nostalgic and fresh. In addition to PC, confirmed console versions include PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, ensuring a broad reach for fans across regions.