The Best Order to Play the Star Ocean Games
Star Ocean is a series of sci-fi role-playing games (RPGs). The original Star Ocean (1996) video game was developed by tri-Ace and published by Enix. Considering that Star Ocean video games take place in the same universe, but at different time periods, players should consider an order in which to play these games. While it is not necessary to play these games in order to enjoy the experience, it is suggested to consider an order to play to have a greater understanding of the story that connects these different games, as well as of the context of the Star Ocean games universe.
In this article, the presented order takes into account the story order of the games, as well as their chronological timeline, and this is the best order for players looking to have a comprehensive understanding of the story of the Star Ocean games as well as experience the story events in chronological order.
The Best Order to Play the Star Ocean Games
Star Ocean: The Last Hope
Players should start with Star Ocean: The Last Hope, which takes place in S.D. 010. This is a video game with full 3D graphics and action combat, and is set before most of the other games in the Star Ocean series. For this reason, considering that Star Ocean: The Last Hope is set before most of the other Star Ocean video games, and also considering that it has a more current gameplay, Star Ocean: The Last Hope is an excellent choice to start in the series.
Star Ocean | Star Ocean: First Departure | Star Ocean: First Departure R
Star Ocean, the first Star Ocean game, as well as Star Ocean: First Departure, are set in S.D. 346, many years after Star Ocean: The Last Hope. Considering that Star Ocean and Star Ocean: First Departure take place after Star Ocean: The Last Hope, they are the best continuation for the experience. Star Ocean (1996) has different versions, such as Star Ocean: First Departure and Star Ocean: First Departure R, which is a remastered version of Star Ocean: First Departure. Star Ocean (1996) is a 2D RPG, similar to other RPGs of the 1990s.
Star Ocean: The Second Story | Star Ocean: Second Evolution
Star Ocean: The Second Story, as well as Star Ocean: Second Evolution, are set in S.D. 366, and thus are slightly after Star Ocean and Star Ocean: First Departure. Star Ocean: The Second Story begins the transition of the Star Ocean series to a 3D environment while still keeping the aesthetic of a classic RPG.
Star Ocean: Blue Sphere
Star Ocean: Blue Sphere is set in S.D. 368, only 2 years after Star Ocean: The Second Story or Star Ocean: Second Evolution. Star Ocean: Blue Sphere features 2D graphics, similar to the first Star Ocean game, Star Ocean (1996).
Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness
Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness is set in S.D. 537, many decades after Star Ocean: Blue Sphere. Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness features 3D graphics, similar to Star Ocean: The Last Hope.
Star Ocean: Anamnesis
Star Ocean: Anamnesis is set in S.D. 539, slightly after Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness. Star Ocean: Anamnesis was a mobile video game and is no longer available to be played.
Star Ocean: The Divine Force
Star Ocean: The Divine Force is set in S.D. 583, some years after Star Ocean: Anamnesis. Like Star Ocean: The Last Hope and Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness, Star Ocean: The Divine Force features 3D graphics.
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time is set in S.D. 772, many years after Star Ocean: Anamnesis. Star Ocean: Till the End of Time marks the evolution of the transition of the Star Ocean series to 3D environments, and features 3D graphics.
What Is the Best Star Ocean Game to Start?
While all Star Ocean video games feature enjoyable gameplay and unique experiences, the best game to start is the one that provides a beginner-friendly experience, while also introducing players to the story and to the universe of the Star Ocean video games. In general, for most people, the best Star Ocean video game to start is Star Ocean: The Last Hope, because this game is chronologically set before most of the other Star Ocean video games, and thus being an excellent introduction into the Star Ocean games universe, while also featuring a more current gameplay for a more beginner-friendly experience.
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