I'm sorry. I have seen other people say the game is great. And I really did want to get into it myself. But this game was clearly made for PlayStation or XBOX. Its UI was not made for PC at all. So if you can, go buy the actual disk version for a Console if you still have one. I really was looking forward to getting into the Star Ocean games, and I am sorry for those who have fond memories of this game, but I can't get into it with the way its current controls system.

What did like:
Visuals and the start of the story really had me hooked and wanted to play more. So story-wise, it is good.

The bad news:
The only thing keeping from FULLY getting into this game was the bad controls. This was NOT made with a Keyboard in mind. It was made for a Controller and Console.

Hopefully they can fix the issues later on in the future, but as it right now? Just go watch a full gameplay video of it over on YouTube. Save you cash.

This feels like "We have Phantasy Star at home" vibes. Honestly, not a bad setting, it is just dated AF. Even for a 2009 game, it has all the pre QoL things that JRPGs are famous, or infamous for. Massive grinds, trope narratives, and a lack of auto save, that I'm sure will burn everyone at some point when playing. Be sure to save often, if you see a save spot, save.

I had bought this on the 360 many years ago, but never played it until now. I think it was because it was Two discs, and I just sat it aside and never thought about it. Looking past the narrative, I'm not a fan of the overall gameplay, be it the combat and exploration. Also, Lymle's dead pan tone is off putting.
Exploration is a game of open map, close map move a few meters, open map, close map, move a few meters.
Combat, not turn based, but feels like you can just auto the whole thing, but it's too frequent since enemies chase you down. Thankfully, there is no random encounter.

I understand this franchise has a dedicated fan base, and I can see why this game is loved, but personally, I just couldn't get into it. The first two planets were nice to look at though,