With 2008 being the unofficial “Year of the Remake” for handhelds, it’s a shame there’s not more of a buzz about the first “true” release of Star Ocean. For those unfamiliar with its back story, Star Ocean was one of the many quality RPGs from the 90’s that never had plans to make it stateside. Much like Final Fantasy V and Seiken Densetsu 3 before it, only the hard work of fan translators brought Star Ocean to hundreds of thousands of players who never would have enjoyed it otherwise. Star Ocean: First Departure marks the first time that the original Star Ocean has been officially translated and released stateside, with updated graphics, new voice translation, and original dungeons and areas to boot.

Although Star Ocean: First Departure may not stand out as the shiniest or most intense of this year’s portable remakes, it’s still an enjoyable title from beginning to end that should satiate old-school RPG gamers who have been waiting over 12 years for a proper English release.

Star Ocean: First Departure tells the tale of Roddick Ferrance, a young man from the planet of Roak whose boring life as part of the town security force is suddenly turned upside down when a mysterious virus strikes a neighboring town and turns its denizens to stone. While this would be earth-shattering enough for most, things take an even stranger turn when a mysterious group of Earthlings teleport to Roak to try and help Roddick and his friend Millie save their friends and neighbors. After a bit of sleuthing, it turns out that the mysterious virus is derived from a devilish fiend that was eradicated on Roak over 300 years ago, leading Roddick and friends into the past to save the future.

As simplistic as it may sound on paper, Star Ocean’s manner of storytelling within the game is surprisingly engrossing for a 12-year-old remake. New to the game are anime vignettes that accompany most dialogs, as well as some of the best voice acting I’ve come across in quite some time. Additionally, the game includes optional “Private Actions” that can be activated by pressing Square outside of towns to help Roddick build rapport with his teammates. In addition to unlocking secret moves, characters, and dialog, the optional Private Actions help to bring a deeper level of attachment to the characters as well.

Star Ocean’s biggest claim to fame has always been its skill system and real-time active battle engine. While both may seem simplistic by today’s standards, the skill system gives players who are looking for a ton of customization a solid run for their money. With each level, characters earn a handful of Skill Points that can be put into leveling categories that unlock “specialties” to help your character along the way with item creation, leveling skills, and “super specialties” that create even more impressive weapons, armor, and items for your party. The game does a decent job telling you what skills are required for certain specialties, but ultimately takes a bit of trial and error to get things right.