Star Ocean: First Departure Takes Off to Retailers Today

The first entry in the dynamic space opera saga is revived on the PSP.

Press Release:

October 21, 2008 – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that Star Ocean: First Departure for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system has shipped to North American retailers.

The Star Ocean saga comes to life in the completely remastered Star Ocean: First Departure, developed exclusively for the PSP system. Featuring a revised game engine, improved battle system and fully voiced, all-new animated scenes displayed in 16:9 widescreen, players can now follow the exploits of humankind’s journey across the stars in an adventure that has never before been released to the North American audience.

With the January 6, 2009 release of Star Ocean: Second Evolution for the PSP system following closely behind, the first chapter in the series that has shipped over 2.8 million units worldwide is primed and ready to be reintroduced to fans across the globe.

Story for STAR OCEAN: First Departure:

Space Date 346: The crew of a Terran Federation ship arrives on Planet Roak. With the help of a stalwart band of local heroes, the crew must work together to unravel a mystery and halt a galactic war. Star Ocean: First Departure marks the first time that the initial installment in the popular Star Ocean franchise is available in North America.

Features:

• A classic series evolves – The action-packed RPG experience is recreated on a handheld console for the first time.
• All-new animation movies – Fully voiced animated cut-scenes presented in a gorgeous 16:9 widescreen format provided by anime powerhouse Production I.G.
• Refined battle system – Intuitive skills and combo system coupled with redesigned 3-D backgrounds provide a stimulating and action-packed battle experience .
• Private Action system – Interact and discover riveting episodes between characters with added voiced dialogues and brand-new event face graphics.

Star Ocean: First Departure is rated T (Teen). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. Star Ocean: First Departure will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $39.99(USD).