Gaming Diary: It’s not just space; it’s a Star Ocean

You guessed it, folks; I’ve been derailed once again by accepting a new game review. This time it’s for Star Ocean: The Last Hope 4K & Full HD Remaster. Yes, all of that is in the title. You can play this remaster in 4K on your PS4 Pro, although I have no idea why you would want to see Xbox 360/PS3 graphics in 4K. Okay, that’s harsh, I admit. They aren’t that rough, but pretty much all that’s been done to the graphics is smooth them out for the higher resolution of the PS4. They’re nothing to write home about, and they’re certainly not Star Ocean Integrity and Faithlessness or Final Fantasy XV levels.

If you’re struggling to remember this game, perhaps you’ll remember back at E3 2008, when Square Enix announced they were producing THREE RPGs for the Xbox 360. You could hear the collective gasps through your TV screen. These games were Infinite Undiscovery, The Last Remnant, and Star Ocean: The Last Hope. I played both Infinite Undiscovery and The Last Remnant, of which I loved the latter. In fact, I regret trading that game and guide in. It would be great if it received the remaster treatment as well, but I’m doubtful. Knowing my luck, it will be Infinite Undiscovery.

I’m still compiling my review, so I can’t get into the nitty-gritty. However, this game is so heavy-handed on the JRPG stereotypes and tropes, it’s laughable. Not to mention, if anyone talks about the “Star Ocean” again, I may lose it. Yes, we get why it’s called “Star Ocean.” Stop with the wink wink, nudge nudge. Then again, the protagonist’s name is a giant wink wink, nudge nudge—he’s Edge Maverick, because he’s a maverick living on the edge. I do giggle whenever they say his name. Even Tidus had a better name, blondie.

And speaking of that, unto the breach I go once more before I write this puppy up.