Set during the aftermath of World War III, Star Ocean: The Last Hope intertwines elements of sci-fi and fantasy to span the cosmos and giving us a glimpse of the game‘s origins. Through amazing graphics and visual effects the franchise’s real-time battle system expands upon an excellent combat mode . Even though each installment in this franchise is on a different platform don’t let the fact that once again Star Ocean has moved consoles. This latest RPG is a fun game all the way around.

Although Edge Maverick is the main character in Star Ocean: The Last Hope, players are given the option of controlling different characters and their unique set of combat techniques and skills. The real-time combat system allows for up to four party members to be controllable with a simple button click. And with new combat features like ‘Sight In/Sight Out’ which allows for counter moves against enemies; and the BEAT (Battle Enhancement Attribute Type) system, players can change a character’s fighting style at will. A first in the Star Ocean series is the ability to fly the Calnus spaceship; weapons creation ,healing items and accessories; and Private Actions (PAs), allowing you to alter relationship effects between characters. By mastering these skills you’ll be able to unlock more advanced combat combos.

Star Ocean: The Last Hope is not an RPG game of the year finalist, but it is a lot of fun to play, even though the storyline could be less awkward. But it is still worth a play and overall a very good title for serious and casual RPG players alike.

Available on: XBox 360