Being a JRPG fan right should feel gratifying. Final Fantasy XV will finally land in our laps this September, Persona 5 is set to dominate next year’s Valentine’s Day and Tales of Berseria will continue on with the strong legacy its franchise is known for.
But before all those JRPG’s become available, there’s an underrated IP set to arrive before them all. Square Enix knows it’s been forever since we’ve traversed the sci-fi universe within the Star Ocean series. For those of you who’ve wanted a current-gen experience akin to Star Ocean: The Last Hope, you’re in luck. Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness is on its way and it looks to be one of the sleeper hits of the summer. The devs behind this massive project have taken fans’ complaints to heart, which means the story will no doubt be stronger than previous entries’ attempts.
We’re here to make you aware of everything featured in Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness.
1. This Latest Game in the Star Ocean Series is Set Between the Second and Third Main Entries
The timeline this 5th Star Ocean release is set within (Space Date 537) places it between the events of Star Ocean: The Second Story and Star Ocean: Till the End of Time. The main planet being focused on this time around is Faykreed, which is 6,000 light years away from Earth. It’s widely known that the Pangalactic Federation seeks to bring peace and order to the galaxy its people inhabit. But after a superior alien race makes contact with the denizens of Faykreed, chaos ensues and a new intergalactic conflict begins. Multiple endings are a main feature of the plot that depends on your actions throughout the game.
2. The Main Character You’ll Control Mostly During This Epic Adventure is Fidel Camuze
There’s one main protagonist who’ll you primarily use during this planet spanning adventure. That individual is Fidel Camuze, an efficient swordsman who received his training from his father. Fidel’s father just happens to be the military advisor for the country him and his son belong to. As a proud warrior and protector, Fidel aids the people of his hometown (Sthal) and looks to save The Kingdom of Resulia from incoming threats.
Fidel will be accompanied by a ragtag crew of powerful warriors and mystical magic wielders. You can get an idea of each character’s personality and fighting style by checking out the full roster list below. Click on each party member’s name to see them in action:
– Miki Sauvester
– Fiore Brunelli
– Victor Oakville
– Reilia
– Emmerson
– Anne
– Victor Oakville
3. Engaging Within Realtime Battles Will Transition Smoothly From Field Exploring
As you venture through the game’s varied locales, you’ll spot all types of creatures who’re looking to do you nothing but harm. Spotting them on the open map you’re exploring means you can actively engage with them without having to sit through a loading screen. Heading into battles handles like a seamless affair when you go from simply running around to engaging in close-quarters skirmishes. You’ll be able to utilize flashy small attacks, large attacks and guard maneuvers.
Your performance in battle has a direct effect on the “Reserve Gauge.” This meter, which can be stocked up to a maximum of five bars, dishes out EXP (experience points), FOL (currency) and SP (skill points) bonuses once battles are won. The “Reserve Rush” ability can be activated by each party member as well. Filling the Reserve Gauge will allow you to use its filled bars to pull off such a cool capability.
4. Securing the Day One Edition Means You’ll Acquire Some Special DLC
Grabbing a copy of this JRPG during its launch period means you’ll obtain a set of special DLC goodies. Valkyrie Profile and Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria will be represented within this game through the addition of background battle music themes. Plus, the item set listed below will aid the entire cast of playable characters in various ways during the entirety of their journey:
– The Ring of the Valkyries
– Gold Bunny Statue
– Bushybrume Cincture
– Wristlet of the Stars
– The Secret Sthalian Tome
Buy Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness here.
Buy the Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness: Prima Collector’s Edition Guide here.
5. The Game’s Collector’s Edition Comes With a Wealth of Physical and Digital Goodies
A game of such grandeur surely has a Collector’s Edition of some kind, right? Of course it does. And we’ve all come to know that Square Enix goes above and beyond when it comes to releasing special editions for its biggest titles. Choosing to go big when obtaining the latest Star Ocean means you’ll get the following:
– a Collector’s Edition box
– the full game and a special Steelbook case
– exclusive character art cards
– “The Sounds of Star Ocean” soundtrack
– “The Art of Star Ocean” art book
– a physical Pangalactic Federation ID card
– two background battle themes from Valkyrie Profile and Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria
– special DLC items: The Ring of the Valkyries, Gold Bunny Statue, Bushybrume Cincture, Wristlet of the Stars and The Secret Sthalian Tome