Star Ocean: First Departure R will launch digitally for PlayStation 4 and Switch in the west day-and-date with Japan on December 5 for $20.99 / £16.99 / £16.99, publisher Square Enix and developer tri-Ace announced.

Check out the Star Ocean: First Departure R New Trailer:

Pre-orders for the PlayStation 4 version will include a PlayStation 4 commemorative theme and a digital mini soundtrack from the Star Ocean Live 2019 concert. Pre-orders are available now (United States, United Kingdom, etc.)

Here is an overview of the game, via Square Enix:

Story

Space Date: 346.

From a power yet undiscovered, a new generation will be born.

Our tale begins on the primitive planet of Roak where Roddick lives in the peaceful and uneventful town of Kratus.

As a member of the village’s local “Defence Force” tasked with the protection of Kratus, Roddick learns of a mysterious disease that has broken out in the neighboring town. Those infected turn to stone, but continue to live on in a petrified state.

Roddick, along with his two friends Millie and Dorne, make their way to the neighboring town. Informed of a cure for the sickness, they head to Mt. Metorx where a healing herb is rumored to grow. When they reach the summit, the party encounter Ronyx and Ilia, who appear before them in a pillar of light.

Thus, the story of Star Ocean begins…

New Features

Originally released in the west on the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Star Ocean: First Departure R tells the story of a young swordsman, Roddick, and his companions who at first set off on a journey to find the cure to a deadly disease, which then spirals into an adventure that spans across the sea of stars. This HD remaster version includes the following features and boosts to enhance the experience:

Full Voiceover – Players can choose between the original full voice cast from the PSP system version of the game in either Japanese or English, or the newly recorded version, featuring the voice cast from the original Super Famicom version in Japanese, which was previously released in Japan only.
New Character Illustrations – Players can opt for the original character illustrations utilized in Star Ocean: First Departure, or brand-new versions drawn by the famous illustrator Katsumi Enami (Star Ocean: The Last Hope).
Speed Mode – Players can speed up movement to traverse the world more quickly.
Adjusted Game Balance – Adjusted battle difficulty enabling players to enjoy more challenge in combat, a signature quality of the Star Ocean series.

For further reading, the PlayStation Blog has posted an interview with character illustrator Katsumi Enami.

Visit the official English website here.