Had to start this one three times because the combat made no sense to me. even after getting more than half way through, I still don't fully get it. The controls are odd, the story is good but also confusing. I hate that when you get new allies they start at level one. One of those games you pick a team and just stick with them, because it takes way to much effort to level newbies up. It has moments of fun and is a good game, but it just doesn't hold my attention. may come back to it... but I doubt it.

A jrpg classic for the ps2.
Although not as well-known as its contemporaries, SO3 is a fun and challenging game complete with a competent sci-fi aestethic and strong world building.
Storytelling: It does not have to make sense and the developers nailed this aspect. Sci-fi plays with common customs and flips them over in order to find new ways of communications. SO3 mixes sword and magic with hi-tech narration quite well, in a way that is, by definition, nonsensical but fitting at the same time. This world building is fun, and there is no denying it.
Gameplay: dynamic. Always stay focused on the action, this is no turn based rpg. Both item management and reaction skills are required. Easy to learn on the surface level, but item-crafting requires too much experimentation and failing-redo cycles.
Soundtrack: Well defined on its own, suits the story and the environments perfectly. The main theme is also well composed and offers a long lasting comfort feeling. Definitely stream "The Little Bird Who Forgot How to Fly".
Conclusions: This game is really well made, but for some reason not many players have experienced it. You should try it.

Star Ocean 3 became my favorite game after the first time I played it, as it gave me a unique feeling that I had never experienced before. It is, without a doubt, a fun game, full of content, which made my teenage self invest countless hours in it.

Playing it again this time, I can sum up the game in one word: 'identity'. Compared to SO2, the game introduced several new ideas, such as MP Death, a party with 3 members, a vastly different Item Creation system, map progression, and some incredibly creative and dynamic dungeons. Additionally, the game has a somewhat odd and unattractive graphical style, which, in some way, makes it unique as well.

I wanted to write something deeper about the story, which is the main highlight of the game, but it's simply IMPOSSIBLE without spoilers. All I can say is that the famous twist and the ending are incredible. There will be people both liking and disliking it because the game challenges you to get frustrated and that's okay. I understand those who demand better writing after the plot twist; I don't think it's bad, but I also believe it could be improved in certain aspects, a lot of this indicates that there were certain limitations in development (who knows, perhaps this will change in a possible remake).

In conclusion, it's an incredibly brave game that made a significant impact on my life and continues to do so. It's my favorite game, and probably, that feeling won't change till the end of time! (:D)

formative rpg for me, hit at the right time. i don't think the "twist" is that egregious . we were post matrix, post mmo rpgs, its no surprise this type of story made its way into fantasy jrpgs. it doesn't cheapen the moody planet stuff at all in my opinion . the combat is engaging for a jrpg, sure by end game you're just spamming the strongest moves, but its still fun, if you decide to grind its not even that bad. besides the weird end game stuff it feels similar to second story, similar plot points. mid 2000s anime va so prepare for that, i don't mind, i have nostalgia for that era. music is awesome, that synthy-prog rockish instrumental rock. always wish the space travel bits were a bit more fleshed out and more integral but otherwise this is a personal canon fav.

the best star ocean for me so far very engaging gameplay with really cool dungeons i'd still prefer second story item creation though but this one is not that bad,the story and characters however were honestly quite under baked with most of the cast are just one note and only few of them are likeable or the first half of the story while great idea,took too long to get invested atleast the second half makes up for it and yes,the twist.
honestly?i like it and with the message it's trying to tell?i quite like it,it is something you have to check out for yourself instead of let someone else spoils to you.