Star Ocean The Divine Force announced for 2022 release

During today’s State of Play presentation, Sony revealed a new entry in the Star Ocean series from Square Enix and developer tri-Ace. Star Ocean: The Divine Force is planned for a 2022 release on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. (Update: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Steam platforms have also been confirmed.)

The previous title in the series Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness released back in 2016, and a freemium mobile game Star Ocean: anamnesis ran from 2018 to 2021.

In the trailer below we see footage of player characters exploring large zones from aerial vantage points, ambushing enemies from above, and engaging in an action based combat system.

Per the PlayStation Blog, the game will feature changes based on the choices made, where heroes intersect between the two worlds of sci-fi and fantasy. It will have a rich lineup of playable characters, freedom to fly around the environment where everything in-sight is “a field for adventure.” The game will boast the “fastest and mightiest action in the series.” You’ll be able to fly through the sky in the largest field areas in the series, hopping around rocky stretches or over rooftops. Battles will have you enter combat at high speed or disappear instantly before an enemy. You can even defeat a horde of enemies with a skill that enables one-shot kills and experience “tough, yet exhilirating battles while flying freely around the world.”

The “Double Hero” system will feature the viewpoint of two different protagonists, where one hails from an advanced civilization and the other from an underdeveloped planet. The allies that join you will differ based on the protagonist you choose.

The fate of the universe awakens when two heroes cross paths…

The Pangalactic Federation. From their earliest days in the Sol System, this organization has sought to bring peace and tranquility to the galactic multitudes. As their reach has expanded through the universe, many a hero has served under their banner; saviors to planets in need.

But by the year 583 SD, things have changed. The once peaceful Pangalactic Federation is now known for assimilating planets against their will. Once standing for justice, they are now wreathed in darkness.

Raymond, captain of the merchant vessel Ydas, departs from the nonfederated planet of Verguld on a standard transport mission. The job is simple, the route familiar, yet things go awry when the Ydas is attacked by the Astoria: a battleship carrying a member of the Pangalactic Federation’s preeminent Kenny family. 

Raymond

A young man from the nonfederated planet of Verguld. He is the captain of the merchant vessel Ydas under Lawrence Logistics, a company run by his family. His confidence often sees him rushing recklessly into situations when it comes to his friends and work, much to the distress of the Ydas crew. Raymond has a big heart, affable nature, and a good nose for business. His lack of affiliation with the Pangalactic Federation means he is not bound by the Underdeveloped Planet Preservation Pact. This sincere openness to meet others where they’re at regardless of technological advancement wins Laeticia over, but leaves Albaird wary.

Elena

A crew member of the merchant vessel Ydas and Raymond’s first mate. She manages the operation of just about the entirety of the ship, and her vast knowledge and cool demeanor have earned her the complete trust of Raymond and the crew. Elena is constantly surprised by Raymond’s proclivity for recklessness, but all the same she holds a high opinion of his leadership qualities.

Laeticia

Princess of the Kingdom of Aucerius: a large territory located on the underdeveloped planet of Aster IV. Her radiant and resolute personality is admired throughout the kingdom, but her prim demeanor betrays her penchant for wearing armor and remarkable skill with the dual blades. In order to remedy the encroaching threat of a neighboring country, Laeticia sets off on a secret journey to locate a certain individual. She meets Raymond along the way, recently stranded on Aster IV. The two agree to help one another and begin traveling together.

Albaird 

A childhood friend of Laeticia’s, he now serves her as a knight of the Kingdom of Aucerius. He excels at semiomancy and the wielding of chakram. His strong sense of loyalty to Laeticia means he is never far from her side. Albaird’s left arm is covered down to his fingertips, and he occasionally gestures as if to protect it. He does not trust Raymond upon meeting him while escorting Laeticia on her secret journey. Loathe to go against her wishes, however, he reluctantly allows Raymond to join them.

Characters

Cutscenes

World

Field Video

Gameplay


About the Author

Tony Garsow Tony joined Nova Crystallis in 2015, and has spent more than a decade writing in the Final Fantasy community. He also contributes to the Nova Crystallis Twitch and YouTube channels, where you can watch select gameplay highlights, previews, and streams.

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