Back at E3, Star Ocean: First Departure and Star Ocean: Second Evolution were both announced for North America. Since then, our European readers may have wondered if the titles would see release across the Atlantic. Luckily, Star Ocean actually will be crossing ... an ocean into Europe and releasing this October. However, only First Departure has been announced with a wide open October date. North Americans should still look out for October 21 for both titles.

This trailer for Star Ocean: First Departure, a remake of the original PSOne SNES classic RPG, mostly shows off the all new anime cut scenes that have been added. The voiceovers are still in their original Japanese during this trailer, but the provision of subtitles makes sure you're not left scratching your head as to what's going on.

The game was launched back in December of last year in Japan, and has only recently been announced for North America. Specifically, the game will come out in North America on October 21 of this year.

After tons of retailer leaks, it looks like Square Enix has finally announced Star Ocean is coming to the US. The first PSP game, The First Departure will be available for the US market on October 21st. The Second Evolution will be available on January 6th.

While we're glad to see this news, it's a little disparaging to note that for PSP fans, this is all Square Enix will have to show at E3. Other high profile PSP releases, like Dissidia and Kingdom Hearts, will not be making an appearance at the show. Guess we're going to have to wait until Tokyo Game Show to get our hands on Square's other titles.

Square Enix's PSP Star Ocean games should be hitting the States this November, if this listing from a GameCrazy store is to be believed. The RPG remakes will retail for $39.99 each. Square Enix has yet to officially announce a localized version of the game, but with this new evidence (and the listing found on GameFly), it's clear that the games are coming to the US.

[Thanks, Chibi-L!]

Square Enix's PSP remake of Star Ocean may finally be getting a US release. At least, if this information on GameFly is to be believed. The popular online rental site lists a September 30th date for the game. Most likely, this is simply a placeholder.

It's not a question of if, but when, Square Enix will officially announce a US release for the Star Ocean remakes. With many finishing Crisis Core, tons of PSP fans are awaiting their next RPG adventure.

[Via Siliconera; Thanks, Joe!]

Of course, you could wait and assume the soundtrack for the Star Ocean: Second Evolution remake will be awesome, or you can take the advice from SiliconEra and check out this promotional page Square Enix has put up for everyone. Under the "check" section you can sample six songs from the game and even fade between two songs via the slider on the webpage. Not sure why you'd really care enough to do that, but it can be strangely intriguing to listen to two songs at once. The soundtrack goes on sale May 2nd in Japan, with an album of arranged music tracks to follow on the 21st.

Star Ocean Second Evolution has been out in Japan for over a week now and still the gameplay footage keeps rolling in. This latest video showcases the game's battle system which is obviously very similar to the original game, but with much prettier graphics. Check the video out for yourselves and keep your fingers crossed for a Western release for both Star Ocean PSP remakes.

Square Enix hasn't revealed any information about a US localization of Star Ocean. That's too bad -- we're hankering for a new PSP RPG. The Second Evolution is the second PSP-exclusive remake released in Japan so far, and this is the opening cinematic from the game. The production values, as expected from a Square Enix title, look pretty fantastic.

See more non-gameplay cinematics, head on over to GameTrailers.

The Second Evolution has just gone on sale in Japan, and Square Enix is celebrating the release of this new PSP-exclusive remake by making new themes and wallpapers available on their official website (click on "Special"). Initial impressions from Tokyo's Akihabara suggest that the game has done rather well in its first week: finding a new copy proved difficult, due to eager early demand.

With Monster Hunter and Star Ocean, we expect the Japanese metro system to be filled with PSP players.

[Via PSPHyper]

The first Star Ocean PSP remake hasn't made it out of Japan yet, but The Second Evolution is already getting ready for its big debut in a few weeks. This remake of Star Ocean 2 features anime cutscenes and voice acting and yet another Jpoppy theme song. Catch more than four minutes of this RPG remake in this brand new trailer. [Update: New embedded trailer.]

[Via NeoGAF]

Most RPGs in Japan come with some super-sweet, super-catchy J-pop song. Square Enix's upcoming Star Ocean: The Second Evolution is no different. The all-girl band Scandal performs the theme song to this upcoming game with their number, "Start." Check it out.

[Via PSPHyper]

We're not surprised at all by these images of Star Ocean: The Second Evolution. Why? It looks to continue the visual trend of The First Departure. This PSP-exclusive remake of the second entry to the Star Ocean RPG series will feature all the usual Square Enix dressings, such as enhanced graphics, new anime cutscenes, and voice overs. It's rather ... expected.

Check out all the new images at Famitsu.

The First Departure hasn't even been announced for US release yet, but Japan is already on its way to the sequel. PSP's second Star Ocean game will feature the same revamped graphics, anime cutscenes and voice acting as the first remake. However, there's a special treat for Star Ocean fans that pre-order the game. A bonus DVD will feature a special preview of Star Ocean 4. Perhaps we'll finally learn what console the game will head to?

The Second Evolution will be available on April 2nd in Japan, with a standard price of 4800 yen.

Japan is feasting on yet another Square Enix RPG, as the rest of us patiently wait for Square Enix to release ... nay, announce the title for English release. This remake of the original Star Ocean features new enhanced graphics, and tons of cutscenes and voice acting to give it that special PSP feel. However, the incredible anime-esque nature will surely be a dividing factor for this game. Some will absolutely adore the style, while others will cringe, crying for something a bit more "mature." Which side of the fence are you on?

Square Enix is offering two new themes for your PSP, in celebration of today's release of the PSP-exclusive remake: Star Ocean: The First Departure. Not only is the game available today, but a new limited edition version of the system. Will the Japanese gaming populace flock to it just as they did the Crisis Core bundle? We'll wait and see.

To download the themes, click the following links:
Star Ocean First Departure official theme 1
Star Ocean First Departure official theme 2

Save it to PSP/THEME on your Memory Stick. Then, go to Settings -> Theme Settings to change your system's theme.

[Via PSPHyper]