A closer look at STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE

The action RPG launches October 27, 2022 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and STEAM. We take a closer look at the characters, combat and world of the game.
By Duncan Heaney

We’re excited to announce that STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE has a release date: October 27, 2022! Yes - just a few months away!

This latest entry in the beloved RPG series features a brand new standalone story that fuses science fiction and fantasy in a uniquely compelling way, a lightning-fast yet strategic battle system, and incredible freedom of movement. Yes, in this game, you can fly!

We know many of you have been looking forward to learning more about the game, so we thought we’d dig into the game a little and show you some of the awesomeness that awaits.

We’ll look at everything, from the beautiful world, the wonderful characters and the nitty-gritty of the combat system. But we’ll start with something that’s core to any RPG: the story.

The story of STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE

From their earliest days in the Sol System, the Pangalactic Federation sought to bring peace and tranquility to the galaxy. As their reach has expanded through the universe, many a hero 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 they stood for justice - now they’re wreathed in darkness.

Raymond, captain of the merchant vessel Ydas, leaves the non-federated planet of Verguld on a standard transport mission. Things go awry when the Ydas is attacked by the Astoria: a dedicated battleship carrying a member of the Pangalactic Federation's preeminent Kenny family.

STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE screenshot

Raymond and his crewmate Chloe are forced to abandon ship amidst the chaos and head for the remote, underdeveloped fourth planet in the Aster System.

Upon landing, Raymond is separated from his crewmate and immediately attacked by some of the less-than-friendly local wildlife. But when all seems lost, his life is saved by the crown princess of the Kingdom of Aucerius: Laeticia.

Amazed by the sudden appearance of this strange figure, who arrived on a "shooting star", Laeticia asks Raymond to help save her kingdom from the threat of the neighboring Vey'l Empire. He accepts in exchange for help finding Chloe.

So begins their journey on Aster IV. However, Raymond will soon discover he has yet to escape the shadow of the Pangalactic Federation…


The characters of STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE ORDER

The game’s dual protagonist system lets you choose between two main characters at the start of the game: Raymond or Laeticia.

Dual Protagonist System
STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE screenshot
STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE screenshot

The story unfolds from the perspective of the protagonist you choose, and your companion characters will differ too. And what characters they are! The world of STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE is full of fascinating, vibrant individuals - allow us to introduce just a few:

Raymond

Character art of Raymond
  • Weapon: Greatswords

This young man hails from the non-federated planet of Verguld. He’s the captain of the merchant vessel Ydas, operating under Lawrence Logistics - a company run by his family.

STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE screenshot

Raymond has a big heart, affable nature, and a good nose for business. His confidence often makes him rush recklessly into situations, particularly when it comes to his friends and work… much to the distress of the Ydas crew.

STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE screenshot

His lack of affiliation with the Pangalactic Federation means he’s not bound by the Underdeveloped Planet Preservation Pact. This, and his sincere openness to meet others where they're at regardless of technological advancement, wins Laeticia over but leaves Albaird wary…

STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE screenshot

Laeticia

  • Weapon: Dual Blades

Laeticia is Princess of the Kingdom of Aucerius: a large territory located on the underdeveloped planet of Aster IV.

STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE screenshot

Her radiant and resolute personality is admired throughout the kingdom, but that prim demeanor disguises her penchant for wearing armor - and her remarkable skill with the dual blades.

STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE screenshot

In order to deal with 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 each other and begin traveling together.

Albaird

A childhood friend of Laeticia's, Albaird now serves her as a knight of the Kingdom of Aucerius. He excels at semiomancy and the wielding of chakrams.

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 meets Raymond while escorting Laeticia on her secret journey. He does not trust the new arrival, but loathe to go against Laeticia’s wishes, he reluctantly allows the young captain to join them.

Elena

  • Weapon: Hybrid Weapons

Elena is First Mate of the merchant vessel Ydas.

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.

Midas

  • Weapon: Canes

One of the most brilliant semiomancers and engineers in all of the Aucerian Kingdom, Midas is as hard-headed as he is curious.

Although his thirst for knowledge means he often foregoes laws and basic ethics, Midas is still a man of strong principle who always finishes what he starts.

He once held a position of power within the kingdom, but he was ultimately exiled in disgrace by a twist of fate. No one within the castle's walls knows of his whereabouts or even if he still lives.

Nina

As a physician's assistant in Delryk, Nina is one of the few people in Aucerius who can wield healing magic known as iatrimancy.

She tirelessly devotes herself to create a cure for the deadly disease that claimed her father's life.

Despite her serious work, Nina remains cheerful - if a bit naive. Her high energy and go-get-'em attitude drive her research, though that often impedes her progress more than aids it. She hates to see anyone in anguish and will bend over backwards to help the sick and injured.

A brief tour of Aster IV

STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE is largely set on Aster IV. As the name implies, it’s the fourth planet in the Aster system and territory yet to be explored by the Pangalactic Federation.

It’s home to unique native cultures and has two major nations on its largest continent: the Kingdom of Aucerius in the west and the Vey'l Empire in the east.

Let’s take a look at just a few of the locations you’ll get to visit:

The Kingdom of Aucerius

Kingdom of Aucerius cityscape

The above screenshot shows the royal capital of the Kingdom of Aucerius: Acendros. Travelers visit from far and wide to gaze upon the majesty of its cityscape.

Acendros is the economic and cultural center of the kingdom and has endured as such for well over a millennium. The crystals found throughout the city serve as catalysts that bolster semiomantic devices.

Del'vyr Region

Located southwest of the Aucerian kingdom, Del'vyr is a comparatively arid region. That said, heavy rains and windstorms occasionally blow through, and they have carved a huge valley into the rock over many years.

The carved rock faces throughout the region are actually exposed geological repositories that date back 500 million years. These strata chock-full of ancient fossils lie undisturbed by man, however, as they offer little in the way of valuable ore.

Delryk Village

This village is located in the southwestern portion of the Kingdom of Aucerius. Its mines boast the highest yields in the entire kingdom and have a reputation for bountiful output of minerals - as well as ore that can be used as a catalyst to amplify the effects of semiomancy.

Many acclaimed researchers of semiomancy were once attracted to the city, and it even became something of a hub for academia. Though few of those semiomancers remain today, the ceaseless activity of the mines' carts suggest that the area’s mineral resources are far from running dry.

Larcasse Weald

In the Western part of the of Aucerius, you’ll find this expansive forest. Within its densely-growing trees lurk ferocious beasts that make visits by locals few and far between.

Scattered traces of an ancient civilization can be seen - one can imagine that there was once a time when many people called this region home. Now, however, this forest is shunned by locals and favored by monsters looking to roost.


Exploration

Traversing these areas is more fluid and fun than ever before in the series. As well as full 360 degree movement on the ground, all characters have the ability to take to the air and fly.

Want to explore the rooftops of the city, or get up a cliff face fast? The seamless exploration of STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE means you can get around with near-total freedom!

Battles

When you encounter a monster, the battle begins seamlessly. No loading combat arenas - you’re straight into the fight!

Whether you’re on a sheer cliff, or in the densely-packed city, the world itself is your battleground!

Up to four characters can be selected to form a party.

You can choose which character to control in real-time.

Using skills in battle costs AP, which recovers naturally over time.

The maximum AP available increases or decreases based on certain conditions during battle. By increasing the total amount of AP available, you can use a larger variety of skills.

You can set Combat Skills, Active Skills, and Use Items to action buttons, and use these to perform Chain Combos.

Actions set to Chain Combos are performed in sequence each time that button is used. Item effects can be activated faster than normal when used in this way.

Battles in STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE are thrillingly fast-paced, but if you need a little time to think, you can switch to Stop Mode.

In Stop Mode, you can freeze the screen to give instructions to your allies, change targets, and carefully plan your strategy.


STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE will release physically and digitally on October 27, 2022. Preorders will be available from June 30, 2022.

In addition to the standard addition, you can also get the Digital Deluxe Edition, which includes the game’s stunning soundtrack, as well as some in-game items, including the Armor pack and Accessory pack.

Early purchase any physical or digital edition of STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE and you’ll get a mini game pawn pack* (oh, did we mention there’s an amazingly addictive board game in here too?)

What’s more, if you preorder the game digitally (either the Digital Standard Edition or the Digital Deluxe Edition), you'll also get an in-game item weapon pack for the protagonists - the “Lionheart's Blutgang” Greatsword for Raymond and the “Flashing Naglering” dual blades for Laeticia.

*The digital early purchase incentive will be available until November 30, 2022.

We hope you enjoyed this preview of STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE. We’ll have much more to show you as we approach the October 27, 2022 release date. To stay up to date with news, make sure you follow us on social media:

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