Star Ocean is a fresh game for Square Enix because it is mostly a sci-fi type of game that involves space travel. The creators created Star Ocean with a sci-fi setting in mind and having cited Star Trek as their main influence. The series of Star Ocean games are mostly known for their real time battle engines and being one of the earliest games to permission alternate endings.
well I played it, but I could only get through about half hour or so, it didn't have that hook factor...
