Star Ocean at 30: How a 1996 Super Famicom RPG pioneered real-time action combat

Summary

This article reflects on the 30th anniversary of the original Star Ocean game, released in 1996 for the Super Famicom. It argues that Star Ocean changed RPGs by introducing a real-time action combat system that blended turn-based strategy with live movement, a bold departure from the dominant turn-based JRPG formula of the era. The piece highlights how the game's "real-time battle system" allowed players to move freely during combat while commands were queued, creating a hybrid that influenced later action RPGs. It also discusses the game's unique skill-based progression system, its sci-fi/fantasy hybrid setting, and its legacy as a precursor to modern action RPGs like those from developer tri-Ace.

Source

bskyStar Ocean at 30: How a 1996 Super Famicom RPG pioneered real-time action combatpolygon.com