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New information and screenshots have been released for Square-Enix’s re-imagining of the first two games in the RPG franchise.

Star Ocean: First Departure will be the first time that the original Star Ocean is available in North America, which will be great news for fans of the series. The story is the same as it was in the original, beginning a series that takes its main characters across the universe.

Star Ocean: Second Evolution is an improved version of the second entry in the series, which continued the epic story the first game laid out. It was a really enjoyable RPG, and hopefully the same will be the case with this.

Both games have been fully relocalised, with all new subplots added into each. Animated cutscenes help expand the story, all of which feature voice acting, which will help to make First Departure and Second Evolution the definitive versions of the games they originate from.

Star Ocean: First Departure will be in stores October 21st, while fans will have to wait until January 6th for Second Evolution.

Hit the jump for the official E3 press release, and some all-new screenshots of First Departure.

Following the exploits of humankind’s journey across the stars, the STAR OCEAN saga comes to life in the completely remastered STAR OCEAN: First Departure and STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution, exclusively for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. Both feature a revised game engine, an improved battle system and fully voiced, all-new animated scenes displayed in 16:9 widescreen. And with a newly added layer of character interaction, players can enjoy their journey into the rich STAR OCEAN universe like never before.

STORY STAR OCEAN: First Departure
Space Date 346: The crew of a Terran Federation ship arrives on the planet Roak. With the help of a stalwart band of local heroes, the crew must work together to unravel a mystery and halt a galactic war. STAR OCEAN: First Departure marks the first time that the initial instalment in the popular STAR OCEAN franchise is available in North America.

STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution
Space Date 366: A young Federation officer finds himself transported to a mystical planet, where he is suddenly anointed as the Hero of Light. He begins a journey to fulfill a prophecy and save a newfound race. STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution continues the STAR OCEAN saga!

FEATURES
• Completely rebuilt for the PSP system, with real-time battles that keep players immersed in the action
• STAR OCEAN: First Departure, the entry that started it all, now available to North American audiences for the first time
• Brand-new, fully voiced animated cut-scenes provided by anime powerhouse Production I.G
• The private action system adds depth to the story, introducing riveting subplots between characters