Why Square Enix and Tri-Ace need to consider remaking Star Ocean: Till the End of Time

Releasing in 2004, Star Ocean: Till the End of Time's directors cut was a massive success for Tri-Ace and Square Enix becoming their most successful venture into the "Star Ocean" - critically and commercially (at the time). Star Ocean: Till the End of Time remains one of my favorite games to this day, but it's become difficult to play a legal and supported version that replicates the original PS2 experience. There is a version on the Playstation Store that exists, but it comes with its own issues, including a bug that causes frequent crashing when viewing an enlarged mini-map. Frankly, the game and the series deserve an opportunity to find a new audience.

There's so much to love about SO:TET. From its eccentric and varied cast of characters, to its incredible music, combat, and story, it is both an exemplar of the games of yesteryear, and a game in dire need of some love. Now is the perfect time for Square and Tri-Ace to do it.

Remake fatigue is hitting hard, in general, but with the recent successes of Star Ocean: The Divine Force and Star Ocean The Second Story R, now is the best chance to make this happen. Star Ocean as a series is probably in the best position it has been in 20 years, so why not use this momentum to remake one of their most popular entries? I think we could take lessons from both the Divine Force and SO2R, to make something really special. The Graphical fidelity and presentation of Divine Force could be used, as it and SO:TET share a similar art style vs the sprite-based style of SO2R. I would also like to see some of the QOL changes seen in SO2R implemented in a remake, like fast travel, PA indicators, and some improvements to crafting.

I could go on for hours about what it is that makes this game special, but I would prefer it if people just got to experience it in a better way than what we have now. I would be ecstatic if I could see the game in true HD, and I would cherish the opportunity to review it as a relevant game in the minds of consumers. Hell, I might make it my first true "retro review" here - but that's for another day.