STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE

By GARRETT MARTIN

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XBOX 360

SQUARE ENIX

2.24.09

You don't really expect exciting new developments in game design from Japanese role-playing games, but Star Ocean: The Last Hope distinguishes itself with an almost daring reliance on clichés. Maybe it's a parody; that wouldn't make the game great, but it would excuse some of the more shopworn elements. Edge Maverick isn't Gillette's latest breakthrough in shaving technology, but rather our spiky-haired protagonist, an uncharismatic drone in the Space Navy of a distant, post-nuclear future. Together with a stable of stock character types (including a Winnie Cooper-esque childhood friend-turned-hottie whose rump gets as much screen time as her face), Edge sets off to establish a new home for Earth's survivors. The gameplay's not much fresher than the narrative—repetitive dungeon crawls occasionally interrupt long, poorly voiced cut scenes, and infrequent "save points" necessitate frequent do-overs. The battles keep you awake, but don't compensate for the overwhelming malaise.