The Bonus Board is another fantastic addition to the gameplay. This is an extremely helpful technique and it also adds a much needed layer of strategy to a system that traditionally just required the mashing of one or two buttons. In this state, hitting the left analog stick before an enemy attacks you will execute a Blindside, which confuses the enemy and causes your character to rush around to the enemy's back. By holding down the circle button, players can charge up their Rush gauge (which, when filled, boosts the character's speed and strength) but also enter a defensive state. Some of the most notable differences between Last Hope and other Star Ocean titles include the Blindside system and the Bonus Board, both elements being huge improvements to the formula. This system is very much like the previous Star Ocean games and it's easily one of the highlights of the experience. Each character will learn a variety of techniques and spells (called "symbols" in the Star Ocean universe) that can be mapped to the L2 and R2 triggers. Star Ocean: The Last Hope International uses a real-time battle system where you can move around an isolated battle field and execute basic attack combos by hitting the X button. You can opt to set all the characters to manual mode if you wish, but they can still be targeted by your enemies. Players control one character at a time while the AI (which can be set to certain behavior patterns) manages the other three characters. But a good amount of your time will be spent in battle, and that system is the same as the 360 version. The Japanese language track makes the characters feel much more natural and - in turn - more likable. Unlike some JRPGs, Last Hope International contains characters that possess Japanese personalities and mannerisms that just don't quite fit with an English voiceover. The most important thing to note about Last Hope International is that it is much more enjoyable than its 360 counterpart, if only because of the Japanese language track. As a player, it's your job to save the day. As the two friends journey together through the stars, they meet a host of charming heroes, devious villains and - of course - world-ending plots. Both young soldiers are part of Earth's desperate Space Reconnaissance Force - an effort to find habitable worlds beyond Earth's now ravaged surface. Star Ocean: The Last Hope International follows the exploits of one Edge Maverick and his childhood friend Reimi Saionji. The battle system is seriously enjoyable. But for a quick take on this excellent RPG, you've come to the right place. For a detailed analysis of the original game, don't forget to read Erik's review of the 360 version. The "International" part of the title mainly refers to the very welcome inclusion of the original Japanese language track, as well as a minor but still appreciated option to change the HUD to its original design, which features stylish anime portraits. Like other JRPGs before it (Eternal Sonata being a good example), Star Ocean: The Last Hope is now available for eager PlayStation 3 owners looking for another intergalactic quest. Star Ocean: The Last Hope, the fourth game in the Star Ocean series, first hit the 360 in early 2009.
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