The Star Ocean franchise has been around for a while now, and remains a quietly lucrative aside to the bigger JRPGs out there. Last year the Xbox 360 was treated to the latest installment in the franchise; Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope. The game was highly regarded, but a Playstation release was not announced. Now, finally, players can purchase Playstation 3's Star Ocean.

The release of this version is not a direct port, but rather is named the 'international' edition, and features some small extras. Firstly, the original Japanese voice track has been included as an option. This is often a popular feature for those who prefer their JRPGs with a little more authenticity. Additionally, players can change the HUD display to reveal the original Japanese design for characters. Not a huge extra, but nice all the same.

Now the game itself, and Playstation 3's Star Ocean can not disappoint. The game expands the combat system of previous installments within the franchise, offering a straightforward yet enjoyable attack approach that is systematically levelled up as time progresses. New extras like the Rush gauge add a fresh spin to the combat, rewarding fast handed players with more benefits.

The story that runs throughout Playstation 3's Star Ocean is suitably grand, as one would anticipate from producers Square Enix. A great feature is the optional Private Actions, which allows users to interact among their characters to achieve a deeper sense of character development. This might not be vital to the story, but is great for gamers hoping to completely immerse themselves with the characters.

It might have taken a while, but Playstation 3's Star Ocean is certainly worth the wait. The visuals, whilst perhaps not up to Final Fantasy standards, are still beautiful and the story can reward you the more you put into it. Any followers of the genre should definitely check out this amazing title.