Japan, as usual, is getting even more extra goodies with the upcoming release of Star Ocean: Second Evolution on the PSP. Game peripheral company Hori will be coming out with a new set of Star Ocean: Second Evolution themed accessories. The set consists of: headphones with a Star Ocean art design, screen cleaner, two UMD cases (one for SO1 and SO2 each), and a slip-on back-casing. It's actually a pretty nice collection to go along with that special First Departure PSP.

While our friends over seas can enjoy their soon-to-release game and complementary accessories, the rest of us will just have to settle for a brand new trailer. By all means, it's not a lousy consolation prize ... and hey, it's free! Check out the trailer right after the break.

[Via RPG Land]

Star Ocean: Second Evolution will be the next big thing after Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G hits Japan next week. And just like the screenshot update Monster Hunter received earlier today, this title is getting its own reciprocal visual update. Have a look at more than 30 new Second Evolution screens here.

While neither PSP remakes of Star Ocean: First Departure nor Star Ocean: Second Evolution have been announced for western release, we're still thinking it's coming. Any day now. Yep ... any day now. Is localization the reason why these titles are not traversing continents? If that's the case, we're willing to offer our exquisite translation expertise to Tri-Ace and Square Enix. Just look at our translation in the screenshot above. Purely accurate, we swear!

The newly unveiled Star Ocean remakes are getting a significant (and chatty) rehaul. According to GameSpot, these remakes will feature significant new content. Producer Yoshinori Yamagishi intends on making "the remake[s] to feel as though they're completely new games." According to the game's voice actors, they haven't been able to record dialog yet, because the scripts aren't finished yet -- tons of new scenarios and characters are being added to the game. For those interested, the Japanese vocal cast has been announced:

Star Ocean: First Departure
Ratix Farrence - Mamoru Miyano
Milly Kiliet - Hitomi Nabatame
Marvel Frozen - Houko Kuwashima
Fear Mell - Megumi Toyoguchi

Star Ocean: Second Evolution
Claude C. Kenni - Daisuke Namikawa
Rena Lanford - Nana Mizuki
Dias Flac - Tomokazu Sugita
Precis F. Neumann - Rie Kugimiya

During a recent press conference in Japan, Tri-Ace (in conjunction with Square Enix) have revealed that they will be remaking Star Ocean and Star Ocean: The Second Story for the PSP. Originally on the SNES and the PSX, respectively, these titles should get some decent spit-and-polish treatment before their release. Though from the look of the presentation slides, I wouldn't expect any Final Fantasy III style 3D-ification. But that's ok, 2D better suits the anime style of the game.

While the short blurb is beyond my limited Japanese knowledge, there is mention of the 30th of May. I'm doubtful that will be the release date, though there's the possibility that we'll see some more information being released on that day.

Though there's little more to say than that, we'll let you know of any developments. Be sure to check out the slides captured from the conference over at Gemaga 1985. With Dissidia and now the first two Star Ocean games on the way, it looks like RPG fans are going to have a tough time putting their PSPs down.

PS3 owners, be sure to check out this post over at PS3 Fanboy for more Square Enix news.

[Via GamesAreFun]