I passed Second Story back in the PS1 days and was supremely disappointed despite loving the premise, graphics, setting, and multiple paths. Since then, the only SO game I played was Till the End of Time on the PS2, which I eventually ended up trading in for God of War or some such (best trade ever, bar none). For some reason the Star Ocean series always attracts me despite my not having anything but terrible times playing it. I think it's just the premise that has me hopeful for each entry.

Anyway, I just checked out some cutscenes from The Last Hope to see if it's as game-breaking as everyone says.

The verdict: Legendarily and inexcusably bad. I have no respect for any individual who can sit through these cutscenes without cringing the entire time.