Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness has been a big topic the past few days since it was announced last week. The title is set to bring players back to the heyday of the series with intergalactic travel and a fantastical 15th century planet like Elicoor II from Til the End of Time.
However, in a recent interview with Dengeki, the developers shed some further light on the new protagonist Fidel Camus and how he differs from the previous groups’ leaders like Fayt and Edge.
To begin with, rather than a mid teens character, Fidel is coming in at the not-so-tender age of 23; and when the developers were asked about this by Dengeki, they assured that there was indeed a reason for him being older than the so far typical main characters. At an age like this, Fidel isn’t a child with no knowledge of the world. He is intelligent, knowledgeable and worldly; however, he has yet to experience the “sweet and bitter” things in life. So, rather than focus on a more obvious growing up, the focus will be more on maturing as a person.
Shuichi Kobayashi, the game’s producer, said that there will be a large focus in the story will be to show Fidel, with his own thoughts, feelings, and personality, as he experiences all these new encounters and goodbyes throughout the story.
Also revisiting a very Star Ocean-esque setting is the character of Miki, Fidel’s childhood friend who will help him through everything that goes on in these grand adventure. Kobayashi mentioned that he felt it is very much in line with Star Ocean’s past to have a childhood friend pair as the central characters; Star Ocean had Roddick and Millie, Til the End of Time had Fayt and Sophia, The Last Hope had Edge and Reimi, and now we will have Fidel and Miki. Kobayashi also made sure to mention that he’s not yet sure if Fidel and Miki’s characters will follow suit with the others so far, however.
Dengeki poked and prodded the developers in the room, but none would say more than that, though it was implied that everything is already settled as for the story. Dengeki also echoed many fans’ thoughts on the matter – that based upon what we’ve seen so far, Fidel and Miki appear to have a sibling-like relationship so far. However, it seems that ruling out a more romantic attachment may be something to avoid at this point; we may just end up seeing these two as a couple down the road.
In case you missed it, we reported on the game’s story and characters, voice actor interviews, combat, and why tri-Ace put the game on PS3 and PS4. You can also view the game’s debut trailer here. Development on Star Ocean 5: Integrity & Faithfulness is currently 30% complete.
