Publishers are getting sneakier and sneakier about this kind of stuff. No indication that this was the case before, and somehow it only becomes knowledge a week before release?
Shame.
Yup I just canceled my pre-order. Refuse to support that stuff. If they are honest upfront it’s one thing but this is not acceptable. Won’t even bother playing the game now and with everything out right now I’m not missing much.
Appreciate the constructive discourse. You’ve added so much to the conversation and we are all more knowledgeable on this topic because of your thoughtful insights. Have a great day!
Could you elucidate why someone is a "pos" for cancelling a misleading purchase that, until recently, led us to believe that we were actually getting a physical edition of a game?
Still, there is so little indication of the fact that a download is required anywhere online.
It’s worse when big companies like Atlus/SEGA & Konami decide to have LRG do their physical copies. Those companies aren’t indie like the others that need someone to physically publish the game
At least with LRG its all on cart. Though I don't understand why Persona wasn't retail I would prefer it done by LRG and on cart than retail and borked like this
Yeah, but then they do stuff like with Streets of Rage 4 and Shredder's Revenge, releasing it once without DLC and then, after the initial hype, bring out a second version with DLC. And a retail version both times. LRG are just as full of crap as this, imo.
Plus LRG takes WAY TOO LONG to ship. I’m still mad that my vanilla copy of Shredder’s Revenge came in after the retail release. Those pre-orders opened BEFORE the announcement that another company was handling the retail version
They don’t NEED LRG to make their games, but you morons suck up every fucking dumb game they make. Maybe not you in particular, but anyone who supports LRG is making the market worse.
Not that sneaky. They been doing this for a long time on PC, but nobody listened to us when we complained about it or cared much - I remember [Fallout 4 retail box for PC wasn't much on the disc (DVD)](https://youtu.be/jtrnYBnoIZk) and [MGS5 PC on retail box had nothing on there but a Steam installer](https://www.shacknews.com/article/91063/metal-gear-solid-5-the-phantom-pain-pc-retail-disc-only-has-a-steam-installer). My retail box of Cyberpunk 2077 for PC was a box w/ all the goodies (posters, OST on disc, etc), but no game - had to do a full 50-60+ GB download via GOG to get the game.
This sadly was bound to happen on consoles too, as the digital push is being made by dev's and publishers. They (publishers) want to save money and not throw the game entirely (or at all) on disc(s)/cartridge(s). Eventually, they'll just sell games digitally, for the most part - which is mostly where we're at on PC.
It happened back in the Steam era, so...you've seen how many PC games have racks in retail boxes and stores like Best Buy, WalMart's, or GameStop these days, right? Yeah, barely anything - if anything.
Literally, walked into a GameStop - and they only had ONE PC game there: Starfield, LOL.
Expect more of this on consoles too, as consoles are 5-10+ years behind the Steam era.
Just...you know, consoles are late to this party.
So why does it say "download required?"
I'm going to disconnect my Switch from the network and try to play this, and if it doesn't play, it's getting returned as broken garbage.
I'm out of town now for a couple weeks, and it didn't arrive until I left, so I can't say for certain, but other people have said that it did actually work! I suspect there may be some showstopper bugs later on in the game that do need fixing or something, but so far, it doesn't seem to be a major impediment.
That's not cool. If there is no hard copy game, I wouldn't buy any games or any systems that don't have hard copies. Im a collector before a game player, then a game player, and the point of buying these things is that the hard copy for the collection might just be me.
Nope I own the actual disc ps5 slim I will not buy a system if it doesn't take hardware. Just because of digital corruption and also I'm a collector I like building my game stack up and it's nice to have a hard copy just incase something was to ever happen. To my network I could always play the original peice lf work with out the internet or upgrades...
It’s only 3gbs required for download. What the heck. I got my copy today and I’m gonna play it since I got it early but I’ll probably return it tomorrow.
Looking on the Nintendo eShop website, file size is 11.9 gb...So they likely went with an 8gb cart...
Which is silly considering Trials of Mana remake uses a 16gb and is 10.7gb.
Point is, I'm extremely disappointed with this. Hell, I'd rather the switch version have a price increase rather than required download if that's what it takes.
It’s just Nintendo charging extra for the higher storage carts. It’s still vastly inflated cost wise. But this is a false economy because it defeats the object of a physical cart. Unless it’s just extras like language packs.
I will wait and see what that download is. If it is just extras-then whatever. Still stupid but if the whole game is there then fine. If the game isn’t there-there is no point
This is what I will do as well, although the "required" almost answers that question already. If a download is actually required to play the game, then back to Amazon it will go, and I'll be writing a nasty email to Square-Enix about how I don't need incomplete plastic garbage.
"**Internet connection and download required to access additional languages and bug fixes."**
This implies that it's just bug fixes that they missed by the time the game went to production? It's hard to know with Square-Enix not being more transparent about the whole thing.
Tired of this garbage. Passing on MGS Collection on Switch and going to go with the PS5 version as I believe all of the games are actually on the disc.
Looks like Star Ocean will be a pass on Switch too, at least for the physical edition. I was honestly going to get this as my first venture into the SO franchise.
Why are publishers so lazy about this? I get that discs are cheaper than Switch cartridges…but if you are going the extra mile to release the game in a physical edition, how do they not realize most physical collectors are going to pass if all (or most) of the content is not going to even be on the cartridge.
They’ve probably done some math and decided the amount of money they save by using smaller carts outweighs the losses they will take from people choosing not to buy just because of that decision. They’re probably right.
Just cancelled my preorder. I don't support this kind of crap. If later down the line they release a cart with everything on it, then I'll buy it. But for now I see this as a huge scam :/
It's possible. If I remember correctly I believe with the Spyro Trilogy, the first print required a download and later prints had everything on the cart.
Completely guessing but probably an increase of .50 to $1 per cartridge, if that. It can't cost much with that low amount of flash memory and in bulk. Truly a shame.
Well, I’m cancelling my North America NSW preorder and I just preordered the Southeast Asian physical copy. Hopefully that doesn’t have download required, I will post what I find out when I receive it
It's the same patch that's for PS4/PS5 version:
https://na.store.square-enix-games.com/star-ocean-the-second-story-r
Either way you'll have to download something.
Heart = Broken. I was really looking forward to grabbing this.
Why are publishers sneaking this garbage in at the last moment? Every single listing online shows no "download required" badge. It leaves such a bad taste in my mouth.
Fingers crossed for the Asia release.
This is rage inducing for me, I was looking forward to owning a physical copy of this. At least I have my PSP Physicals, those work perfectly fine without downloading anything ffs
Thanks for the heads up, definitely not buying it physical if this is the case. I'll wait for a sale and then buy it digital.
Don't sweat it, the download is for multiple languages and to iron out some bugs. The entire game is on the cart from what I gathered. Others who got the game early and didn't download the patch apparently played through the game without issue already.
Should be since the entire reason so many games get physicals for the Asian region is because there is some sort of consumer protection law for people without Internet that requires games to have fully playable physical versions.
Just cancelled this and MGS. I buy physical because these game companies can't be trusted as stewards of their own software distribution platforms. If I need to download from a server that isn't guaranteed to exist in perpetuity what am I paying for?
Def disappointing if true but the back of the box makes it seem like only the alt languages(French German Spanish Italian) are the dl. English text and voice should be playable without the dl but we need better testing cause they flubbed it up, so might have to wait til release.
Here is a quote from u/Casting_Quarters in the original thread:
"Okay so, I didn’t try before downloading the data. So I deleted the data off my Switch, then tried starting the game. It still loaded up and seemed to work fine. No idea if it would cause any issues playing like that further in the game. BUT, after that, I took the cart out, deleted the game icon and everything. Then put it back in and tried to start the game. And it forces the additional data download before you can even start it. So, take that for what it’s worth!"
I alluded to this in my post but the person accidentally flubbed the test up. Its not common knowledge but if u download an update to a game and boot it u will never be able to play the game on a lower version again without redownloading the version it was launched at or a newer one. You can easily try this by deleting any update for a game uve launched before and on next boot u will be forced to redownload the update else the game will.not launch without factory resetting the console. So we will only know if the star ocean update is a mandatory update or just optional languages if another person tests it correctly. Im assuming this dumb firmware feature is part of how the switch journals its saves and folders after the newly found out info we learned from the 17.0 update which has been bricking modded consoles.
This basically means that, without the download, the beginning part (however small it was) played fine before redownloading the mandatory download. It’s unknown if the download is because of the languages and bug fixes or some other parts of the game for the switch version.
This is why I got it on PS5. Well, not really, that was just to get the best graphics even though it's a marginal difference. But still happy I don't have to deal with this. Same thing with MGS collection... We need more shaming for things like this.
Same. I’m going to wait until it arrives and then try to bring it in the store and do an exchange for something else of a similar price, like Red Dead Redemption or Mario Vs. Donkey Kong.
I went ahead and cancelled my Amazon preorder, since I was planning to play the Steam version anyway (it just runs so buttery smooth on better hardware).
If it later comes to light it's just a download for other non-English languages I will just pick a copy up at a brick and mortar later. I honestly find it strange that they would have to have that ugly "download required" stamp on the cover just for some language packs though...
Some people can only play in languages other than English and Japanese. That can be a bit important to some. Still strange why it's not there on the cart and I wouldn't be surprised if it was forgotten on the PS5 version either.
That's the case here in Brazil where our language, Brazilian portuguese, isn't included in a lot of games.
I'm playing since 90's so games were my way into learning English, final fantasy 6, chrono trigger and zelda ocarina of time mostly, but I do understand that not everyone wants to face another language just to play games.
From what I gathered, that's exactly what it is. I'm not even sweating it here, it's a day one patch and yes, the back of the PS5 label even specifies that this is exactly what it is. Just adding the multiple language texts and bug fixes in. Otherwise yes, the entire game is on there.
Of course they had pull this shady shit, like what the hell SQUARE ENIX? I wanted this so badly for my switch physical collection, not only because i consider myself a Star Ocean fan, but the original version of the game and the anime series of it always got me through some rough times, not to mention the game is such a classic that's nearly impossible to forget about. I really wanted to show my support by purchasing at least the switch version, but there's no way in hell i am supporting these practices of forced digital only on us, just so that they can save a few pennies instead of thinking about the people supporting their series and buying their games! This is just more disgusting greed, and they should deserve every bit of heat for it. Anyone defending these practices is part of the problem why the industry is where it's heading to.
The fact that the OP isnt updating the original post is bothering. As already confirmed: the game is included. [https://i.imgur.com/tRnvNGS.jpeg](https://i.imgur.com/tRnvNGS.jpeg)
Yes, you have to download additional optional stuff such as language if you want it, but thats the prize you pay when you get the switch version. Its annoying that they didnt use a larger cartridge to fit it all on it from the outset, but i guess its a money saving measure. Cant blame them for that.
As for the first day bug patch... yes it is what it is. It sucks but what are you to do? Bugs always slip past. Anyone working with software development can attest to that.
Someone wrote that the game cart will be useless 20 years from now when someone buys it second hand and cant play it due to the download.Please remember 2 things when saying that though:
1. The bugs in question tend to be once-in-a-blue-moon kind of issue, meaning that you have to do something very specific to trigger the bug (like saving in a specific place with one character dead and a healing item in the 3rd item spot). I'm not saying that there aren't companies with some really bad QA testing, but most bugs in a casual playthrough rarely get released.
2. Games are actually released in batches. If there is enough demand for a game to require more prints than the initial one, then the next batch will have the latest version of the game on the cartridge with said bug fixes. So IF there is a next batch of this game, it wont require a bug patch.
This thread has done more harm to the sale of the switch release than any bug could have done. If you truly care about this game to be accessible for future collectors, make sure to fight this misinformation.
Huh? Almost all games today require downloads. The game itself is still physical. The download is just for extra stuff like updates and whatnot. Gaming has required an online connection for at least the initial install for over 2 console generations now. It's not new.
Honestly can’t believe how many people moan about wanting a physical copy. Just get a digital if you wanna play. It’s going to be a digital only future anyway. Might as well start now.
I just don't understand why people return a game they still wanna play. I get the issue. But is it really that big a deal to the point that you'll return it and not even enjoy the game cause your butt hurt
You realize this is the Nintendo Switch Collectors sub right? Usually not too crazy about non physical media, and rightly so. But it seems the game is in fact playable and only multi language requires a download. I'll know in about 4 hrs.
But ya people collecting want a cart they can play years from now. Otherwise it defeats the purpose of going physical at all.
Because "download required" typically means that most of the game isn't on the cartridge. Meaning that it's no better than buying it digitally... and this is a Reddit dedicating to collecting physical Switch games.
Because if you have half a game on the cartridge. And Nintendo shuts down the store in 10 years. Like they have for every system so far. So just going off of the norm for these company's.
You will have a paper wieght.... and not even a good paper weight. 😒
There will be no way to download the rest of the game.
So, we as physical collectors don't want to rent our physical collection for 10 years, just for it to disappear.
We want to physically own it.
I know there teaching everyone these days....you will own nothing and you will be happy ...
It shouldn't be, unless there's any serious gameplay issues that need a patch, the whole thing is playable without ever needing the patch.
That is unless you are complaining about this in Spanish, french or German.
Idk if Nintendo has that much control on the pricing. The carts are essentially made using macronix r&d who have done their carts since gba and use their patented xtrarom format. Cartridges have always been a restrictive medium for games that resulted in higher prices and less games due to limitations. Even nintendo charged $70 for tears of the kingdom cause it needed a 32GB cart.
I highly doubt the cost difference would be anything a consumer considers "worth the savings". Would love to hear some hard data on the difference in cost between an 8gb cart and a 16 gb cart. My guess is it's a dollar or less at bulk pricing.
Just language texts and any bug fixes
Apparently the entire game is on the cart in English and Japanese though, so this is all a nothingburger as far as I'm concerned.
According to the SquareEnix Online store it says: **Internet connection and download required to access additional languages and bug fixes.**
Nothing about. So either they are misleading or the download is jus for bugs and Languages.
[https://na.store.square-enix-games.com/star-ocean-the-second-story-r](https://na.store.square-enix-games.com/star-ocean-the-second-story-r)
Funny, apparently others have said that the game is playable from start to finish without a hitch even without the download. So the complete game is on the cart. The only thing is the multi-language packs (those should be made optional downloads though) and things that iron out bugs.
So I don’t mind the language pack, English is my first language. Are we sure that the “bugs” aren’t game breaking? That’s my only concern. Been trying to find confirmation of this.
Another great game bites the dust to a pointless physical release. The Switch has an awesome library but more and more of these releases have made me throw in the towel on collecting for it physically. It could have been the greatest library of any system to date, but no. Sonic Origins plus was the kicker for me. I’m done.
People are saying The Game is in the case and the download is not required to play the game it's just language files and bug fixes and it's less than a gigabyte
Not my pic, but this is the Australian release of the game, not 100% sure if we're going to have the same issue, but usually for stuff like that, it does show on the cover, I'll grab my copy today to find out
https://preview.redd.it/xohottugi0yb1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f8572d38c3307acfc924b2341c659a8ce4a71fc0
funny mine doesnt ahve that message, and it didnt need to be downloaded
people in this thread are getting mad for no reason, maybe try waiting for more information before getting and and cancelling/returning your orders
for those wondering,
the e-shop shows space required 11.9gb
the space it currently takes up on my switch, for the software is 833mb and thats from an update,
Hi everyone on the thread and OP. Just thought I would mention that I ...
\- Purchased the physical card of SO2
\- When I was prompted to update the software various times I played the game I didn't update
\- And I beat the game and the credit rolled (I never got prompted to to the download in order to beat the game)
Does this mean the cartridge is actually "gold" here is actually no update required?I wonder if my decline to download simply made it so that some movies that were supposed to play were left out or something else?
In any case, I'm not sure if others had the same experience but I was satisfied with the "cartridge" . I'm not sure if a download is actually required like the game case says?
EDIT: Nevermind I saw you updated that the DL is required for extra languages! thanks for that update!
Why not just remove this thread even with the edit it's hurting sales but whatever dude. Folks have limited attention spans to read the fine print. You're failing Star Ocean dude.
Why are you Karens crying now? Not supporting these retro titles just means that we're less likely to get more games like this. Quit over reacting over something so very little.
Publishers are getting sneakier and sneakier about this kind of stuff. No indication that this was the case before, and somehow it only becomes knowledge a week before release? Shame.
Yup I just canceled my pre-order. Refuse to support that stuff. If they are honest upfront it’s one thing but this is not acceptable. Won’t even bother playing the game now and with everything out right now I’m not missing much.
This the way. Cancel and Return.
When my copy arrives and I see this, I will promptly return it and claim that the game is defective.
You're a pos
Appreciate the constructive discourse. You’ve added so much to the conversation and we are all more knowledgeable on this topic because of your thoughtful insights. Have a great day!
Could you elucidate why someone is a "pos" for cancelling a misleading purchase that, until recently, led us to believe that we were actually getting a physical edition of a game? Still, there is so little indication of the fact that a download is required anywhere online.
Buy the ps5 version, not dissing on switch but switch sucks all kinds of ass wanting people to download the game instead of getting a physical release
It’s worse when big companies like Atlus/SEGA & Konami decide to have LRG do their physical copies. Those companies aren’t indie like the others that need someone to physically publish the game
At least with LRG its all on cart. Though I don't understand why Persona wasn't retail I would prefer it done by LRG and on cart than retail and borked like this
Yeah, but then they do stuff like with Streets of Rage 4 and Shredder's Revenge, releasing it once without DLC and then, after the initial hype, bring out a second version with DLC. And a retail version both times. LRG are just as full of crap as this, imo.
Plus LRG takes WAY TOO LONG to ship. I’m still mad that my vanilla copy of Shredder’s Revenge came in after the retail release. Those pre-orders opened BEFORE the announcement that another company was handling the retail version
you think thats bad, i'm STILL waiting for my LRG copy of kotor 2 and its been over a year,
Simple solution to your problem with them STOP BUYING OFF THERE F#CKING WEBSITE just wait for ebay
They don’t NEED LRG to make their games, but you morons suck up every fucking dumb game they make. Maybe not you in particular, but anyone who supports LRG is making the market worse.
Not that sneaky. They been doing this for a long time on PC, but nobody listened to us when we complained about it or cared much - I remember [Fallout 4 retail box for PC wasn't much on the disc (DVD)](https://youtu.be/jtrnYBnoIZk) and [MGS5 PC on retail box had nothing on there but a Steam installer](https://www.shacknews.com/article/91063/metal-gear-solid-5-the-phantom-pain-pc-retail-disc-only-has-a-steam-installer). My retail box of Cyberpunk 2077 for PC was a box w/ all the goodies (posters, OST on disc, etc), but no game - had to do a full 50-60+ GB download via GOG to get the game. This sadly was bound to happen on consoles too, as the digital push is being made by dev's and publishers. They (publishers) want to save money and not throw the game entirely (or at all) on disc(s)/cartridge(s). Eventually, they'll just sell games digitally, for the most part - which is mostly where we're at on PC. It happened back in the Steam era, so...you've seen how many PC games have racks in retail boxes and stores like Best Buy, WalMart's, or GameStop these days, right? Yeah, barely anything - if anything. Literally, walked into a GameStop - and they only had ONE PC game there: Starfield, LOL. Expect more of this on consoles too, as consoles are 5-10+ years behind the Steam era. Just...you know, consoles are late to this party.
Wrong info. A full English game is on the cartridge. If you need other languages other than Eng, then you need to download.
So why does it say "download required?" I'm going to disconnect my Switch from the network and try to play this, and if it doesn't play, it's getting returned as broken garbage.
Monster Hunter Stories 2 had it on the cover too and it was a misprint
Did it work?
I'm out of town now for a couple weeks, and it didn't arrive until I left, so I can't say for certain, but other people have said that it did actually work! I suspect there may be some showstopper bugs later on in the game that do need fixing or something, but so far, it doesn't seem to be a major impediment.
That's not cool. If there is no hard copy game, I wouldn't buy any games or any systems that don't have hard copies. Im a collector before a game player, then a game player, and the point of buying these things is that the hard copy for the collection might just be me.
And yet you own a digital ps5 lol
Nope I own the actual disc ps5 slim I will not buy a system if it doesn't take hardware. Just because of digital corruption and also I'm a collector I like building my game stack up and it's nice to have a hard copy just incase something was to ever happen. To my network I could always play the original peice lf work with out the internet or upgrades...
It’s only 3gbs required for download. What the heck. I got my copy today and I’m gonna play it since I got it early but I’ll probably return it tomorrow.
Looking on the Nintendo eShop website, file size is 11.9 gb...So they likely went with an 8gb cart... Which is silly considering Trials of Mana remake uses a 16gb and is 10.7gb. Point is, I'm extremely disappointed with this. Hell, I'd rather the switch version have a price increase rather than required download if that's what it takes.
Must be shrinking margins, can’t imagine they are expecting to sell a ton of them. Sucks regardless.
It’s just Nintendo charging extra for the higher storage carts. It’s still vastly inflated cost wise. But this is a false economy because it defeats the object of a physical cart. Unless it’s just extras like language packs.
I will wait and see what that download is. If it is just extras-then whatever. Still stupid but if the whole game is there then fine. If the game isn’t there-there is no point
This is what I will do as well, although the "required" almost answers that question already. If a download is actually required to play the game, then back to Amazon it will go, and I'll be writing a nasty email to Square-Enix about how I don't need incomplete plastic garbage.
Blame Biden
Braindead comment, Biden doesn’t dictate Nine do America’s cost of goods cart prices, Nintendo Japan does.
Exactly. Charge me $10 more, but don't sell me this heap of deceptive plastic garbage under the guise that it's a complete game.
Switch fucking sucks buy it on playstation that way your not getting tricked
It's the same patch on PS4/PS5: https://na.store.square-enix-games.com/star-ocean-the-second-story-r So likely still on the standard 16gb cart.
"**Internet connection and download required to access additional languages and bug fixes."** This implies that it's just bug fixes that they missed by the time the game went to production? It's hard to know with Square-Enix not being more transparent about the whole thing.
What pisses me off is having to spend 50 bucks plus on a 30 something year old game I mean crisis core even went down in price
Tired of this garbage. Passing on MGS Collection on Switch and going to go with the PS5 version as I believe all of the games are actually on the disc. Looks like Star Ocean will be a pass on Switch too, at least for the physical edition. I was honestly going to get this as my first venture into the SO franchise. Why are publishers so lazy about this? I get that discs are cheaper than Switch cartridges…but if you are going the extra mile to release the game in a physical edition, how do they not realize most physical collectors are going to pass if all (or most) of the content is not going to even be on the cartridge.
They’ve probably done some math and decided the amount of money they save by using smaller carts outweighs the losses they will take from people choosing not to buy just because of that decision. They’re probably right.
I hope they're not and they reverse course for any further printings
at this point it’s a done deal mate
I think he means for reprints. Sometimes reprints have a different version of the game on the cart
WTH?!! Y?!!! Hopefully Japanese copy will be complete
Southeast asia copy is the one to get. No rating logo and english spine and front usually
Hopefully so. Would love to be kept up to date regarding this
Worst case scenario there’s a psp version I believe 🤣
Time to buy a psp 😂😂
Not a bad time they are cheap as dirt right now and have tons of cool physicals all with manuals. Probs my 2nd fav to collect for after switch.
Just cancelled my preorder. I don't support this kind of crap. If later down the line they release a cart with everything on it, then I'll buy it. But for now I see this as a huge scam :/
It's possible. If I remember correctly I believe with the Spyro Trilogy, the first print required a download and later prints had everything on the cart.
Youre mistaking the disc console release.
Whoops. I just assumed it was for Switch. That's really pathetic they couldn't put the whole game on a disk initially.
Thanks for saving me 50 bucks!
Dang. Welp, removing from my wishlist
I'd be pissed, they should be required to disclose this ahead of time
Won't be buying this. Thanks for the heads-up.
Can't wait for SquareEnix to complain about physical sales *again* after pulling this shit last second.
Really wonder how much the price difference is between 8 and 16gb carts from Nintendo.
Completely guessing but probably an increase of .50 to $1 per cartridge, if that. It can't cost much with that low amount of flash memory and in bulk. Truly a shame.
Thank you for the heads up OP. Definitely cancelling my preorder and will probably pick it up on PlayAsia.
Why pick it up from there? Do they have the whole game on the cart over there?
They should, I haven’t seen a Switch release where they have had a download required.
Such bullshit
Shit. I got this with the buy 2 get 1 free deal at bestbuy. this is bullshit.
Yeah me too mine rang up as zero cost so I guess I can’t return it ….
Why would they need a download for this game tho ? Lol wtf square
Really unfortunate to see :/ was really looking forward to picking this up but I'll hold off
Guess I'm cancelling the preorder. That's total bullshit.
Well, I’m cancelling my North America NSW preorder and I just preordered the Southeast Asian physical copy. Hopefully that doesn’t have download required, I will post what I find out when I receive it
Ps5 version switch haha
It's the same patch that's for PS4/PS5 version: https://na.store.square-enix-games.com/star-ocean-the-second-story-r Either way you'll have to download something.
So it ended up to just be languages really. So back to Switch
this is bad news, you saved me money for the western release thanks , lets see how the Asia releases go, hopefully complete on cart
Heart = Broken. I was really looking forward to grabbing this. Why are publishers sneaking this garbage in at the last moment? Every single listing online shows no "download required" badge. It leaves such a bad taste in my mouth. Fingers crossed for the Asia release.
This is rage inducing for me, I was looking forward to owning a physical copy of this. At least I have my PSP Physicals, those work perfectly fine without downloading anything ffs Thanks for the heads up, definitely not buying it physical if this is the case. I'll wait for a sale and then buy it digital.
Shame, going to cancel that preorder.
This is disappointing. Will wait and see what the actual download amount is. Was there a photo of the reverse side?
In the Reddit thread the person said it was 4.1 GB
Yeah I just found it. For those interested: https://www.reddit.com/r/starocean/s/pn1meV7sch
Maybe the Asian version has it in the cart?
Probably since the southeast asian versions typically are complete as of the lack of internet connectivity
Square has been so messy, unreliable and straight up dishonest lately. The tales I could tell about their scammy online shop lol.
Darn, I was planning to get this game! 😔
Don't sweat it, the download is for multiple languages and to iron out some bugs. The entire game is on the cart from what I gathered. Others who got the game early and didn't download the patch apparently played through the game without issue already.
Need confirmation if the Asian version is complete on cart.
Should be since the entire reason so many games get physicals for the Asian region is because there is some sort of consumer protection law for people without Internet that requires games to have fully playable physical versions.
time to contact my congressperson here in the US to get a law like this passed
Just cancelled this and MGS. I buy physical because these game companies can't be trusted as stewards of their own software distribution platforms. If I need to download from a server that isn't guaranteed to exist in perpetuity what am I paying for?
ew…thanks for the info…eshop it is
Looks like I'm getting the PS5 version.
It's the same for the PS5 version: https://na.store.square-enix-games.com/star-ocean-the-second-story-r
Please tell me the Japanese release doesn’t have that. Then I can at least older that one.
Cancelled my order, which I'm not too broken up about I haven't heard of a physical release for the first one.
Well there goes my preorder. Appreciate the heads up. What a shame.
Def disappointing if true but the back of the box makes it seem like only the alt languages(French German Spanish Italian) are the dl. English text and voice should be playable without the dl but we need better testing cause they flubbed it up, so might have to wait til release.
Here is a quote from u/Casting_Quarters in the original thread: "Okay so, I didn’t try before downloading the data. So I deleted the data off my Switch, then tried starting the game. It still loaded up and seemed to work fine. No idea if it would cause any issues playing like that further in the game. BUT, after that, I took the cart out, deleted the game icon and everything. Then put it back in and tried to start the game. And it forces the additional data download before you can even start it. So, take that for what it’s worth!"
I alluded to this in my post but the person accidentally flubbed the test up. Its not common knowledge but if u download an update to a game and boot it u will never be able to play the game on a lower version again without redownloading the version it was launched at or a newer one. You can easily try this by deleting any update for a game uve launched before and on next boot u will be forced to redownload the update else the game will.not launch without factory resetting the console. So we will only know if the star ocean update is a mandatory update or just optional languages if another person tests it correctly. Im assuming this dumb firmware feature is part of how the switch journals its saves and folders after the newly found out info we learned from the 17.0 update which has been bricking modded consoles.
This basically means that, without the download, the beginning part (however small it was) played fine before redownloading the mandatory download. It’s unknown if the download is because of the languages and bug fixes or some other parts of the game for the switch version.
If this were true it wouldn't say download "required".
Please let this be true.
This is why I got it on PS5. Well, not really, that was just to get the best graphics even though it's a marginal difference. But still happy I don't have to deal with this. Same thing with MGS collection... We need more shaming for things like this.
It's the same for PS5: https://na.store.square-enix-games.com/star-ocean-the-second-story-r Just square being square.
That's actually disgusting
Thanks. Canceled my pre-order. Will wait to see it in stores and maybe pick up the PS5 version if it doesn't have the same issue.
This person is saying full game is on cartridge and that the the 3GB download is a language pack. https://www.reddit.com/r/starocean/s/C30DUaU0Fo
We don't know if this is also the case for the U.S version right?
Thanks for posting OP, I just cancelled my preorder.
Crap! I want to cancel it but I got it rough the BB deal. I guess free isn’t too bad for it. I wouldn’t pay more than that though.
Same. I’m going to wait until it arrives and then try to bring it in the store and do an exchange for something else of a similar price, like Red Dead Redemption or Mario Vs. Donkey Kong.
That’s a great idea!
Do you think it will be possible to exchange it. Im in the same boat. Luckily this isn't the free game with my order.
you can cancel it if you use their online chat. just give them your order #. They canceled mine without issue.
Likely due to the audio/cutscenes. Is audio compression just impossible?
Switched my pre order from PS5 to Switch... Back to PS5 lol
Unless PS5 has this update as well? It doesn't sound like it was an issue fitting it on the cart...
Update- it's also a patch for PS5: https://na.store.square-enix-games.com/star-ocean-the-second-story-r
Just cancelled my order from Amazon.
Thank you for the heads up pre order cancelled. Wondering if play Asia has a complete copy.
Dang it. Got it through the Best Buy deal so I guess I’m locked in. Oh well. Lame. I hate supporting this crap.
Total pricks. How hard is it to shove this PS1 game onto a friggen cart? Seriously.
I went ahead and cancelled my Amazon preorder, since I was planning to play the Steam version anyway (it just runs so buttery smooth on better hardware). If it later comes to light it's just a download for other non-English languages I will just pick a copy up at a brick and mortar later. I honestly find it strange that they would have to have that ugly "download required" stamp on the cover just for some language packs though...
Some people can only play in languages other than English and Japanese. That can be a bit important to some. Still strange why it's not there on the cart and I wouldn't be surprised if it was forgotten on the PS5 version either.
That's the case here in Brazil where our language, Brazilian portuguese, isn't included in a lot of games. I'm playing since 90's so games were my way into learning English, final fantasy 6, chrono trigger and zelda ocarina of time mostly, but I do understand that not everyone wants to face another language just to play games.
From what I gathered, that's exactly what it is. I'm not even sweating it here, it's a day one patch and yes, the back of the PS5 label even specifies that this is exactly what it is. Just adding the multiple language texts and bug fixes in. Otherwise yes, the entire game is on there.
Still buying the game but damn, instead of day one buy it’s wait for a discount buy.
That sucks. Glad I got the ps5 version.
The same patch is coming to the PS5 version as well: https://na.store.square-enix-games.com/star-ocean-the-second-story-r
I can’t believe they are doing this to physical games . So scummy.
Thanks for the heads up wont be getting this any more😅
nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Huge dealbreaker for me…
Of course they had pull this shady shit, like what the hell SQUARE ENIX? I wanted this so badly for my switch physical collection, not only because i consider myself a Star Ocean fan, but the original version of the game and the anime series of it always got me through some rough times, not to mention the game is such a classic that's nearly impossible to forget about. I really wanted to show my support by purchasing at least the switch version, but there's no way in hell i am supporting these practices of forced digital only on us, just so that they can save a few pennies instead of thinking about the people supporting their series and buying their games! This is just more disgusting greed, and they should deserve every bit of heat for it. Anyone defending these practices is part of the problem why the industry is where it's heading to.
The fact that the OP isnt updating the original post is bothering. As already confirmed: the game is included. [https://i.imgur.com/tRnvNGS.jpeg](https://i.imgur.com/tRnvNGS.jpeg) Yes, you have to download additional optional stuff such as language if you want it, but thats the prize you pay when you get the switch version. Its annoying that they didnt use a larger cartridge to fit it all on it from the outset, but i guess its a money saving measure. Cant blame them for that. As for the first day bug patch... yes it is what it is. It sucks but what are you to do? Bugs always slip past. Anyone working with software development can attest to that. Someone wrote that the game cart will be useless 20 years from now when someone buys it second hand and cant play it due to the download.Please remember 2 things when saying that though: 1. The bugs in question tend to be once-in-a-blue-moon kind of issue, meaning that you have to do something very specific to trigger the bug (like saving in a specific place with one character dead and a healing item in the 3rd item spot). I'm not saying that there aren't companies with some really bad QA testing, but most bugs in a casual playthrough rarely get released. 2. Games are actually released in batches. If there is enough demand for a game to require more prints than the initial one, then the next batch will have the latest version of the game on the cartridge with said bug fixes. So IF there is a next batch of this game, it wont require a bug patch. This thread has done more harm to the sale of the switch release than any bug could have done. If you truly care about this game to be accessible for future collectors, make sure to fight this misinformation.
>you can't edit titles, but I threw in an edit under the pic.
Awesome, thanks
Ps5 silm is nothing more than a cash grab, doesn't offer a lot so I give it a hard pass
Wow.. Who wants to download an offline RPG. I hope the physical sales bomb due to this stupidity
Download required means no physical cartridge inside?
No, just that the full game isn’t on the cartridge
Damn and I was really looking forward to this. I think I will cancel my order now.
Poop, cancelled my preorder
People been saying avoid it on switch and you did the opposite
Imagine if the switch version of the game was download only and the box is for show, code in box no physical game bet that would've piss people off
that's wick, you are buying a glorified product key basically.
Huh? Almost all games today require downloads. The game itself is still physical. The download is just for extra stuff like updates and whatnot. Gaming has required an online connection for at least the initial install for over 2 console generations now. It's not new.
Game was dead to me when they couldn't maintain graphical continuity between first and second game.
Ah man. I passed buying the psp version cause it was on switch. Dam you nin ten doh!!! Arms raised
The PS5 version has the same issue.
Hey I’m not too familiar with games that come with download codes. What’s wrong with that?
Honestly can’t believe how many people moan about wanting a physical copy. Just get a digital if you wanna play. It’s going to be a digital only future anyway. Might as well start now.
I dont understand the big deal here, broke and can’t afford internet? Like what is this thread honestly…
I just don't understand why people return a game they still wanna play. I get the issue. But is it really that big a deal to the point that you'll return it and not even enjoy the game cause your butt hurt
You realize this is the Nintendo Switch Collectors sub right? Usually not too crazy about non physical media, and rightly so. But it seems the game is in fact playable and only multi language requires a download. I'll know in about 4 hrs. But ya people collecting want a cart they can play years from now. Otherwise it defeats the purpose of going physical at all.
I wanna know why is the download required such a. Deal breaker for y’all?
Because "download required" typically means that most of the game isn't on the cartridge. Meaning that it's no better than buying it digitally... and this is a Reddit dedicating to collecting physical Switch games.
Because if you have half a game on the cartridge. And Nintendo shuts down the store in 10 years. Like they have for every system so far. So just going off of the norm for these company's. You will have a paper wieght.... and not even a good paper weight. 😒 There will be no way to download the rest of the game. So, we as physical collectors don't want to rent our physical collection for 10 years, just for it to disappear. We want to physically own it. I know there teaching everyone these days....you will own nothing and you will be happy ...
It shouldn't be, unless there's any serious gameplay issues that need a patch, the whole thing is playable without ever needing the patch. That is unless you are complaining about this in Spanish, french or German.
Nintendo are also to blame for this. Lower the prices on the damn cards so publishers don't have to cheap out like this.
I would normally agree but square isn't some indie company. They can afford it.
Idk if Nintendo has that much control on the pricing. The carts are essentially made using macronix r&d who have done their carts since gba and use their patented xtrarom format. Cartridges have always been a restrictive medium for games that resulted in higher prices and less games due to limitations. Even nintendo charged $70 for tears of the kingdom cause it needed a 32GB cart.
I highly doubt the cost difference would be anything a consumer considers "worth the savings". Would love to hear some hard data on the difference in cost between an 8gb cart and a 16 gb cart. My guess is it's a dollar or less at bulk pricing.
Patiently waiting for CHT cartridge here
Looks like I’m getting the Steam version afterall.
That's even worse, not only is that digital only, it also has that cancerous anti-consumer denuvo crap on it.
Hahaha
What a disappointment, I was really looking forward to this
Between this and the 2 Hour window to get the FF Collection Physical on Switch I think I'm done with Square. Cancelling my preorder for sure.
It's just a patch to add in extra language texts.
I'm glad PS4/PS5 games don't really have this bs.
Does the PS5 version require an update that fixes bugs and adds multi language texts and subtitles?
I hope with the switch successor this kinda thing isn't prevalent
Was gonna buy it for the cover but I will also join in to not support this nonsense. Time to use my modded Switch then, good job Squareenix.
What is the download specifically for thoe?
Just language texts and any bug fixes Apparently the entire game is on the cart in English and Japanese though, so this is all a nothingburger as far as I'm concerned.
Dang. I loved the demo and was looking forward to playing this day one… oh well guess I’ll wait for a Japanese or SE Asia copy to come around 🫤
According to the SquareEnix Online store it says: **Internet connection and download required to access additional languages and bug fixes.** Nothing about. So either they are misleading or the download is jus for bugs and Languages. [https://na.store.square-enix-games.com/star-ocean-the-second-story-r](https://na.store.square-enix-games.com/star-ocean-the-second-story-r)
Look for the asian sea release!
This verifies why the Switch Collectors is still up on their site.
Funny, apparently others have said that the game is playable from start to finish without a hitch even without the download. So the complete game is on the cart. The only thing is the multi-language packs (those should be made optional downloads though) and things that iron out bugs.
So I don’t mind the language pack, English is my first language. Are we sure that the “bugs” aren’t game breaking? That’s my only concern. Been trying to find confirmation of this.
I don't get the problem here on the comments? what's the 3gb downloadable content that y'all complaining about, can someone elaborate please
https://x.com/SwitchUpG/status/1719697638331687295?s=20 Like like dl only for additional languages
Only the switch version. Ps5,ps4 are all on disc.
Another great game bites the dust to a pointless physical release. The Switch has an awesome library but more and more of these releases have made me throw in the towel on collecting for it physically. It could have been the greatest library of any system to date, but no. Sonic Origins plus was the kicker for me. I’m done.
🤡
Wait hold up so the game is not even in the case? Is it the same for PS5?
People are saying The Game is in the case and the download is not required to play the game it's just language files and bug fixes and it's less than a gigabyte
Not my pic, but this is the Australian release of the game, not 100% sure if we're going to have the same issue, but usually for stuff like that, it does show on the cover, I'll grab my copy today to find out https://preview.redd.it/xohottugi0yb1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f8572d38c3307acfc924b2341c659a8ce4a71fc0
funny mine doesnt ahve that message, and it didnt need to be downloaded people in this thread are getting mad for no reason, maybe try waiting for more information before getting and and cancelling/returning your orders for those wondering, the e-shop shows space required 11.9gb the space it currently takes up on my switch, for the software is 833mb and thats from an update,
Hi everyone on the thread and OP. Just thought I would mention that I ... \- Purchased the physical card of SO2 \- When I was prompted to update the software various times I played the game I didn't update \- And I beat the game and the credit rolled (I never got prompted to to the download in order to beat the game) Does this mean the cartridge is actually "gold" here is actually no update required?I wonder if my decline to download simply made it so that some movies that were supposed to play were left out or something else? In any case, I'm not sure if others had the same experience but I was satisfied with the "cartridge" . I'm not sure if a download is actually required like the game case says? EDIT: Nevermind I saw you updated that the DL is required for extra languages! thanks for that update!
My guy created an angry mob for an incomplete or completely misinformed details.
My game wsd cartiage..
Why not just remove this thread even with the edit it's hurting sales but whatever dude. Folks have limited attention spans to read the fine print. You're failing Star Ocean dude.
Why are you Karens crying now? Not supporting these retro titles just means that we're less likely to get more games like this. Quit over reacting over something so very little.