Star Ocean EX

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Star Ocean EX

スターオーシャンEX (Star Ocean EX)
Genre	Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Shounen
Manga: Star Ocean: The Second Story (manga)
Authored by	Mayumi Azuma
Publisher	Enix
Serialized in	Monthly Shonen Gangan
Original run	June 22, 1999 – December 21, 2001
No. of volumes	7
TV anime
Directed by	Hiroshi Watanabe
Studio	Studio Deen
Network	TV Tokyo NTV7,TV9,Astro Ria
Original run	3 April 2001 – 25 September 2001
No. of episodes	26

Star Ocean EX (スターオーシャンEX, Sutā Ōshan Īekkusu^?) is an anime series that is based on the manga serialization in Monthly Shonen Gangan of the Star Ocean: The Second Story video game. Originally in Japanese, the series has been translated into English by Geneon.

1 Overview
2 Characters
3 Trivia
4 See also
5 External links / sources

[edit] Overview

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Star Ocean EX chronicles the journey of swordsman Claude Kenni and his friends as they investigate the mysterious Sorcery Globe; the series is well-liked by many of the fans of the Star Ocean video games.

Although Star Ocean EX is based on Star Ocean: The Second Story, many changes have been made in the adaptation. The anime features an entirely new cast of seiyuu as opposed to the game. Different characters are in the party at different times, situations and scenarios have been changed, and quite a few subtle differences exist as well. However, the main story remains largely intact.

The anime is actually based more on the manga, the manga itself based on Star Ocean 2, rather than the game. The manga ended on its seventh volume, only halfway through the plot; unfortunately, the anime was also ended halfway through the plot. As a result, some of the characters that appeared later on in the game do not appear in the anime at all such as Noel and Chisato. However, unlike the manga, the story was completed, in the form of vocal drama CDs.

[edit] Characters

Claude C. Kenni: The main character of Star Ocean EX. After an accident causes him to wind up on the underdeveloped planet of Expel, he rescues Rena Lanford from a monster and is thought to be the "Legendary Warrior of Light" by the residents of the local village. He is now on a quest to investigate the Sorcery Globe. Claude has some skill in hand-to-hand combat and as a swordsman, but draws more of his strength from Rena's friendship. He is humble and modest, and carries a burden of self-doubt due to growing up in the shadow of his famous father.

Rena Lanford: A native of the planet of Expel, she often ventures into the Shingo Forest. One day, a monster appears in the forest and attacks her; she is saved by Claude. In accordance to local legends, she believes Claude to be the "Legendary Warrior." She now accompanies Claude on his quest. Rena is a sweet-natured girl with a pensive, thoughtful side. She is devoted to Claude almost from the start.

Celine Jules: A treasure hunter from the village of Mars, she is a powerful wielder of Heraldy (Symbology) (the equivalent of magic in the Star Ocean universe), but has a fear of bugs, which is used as a running gag throughout the series. She accompanies Claude and Rena on their journey, but often seems to be more interested in teasing Claude and Rena about their growing love for each other.

Dias Flac: Dias lived in the same town as Rena, and is very close to her. He often refers to her as his "little sister", although they are not biologically related. After his family is killed by bandits, he leaves his village of Arlia and spends his time traveling, fighting, and training himself. When he finds someone worthy of his skills, he is quick to test their might. As a result of his horrible tragedies, Dias often appears anti-social, rebellious, and spiteful.

Ashton Anchors: Ashton is a lively character who has an obsession with barrels. During a fight with a two-headed dragon, he accidentally slips on a rock, and in a move of desperation, the dragons fuse themselves onto his back. He constantly insists that this accident is the fault of Claude and his friends, who just happened to be there, and holds them accountable for helping to exorcise the dragons. While a largely comical character, he does have moments of courage and skill - usually when no one's looking. He falls hard for Precis Neuuman soon after meeting her, but by and large she ignores him.

Precis Neuuman: Precis is a young happy-go-lucky girl from the town of Linga. When Precis first meets Claude, she thinks of him as a prince, and develops a crush on him. She is good friends with another girl in town named Eleanor, who is inflicted with a fatal disease. She is very adventurous, and rushes out to save her friend Eleanor when she hears she may be dying.

Leon D.S. Geeste: A young prodigy in the capital of Lacour. Leon is used to being complimented for his genius, therefore appears outwardly egotistical, vain, and a bit of a brat. Leon, however, is more like a child when out of his "safety zone", and loses all of his ego when faced with a challenge he can not overcome.

Opera Vectra: Opera is an adventurous woman who journeys to find her true love, Ernest. Opera, as well as Ernest, are from the planet Tetragenes, and are stranded on Expel. She will go anywhere to find him, just to be near him. Opera is very brave, passionate, and devoted. Opera will travel to the ends of the world if she must, just to be with Ernest.

Ernest Raviede: Like Opera, Ernest is from the planet Tetragenes, and is stranded on Expel. Ernest is an archeologist, and is very passionate about his profession. Though he deeply loves Opera, he can not abandon his job, but trusts in her to meet up with him.

Bowman Jean: A doctor in Linga. He is married, but likes to flirt with girls anyways. He has known Precis for a long time, but never really liked her hyperactive attitude. Bowman, when he first meets Claude, seems very serious, but as the story progresses it is quite obvious he has a sense of humor.

[edit] Trivia

Unlike in the game, Rena is actually quite unskilled at fighting and usually tries to avoid getting attacked or fights with some menial weapon (like a branch, often with bad results). The only instance where Rena actually shows off some degree of martial prowess is when she and Celine are hypnotized by a plant monster and forced to fight the boys. In this case, Rena throws Claude bodily.