Star Ocean The Second Story R has a major focus on players recruiting members to their party and getting closer to them, all of which affect which of the many endings of the game players will get. Letting characters join your party is no small decision, as this may lock out other possible companions and alter some story elements.
Aside from the unique characters to either Claude or Rena’s path, other companions are decided as players progress through the game and let specific characters join. There is also a limit of only eight companions to the player’s party, making the six additional slots after Claude and Rena each an important choice.
Should Players Let Celine Join
After helping Celine on a treasure hunt, Celine will offer to join Claude and Rena on their adventure, with players having the option to say yes or no. Celine is one of the few party members who can be recruited without locking off other party members later in the game. She is the third possible party member and will make earlier sections of the game much easier as it will be a bit longer until players meet the next possible companion.
With Celine offering no real penalties beyond taking up a party slot, she is an overall strong pick that players should bring into their party for some offensive magic support. As Celine can be unlocked so early in the game, it gives players a lot more time to begin working on her friendship level and fighting with her to grow her affinity with other early-game party members.
How Powerful Is Celine
Celine is a powerful offensive magic user, utilizing fire, lightning, and wind to decimate foes from a distance. She doesn’t have much HP or defense and will need to be protected by a close combat fighter to maintain effectiveness. Prioritizing magic, Celine will rely heavily on MP management and is most effective when casting powerful spells or using abilities.
A lot of her spells are able to affect multiple enemies and deal large amounts of damage to each, outclasses most other characters’ crowd control ability. Leon, the Claude-specific companion, outclasses Celine in damage capability but is unlocked much later in the game and is completely unavailable for those playing as Rena, making Celine the best all-around pick for an offensive mage party member.