If I'm understanding the situation correctly, the "Download required" label only signifies an update for additional language support. I've read that the label's presence isn't usually implemented for such minor updates, so it seems like its use for Star Ocean: The Second Story R was a mistake.
Yeah, I was going to reply to my post shortly after my last posting on the forums that day, but went off to sleep (something I should be doing now), then the next day I signed in momentarily but completely forgot. As it turns out, the "required download" is indeed for a 3GB language pack...and some bug fixes, of course, because what game doesn't get released these days without needing a patch or two on day one. Could've slapped that sucker on the back, in all honesty, but at least the game is fully playable out of the package.
Still, however...
And seems to be the case with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with the Wave 6 DLC. So, once again, and this time with gusto:
fuck this malarkey!
Eww, TikTok...although, the same could be said about YouTube nowadays. Damn that algorithm!