Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir (PS4)

[RatsTheDonkey]

I played the demo of this cult classic (which originated as a late PS2 release, but got remastered for both PS3 and PS4) and I'm seriously thinking about getting it.

Odin Sphere is basically a side scrolling Action RPG (with a story that draws a lot of inspiration from Norse mythology)--the levels are basically 2D worlds that loop around after a certain distance, and there's a heavy emphasis on combat with some small amounts of platforming sandwiched in. You can pick from five different characters to play as, and my favorites are probably Princess Velvet (a witch who they went out of their way to make as hot as possible while still having a Teen rating) and Prince Cornelius, a human forcibly turned into an immortal rabbit like creature called a Pooka. (Which calls to mind Zelda: A Link To The Past more than Norse mythology, to be honest)

From my first impression, the game checks off all the marks in both gameplay and presentation. The game is lavishly rendered in a gorgeous looking Anime/Illustration hybrid art style combined with some very fluid hand drawn animation! This is seriously one of the best looking 2D games ever! I know the Anime style in general is considered by some to be tired and played out, but I still think this is a game where eye candy is one of its biggest strengths. But that's not to say that the gameplay doesn't cut the Muenster either! The combat can get VERY intense and frenetic--if you like heart pumping nonstop carnage games like Gunstar Heroes, this game will be right up your alley. All of the characters are a joy to play as due to the rock solid play control and varied move sets. Theres also an inventory system where you can use helpful items and abilities on the fly, similar to the Quick select system from the Ratchet & Clank games. I really appreciate how elegantly designed this game is. The pacing seems very arcade like and brisk, but this could be the structure of the demo more than what it's like playing the full game.

I'm still on the fence whether I'll get it or not--a guy has to save his coins for more important things--but this game definitely left a solid first impression on me.

[ActRaiser]

You sold me on it. It's on sale for $15 through 5/22.

[RatsTheDonkey]

You sold me on it. It's on sale for $15 through 5/22.

So I noticed! I decided to get it along with The Last Of Us Remastered!

[Anchoa79]

Critic, you should review the original Odin Sphere on PS2 and Muramasha: The Demon Blade on Wii (with a similar graphic style). They are soooo beautiful games!!!

[RatsTheDonkey]

Critic, you should review the original Odin Sphere on PS2 and Muramasha: The Demon Blade on Wii (with a similar graphic style). They are soooo beautiful games!!!

Is it really necessary to review the original version on its own? The PS4 remaster includes the option to choose both the Modern (faster placed) and 'Classic' (slower, more difficult) versions of the gameplay on the main menu. Otherwise I think its identical to the original release, but in HD? (I admit I'm not far into the game but I am certainly enjoying it) I think Critic would much prefer playing the Modern mode, if he even wants to give it a shot at all that is.

Anyway, I appreciate the high quality voice acting for this game, and the Shakespearen flavored dialogue is memorable, though it might be a bit overwrought for some. I like that the game is presented as a storybook being read by someone in a library! I also found that the game zigzags between actually traversing levels and that the combat areas are the parts that loop around. That said, I'm not a big fan of the games Exp. upgrade system, where you have to gather magic and then plant/grow Mulberry fruit and then pluck and eat them. I think it just bogs down the pacing via a needlessly slow and kind of clunky system.

[Anchoa79]

Critic, you should review the original Odin Sphere on PS2 and Muramasha: The Demon Blade on Wii (with a similar graphic style). They are soooo beautiful games!!!

Is it really necessary to review the original version on its own? The PS4 remaster includes the option to choose both the Modern (faster placed) and 'Classic' (slower, more difficult) versions of the gameplay on the main menu. Otherwise I think its identical to the original release, but in HD? (I admit I'm not far into the game but I am certainly enjoying it) I think Critic would much prefer playing the Modern mode, if he even wants to give it a shot at all that is.

Well, I'm a romantic, so I prefer reviews of original games (remakes and remasters too, of course), but I'd like to see his impressions of the original first.

[Retro STrife]

Critic, you should review the original Odin Sphere on PS2 and Muramasha: The Demon Blade on Wii (with a similar graphic style). They are soooo beautiful games!!!

Is it really necessary to review the original version on its own? The PS4 remaster includes the option to choose both the Modern (faster placed) and 'Classic' (slower, more difficult) versions of the gameplay on the main menu. Otherwise I think its identical to the original release, but in HD? (I admit I'm not far into the game but I am certainly enjoying it) I think Critic would much prefer playing the Modern mode, if he even wants to give it a shot at all that is.

Well, I'm a romantic, so I prefer reviews of original games (remakes and remasters too, of course), but I'd like to see his impressions of the original first.

I’ve always wanted to play this game.. Bought it on PS2 years ago, but might never get around to it. Supposedly it’s about 35 to 45 hours to beat. I’d be surprised if VGC got around to it either, for the same reasons. If he was going to do another RPG, there’s so many others. This is the type that makes sense for the RPG Review Crew though, if anyone has played it.

As a gamer, I think the newer version makes the most sense to play. But for VGC reviews, I look at it similar to Anchoa. More interesting to see the original version, especially now that it’s a retro game.