Odin Sphere Impressions

[VideoGameCritic]

I just started playing Odin Sphere (PS2), and my first impression is, "what the [expletive]?!".  Don't get me wrong, the 2D graphics are first-rate.  They look like something out of a Monty Python flick!  Very attractive and original.  But what's the deal with the gameplay??  This is the first game I've played with entire stages that you just sit and watch.  Ok there's a war going on - we get it.  Can I play now??  Next, there's the user interface, which is baffling to me.  I can select items from my backpack, but how in the hell do I use them?  And how do I navigate that map?  I'm sure I'll figure it out soon, but dammit, it really shouldn't be that hard. 

Anybody else want to lend their thoughts on this?

[Michael D]

I didn't think the interface is nearly as complex as you're saying it is, but I guess I can understand some people's problem with it.  By the way, to use the items, press the X button (I think that the tutorial tells you that, too).

The map has been a dividing issue for people, too, but again, I think they did it pretty well.  The dots on each area circle mark a path to another place, and after finding the map, each dot is connected to the area in which they lead.  

As far as not being able to play the game because of lots of story, I thought the game did an alright balance between it and being able to play the game, and if you don't like them, they can be skipped.  And it's a far better situation here than in something like Kingdom Hearts 2, which not only has frequent cutscenes, but has a five hour prologue that, and I timed it, you play for only 50 minutes (and even then, you barely get to fight or do anything that makes Kingdom Hearts fun).  The rest of the time is spent watching agonizingly dull cinemas (at least the ones in Odin Sphere are interesting).

As far as the graphics are concerned, they are beautifully drawn and animated and perhaps the best 2D graphics of its kind I've ever seen.  They have a real artistic quality that, like Okami, shows off the system's power in a different way than simply having photo-realistic elements (and in some ways, it's even more impressive this way).  But looking like they came from a Monty Python film? 

[ActRaiser1]

[QUOTE=Michael D]

As far as the graphics are concerned, they are beautifully drawn and animated and perhaps the best 2D graphics of its kind I've ever seen.  They have a real artistic quality that, like Okami, shows off the system's power in a different way than simply having photo-realistic elements (and in some ways, it's even more impressive this way).  But looking like they came from a Monty Python film? 
[/QUOTE]

Wow!  I kind of want this game now.  Michael D, so is it in the B to B+ range or more of a C gameplay/fun wise? 

Bud

[Michael]

[QUOTE=ActRaiser]

Wow!  I kind of want this game now.  Michael D, so is it in the B to B+ range or more of a C gameplay/fun wise? 

Bud
[/QUOTE]

Well, on Dave's scale, it would get an A from me, with the only main problem being the sometimes debilitating slowdown (some boss battles really suffer with all the detailed elements/enemies on screen simultaniously).  On the scale of 0-10 that I personally use, it'd probably get a 9.5 from me.

[Paul Campbell]

[QUOTE=Michael D]As far as the graphics are concerned, they are beautifully drawn and animated and perhaps the best 2D graphics of its kind I've ever seen.  They have a real artistic quality that, like Okami, shows off the system's power in a different way than simply having photo-realistic elements (and in some ways, it's even more impressive this way). 
[/QUOTE]

Funny that that is what people usually complain about when it comes to graphics on alot of Wii games. 

[JasonhasRSI1]

[QUOTE=Paul Campbell][QUOTE=Michael D]As far as the graphics are concerned, they are beautifully drawn and animated and perhaps the best 2D graphics of its kind I've ever seen.  They have a real artistic quality that, like Okami, shows off the system's power in a different way than simply having photo-realistic elements (and in some ways, it's even more impressive this way). 
[/QUOTE]

Funny that that is what people usually complain about when it comes to graphics on alot of Wii games. 
[/QUOTE]

Which Wii games are you referring to, out of curiosity? Nothing on there even approaches the level of artistry seen in Odin Sphere/Okami.

As far as the game is concerned, I found the combat disappointing - especially after reading the pre-release hype stating "If you liked Streets of Rage/Final Fight, you'll love this game!" Blocking is unintuitive (same as attack button), and it is too easy to glide over packs of enemies or even run right past them! The single 2D plane is also disappointing  in light of the SOR/FF comparisons, I would've loved to see a classic 2.5D approach.