Lost Odyssey
a game by | Mistwalker Co., Ltd. |
Platform: | XBox 360 (2007) |
Editor Rating: | 7/10, based on 1 review |
User Rating: | 8.3/10 - 6 votes |
Rate this game: | |
See also: | RPGs, Games Like Final Fantasy Tactics |
Japanese RPGs have a place in the heart of many traditional gamers. There’s something about the nostalgia factor from turn-based games that can bring back the rich feeling of RPG’s golden era. Lost Odyssey is designed as a step back toward traditional Japanese RPGs.
Lost Odyssey features a magic rich game set in a Victorian based technology era. The story opens with Kaim, a 1,000 year old immortal who has lost his memories. As the story progresses, more immortals join him in the search for answers. Together, they unravel a story involving memories of the past—both good and bad.
Mixed reviews on throwback RPGs
In its effort to step backwards in time, Lost Odyssey has unfortunately adopted some areas better left to the sands of time. Random monster events make progress annoying, as well as huge gaps where there are no save points. Other aspects of gameplay can also cause frustration, such as two back-to-back fetch quests, or a dungeon that sends you back to the beginning every time you fall into a difficult to see hole.
Interesting combat balance
While there’s nothing truly new or innovative with Lost Odyssey, there are a few unique twists in the game that make it worthwhile. One unique aspect is how rings can be used in combat to give your characters a bonus. Pieces for these rings can be found in little clay pots around the world. These rings once created can also be constantly upgraded to make them more powerful as the game progresses. As an added bonus, they can be swapped at any time to help you specialize against specific enemies. Use a water ring to defeat a fire type mob, and then switch to a hunter type ring for a flying enemy.
Another way the game is kept balanced is through the unique skills of humans and immortals. While immortals have the obvious benefit of rising from the dead after a short while of being killed in combat, you can only get certain new skills from having humans in your party. In order to fully take advantage of this game, you will need a mix of human and immortals to play with.
Graphics and sound
The developer for this game is Hironobu Sakaguchi with his start up company, Mistwalker Studios. Sakaguchi is famous for his hand in developing the final fantasy series, and that Final Fantasy touch is very apparent throughout the game.
The graphics and sound are very reminiscent of Final Fantasy XI. Since Sakaguchi also hired the composer for many Final Fantasy songs to do the music for Lost Odyssey, the overall result is as if this game is some sort of side quest for the series.
While there are some interesting aspects to this game, Lost Odyssey doesn’t do anything earthshaking for the gaming world. It’s worth a play if you love traditional Japanese RPGs, or are a fan of past Sakaguchi works. Otherwise, this game is nice, but ordinary.
Pros:
- Decent graphics and sound
- Interesting plot
Cons:
- Nothing innovative or new
- Some frustrating aspects
Download Lost Odyssey
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP