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Posted on: Feb 13, 2008
Lost Odyssey
WORDS BY: Francesca Reyes
If my college English professor graded the first disc of Lost Odyssey, I can picture the comments he’d make. “Self-indulgent.” “Needs thematic editing.” “Squanders too much on background.” He’d probably scribble in red pen: “Hey Mistwalker? Less talk, more rock, please.” And despite the game’s more egregious technical sins and its constant need to yap your freakin’ face off with STORY!, EXPOSITION!, and load-tastic cutscenes every five minutes, Lost Odyssey eventually does really rock. Well, at least in that traditional, turn-based–RPG kind of way, which is really more like Fleetwood Mac than Dio. You just have to be willing to commit until it does.
If you’re an RPG fan, you’ll have an inkling of what to expect from Final Fantasy guru Hironobu Sakaguchi’s follow-up to Blue Dragon. Lost Odyssey spins a fantastical yarn about a warrior named Kaim, who, despite having wandered the world for 1,000 years, can’t seem to remember any of it. His journey is plagued by memories disguised as dreams — but luckily he discovers that he’s not alone. A handful of others are burdened with amnesiac immortality — and soon enough, they all join forces to sniff out the cause.
When we first heard about Lost Odyssey, Executive Editor Paul, our resident card-carrying sci-fi nerd, was enthralled by the game’s unique premise. I, being the resident card-carrying J-RPG nerd, didn’t want to tell him that although the concept held loads of potential, I suspected that, in the end, it would serve more as a backdrop to the usual J-RPG hijinks of mystical emo hogwash and lots of pretty, chatty people in wonderfully wacky costumes getting dewy-eyed over stuff like honor, love, and healing herbs. And to some degree, I was right on the money.
This isn’t to say that there are no emotional hooks for converts already worshipping at the turn-based shrine. In fact, there is one scene toward the end of Disc 1 (of four) that finally cracked my cynicism — it was actually very sweet, affecting, and made me glad that I hadn’t given up during Lost Odyssey’s plodding, slow-paced beginning. And from that point on, I became invested in the characters and cared about how the story would unfold. I suddenly didn’t give a fig that random battles take forever to load up or that the actual gameplay sequences sometimes feel like the devs approached them as interstitial necessary evils rather than the meat of the actual game. There are so many little annoyances throughout Lost Odyssey, both technical and otherwise, that it’s a minor miracle that it manages to become enjoyable at all.
But it genuinely does. When that ol’ RPG bug suddenly bites, you’ll find yourself chasing down every skill and accessory while combining materials into champ-making Rings. And Lost Odyssey’s Pandora’s Box of side quests and mini-games flings wide open on the second disc (why did they wait so long?!), baiting the hook for completists looking to scratch that Final Fantasy–checklist itch. But though the grandiose soundtrack may fool you at first into mistaking this for an epic Square-esque RPG, it’s not. It’s slightly smaller-scale, and the somewhat odd (and kinda bland) character designs never really reach the iconic eye-candy levels of more accomplished J-RPGs like Final Fantasy.
If Sakaguchi’s Blue Dragon was an unapologetic grab for Japan’s Dragon Quest–loving acceptance, then Lost Odyssey is Mistwalker’s old-school homage to Final Fantasy–style storytelling. And with a little elbow grease and patience from those already predisposed to liking their RPGs with taciturn protagonists and straightforward gameplay, there’s not only a somewhat endearing cast of characters beneath the chuggy, load-happy exterior, but also the rapidly beating heart of a genre that’s still awaiting justice on 360.
ON XBOX 360
- An unapologetically pristine J-RPG experience with plenty of wacky item-whoring quests.
- Appealing characters.
- Chuggy animations during battle and too much loading.
- How frightening must the inside of a Pipot’s pot be?
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 08:24
Posted by Bobafettboy
This is totally the game version of a so-called 'chick-flick' isn't it? This is the first RPG I ever played in which I actually wished that my character would die the most agonising death imaginable.
Tue, 08/12/2008 - 02:34
Posted by Said24
Said24
Okay is this game noline or not i still ahvent finished the game because i was busy? If it has the Xbox Live mark on th top right corner shouldnt it be online or do you have to finish it to play online?
Sat, 07/26/2008 - 12:41
Posted by ReconVirus
I just love playing this game. I just wish it will be like FF on the Xbox 360.
Wed, 06/18/2008 - 07:05
Posted by Pandoronium
I'm only on the second disc, but even for OXM I feel this review is too low. I think the problem is that a lot of bias and a "been there, done that" mentality for hardcore JRPG and RPG fans exists for titles that don't immediately sound appealing or fresh. (Although, there's a lot of Final Fantasy comparison noted in this review).
All I have to say is, there have been few RPG's I've played in my life that have gotten me so drawn into the story, and anxious to read short stories! The 1000 dreams concept is very unique and immediately helped me fall in love with this game. The review should've been higher, but I can understand why she posted it the way she did. For a casual RPGer like myself, this game is absolutely amazing. For Final Fantasy hardcore fanatics and frequent RPGers, this game is old hat.
Mon, 03/31/2008 - 02:15
Posted by Khan114
Just finished this game. I can only say I hope Microsoft doesn't get the wrong idea from these reviews because this is a game I hope to see again. It does have a few issues but overall it was a great experience to play.
Mon, 03/17/2008 - 00:37
Posted by sHo76uNd3Wd
It's unfortunate that the two or so who posted below take 7.5 for it "not living up to what it is supposed to be". Actually, LO is a fantastic game and I have been playing it non-stop. Finally an RPG that has interested me and has allowed me to put down my copy of CoD4 and Halo3. This game is precisely what the Xbox needed and I don't understand the low scores either. I think it is miles better than Eternal Sonota and Blue Dragon. This game delivers and I am in disagreement with Francesca's review, but the review is just her opinion, just as this is mine. Please give the game a shot before deciding whether or not you are going to play it due to a 7.5.
I haven't finished the game yet, I am only on the second disk, however, I think many of the reviews I have read concentrate too much on the shortcomings of the game instead of what the game actually delivers, like a worth-while story, and characters you actually care about.
Sun, 03/02/2008 - 22:57
Posted by RevanKenobi
In my opinion, Lost Odyssey deserves well more than a lowly 7.5. A compelling storyline, beautiful graphics, and unforgettable music make this game as immortal as Kaim. Sure, there are plenty of load screens, but the they're only a few seconds each... it doesn't really take away from the game, at all. As for chuggy animations... I have no clue what the review is referring to, as I've completed all four discs, and did not experience one chuggy animation. In addition, the characters the farthest away from bland... they are all deep and interesting characters (especially the comical Jansen). When the reviews criticizes Disc 1 for too much talking, too little fighting -- as a seasoned JRPG-ist, I have come to appreciate storyline and enthralling cinematics. The first disc provides the player with an excellent introduction to the storyline, making it feel like a movie and warping the player into Lost Odyssey's world. The comment that "there are so many little annoyances" is a bit of an exaggeration... there was not one instance where I wanted to stop playing this game because of "a little annoyance," nor did I find "so many." I don't mean to criticize Francesca... but your review for Lost Odyssey hardly gives the game justice. In my books, Lost Odyssey deserves no less than a 9.0, and I would highly recommend everybody to play this game... as long as you appreciate games with a compelling storyline, beautiful graphics, and unforgettable music.
Wed, 02/27/2008 - 07:16
Posted by dgager
I don't understand these low review scores..Why do reviewers think that games have to be innovative to get good scores..I thought we all played games to have fun. The formula for great turn based RPGS was made a long time ago, and still works just as well as it ever did..I am enjoying this game a lot. This game reminds me of all the great FF games. Just look at all the forums and the people discussing this game, I doubt you will find many negative comments. This game without a doubt is one of the best JRPG type games I have ever played..and I have played most all of them.
Wed, 02/20/2008 - 05:56
Posted by wique
I couldn't understand this review i mean no disrespect to to miss Francesca but idk what is so bad about it that the score is so low. it at least should have been an 8.5 but i don't have your job do i. I agree with what you said about the animations and loading but it doesn't take that much from the game. Except i find the animations go bad outside of battle more. But with there attention to detail and great background story with the 1000 year dream sequences i have to recommend this game.
Tue, 02/19/2008 - 04:22
Posted by dpike36
The game looks pretty, but not really into to turn based battles. Also, the cheap packaging leads to scratched discs straight out of the box!
Mon, 02/18/2008 - 16:56
Posted by oldguygamer
From the oldguygamer:
By the way: Regarding Blaze2358, profane comments will get you nowhere. This is, afterall, just an opinion. Please don't contribute to the OXM people having to exercise more control over blogging. We love this forum!
Sun, 02/17/2008 - 13:37
Posted by oldguygamer
From the oldguygamer:
Finally, a story that I can play? I will get this game for certain.
Sun, 02/17/2008 - 08:44
Posted by coastertal
Interesting review. Sorta what I expected and I don't know whether or not that's a good thing.
My concern is for people like myself who have very little or no experience with jrpg's.
I find Lost Odyssey, Blue Dragon, and Eternal Sonota all very intriguing but I don't know if I want to spend my hard earned gaming dollars on a game of this nature or just continue to be totally engrossed in Mass Effect since it is my current time suck.
I think I may just take my chances with a gamefly rental and see what I think before committing $$$ to these games.
Sun, 02/17/2008 - 02:09
Posted by Blaze2358
OMG!!! Francesca u need 2 find a new job because obviously u cant review 4 shit, i mean seriously,lost oddysey has almost every element that made FF7 great but your dumbass cant seem 2 figure it out instead u complain about the dumbass things like load time and "chuggy animation during battle" WTF u dont make sense at all,the load time it has is like any other game out there and the battle is awesome obviously u a scrub playing a real RPG but theres a game 4u its called kingdom under fire circle of doom that sux horribly and u guys gave it a better score than lost oddysey god u guyz r bums i guess youre 2 dum 2 strategize in your battle instead u scrubs like the hack n slash that anybody even a 6 yrold could handle. 4 the people reading this comment here is a review from a real tru gamer lost oddysey is the closest u could get 2 ff7 its great, the story,gameplay and music me being an hardcore rpg fan since shining force and chrono trigger, i know what im talking about not francesca... she cant review 4 shit so yeah ill give it a 9.5 out of 10. take my word its worth the money.
Fri, 02/15/2008 - 15:25
Posted by JASON7481
This game ROCKS!
[url=http://profile.mygamercard.net/jason7481][img]http://card.mygamercard.net/cylinder/jason7481.png[/img][/url]
Fri, 02/15/2008 - 02:33
Posted by Francesca OXM
Please don't misunderstand the 7.5 for Lost Odyssey. If you love JRPGs, it's really a very nicely done game with lots of clever story tricks. It doesn't push any boundaries as far as gameplay or even character development -- it's not really trying to, from what I gather. But it's solid. It doesn't have the blazing fast battle gameplay, or incorporate any particularly innovative gameplay, or have the generally wacky subtext as Eternal Sonata -- and that's why it didn't get a clear 8.0 or higher.
But for what Lost Odyssey doesn't do, it manages to accomplish quite a bit in delivering old-school–style JRPG structure. And god knows I adore this type of game – it just doesn't really do anything above and beyond what we've seen before. What it does do, it does fairly well, though. So, if you were looking forward to this game -- and if you like JRPGs for what they are, and not what they could be in some ideal fantasy world -- seriously, Lost Odyssey is actually pretty satisfying. Especially for all the sidequest action later on in the game. :)
Thu, 02/14/2008 - 23:27
Posted by AceOfSpades
looks like it didnt live up to what it was supposed to be, ps: Hooray i got on the oxm podcast voice mailbag!!!!
Thu, 02/14/2008 - 04:57
Posted by Dreyvius
Guess this wasnt what we all wanted, the question is do i put my M-16 down and blow $60 bucks on this, or just stay on COD4 where the fun dont stop
Thu, 02/14/2008 - 01:53
Posted by 007Ace
I loved eternal sonata, but couldnt get into blue dragon... I felt dissapointed.
Ive been looking forward to Lost Odyssey since its first preview in OXM.
Hope it doesnt dissapoint.
Otherwise 2008 Looks like a great year for games.