Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir Reviews

There are so many additional elements to the game that will enlist another 5000 words to explain in detail, but the crux of the gameplay is that the main combat is fun if a little repetitive, that will definitely start to slog in some parts of the epic 40-50 hour storyline. However, the presentation of the game is wonderful enough to keep the gameplay engaging enough to see to the (bitter) end.

Originally released in 2007 towards the end of the PS2s life-cycle, Odin Sphere was a fantastic side-scrolling action RPG that was flawed, as it pushed the console too much and ultimately suffered from frame-rate trouble, among other things. The remake is here two generations later, and I’m extremely excited to report that Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is absolutely stunning in presentation and overall execution, featuring a well-told story and addictive gameplay mechanics that really shine thro...

A highly successful remake that fixes the technical and design flaws of the original and turns it into one of the year’s best looking action role-players.

2007's Odin Sphere was an underrated gem from Vanillaware and Atlus, almost a decade later it's returned for the PS3, PS4 and PS Vita. Using gorgeous 2D artwork and five story modes that overlap and intersect, does this HD remaster match up with modern gaming?

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir’s distinct painterly graphics, free-flowing combat and intuitive RPG systems make it a joy, whether you’re a newcomer or a returning fan. While some remakes are largely unnecessary, Vanillaware have taken a forgotten classic and made it an essential title for the current generation.

Leifthrasir‘s sound is as inspired as the rest of the game. The voices behind each character fit perfectly, as each actor uses a theatrical voice that perfectly complements the narrative. The themes in most levels are catchy as well, with a few memorable tunes. The sound effects also fit into the battles nicely, as each slash or stab is as crisp and sharp as you could expect.

Critical issues aside, this game is just oozing with personality and charm. Playing through it now, it’s easy to see why this game is as well-loved as it is. Sure, it hits the same notes that many JRPGs have, but the shortcomings are vastly overshadowed by what made the title such a joy to play in the first place. It’s a game that revels in its own storytelling, but it also has a joyful air to it at times. In an age of unnecessary grit and brown tones, it’s nice to be reminded that the...

Odin Sphere: Leiftrasir is a perfect example of a remaster done right. Vanillaware has meticulously revisited their already solid action-RPG classic, and, instead of resting on its laurels by simply sprucing up the visuals, has actually reworked the gameplay in ways that are unprecedented. It’s been made easier and more accessible, yet there’s heaps more depth, and the improved combat almost makes it feel like a totally new game.  If you’ve never played Odin Sphere before, then now’s the time as this is about as good as an action-RPG can get. If you fell in love with the original all those years ago however, prepare to reassess your feelings; Odin Sphere: Leiftrasir will be akin to finding your soulmate, leaving the original title to feel like the empty husk of some great person you used to know in comparison.

For the young at heart.

Overall

I feel like I’ve touched upon everything I love about Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir, and yet I still can’t seem to say enough good things about this amazing remake. Starting from an already-outstanding PlayStation 2 game, Vanillaware went above and beyond to realize its full potential with the addition of more role-playing elements, a near-perfect framerate, stunning graphics, better maps, and a more vigorous combat mechanic. Even after I finished playing, I wanted to go back and explore more areas, fight more enemies and collect more loot. It’s a continuous loop of fun, and I hope it never ends.

I’ve never understood why so many RPGs hide information from the player. Want to know an enemy’s remaining HP or the exact numerical stat boost provided by a certain item? Well, a lot of the time, you’re out of luck — even though that info might help you make a decision on how to build your strategy. It seems like bad design to force players into this kind of situation, which often leaves them poring over a guide instead of focusing entirely on the gameplay (or worse, taking shot after shot in the dark). Playing Odin Sphere Leifthrasir, I was struck by just how much information Vanillaware was willing to share; in fact, there didn’t seem to be much of anything I couldn’t find out without looking at the in-game interface. And luckily, that’s just one of many things that makes this remake of the 2007 sleeper hit worth playing. If you missed this on PS2, read on: this might just be the thing to hold you over until late-year heavy-hitters like Final Fantasy XV.

Odin Sphere looked fantastic back on the PlayStation 2 when it released in 2007, but almost a decade later on PlayStation 4, it looks even better. A stunning side scrolling action role-playing game from Vanillaware, Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is a superb remake that oozes quality.

Ultimately, as with Vanillaware’s other titles, Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is a high quality product. It’s quite clear that a tremendous amount of care and consideration went into virtually every component of the game. From the gorgeous visuals and expressive music, to the diverse character affairs and deep combat, to the mountain of game-play systems, content, replay value and sprawling, fully realized game world, this game is brimming with beauty, nuance and detail. It’s an excellent gaming experience, and a must for fans of Japanese RPGs and/or action games: or fans of mesmerizing artwork.

Nostalgia is one of the main draws of remastered games. Retaining the original mechanics while making visual improvements and adjustments lets fans relive the experiences they already love. That’s the approach taken by high-profile remasters like God of War III, Grand Theft Auto V, and the new Tomb Raider – but not Odin Sphere Leifthrasir. Vanillaware has significantly redesigned the action and its underlying systems, so even though the graphics are gorgeous and familiar, Leifthrasir feels almost completely new.