So, like.. I haven't used my journal in forever.
But I'm going to start up again ASAP. Well, the main purpose of this journal will now be showcasing my writings and giving reviews on games or movies/ series in which I am engrossed.
So here we go. I'll be offering you, dear reader, my first game review.
Current Game: Odin Sphere
Completion Percentage: about 45%
This game completely captivated me when I first saw the artwork for it, and I really have to remember to thank Keith for introducing me to this game.
As I've (somewhat) stated, the artwork and graphics are phenomenal. The backgrounds and environments are lush and completely alive; trees move in the breeze, battle standards flutter, sparkly sparkling things which I have no idea why they're there do sparkly sparkling things which I would assume are normal for them to do. It's amazing. However, because of their cut-out, paper-doll-like look, the characters are rather stiff in cut-scenes with little movement involved.
My only real qualms are with the battle system. Don't get me wrong, it's quite entertaining and the items system, once you get used to it, though simplistic is quite fun. However, after a while it gets to be monotonous. You attack with one button, jump with one button, and activate your special abilities screen with one button; granted, not all the same button, thank goodness. The battle system seems to be the only truly two-dimensional thing about this game, to be honest; there just isn't that much to it.
The story/ stories within the game are quite another matter.
To begin with, you are a nameless little girl with a cat. Why is she there? What is she really doing? Why is her cat's name Socrates and why does he allow us to access previous story cut-scenes? As of yet, I'm still unsure. What I do know is this:
You gain access to new characters and stories via storybooks which are in this little girl's attic. And, oh, what stories they are. Each one follows a specific character within the land of Erion. Each is caught up, in some form or fashion, with the War of the Cauldron; the Cauldron being a mystical machine device-thing which grants its wielder some sort of awesome power. The stories are all interconnected and parallel each other. There is a large time-table-esque archive you can access at any time, and which gives you a sense of perspective in the midst of a chaotic war with so many different characters. It's a wonderful addition to the game.
From my experience thus far, I can conclude that Odin Sphere is a wonderful game. However, like so many other Atlus titles, it is so obscure with its "swords and sorcery" feel and child's storybook look that it may not appeal to the larger number of gamers. However, if you're like me and love old school beat-'em-up RPGs with an engrossing story and elaborate world, then I would most certainly recommend giving Odin Sphere a shot.
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A Cyborg's Ramblings
Stories and reviews by a lunatic college student.
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Anima Lux
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