A relatively obscure Japanese studio delivered one of 2016’s standout titles, providing a compelling reason to revisit the PS Vita.
Stylish, Japanese, side-scrolling action games possess a distinct appeal. They evoke a classic gaming experience, often combined with visually stunning, hand-drawn anime/manga aesthetics. This genre, when effectively blended with role-playing elements, has proven to be a successful formula, resulting in enduring classics such as Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.
For those familiar with Odin Sphere, its initial release on the PS2 in 2007 may ring a bell. While it didn’t achieve mainstream success, primarily due to the PS2’s limitations in rendering the complex parallax backgrounds and numerous sprites, it held promise. Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir (Leifthrasir, derived from Norse mythology, represents the two humans destined to survive Ragnarök) is a remake featuring a “plus” mode that allows players to experience the narrative from multiple character perspectives.
The core gameplay of Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is straightforward: progress through levels by defeating waves of enemies, overcoming challenging mid-bosses, and ultimately confronting formidable end-stage bosses. It shares similarities with Vanillaware’s other title, Dragon’s Crown, but distinguishes itself through tighter gameplay and a less overtly sexualized art style. Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir excels due to its captivating aesthetic and accessible gameplay, coupled with a streamlined yet rewarding upgrade system that incorporates experience points, character levels, item enhancements, and the ability to synthesize potions and dishes (which grant EXP and health).
The visuals are exceptional, often demanding a pause to appreciate the meticulously crafted environments. From the aurora borealis to fairytale castles and enchanting cities, the game delivers a range of visual highlights in 1080p at a stable 60fps on the PS4. The soundtrack complements the genre effectively, offering a bombastic anime-inspired symphony enhanced by competent voice acting. While Japanese narratives can be subtle, Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir leans toward melodrama, effectively framing the story within its context, even if the plot itself doesn’t break new ground in terms of originality or narrative depth.
The PS Vita version performs adequately, although the PS4 version offers superior smoothness and speed. Occasional frame rate dips may occur during intense on-screen action involving multiple characters and effects. Unfortunately, the game only supports cross-save functionality, not cross-play, necessitating separate purchases for home and portable play. This is a significant drawback that increases the overall cost. The optimal version depends on individual playstyle preferences; both versions offer identical content. Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir translates well to portable play, accommodating both short bursts and extended sessions.
We thoroughly enjoyed Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir and eagerly anticipate further exploration of the game and its characters. This is a hidden gem that deserves a place in any PS4 or PS Vita library.
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