he RPG genre as a whole is one of the most conflicted in gaming today. It is built on conventions that are over 20 years old, and as much as role-playing titles thrive on these traditions, developers also struggle against them, attempting to find new and innovative ways to engage gamers. This is not a battle that Lost Odyssey fights. The latest epic from RPG legend Hironobu Sakaguchi is not diplomatic, and doesn’t attempt to find a middle ground between convention and innovation; it sides with convention all the way. The result is a rich experience replete with classic gameplay, familiar mechanics, and one of the most compelling tales ever told on the Xbox 360.
From the skill system of Final Fantasy V to the timing-based attacks of Shadow Hearts, it is easy to feel the influence of the past on Lost Odyssey. While the basic battle options aren’t too surprising (attack, magic, defend, etc), Mistwalker has made a few attempts to expand the traditional elements. The ring system tests your reflexes during standard attacks, and it opens strategic options based on the weaknesses of your enemies.
Some of the best tactical moments surface when the plot leaves you with an unconventional party, like four mages and no fighters. In cases like these, the clever skill system really shines. Mortal party members follow a pre-set progression, and the immortals learn skills from the mortals, which can then be assigned however you see fit. Throughout the course of the game, this results in the perfect balance of specialized characters and those with more versatility.
What really takes center stage in Lost Odyssey (especially in contrast to Mistwalker’s last title, Blue Dragon) is the story. The immortal warrior Kaim is one of the most intriguing RPG protagonists I’ve played, and his dispassionate detachment is a far cry from the usual gotta-save-the-world hero. The universe he and his companions inhabit is a visually stunning fusion of fantasy and steampunk, and it serves as an excellent backdrop for the game’s major revelations. Why Kaim has lived so long, how the immortals relate to each other, and how they lost their memories are just a few of the mysteries that make this adventure much more surprising than its traditional structure may lead you to believe.
While the nostalgic gameplay formula serves Lost Odyssey well, there are several technical elements that seem like conspicuous oversights in a modern RPG. The loading times are lengthy and frequent; after an encounter begins, it can take a while before you get control. Then there’s the superfluous action queue that appears only after you input your commands, so you can’t use it to inform any combat decisions. The overall balance is also a little off, with an unusual emphasis on heavy casting – a problem since MP is an expensive and finite resource. These annoyances were frustrating in the moments I had to deal with them, but ultimately did very little to disrupt my enjoyment of the game as a whole.
As thankful as I am that there are role-playing titles that strive to innovate, I am also glad that games like Lost Odyssey are still being made. It is a testament to the philosophy that time-tested concepts, when implemented well, can be just as gratifying as they were at the genre’s inception.