Summary
- Release Year: 2007
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: Xbox 360
- Developers: Feelplus, Mistwalker
- Publishers: Microsoft Game Studios
Lost Odyssey: A Timeless JRPG Gem
Released in 2007 for the Xbox 360, Lost Odyssey is a traditional turn-based JRPG developed by Mistwalker, a studio founded by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the Final Fantasy series. The game tells the story of Kaim Argonar, a man who has lost his memories and is searching for his purpose in life. Along the way, he meets a group of companions who help him on his journey and fight against the forces of evil.
Lost Odyssey is a beautiful game, with lush graphics and detailed character models. The world is full of life and color, and the environments are varied and interesting. The game’s soundtrack is also top-notch, with sweeping orchestral pieces that perfectly capture the game’s atmosphere.
The gameplay in Lost Odyssey is classic turn-based JRPG fare. Players control a party of up to four characters and explore the world, fighting enemies in random encounters. The battle system is simple to learn but difficult to master, and it offers a great deal of strategic depth.
One of the unique features of Lost Odyssey is its “Thousand Years of Dreams” sidequest. This sidequest tells the stories of Kaim’s companions through a series of flashbacks. These stories are often heartbreaking and emotional, and they help to flesh out the characters and make them more relatable.
Lost Odyssey was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best JRPGs of the Xbox 360 era. The game’s story, characters, and gameplay are all top-notch, and it is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Story
Lost Odyssey is set in a world where a “Magic-Industrial Revolution” is taking place. While magic energy existed in all living creatures beforehand, it suddenly became far more powerful thirty years before the beginning of the game. Because of this, it has affected society greatly, with devices called “Magic Engines” harnessing this power for lighting, automobiles, communication, and robots, among other uses. While previously only a select few could wield magic, many magicians gained the ability. However, such progress has also caused two nations to develop new and more powerful weapons of mass destruction. The kingdom of Gohtza and the Republic of Uhra (which recently converted from a monarchy). Uhra is building Grand Staff, a gigantic magic engine, while the heavily industrialized Gohtza actively pursues magic research of their own. A third nation, the Free Ocean State of Numara, remains isolated and neutral, though it is falling into disarray due to a general attempting to stage a coup d’etat. Uhra, at war with Khent, a nation of beastmen, sends its forces to the Highlands of Wohl for a decisive battle at the start of the game.
Kaim Argonar is a soldier from Uhra who is part of this battle. However, he is separated from his unit and ends up lost and alone in the wilderness. He is eventually found by two travelers, Cooke and Sarah, who take him back to their village. Kaim has lost his memories, and he has no idea who he is or where he came from.
Cooke and Sarah tell Kaim that he is a “waker,” someone who can remember the past lives of others. They explain that the world is in danger, and that Kaim must use his abilities to help save it. Kaim is reluctant at first, but he eventually agrees to help Cooke and Sarah.
Kaim, Cooke, and Sarah set out on a journey to find out the truth about Kaim’s past and to stop the forces of evil that are threatening the world. Along the way, they meet a group of companions who join them on their quest. These companions include:
- Ming: A young woman who is a skilled magician.
- Jansen: A swordsman who is fiercely loyal to Kaim.
- Sed: A thief who is always looking for a good time.
- Mack: A dwarven engineer who is a master of machines.
Together, Kaim and his companions must travel the world, fight powerful enemies, and uncover the secrets of the past in order to save the world.
Gameplay
Lost Odyssey is a turn-based JRPG in which the player controls a party of up to four characters. The game’s battle system is simple to learn but difficult to master, and it offers a great deal of strategic depth.
Each character in Lost Odyssey has their own unique abilities and skills. Players must carefully consider which characters to use in each battle, and how to best use their abilities to defeat the enemy. The game also features a “Ring” system, which allows players to equip characters with rings that grant them additional abilities and bonuses.
In addition to the main story, Lost Odyssey also features a number of sidequests. These sidequests are optional, but they offer players a chance to learn more about the game’s world and characters. One of the most unique sidequests in Lost Odyssey is the “Thousand Years of Dreams” sidequest. This sidequest tells the stories of Kaim’s companions through a series of flashbacks. These stories are often heartbreaking and emotional, and they help to flesh out the characters and make them more relatable.
Characters
The characters in Lost Odyssey are one of the game’s strongest points. Each character is well-developed and has a unique personality. The player will grow attached to the characters as they travel the world and fight alongside them.
- Kaim Argonar: The protagonist of Lost Odyssey, Kaim is a soldier from Uhra who has lost his memories. He is a kind and compassionate man, and he is always willing to help others.
- Cooke: A young woman who is a skilled magician. She is intelligent and resourceful, and she is always there to help Kaim and his companions.
- Sarah: A young woman who is a skilled archer. She is brave and determined, and she is always willing to fight for what she believes in.
- Ming: A young woman who is a skilled magician. She is shy and reserved, but she is also very powerful.
- Jansen: A swordsman who is fiercely loyal to Kaim. He is strong and courageous, and he is always willing to protect his friends.
- Sed: A thief who is always looking for a good time. He is charming and charismatic, but he can also be reckless and irresponsible.
- Mack: A dwarven engineer who is a master of machines. He is intelligent and inventive, and he is always willing to help his friends with his creations.
Themes
Lost Odyssey explores a number of themes, including the nature of memory, the importance of friendship, and the power of hope. The game asks the player to consider what it means to be human, and what it means to live a meaningful life.
One of the most important themes in Lost Odyssey is the nature of memory. Kaim has lost his memories, and he is searching for his purpose in life. As he travels the world and meets new people, he begins to piece together his past. The game explores the idea that our memories are what make us who we are, and that without them, we are lost.
Another important theme in Lost Odyssey is the importance of friendship
Review Score
9/10