Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir Review – Another Vainillaware Classic

Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is a 2D action role-playing game (RPG) developed by Vanillaware and published by Atlus. The game is a remake of the original Odin Sphere released on PlayStation 2 in 2007, and it is was re-released in a bit of a remastered version on the Vita in the form of Leifhraiser.

So, let’s go into this review!

Presentation

Graphics

Vanillaware, the developer of Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir, has a history of creating visually stunning games that push the limits of 2D graphics. They are known for their signature art style, which blends traditional 2D animation with high-quality graphics and special effects.

Their games often feature hand-drawn graphics that have a unique and beautiful aesthetic, which sets them apart from other games in the genre. This is especially evident in Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir, which has some of the most beautiful graphics ever seen in a 2D game. The game’s visuals are richly detailed, with beautiful landscapes, intricate character designs, and stunning special effects that make the game world come to life.

Vanillaware’s dedication to creating visually striking games has earned them a reputation as one of the best game developers when it comes to graphics. Their previous games, such as Muramasa: Rebirth and Dragon’s Crown, also feature beautiful hand-drawn graphics that have been praised by gamers and critics alike.

In conclusion, Vanillaware is a developer that has proven time and time again that they can create visually stunning games that push the limits of 2D graphics. Their dedication to creating unique and beautiful visuals has earned them a reputation as one of the best in the business. If you’re a fan of visually striking games, then Vanillaware’s games are definitely worth checking out.

Sound

Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir on the PlayStation Vita features excellent sound design, music, and voice acting that adds to the game’s overall immersion and atmosphere.

The game’s sound design is excellent, with each action, spell, and attack having a satisfying sound effect that adds weight to the game’s combat. The sound effects also help bring the game world to life, with ambient sounds like the rustling of leaves or the crackling of fire adding to the game’s immersive experience.

The game’s music is also a highlight, with a beautiful orchestral score that matches the game’s epic storyline and beautiful visuals. The music helps set the game’s tone and atmosphere, with different tracks playing during intense battles or emotional moments. The game’s soundtrack is composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, who is known for his work on other video games such as Final Fantasy Tactics and Vagrant Story.

Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir also features excellent voice acting, with each character having a unique voice that matches their personality and backstory. The voice acting is well done, with each line delivered convincingly and with emotion, which helps bring the game’s story and characters to life.

Overall, Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir on the PlayStation Vita has excellent sound design, music, and voice acting that adds to the game’s immersive experience. The game’s beautiful orchestral score, sound effects, and voice acting help bring the game world and characters to life, making it a joy to play and experience.

Gameplay

Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is an action role-playing game with fast-paced combat and deep RPG mechanics. The game features five playable characters, each with their unique playstyle, abilities, and weapon types. The combat system in Odin Sphere is one of the game’s most significant strengths, offering a wide variety of moves and combos that make battles engaging and satisfying.

The game’s combat system is a mix of action and RPG elements. Players can use basic attacks to build up their combo meter and unleash powerful special moves and spells. Players can also use dodges and blocks to avoid enemy attacks and counter-attack with their own. The game’s combat system is fluid and intuitive, allowing players to string together combos and special moves effortlessly.

Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir features two modes: Classic mode (which just pretties up the original release) and Refined mode (which introduces gameplay changes, new cutscenes, and more).

Classic mode:

Refined mode:

 

Each of the game’s characters has their own unique weapons, abilities, and magic spells. For example, Gwendolyn, a valkyrie, can use her spear to attack enemies from a distance and summon a blizzard to freeze them in place. Cornelius, a prince turned into a rabbit, can use his sword to deal quick and powerful blows and transform into a wolf for added mobility and damage. Each character’s playstyle is different, which makes the game’s combat feel fresh and exciting.

In addition to combat, Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir has a deep RPG system that allows players to craft weapons, armor, and potions using resources gathered throughout the game. Players can also collect and cook food, which can be used to restore health and provide buffs during combat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir on the PlayStation Vita is a must-play game for anyone who enjoys action RPGs with beautiful visuals, engaging combat, and a deep storyline. Vanillaware’s signature hand-drawn graphics make this game stand out from other games in the genre, and the game’s combat and RPG mechanics are excellent. The game’s sound design, music, and voice acting also add to the game’s immersive experience, making it an enjoyable journey from start to finish.

Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is a game that has something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed combat, deep RPG mechanics, or beautiful visuals, this game has it all. With five unique characters to play as, each with their own playstyle, abilities, and weapons, the game offers a lot of replay value.

Overall, Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir on the PlayStation Vita is an excellent game that is well worth playing. If you’re a fan of action RPGs or Vanillaware’s previous games, then this game is a must-play. The game’s engaging combat, beautiful graphics, and immersive story will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

 

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About Marcos Codas 384 Articles
Lover of portable gaming and horror cinema. Indie filmmaker and game developer. Multimedia producer. Born in Paraguay, raised in Canada. Huge fan of "The Blair Witch Project", and "Sonic 3D Blast". Deputy head at Vita Player and its parent organization, Infinite Frontiers. Like what I do? Donate a coffee: https://www.paypal.me/marcoscodas