windbane on 19 August 2007
| albionus said: @Windbane Then it's a poorly written sentence. If they meant Motorstorm's online mode then they should have said what Motorstorm did to online racing. However, Play gave Motorstorm a 91/100, the highest on the Wikipedia page the average is 83, so they obviously think something about Motorstorm was great. As for Odin Sphere I also see that Play gave it a 100/100 compared with an 88 being the next highest on Wikipedia with an average of 83 so again they clearly think it's something great. I think in both cases it's pretty obvious they are alone in heaping such high praise on those two games. Amongst major review magazines it's looking like Play being similarly deserted on Heavenly Sword is a possibility. |
Motorstorm was a great evolution in racing games, whatever portion of the game you are talking about.
Wikipedia is wrong on Odin Sphere.
"100
Play Magazine
In the case of Odin Sphere, however, I am confident that this is a perfect game, and that anyone who comes to it will derive the same. [May 2007, p.16]
100
Deeko
Odin Sphere may have flaws and you might find yourself repeating areas over and over again as you play through the five different books, but the fact of the matter is that this is as close to perfection as you're going to get on the PS2.
100
AceGamez
If there is one phrase that can cover just about everything Odin Sphere is about, it would be this: Odin Sphere has 2D sensibilities. If you remove the technological aspect of the game - not that you'd want to - you have a game that could just as easily been released on the Super Nintendo and ruled the hearts and dreams of fan boys and girls around the world.
92
RPG Fan
To sum up, never have I seen a game so visually pleasing. If you look past the heavy repetition, Odin Sphere is a fun game with solid concepts, along with a great musical score and interesting plot.
91
Gaming Age
As a title of epic proportions, Odin Sphere cannot be missed by anyone who owns a Playstation 2.
91
GameShark
While some players may ultimately find the combat and inventory limitations to be more than they can bear, Odin Sphere deserves much credit for its artfully elegant approach to a genre that is too frequently weighed down by yawn-inducing cases of déjà vu.
90
Game Chronicles
With a unique and deep battle and level system, a good storyline, interesting characters, well balanced gameplay and plenty of eye and ear candy, Odin Sphere is an awesome game that will most likely go on any action and RPG fan's list of favorites.
90
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Take the time to savor Odin Sphere--they don't make too many like it anymore. [July 2007, p.92]
90
PSM Magazine
So, as you've gathered, Odin Sphere is an incredibly deep, incredibly detailed, spectacularly beautiful game--and it doesn't hurt that it plays like a dream, proving that gaming excellence doesn't necessarily require a third dimension. [July 2007, p.76]
90
Gaming Nexus
You can see that this game is a labor of love, which these days feels all too rare.
90
ZTGameDomain
With so much focus these days on polygons and lighting effects it is nice to see that some developers can still create a gorgeous experience using traditional methods.
90
TotalPlayStation
Gorgeous from top to bottom, simultaneously old-school and yet nicely updated and an absolute joy to play Odin Sphere is a monumental achievement in art design and execution. Now if we could just get it all in HD.
90
GameTrailers
Odin Sphere is a rare gem - fans of action games, RPGs or just good artwork are in for a treat. Its mix of gameplay styles is near-perfect and the art on display here will remind you that quality 2D visuals never go out of style.
90
Games Radar
Beyond its quality, its unexpectedness is what makes Odin Sphere doubly special. It came from absolutely nowhere and reminds us that people are still struggling to make the games of their dreams.
89
GameZone
Odin Sphere is the ultimate non-RPG. You will be immersed. You will be awestruck. You will be inspired to play through every stage again and again.
88
Game Almighty
One of the most enjoyable, unique, and visually appealing titles the veteran PS2 has ever seen. With a brawler foundation and borrowing from several other gameplay styles, Odin Sphere should appeal old-school gamers, RPG fans, and even button-mashers alike.
88
IGN
Simply put, this 40+ hour adventure, with multiple difficulty levels and extremely deep gameplay mechanics is one of the best RPGs to come out on the PS2 in a while.
87
GamerNode
Gamers old and new will enjoy it, and it's truly a fun and unique gaming experience from beginning to end.
87
Gamer's Hell
Odin sphere is a great game that I’m really enjoying and I think anyone with any interest in RPG's, action RPG's, or things from Japan in general will really enjoy this game.
87
Digital Entertainment News
If you’re looking for a PS2 RPG with a unique personality, Odin Sphere’s the game for you.
85
GamePro
With an involved battle system and so many different characters and stories, you're guaranteed to enjoy every second that you'll inevitably invest in Odin Sphere.
85
Game Informer
Odin Sphere’s story, systems, and combat mechanics are easy enough to describe, but the game’s biggest strength is the way it cultivates a sense of wonder.
85
1UP
What really brings the story to life is Odin Sphere's brilliant, flowing script, which is almost Shakespearean in places. Combined with the gorgeous art, the eloquent dialogue really cements the illusion that you're playing an animated fairy tale. I can't stress enough how important this is.
82
GamingExcellence
The gameplay itself is enjoyable because of its simplicity, not despite it.
80
NTSC-uk
A flawed masterpiece and one which will undoubtedly be as fondly remembered as its predecessor.
80
G4 TV
One issue that only seems to get worse throughout Odin Sphere is the endless amount of inventory management.
80
GameDaily
Atlus plucked another gem from Japan and brought it to the U.S.
80
Gamer 2.0
Odin Sphere does a lot to show you that with the proper attention to detail, 2D can still provide for great-looking games that can stand out amongst the myriad of 3D games that occupy the shelves today.
76
GameSpot
Despite serious performance issues, Odin Sphere successfully brings together gorgeous, stylized visuals and satisfying gameplay in a lengthy and engaging adventure.
74
Cheat Code Central
Gorgeous hand-drawn artwork and animations.
74
Game Over Online
Odin Sphere ends up being an unforgettable game due to its graphics and unique gameplay, but ends up being riddled with some major problems and puzzling game design issues that greatly reduce the amount of fun that can be had with it.
72
The New York Times
The elaborate graphics cause trouble when too many things are onscreen at once; some battles are so overpopulated with monsters that the game runs in slow motion; it’s like trying to fight underwater.
70
PSX Extreme
What Odin Sphere does not do very well, however, is the control, as it is extraordinarily unresponsive at times, as well as poorly mapped on the Playstation 2 controller.
70
Thunderbolt
A truly different experience in many respects, but the repetition is frustratingly similar to that of countless other games.
70
games(TM)
Every time you’re about to put the controller down, there’s always something to keep you playing – even if it’s just to see another astoundingly gorgeous area or one more gargantuan enemy boss. [July 2007, p.106]
70
EuroGamer
Artistically Odin Sphere is one of the most marvellous videogames we've yet played. The inimitable character designs, varied and exquisite backgrounds, glorious soundtrack, considered voice acting and engaging storyline pull together in a consistent way few other games manage. However the game they clothe fails to engage in a similar way.
68
Worth Playing
Rarely have games floored me with their animations and graphics as much as Odin Sphere did, but that is almost all that is worth recommending.
65
Hardcore Gamer Magazine
For all of Odin Sphere's innovations, few manage to have a meaningful impact upon gameplay, and the experience fails to gel into a cohesive whole as a result. [July 2007, p.56]
60
Edge Magazine
That the game’s numerous niggles don’t ruin the experience sooner is testament to its unusual artistic coherence which creates a compelling world. But familiarity does eventually break the visual spell to reveal a mostly average and repetitive game underneath. [Sept 2007, p.91]"
Odin Sphere was game of the month in EGM and PSM at least, beating out Pokemon in EGM.
