Abyss Odyssey Reviews
In a game like this where mastering the mechanics is key, there's a lot to learn early on in Abyss Odyssey and it can feel slightly overwhelming. Once you understand that you're only expected to get so far in, die, and come back again, you'll be able to get into a groove that allows you to explore further and further. While it would be nice to see some more variety in the level layouts and early enemies, there's still a really enjoyable and deep combat system that's reason enough to descend into the Abyss.
The best parts about Abyss Odyssey are those in which it is utterly unique: a Mediterranean fantasy setting, a brightly pastel art style, and a fun mix of roguelike randomization with fighter-game mechanics. That said, none of these points make the game engaging enough to have your friends come back for more in-house fun.
If you can deal with the game's difficulty, which isn't off putting but not exactly new player friendly, Abyss Odyssey is definitely a game worth a shot.
Engrossing as it is difficult (whether or not said difficulty was intended by ACE Team), Abyss Odyssey successfully captures the imagination lying dormant in the minds of its players.
Abyss Odyssey is definitely up there as one of the indie GOTYs so far, but it has its fair bit of clunkiness too.
Abyss Odyssey is going to appeal to a certain audience. If you are one with that audience, you will truly enjoy the experience that this game has to offer. For casual gamers, the difficulty might be too much, but it is an adventure game that you basically just jump into.
ACE Team's mastery of visual imagery finds a welcome home in solid Roguelike(like) elements and capable, cancel-heavy Fighting mechanics. Abyss Odyssey is their most impressive all-round title to date.
Abyss Odyssey brings together four great genres into a cohesive 2D side scrolling adventure that will keep your interest and bring you back over and over.
And yet if Abyss Odyssey stumbles, it at least does so while attempting a genuinely thrilling, high-wire juggling act of game design rather than simply milking obvious and proven gameplay features. For all its missteps, it remains utterly unique, absolutely gorgeous and delightfully eccentric. If you can stick around long enough to understand what's going on and what's expected of you, and make your peace with Abyss Odyssey's slightly over-reaching nature, you're left with a game that more than repays your patience.
From the very first time you load up the menu it's clear that Abyss Odyssey comes from a place of passion and expertise. Its strange blend of Metroidvania, roguelike, and fighting game elements might turn off those who prefer their gaming experiences to be more straightforward, but anyone who's not too afraid to leap into the unknown abyss will find a finely-crafted, unique experience well worth the jump.
The important thing is that what's available now is really good, utilizing a fighting engine that rewards creativity in using its moves and set in a dungeon loaded with replayability. The art nouveau style is more apparent in the 2D character portraits than the polygonal graphics but still give the game a unique tone, like playing a Grateful Dead album cover.
In one of Nietzsche's more famous quote from Beyond Good and Evil, so states, "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." The longer you play Abyss Odyssey, the more this becomes true.