Odin Sphere Leifthrasir Reviews
Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is the definitive remake: it improves the best parts of the original game while correcting almost all of its faults. It is made strong by an awesome art direction, together with an exciting storyline and an endearing gameplay: a must-have for RPG fans.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Odin Sphere Leifthrasir is a cult classic for good reason. It's a strange title, but an engrossing one that's only let down by some one-note characters.
Odin Sphere Leifthrasir is an example of a remaster done right. Not only has the game been improved in just about every aspect, but it's also faithful to the original core.
Although many video game re-releases are satisfied with slapping on some upscaling and calling it a day, Odin Sphere Leifthrasir goes the extra mile with its redrawn visuals and additional gameplay polishing. The result is one of the best representations of the classic 2D, sidescrolling action genre or any action game for that matter. This definitive version of the game is a video game remaster done right.
Odin Sphere Leifthrasir is no ordinary remake. It simplifies what needed to be simplified, expands what needed to be expanded, and runs in the smoothest of fashion without any hiccup whatsoever.
If you're looking for excellent brawler gameplay with RPG elements and absolutely gorgeous artwork and uniquely designed bosses, you can't go wrong with Leifthrasir.
Odin Sphere Leifthrasir is an outstanding remaster of a game many JRPG fans missed on PS2. Perhaps its most striking feature is the refreshing availability of information that comes with its fantastic interface, from easy-to-read maps to detailed descriptions of each item that comes your way. There's no denying that Vanillaware's signature style looks its best in crisp HD, and the improvements made to the controls and combat make the game feel fresh and modern. If your fingers are itching for big titles like Final Fantasy XV or Persona 5, consider keeping them busy with Leifthrasir's fast-paced and frantic battles — this is one of the best remasters on PS4, and a can't-miss for JRPG fans if you already let it pass you by in 2007.
Ultimately, as with Vanillaware's other titles, Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is a high quality product. It's quite clear that a tremendous amount of care and consideration went into virtually every component of the game. From the gorgeous visuals and expressive music, to the diverse character affairs and deep combat, to the mountain of game-play systems, content, replay value and sprawling, fully realized game world, this game is brimming with beauty, nuance and detail. It's an excellent gaming experience, and a must for fans of Japanese RPGs and/or action games: or fans of mesmerizing artwork.
Every bit as lovely as the original, Leifthrasir breathes new life into Vanillaware's debut side-scroller and then some.
To be perfectly honest, it feels good to get reacquainted with an old friend. The original Odin Sphere was one of my favorite RPGs on the PlayStation 2 and I'm happy to see that not only did the game survive the test of time but still offers just enough challenge and fun for even the most jaded gamer. On a presentation level, the game does so many things right; I wasn't really able to find any major flaw and my entire game-play session was a blur as I forgot what time it was after I started playing.
This is how a HD remake should be done.
A gorgeous second try that reinvents what its predecessor attempted on the PlayStation 2 and succeeds at it exceptionally well.
2007's Odin Sphere was an underrated gem from Vanillaware and Atlus, almost a decade later it's returned for the PS3, PS4 and PS Vita. Using gorgeous 2D artwork and five story modes that overlap and intersect, does this HD remaster match up with modern gaming?
As we have already had the opportunity to say several times, on the occasion of remasters awarded with high-sounding marks, the passion and care for the original product often make the difference in this type of operation. Rejuvenated, streamlined, embellished as it is in this new version, Odin Sphere also deserves to be played by a new generation of gamers, who may have missed it in 2007.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Like a moving picture, that's actually a game.
Despite the price, Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is a fantastic game, and I almost couldn't believe that one of my favorite games on the PS2 got the treatment it did. If you're unsure, you could always try out the demo, but trust me, this is one 2D Action RPG that's totally worth it.
To call Odin Sphere Leifthrasir the definitive version of the original game would be selling it short: the sheer amount of improvements and new content have transformed the game into a whole new experience that both original fans and curious newcomers must not miss. As 3D visuals continue to dominate most of the gaming industry today, 2D homages like Odin Sphere truly are becoming a lost art that must be admired for as long as they remain.
Odin Sphere Leifthrasir goes to great lengths to take an often overlooked gem from the PlayStation 2 era and make it new and relevant for the currently supported Sony consoles.
Leifthrasir is an improvement of the original Odin Sphere in every way imaginable. If you were a fan of the original game, love beat-em-ups, or just want a game with solid combat, Odin Sphere Leifthrasir is a must-play.