17 years have passed since I first playedLost Odyssey. I last replayed it in 2020, during the peak of the pandemic. I needed the power of nostalgia to quell my anxious heart, and I was reminded that this game is still one of Xbox’s best RPGs ever.
Lost Odyssey for the Xbox 360, developed by Japanese studio Feelplus, is a game I think of all the time. This amalgamation of Final Fantasy with a touch of digital storytelling through engaging novellas creates a unique and compelling gaming experience.
Rewind It Back To 2007
Back in 2007, starving for a compelling JRPG, I made the switch to the Xbox 360, which had an effective monopoly on American releases of JRPGs, with games like Eternal Sonata, Tales Of Vesperia, and Infinite Undiscovery exclusively available on the platform at the time. Despite never considering myself an Xbox gamer, the need to follow where my games went led me to this decision (both Eternal Sonata and Tales Of Vesperia would eventually make their way to the PS3 and PS4, but not until later.)
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During this era, I eagerly acquired Lost Odyssey from Gamestop, craving a game that would transport me to a captivating world. Returning home from college classes, I powered up the Xbox 360, and it felt like stepping back into the magic era of PS2 RPGs, albeit with the added allure of high-definition graphics. My initial encounter with Lost Odyssey proved to be enthralling, instantly hooking me into its narrative, reminiscent of the golden age of JRPGs.
It’s strange to call Lost Odyssey a “modern classic” when it was an homage to the previous eras of RPGs to begin with. This is especially true with its timeless narrative, which centered around Kaim—an immortal grappling with a lost memory and a tragic past. The unfolding story, set against a battlefield decimated by a meteor, radiated a pervasive sense of futility and despair.
Kaim’s palpable vulnerability and emotional complexity added depth to his character, resonating with me as a discerning gamer drawn to serious stories. At that time, I was a bit of a story snob, immersed in college and creative writing classes, positioning me as a gamer seeking something ‘high-brow’ (wanky though that might sound). The concept of immortality, skillfully portrayed through Kaim, resonated profoundly with me, pulling me deeper into the game’s narrative.
What truly distinguishes the game from others is its reliance on vignettes. As you embark on your adventure, various triggers unveil lost memories within Kaim. These brief glimpses into his life not only showcase the person he became and how he navigated a world seemingly out of sync with him but also establish a beautiful rhythm in revealing Kaim’s past. Each vignette contributes to the rich tapestry of his character, resurrecting forgotten pieces of himself. Typically commencing with a scene or a character encountered during his 1000 years, each memory unfolds, detailing the person, their life routines, and the specific juncture where Kaim crossed paths with them.
Lost Odyssey’s world is a spectacle, seamlessly combining fixed cameras and 3D environments to craft breathtaking locales such as the seaside kingdom of Numara.
Many memories conclude with a somber reminder of the transcendence of life. While death is an unavoidable aspect of existence, for Kaim it remains something he cannot embrace. With each memory unfolding, it feels like stacking layers of sadness upon one another, providing a nuanced perspective on his silence with every recollection.
This isn’t to imply that Lost Odyssey’s story is constantly shrouded in doom and gloom. There are plenty of moments that will make you smile and chuckle as you embark on your adventure. Jensen, a wisecracking mage who surprisingly doubles as a thief, plays a vital and vibrant role in the party. His character skillfully injects humor at points where discussions about mortality become a bit overwhelming, providing a proverbial breather. Additionally, he serves as the antithesis to Kaim, the brooding protagonist, offering a refreshing contrast that aligns with the complexities of his character.
Beyond Vignettes
Lost Odyssey’s world is a spectacle, seamlessly combining fixed cameras and 3D environments to craft breathtaking locales such as the seaside kingdom of Numara. The game’s vibrant cities not only feel alive, with inhabitants engaging in quirky interactions, but also boast a grounded and earthy art style. The palette consists of rich browns and pronounced shades of yellow, with brighter colors like those found in fellow immortal Ming’s dress adopting a muted, almost watercolor tone. This deliberate choice in art direction gives the video game a pseudo-realistic look that remarkably holds up even when compared to modern counterparts.
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The turn-based battle system, deemed archaic by some even back in 2007, was a refreshing throwback for me, amplified by the Aim Ring System that introduces a timing element to attacks. The Aim Ring System entices you to collect and upgrade rings. Utilizing them enhances your attack stats, introduces added status ailments, and more, providing valuable benefits that come in handy during battles.
Managing four immortals in your party adds another layer of complexity, as you’ll have four immortals in your party. What makes them different is that they don’t necessarily come with abilities like your mortal counterparts. They’re blank slates in ways, which creatively reflects their lack of knowing their pasts within the story. This means that you get to pick and choose which abilities they learn from their mortal counterparts. For instance, Sarah, who uses magic, would probably work best getting a blend of Jensen’s black magic and Cooke’s white magic, which encourages you to learn and mix each teammate’s abilities for optimal synergy.
Notably, the game introduces a balancing mechanism for difficulty by making grinding a challenging endeavor. At a certain point, the game imposes a soft block, restricting the ability to grind effectively and minimizing the resulting experience points, forcing you to strategize and approach battles with greater tact.
“What You Are” Is A Classic RPG
It always frustrates me that the Lost Odyssey soundtrack isn’t available on iTunes or Spotify here in the states. Not only is it an outstanding soundtrack, but it features one of the most heart-wrenching vocal tracks in JRPG history. Sung by Sheena Easton, “What You Are” encapsulates the essence of playing Lost Odyssey in a five-minute musical experience. I like to imagine the song being sung from Ming’s perspective as she slowly falls in love with Jensen, and it never fails to tie a knot in my stomach when thinking about it or listening to it on YouTube. The ending itself contains a memorable moment where we witness both the beauty of life and the pain of loss culminating with a beautiful blossom. I’ll never refrain from shedding a tear when Sed, amidst little lights floating like dying fireflies, whispers “momma.”
In the coming months, as we hear about Microsoft makingchanges to their exclusive games, I wonder if, at some point, others will be able to experience this wonderful masterpiece beyond an Xbox console.
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