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How Metascores Are Calculated
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Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Make the Grade
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
The nations of Erion had always held an uneasy peace, as the various kings and queens watched each other for any signs of weakness. When the country of Valentine is obliterated by the power of an ancient artifact, it sparks a bloody war between the fairies of Ringford and the warriors of Ragnanival. Little do they know that they are acting out an almost-forgotten prophecy: one that, if fulfilled, will lead to the destruction of the entire world. Take control of the warrior princess Gwendolyn, daughter of Odin, and follow the threads of an intricately woven story as you uncover the truth behind the prophecy – and how to bring it to an end. Five playable characters in all; each one's fate is intertwined with the others'. A robust cooking and alchemy system that can be used to create powerful attack and recovery items. [Atlus Software]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 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
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.
91
Gaming Age
As a title of epic proportions, Odin Sphere cannot be missed by anyone who owns a Playstation 2.
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
Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
Exceptional in looks, sound and story. [Apr 2008, p.78]
90
Gameplayer
Daring, dazzling, and different. Divine.
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
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.
89
PSM3 Magazine UK
The sweetest eye candy around, low on strategy but alive with punchy action. First-rate. [Apr 2008, p.80]
88
GamingTrend
The depth overwhelmed me for a bit, especially trying to remember all of the alchemy recipes, and some of the boss fights were extremely tough, but the game overall shines and is definitely one of the best, and quirkiest, games on the PS2 out this year.
88
Games Master UK
It's different, and a true joy to see in motion. A great RPG swansong for the PS2. [Apr 2008, p.80]
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.
82
Play UK
A gorgeous action RPG that'll inspire passion in the hardcore, Odin Sphere is only marred by its minor unbalance in combat, and occasional repetition. [Issue#164, p.91]
80
Playstation Official Magazine UK
Smartly multi-layered plot. [Apr 2008, p.112]
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.
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.
76
GameSpot
Despite serious performance issues, Odin Sphere successfully brings together gorgeous, stylized visuals and satisfying gameplay in a lengthy and engaging adventure.
75
NZGamer
A delightful little hack n’ slash rpg despite, or maybe because of, its flaws.
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]
60
GameCritics
This slowdown often results in accidental death and having to start over, but not before sitting through the game’s load screen, which consists of the now-seared-into-my-brain image of the words “now loading” slowly revolving around an open book.
54
Pelit (Finland)
A charmingly beautiful little adventure to watch but a horrendously awful game to play. The clumsy combat mechanics, generally unpleasant gameplay and violently unfair difficulty make this one of the most unpleasant gaming experiences of the year. It may look cute, but make no mistake: it's evil. [May 2008]
Greg G. gave it a10: Kevin C. gave it a10: Paul A. gave it a7: Jay K. gave it a9: Andre T. gave it a6: Chris C. gave it a7: Scott J. gave it a10: |
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