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How Metascores Are Calculated
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Altered Beast
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Lost Odyssey is the story of Kaim, an immortal character who has lived more than 1,000 years. He doesn't remember his past, and he doesn't know where his future lies. Throughout Kaim's journey, a handful of characters join him on an odyssey to discover their intricate past and destiny, leading players through a dramatic story of massive scale. Massively multiplayer online role-playing game elements are blended into the game's traditional role-playing game system, enabling players to make strategic decisions for a more immersive and deep gameplay experience. With story sequences penned by award-winning Japanese novelist Kiyoshi Shigematsu in cooperation with producer Hironobu Sakaguchi, Lost Odyssey sets a new benchmark for the RPG genre with a combination of true-to-life cinematics and an intriguing story of an immortal man. Players will witness Kaim's life as he lives through many generations, becomes part of numerous families, falls in and out of love, and confronts all of the conflicts that arise. Kaim’s struggles are set in a world that is on the verge of a "mystical industrial revolution," where mankind has attained dark powers. The massively scoped worlds, memorable characters and epic storyline play as an intense and unsettling blockbuster action film. Heading up the artistic demands of the title is famed Japanese comic artist Takehiko Inoue. Renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu has been recruited to create a contemporary soundtrack. [Microsoft]
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... 96
Extreme Gamer
If you’re a fan of traditional role-playing games, or love games with an endearing story then you will likely fall in love with the dynamic intimacy Lost Odyssey provides.
 94
Xbox360Achievements
The story is simply awesome and very detailed. The world is actually quite small compared to some RPGs, mostly because you can't explore the world map that much. For most of the game, you simply select a town and go.
93
Console Monster
Is Lost Odyssey the best RPG experience on the market? If it isn’t it’s making a strong push towards being one, at least being the best on the Xbox 360. It is however near the top as far as an intimate storyline and a true JRPG.
90
PTGamers
Lost Odyssey is essential for fans, not due to the shortage of RPGs on Xbox 360, but based on its own qualities.
90
Play Magazine
If you're expecting a revolution, you may come away disappointed. But if you're a fan of the genre, you'll appreciate Lost Odyssey's exceptional craftmanship from start to finish. [Mar 2008, p.48]
90
DailyGame
A must-have RPG for all those who complain that the Xbox 360 doesn't have any, and proof that Mistwalker can deliver great games.
90
Destructoid
The game oozes quality from every pore and provides a stern answer to people who think writing in videogames can't be mature or deep.
88
GameTrailers
While its gameplay may not even come close to the depth or complexity of a title like Mass Effect, Lost Odyssey’s story and visuals stand toe to toe with some of the best the genre has seen. If it’s an epic voyage into the realm of fantasy you’re after, you’ve found it.
88
MEGamers
With great turn-based strategy elements, wonderful story, great presentation and memorable music, more than 40 hours of gameplay and its exclusivity for the Xbox machines, it would further develop Microsoft's plans in the Japan's market and also would make the pavement for hundreds of new players attracted to this style of gaming.
87
Play.tm
This is a beautiful, involving, epic example of its type but those for whom the genre holds no interest aren't going to be converted by a game that rarely offers the innovation you may have been expecting and conforms to more of the old frustrations than it probably should.
86
Gamer 2.0
At no point will this be a boring game for any fan of the genre, and it’s a game that really could push Xbox 360 sales overseas. It really is an absolute delight and a real surprise.
85
GameZone
There is a lot to love in Lost Odyssey, thanks to the top-rate production values and story.
85
Talk Xbox
Lost Odyssey may not rewrite the rules of the genre, but it performs a wonderful job improvising with what’s on the table.
85
ZTGameDomain
I liked the new attack moves that they have added, and I really enjoyed the story. It is very immersive and really tugs at your heartstrings at times.
85
Game Informer
As thankful as I am that there are role-playing titles that strive to innovate, I am also glad that games like Lost Odyssey are still being made. It is a testament to the philosophy that time-tested concepts, when implemented well, can be just as gratifying as they were at the genre’s inception.
85
Pelit (Finland)
Lost Odyssey is the definitive jrpg-title that the Xbox 360 has been waiting for. This traditional title delivers a deep tactical combat system, awesome visuals and one of the most compelling stories we've ever seen in this genre. [Mar 2008]
85
Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
An old fashion RPG with turn-based combats and random encounters that might put your patience to the test. And the same can be said for the amount o loading screens. But watching these characters grow within the story is well worth it. [March 2008]
83
Team Xbox
Story and presentation are arguably two of the most important parts of a role playing game besides the combat system, and Lost Odyssey, most of the time, handles both with grace.
83
GamingExcellence
Playing Lost Odyssey is like running into an old friend that you haven’t seen in ages. They may be a little more rotund around the edges, a little balder up high, and a little more wrinkled around the eyes, but they still have that spirit and life to them that shows you that the good old days are never that far away.
82
IGN
It may not be in the same class as "Mass Effect," but for a system in desperate need for more quality RPGs, Lost Odyssey fits nicely into the 360 library.
82
Jolt Online Gaming UK
Lost Odyssey is a great JRPG that, while not without flaws, does a fantastic job of overcoming them and providing a superb adventure and storytelling experience.
80
Gamervision
JRPG haters will just find more things to complain about here, but for fans of the genre, this is the 360 game you’ve been waiting for.
80
MS Xbox World
Lost Odyssey brings back a traditional JRPG game style with some little additions, but nothing astounding.
80
Total Video Games
Much more of a 'grown up' experience after the stylised antics in Blue Dragon, the morality tale of a thousand-year life is packed with an ever-increasing sense of emotion, and will no doubt be of interest for J-RPG gamers.
80
Gamer.nl
Lost Odyssey might not have the same quality or finishing touch as the Final Fantasy-games, and also don't play the game for renewal of the genre. This doesn't take away the fact that the game is extremely enjoyable with a beautiful result of the somewhat unoriginal story. It has its limits, but Lost Odyssey is absolutely worth the trouble. A nice start for a beautiful series with potential.
80
Official Xbox Magazine UK
Lost Odyssey's heritage is enough to make it great. [Apr 2008, p.92]
80
games(TM)
It may not be the most perfect RPG you’ll ever play, but some will doubtless find Lost Odyssey among the most emotionally affecting videogame experiences of their lives. [Apr 2008, p.112]
80
Gamestyle
If you’re a fan of the genre and are tired with the lack of decent RPG’s on the Xbox 360 then you can’t go wrong with Lost Odyssey.
80
AceGamez
Lost Odyssey isn't an RPG classic. It doesn't break new ground and it has its problems, but that doesn't keep it from being great.
80
Boomtown
With one of the most engaging and mature stories that I have played in quite some time, great visuals and well designed and acted characters (not to mention Nobuo Uematsu’s expectedly brilliant soundtrack), Lost Odyssey did not let me down, despite great expectations.
80
Planet Xbox 360
Despite its flaws, Lost Odyssey is hands-down the best turn-based RPG on Xbox 360.
80
NTSC-uk
Lost Odyssey is a long arduous journey, but it is one that’s filled with a story that continues to flesh out its characters right to the very end.
80
Gameplanet
An old school JRPG in funky, next-gen clothing. Jaded fans of the genre will love the new features.
80
Gameplayer
A major improvement over Blue Dragon.
80
IGN AU
It's staggeringly gorgeous, and looks and plays like a Final Fantasy title. It rarely steps away from the origins of the genre – instead playing with the 'me too!' mentality of a company that desperately wants to show the world that Square Enix can be bested.
80
1UP
If Sakaguchi intends to turn Lost Odyssey into a franchise -- and all indications are that he does -- I'd like to see these refreshingly adult themes expanded on further in future titles.
80
Cheat Code Central
There are hours upon hours of interesting content for gamers to explore and uncover in Lost Odyssey. Sadly, the pace of the game is rather slow and will deter the vast majority of 360 fans from purchasing and/or completing the game.
80
Eurogamer
if you've got the patience to sit through its slow build up, and if you're open-minded enough to allow it to transport you, then it will take you to places that other JRPGs haven't even dreamed of visiting.
80
Da Gameboyz
The game offers an intriguing story which spices things up very well, but it does so without doing anything revolutionary.
80
Kombo
Lost Odyssey is not the game that will bring the genre back from the brink, but fans of Japanese RPGs will love it. The best JRPG on the Xbox 360 to date.
80
PALGN
For fans of the JRPG and those who are in it for the story will find Lost Odyssey to be one of the most moving and compelling experiences to be found in a video game.
80
Armchair Empire
But for long time role-playing fans, the game is familiar enough to feel comfortable with; and there’s enough depth to the combat and twists to the story (especially with the relationships that develop over the course of the game) to keep them interested.
80
360 Gamer Magazine UK
While a touch reluctant to get going, Lost Odyssey soon builds pace and lavishes the player with its wonderful blend of familiar elements, unique concepts and genuine emotion. With solid mechanics and some top-notch presentation, this one comes heartily recommended for those with plenty of time on their hands.
80
X360 Magazine UK
The traditional approach will put off as many as it pleases, but Lost Odyssey is a cracking RPG which looks great, plays better, and is genuinely affecting. [Apr 2008, p.80]
78
XboxAddict
Check it out if you are interested in the RPG genre at all.
76
ActionTrip
The immersion is there, the gameplay can be fun, but overall, Lost Odyssey fails to "go the distance" as a modern-day RPG. Whilst it offers a unique twist to the genre, it definitely lacks more content and depth to be regarded as a truly great RPG. Hardcore RPG gamers won't find it rewarding enough.
75
Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
Looks like the future, plays like the past. Imperfect - but you get your money's worth.
75
Game Almighty
The combat is a tad clunky, and the story is just shy of copyright infringement, but dammit you’re not going to care. This is a nice trip down memory lane, albeit a long one.
75
Worth Playing
The gameplay is fun enough, but so agonizingly slow that the enjoyment of combat is seriously marred. For the most part, the story line is average and clichéd, and the dramatic moments don't entirely make up for that.
75
GameSpot
Lost Odyssey doesn't rewrite the rules for turn-based role-playing games, but its great story and minor formula tweaks will keep you entertained.
75
NZGamer
Lost Odyssey’s turn-based combat is a bit of a mixed bag, with both its good and bad points. While the five mortals learn skills as they level up, the four immortals can only learn skills and magic spells by equipping an accessory or ‘linking’ with a mortal.
75
Official Xbox Magazine
But though the grandiose soundtrack may fool you at first into mistaking this for an epic Square-esque RPG, it’s not. It’s slightly smaller-scale, and the somewhat odd (and kinda bland) character designs never really reach the iconic eye-candy levels of more accomplished J-RPGs like Final Fantasy.
75
Electronic Gaming Monthly
A pleasant surprise. [Apr 2008, p.76]
75
Xbox World Australia
If you are an Xbox 360 owner and a fan of Japanese role-playing games, chances are you are already playing Lost Odyssey.
75
RPG Fan
To say that Lost Odyssey is a bad game is to do it an injustice. It's not a fun game, though, and maybe that's the same thing.
75
Game Revolution
Though Lost Odyssey won't change your mind about turn-based JRPGs, it fills the void of the genre with a well-paced and pleasing aesthetic, and a healthy dose of nostalgia.
75
Gaming Age
Despite all of this positive criticism, Lost Odyssey's biggest strength lies in the game's ability to keep you engaged while lasting over 40 hours (admittedly, I tried giving up a number of times, but was pulled right back in).
75
Game Over Online
When you get right down to it, Lost Odyssey plays like a mediocre Final Fantasy game, which isn’t so bad really. Hell, some Final Fantasy games have played like mediocre Final Fantasy games, and if you’re a 360 owner who loves classic RPGs you’re going to want to play it.
74
Gaming Nexus
Lost Odyssey doesn't break the JRPG mold, but it does fill it out quite nicely with a strong story and great characters.
73
Games Master UK
It's beautiful and offers an emotive story but it could be too old-fashioned for some. [Apr 2008, p.64]
70
Edge Magazine
Lost Odyssey contains some of the most tender writing ever committed to a videogame. [Apr 2008, p.86]
70
GameTap
Lost Odyssey is a pretty solid Japanese RPG, and distinctly fulfills the niche it aims for. It's not a true Final Fantasy clone, but at the moment, it's the best-looking late-90s FF knock-off on the market. But whatever "decent" vibe it has ends up being cut down by technical glitches to the point that it makes the epic adventure feel more like a dinky puppet show.
65
GamePro
Ultimately, whether or not Lost Odyssey is worth your time and money comes down to how absorbed in the broad strokes of this world you'll let your own imagination become, and whether you're willing to make the emotional investment asked of you. Ordinary suspension of disbelief simply won't cut it in the face of such overt melodrama and strained gameplay.
60
Games Radar (in-house)
If you’re patient with plot, love your amnesiac protagonists and get aroused at the thought of having to keep two saves so you can reroll a character if need be, Lost Odyssey has your name written all over it.
60
G4 TV
If you enjoy "Final Fantasy" and its ilk, Lost Odyssey will appeal. It’s not innovative and doesn’t take any chances, but there’s a lot of classic turn-based adventure just waiting for you in four long disks.
60
GameDaily
Once you discover the game's deeply flawed combat system and bland storyline, you'll question if it's a journey worth taking.
58
GameShark
Loving Lost Odyssey means being able to stand its technical instability, loading times, and traditional gameplay. Latching onto the unique ring system and its tightly-wound narrative can get you through the pain of these flaws--only to a certain extent.
50
GameSpy
We have immense respect for what Lost Odyssey tries to do: be a back-to-basics JRPG with modern technological trimmings on the 360. Unfortunately, it's less a celebration of what made older RPGs great and more a crude relic of their past.
Kieran D gave it a2: Andrew B gave it a10: Troels J gave it a7: Jenna S. gave it a2: Mike A. gave it a9: Troy P. gave it a10: Mike V gave it a9: |
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