Odin Sphere
A 2D action RPG with Norse mythology and Shakespearean influences.
Odin Sphere is an action role-playing game developed by Vanillaware for the PlayStation 2, published by Atlus in 2007 and by Square Enix in 2008. A remake, Odin Sphere Leifthrasir, was released in 2016. The game is noted for its 2D side-scrolling beat 'em up-style combat and role-playing elements, with a story set on the fantasy continent of Erion during a war over the Crystallization Cauldron.
- Developer
- Vanillaware
- Publisher
- Atlus (Japan and North America), Square Enix (Australia and Europe)
- Original Release
- 2007 (PlayStation 2)
- Remake Release
- 2016 (PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita)
- Genre
- Action role-playing
- Director
- George Kamitani
- Composer
- Hitoshi Sakimoto (Basiscape)
Lore & Background
Odin Sphere was conceived by George Kamitani as first a sequel and then a spiritual successor to the 1997 Sega Saturn title Princess Crown. Development began in 2004 after the official formation of Vanillaware. The story was based around the concept of a Valkyrie princess, and the scenario and world design incorporated Norse mythology, the works of William Shakespeare, fairy tales, and early video games. 2D graphics were chosen over 3D as Kamitani felt the style was stagnating, which necessitated presenting cutscenes as if on a stage rather than using traditional cinematography. The music for both versions was composed by a team from Basiscape, led by company founder Hitoshi Sakimoto.
Reader's Guide
Odin Sphere was a commercial success that contributed to the rise of Vanillaware as a developer. Prior to Atlus picking up the title, Vanillaware had encountered difficulties finding a publisher due to Kamitani's sparse record as a developer. Completed in 2006, the game was delayed into the following year so it would not compete with Atlus' own titles. The localization by Atlus USA proved challenging in multiple areas. Upon release, the game garnered a positive reception from video game journalists, with praise given to its story, visuals, and old-school gameplay, while criticism focused on its inventory system and framerate issues. The remake, Odin Sphere Leifthrasir, was praised for its improved performance and reworked mechanics, including new battle arenas, vertical platforming segments, skill trees, and a streamlined alchemy system. Leifthrasir also included a 'Classic' mode that switches to the original version's look.
Did You Know?
- The game was originally conceived as a sequel to the 1997 Sega Saturn title Princess Crown.
- The story is told from the perspective of a young girl named Alice reading a series of books in her attic.
- The remake, Odin Sphere Leifthrasir, began development in 2013 to address issues with the original game while keeping the story intact.
- The game's setting and characters incorporate Norse mythology and the works of William Shakespeare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Odin Sphere?
Odin Sphere is a 2D action RPG created by Vanillaware that weaves together Norse mythological themes and Shakespearean storytelling influences. It launched in 2007 for the PlayStation 2, with Atlus publishing it in Japan and North America and Square Enix handling Europe and Australia.
What is the combat style in Odin Sphere?
The game uses a side-scrolling beat 'em up format where players control a party of up to four characters in real time. This action layer is paired with traditional RPG systems such as experience gain, stat growth, and equipment customization.
What is the story of Odin Sphere about?
The plot unfolds on the fantasy continent of Erion, where rival kingdoms clash over a powerful artifact known as the Crystallization Cauldron. Players follow a band of heroes, each carrying their own personal arc, whose individual storylines gradually converge into a single larger conflict.
Who developed and directed Odin Sphere?
Vanillaware developed the title under the direction of George Kamitani. Atlus served as publisher for the Japanese and North American releases, while Square Enix took on publishing duties for Europe and Australia.
Is there a remake of Odin Sphere?
Yes, a remastered edition titled Odin Sphere Leifthrasir was released in 2016 for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita. The remake refreshed the visuals and audio while keeping the original's side-scrolling combat and narrative structure intact.
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