Kotaku: Odin Sphere

Looking For A Video Game That Is a 'Literary Masterpiece'? Try Odin Sphere.

Lisa Foiles — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST

Odin Sphere." alt="Click here to read Looking For A Video Game That Is a 'Literary Masterpiece'? Try Odin Sphere." src="http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/images/9/2012/01/small_ed3ee51bfc4c932df4c4fc0f3a2018b6.jpg"/>

The last thing I want to do is start another debate about video game storytelling. That sounds almost as fun to read as an article about any other dead horse that we've repeatedly body-slammed over the last few years. More »

"Rare" PS2 Games Coming to the PlayStation Network [Update]

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:45:00 EDT

I've been dreaming for a while now of picking up a PS2 game I already own, putting it in my PS3 and having it work. Ever since my launch console died that's been totally out of the question, so I guess I'll have to settle for the next best thing. More »

The Worst Font. The Biggest Boobs.

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 01:01:00 EDT

PlayStation title Dragon's Crown has the worst game title font I've ever seen. It also has enormous norgs. Go figure. More »

Odin Sphere Voice Actor Gets A Special (And Very Scary) Delivery

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 04:00:00 EST

When veteran voice actor Sho Hayami (pictured) of Space Channel 5 and Odin Sphere fame checked his mail earlier this spring, he apparently found more than fan letters. More »

BioShock, Zelda and Left 4 Dead Never Looked This Cute

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 26 May 2010 12:00:00 EDT

shysuiko enjoys drawing little Chibi versions of video game characters in her spare time. The style normally isn't my favourite, but when it's applied to Andrew Ryan and a Hunter from Left 4 Dead, I can come around. More »

NSFW: Is This The Sexiest Game Developer Website?

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:00:00 EST

Not counting erotic game developers, Japanese game developer Vanillaware must surely must have the market for the industry's sauciest website cornered. Don't believe us? Check out its landing page. More »

This Odin Sphere Figure Is Pointy

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:30:00 EDT

Watch out! Those rocks Odin Sphere homeless princess character Velvet swings around will poke your friggin' eye out, kid. More »

Odin Sphere Figure As Pretty As The Game Itself

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 12 May 2009 06:30:00 EDT

If $95 is a bit too much to spend on your Odin Sphere merch - and really, for most people, it will be - this figure of Mercedes might be more in line with your tastes. More »

The $95 Odin Sphere Statue

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:20:00 EST

It may not be as high-profile as something like Diablo or Halo, but damnit if something as beautiful as Odin Sphere doesn't deserve some high-end merchandise of its own. This statue, from Japanese manufacturer Alter, is of Gwendolyn, and will be distributed by Sideshow Collectibles in the West early next year. For $95, she's all yours. More »

Atlus Cosplayers Do Atlus Proud

Mike Fahey — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:20:00 EST

Atlus just announced the winners of their 2008 Atlus-O-Weenie Halloween Costume Contest, which had fans of the company's games dressing themselves up as popular characters for a chance at an Atlus prize pack filled with goodies. Judging from some of the shots they received the real winner here was the folks on the other end of the entry email address. Just look at this cosplay of Velvet from Odin Sphere. The sheer amount of physical fitness represented in that one picture alone is enough to leave my lazy ass winded - and she didn't even win! More »

The Lolita Animal Zoo Game Thing

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00:00 EDT

Odin Sphere developer Vanillaware's latest offering Kumatanchi features a Lolita-style bear-girl named Kuma-tan who puts on shows at the zoo with other Lolita-style critters that include a sexy cow, hot tiger and foxy bunny. Finally! A game that brings the sexy cow action with character designs from illustrator and Habanero-tan creator Shigatake. There are mini-games, picture taking and general creepiness as well. More »

Odin Sphere, Disgaea To Go Greatest Hits

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:00:00 EDT

Two of Atlus' best publishing efforts from the PlayStation 2 era are getting the Greatest Hits treatment, with Odin Sphere and Disgaea: Hour of Darkness. The latter of those two took an impressive five years and change to receive the coveted $19.99 price drop and dreaded red bar. We're not complaining, as all PlayStation 2 owners should give these titles a whirl at these low, low prices. We're just sort of shocked that someone at SCEA remembered Disgaea existed. More »

Odin Sphere Dated For Europe

Mike Fahey — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:20:12 EST

While we've known since November that Square Enix was bringing the best thing to hit 2D since the steamroller to Europe this spring, but that was far too vague for those of you across the pond eagerly awaiting your first taste of the Atlus PS2 masterpiece Odin Sphere. The ultimate hand made fantasy is less than a month away, getting released across PAL territories on March 14th. Mark the date down on your calendar, maybe take a day off work, and be sure to have a couple tissues on hand as you find out why Odin Sphere was number one in our list of the top five gaming love stories of all time. More »

Squenix Brings Odin Sphere To Europe

Mike Fahey — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:00:06 EST

This makes me so sad. I hadn't realized that an entire continent had missed out on what is possibly one of the most beautiful action RPGs of all time. Square Enix Ltd. has announced that they'll be bringing Odin Sphere for the PlayStation 2 to PAL territories in early 2008, marking the first time the company has released a non Squenix title in Europe.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "Odin Sphere embodies the commitment of Square Enix in bringing new experiences to European gamers. This is especially reflected in our partnership with Atlus, allowing Square Enix Ltd. to publish the first non Square Enix title in PAL territories. The wonderfully crafted Odin Sphere is the best possible start to an exciting new period for the company."

Interesting, sure, but who cares? Europe is finally getting Odin Sphere! I get tingles every time I type the name. *tingles* There it goes again! More »

Odin Sphere Developer Reveals Wii Project

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 18:40:51 EDT

Vanillaware, whose latest gorgeous 2D games include Odin Sphere, pictured above, and GrimGrimoire for the PlayStation 2 have announced their latest game, this time for the Nintendo Wii. The latest issue of Famitsu, by way of 1UP, reveals that Oboro Muramasa Youtouden will follow in the 2D tradition, with a feudal Japan era setting that's loaded with paranormal enemies and mystical creatures. The best news? You play as one of two ninja. More »

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 16:40:41 EDT

Ah, the weekend. On Wednesdays it can't come soon enough. But today, there's an internal struggle as I look forward to it, yet cannot wait for it to pass. See, on Tuesday, Crecente and I are heading to the Playboy Mansion for an important event of some sort. I keep forgetting what that event is, but it's at the Playboy Mansion. The rest of the week is filled with a BioShock preview, many musical outings, and a soiree at Casa de McWhertor. So much to do! More »

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 25 May 2007 16:30:09 EDT

Ah, Memorial Day. What's typically known as an excuse for a long weekend, the running of the Indy 500 and back to back BBQ's is actually, as Wikipedia tells us, a holiday intended to "commemorate U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country." My guess is that many of us will spend that time commemorating many lives lost on the virtual battlefield. More »

Simple 2000: The Japanese Software Chart

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 23 May 2007 23:40:34 EDT

Three brand new titles win, place and show in the latest Japanese sales chart. Media Create puts Sega's Shining Wind in the number one spot, with fan favorites Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2 and Odin Sphere not far behind. Nice Ouendan 2 buyin' there, Japan. I'd like to see this game have some legs, so don't get cheap on us. More »

Week in Games: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End Edition

fdemarco — Sun, 20 May 2007 21:00:00 EDT

It's a mixed bag of titles this week. We have a movie franchise game, a new RPG, the re-emergence of a classic, a comic card game, mechs, a high school sim and even the simple crossword puzzle. Not a whole lot that's of too much interest to me although I kind of want to see the Pirates game just because those character models are stunning. Anything here you'll be picking up? Flynn De Marco More »

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 18 May 2007 17:40:00 EDT

If you've been following my UPS shipments this week, you'll know what I'm up to (Odin Sphere and Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2), but what I didn't tell you about were a pair of additional imports that also landed at McWhertor Manor. More »

Odin Sphere Up In Here

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 17 May 2007 19:40:09 EDT

My copy of Odin Sphere arrived from the UPS man yesterday, but due to a busier than expected schedule, I didn't get any play time in with the PlayStation 2 game until late last night. I'm only about an hour in, plodding through the second chapter of book one now, but plan on having early impressions up tomorrow afternoon. Anyone who's interested in Atlus and Vanillaware's gorgeous 2D action RPG should check in tomorrow for details. More »

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:00:59 EDT

Things to do this weekend: More »

Gallery: Odin Sphere

Mike Fahey — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 13:20:46 EDT

There are certain companies whose games I will pick up no matter what the critical reception. Atlus has been one of those companies, ever since I got Kartia for the PS1. Sure there've been some real stinkers (Galleon for the Xbox, ugh), for the most part I've not been disappointed. When a game comes along from them that looks as good as Odin Sphere does, it justifies the entire policy. Plus, even if the gameplay sucks completely I can always just pause the game and stare lovingly at the graphics. Mmmm. Michael Fahey More »

Odin Sphere Gets Dated

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 20:40:02 EDT

Atlus finally gave us a release date for their Vanillaware developed 2D action-RPG Odin Sphere, announced in February. The game will hit store shelves on May 22nd and ship with both English and Japanese voice tracks for the PlayStation 2. More »

Odin Sphere Trailer Is Poetry In Motion

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 20:40:50 EST

Here it is, the trailer for Odin Sphere, the upcoming PlayStation 2 RPG from Vanillaware and Atlus that Kotaku readers called "gorgeous indeed" and "hot enough to melt your eyes." This first look at the spiritual successor to Princess Crown comes to the internet courtesy of Japanese news hound Duckroll and should be welcome video therapy for those of you mentally scarred by my earlier Punch-Out!! clip. Michael McWhertor More »

Gorgeous Odin Sphere Comes Stateside

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:20:49 EST

Normally the key features of a game like Odin Sphere, which include a "robust cooking and alchemy system" make my eyes glaze over, dreading the eighty hour play time one must sign up for to wind through a convoluted plot. But Vanillaware's latest is coming to North America and the words "action RPG" combined with the game's gorgeous, handdrawn graphics have forced me to pay attention. More »