Kotaku: odin sphere

This Odin Sphere Figure Is Pointy

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:30:00 MDT

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

This PVC figure of her will be released this December in Japan for around US$100 and is manufactured by Yamato Toys.

Odin Sphere Velvet non-scale PVC figure by Yamato [Neko Magic]

Odin Sphere Figure As Pretty As The Game Itself

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 12 May 2009 04:30:00 MDT

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.

Standing 9" tall, she'll be out in August, and at the moment is Japan-only, so you'll have to import. Which will cost you ¥8190, or USD$83, and then...oh. So, yeah, if $95 is too much for you, $83 probably is too. Sorry!

Yamato's Mercedes from Odin Sphere [Tomopop]

The $95 Odin Sphere Statue

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:20:00 MST

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.

Atlus Cosplayers Do Atlus Proud

Mike Fahey — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:20:00 MST

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!

No, Velvet was just a runner up. The winner was the girl who dressed up as Izuna, The Unemployed Ninja, who did a lovely job of representing the DS series despite not having quite the same assets to work with. Check out the gallery for the rest of the runners up, or hit the link to see all the entries, a disturbing number of which have guns pointed at their heads.

Atlus-O-Weenie Contest Entries [Atlus]

The Lolita Animal Zoo Game Thing

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:00:00 MDT

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.

Game is out later this month. Hit the jump for the promo trailer.

ＤＳ用くまたん育成ソフト・くまたんち　「驚愕のリアルタイム育成シミュレーション」 [Akiba Blog]

Odin Sphere, Disgaea To Go Greatest Hits

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:00:00 MDT

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.

Both titles will have their box arts slightly shrunk and their street value hit rock bottom this September in North America. Congrats to both.

Odin Sphere Dated For Europe

Mike Fahey — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:20:12 MST

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.

Experience The Ultimate 'Hand Made' Fantasy With Odin Sphere
London (20th February 2007) - Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that Odin Sphere™ will be released across all PAL territories from 14th March 2008 exclusively on the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system.

Odin Sphere brings a lavishly illustrated world to a home console, experienced through an intuitive, high quality control system. Odin Sphere's fantasy world interlaces five individual tales to tell an epic story of amazing power, inevitable loss and irresistible love to enchant users.

Fully optimized for Europe, Odin Sphere delivers unique action-combat gameplay that rewards speed and style, revamping the action RPG genre. An alchemy system that lets you combine the spoils of combat for added bonuses and rare items adds further depth to this epic experience.

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."

For more information about Odin Sphere please visit the official website at www.odinsphere.co.uk

About ODIN SPHERE

Story
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 artefact, 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.

Features

* Gorgeous hand-drawn artwork and animations
* Intense side-scrolling action with astonishing attacks and magic effects
* Fully-voiced dialogue that heightens the drama
* Five playable characters in all; each one's fate is intertwined with the others
* Powerful orchestral score from Hitoshi Sakimoto, composer of FINAL FANTASY® XII
* A robust cooking and alchemy system that can be used to create powerful attack and recovery items
* PAL version includes 60Hz display mode to deliver the experience that the creators intended, and an optimised 50Hz display mode too
* In-game text is fully localised into English, French, German, Spanish and Italian
* Option to select either English or the original Japanese vocal track

Squenix Brings Odin Sphere To Europe

Mike Fahey — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 08:00:06 MST

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!

Experience The Ultimate 'Hand Made' Fantasy With Odin Sphere
London (30th November 2007) - Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces the release of Odin Sphere™ in early 2008, across all PAL territories and exclusively on the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system.

Be inspired by the renaissance of the lost art of hand-drawn in-game artwork. Odin Sphere brings a lavishly illustrated world to a home console, experienced through an intuitive, high quality control system. Odin Sphere's fantasy world interlaces five individual tales to tell an epic story of amazing power, inevitable loss and irresistible love to enchant users.

Fully optimized for Europe, Odin Sphere delivers unique action-combat gameplay that rewards speed and style, revamping the action RPG genre. An alchemy system that lets you combine the spoils of combat for added bonuses and rare items adds further depth to this epic experience.

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."

Odin Sphere Developer Reveals Wii Project

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:40:51 MDT

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.

No date is set for Oboro Muramasa Youtouden's Wii-mote swinging adventure, but we pray to the video game gods that we see more at TGS.

Vanillaware Unveils Wii Action Game [1UP]

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 14:40:41 MDT

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!

In an effort to while away the time, I'll be playing some new purchases. I snapped up Tomb Raider: Anniversary for the PlayStation 2 and Gunpey for the PSP last night, in addition to a Wii Classic Controller. I'll be going nuts with all three, finding time to squeeze in a little Diablo II, Odin Sphere and Warhawk beta when the time presents itself.

Yes, sleep is out. I'll also be eating standing up and brushing my teeth in the shower. So what are you looking forward to? And what are you playing this weekend? Michael McWhertor

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 25 May 2007 14:30:09 MDT

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.

I know that as I lose hundreds of Terran marines and firebats this weekend playing my recently re-installed copy of StarCraft, I'll pause, for a fraction of a second, a remember each one. I'll also continue to work my way through Odin Sphere, hopefully finally getting around to posting those long-promised impressions on Monday. And since O3's Tank Beat for the Nintendo DS showed up at my door the other day, I'm going to take it for a spin. Kick the treads, if you're into ill conceived turns of phrases.

Oh, plus I've got those Wii Points to spend. 2300 of 'em! I'll do the math and get something good this Saturday. Yourself? What are you playing this weekend? Tap it out in the comments! Michael McWhertor

Simple 2000: The Japanese Software Chart

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 23 May 2007 21:40:34 MDT

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.

The rest of the list features the usual suspects, with Final Fantasys and mini-game collections heaviliy populating the top ten. For the week of May 14th to the 20th, we have:

01. Shining Wind (PS2) - 78,030 / NEW
02. Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2 (DS) - 70,821 / NEW
03. Odin Sphere (PS2) - 59,248 / NEW
04. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Lion War (PSP) - 39,480 / 194,371
05. Wii Sports (Wii) - 27,788 / 1,601,564
06. Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings (DS) - 23,904 / 445,237
07. More Brain Age (DS) - 18,790 / 4,284,904
08. Wii Play (Wii) - 18,179 / 1,317,807
09. New Super Mario Bros. (DS) - 17,862 / 4,458,786
10. Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree (Wii) - 15,816 / 133,304

One more newbie after the jump. Who can find it?

11. Super Paper Mario (Wii)
12. Yoshi's Island DS (DS)
13. Momotarou Dentetsu DS Tokyo & Japan (DS)
14. More English Training (DS)
15. Gyakuten Saiban (DS)
16. Mario Kart DS (DS)
17. Custom Beat Battle: Draglade (DS)
18. Animal Crossing Wild World (DS)
19. Professor Layton and the Mysterious Village (DS)
20. Brain Age (DS)
21. Panel de Pon DS (DS)
22. Mario vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis (DS)
23. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd (PSP)
24. English Training (DS)
25. Dragon Quest Monsters Joker (DS)
26. Kotoba no Puzzle: Mojipittan DS (DS)
27. Zaidan Houjin Nippon Kanji Nouryoku Kentei Kounin: KanKen DS (DS)
28. Common Sense Training (DS)
29. Pokémon Diamond (DS)
30. One Piece Unlimited Adventure (Wii)

Next week, we might see some new releases like Bleach Heat the Soul 4 for the PSP and Kekkaishi: Karasumori Ayakashi Kidan for the Nintendo DS make sales chart appearances. Who knows?!

Now, I'm hoping that everyone keeps the Ouendan sequel in their thoughts and prayers. Fingers crossed for continued successful sales! Michael McWhertor

Media Create Sales

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

fdemarco — Sun, 20 May 2007 19:00:00 MDT

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

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (X360, PC, PS2, WII, PS3, DS, PSP) Set sail with Capt. Jack Sparrow and grab yourself some booty.
Halo 2 (PC)
The long awaited Vista version finally arrives
Odin Sphere (PS2)
Take a pretty RPG, throw in a little brawling and you've got Odin sphere.
Dawn of Mana (PS2)
The popular Mana series finally gets a follow up.
Naruto: Ninja Council 3 (DS)
More Naruto for your DS
WarTech: Senko no Ronde (X360)
Major mech madness.
Brooktown High: Senior Year (PSP)
Relive the horror of High School all over again.
Death, Jr. and the Science Fair of Doom (DS)
La Petite mort.
Marvel Trading Card Game (DS)
Think, Marvel:The Gathering.
The New York Times Crosswords (DS)
Why wait till Sunday?

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 18 May 2007 15:40:00 MDT

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.

I picked up the bit Generations entry Dialhex, completing the collection, and Kuru Kururin Paradise for the Game Boy Advance, both of which I'll be becoming familiar with for my upcoming trip. On Monday night, I'll be heading to Seattle for the Nintendo media briefing, meaning you'll be hearing about some new Nintendo announcements hitting next week.

I've also got a Stuntman: Ignition event to attend Sunday, one that should offer plenty of motion sickness and hands-on time with the THQ game. Busy!

So, what are you playing this weekend? Check in with us in the comments. Michael McWhertor

Odin Sphere Up In Here

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 17 May 2007 17:40:09 MDT

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.

If anyone has any questions about the game, please ask in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them in tomorrow's update. Michael McWhertor

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:00:59 MDT

Things to do this weekend:

1. Finish Super Paper Mario. Seriously need to get this done. Ouendan 2 ships next week—went for the expensive shipping—with Odin Sphere arriving the following Wednesday. Gotta get the rest of those Pure Hearts and quick-like.

2. Find out where the hell my Katamari Damacy t-shirts are. I ordered three of those dudes from the folks at Panic weeks ago.

3. Sell some stuff on eBay. I've got that Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess preview cart for the Nintendo DS that was given away at E3 '06 and some sweet LocoRoco merch just rotting on my shelf.

4. Put together a contest for some swag giveaways. Some L-sized Kotaku reader surely wants this stuff.

5. Call mom. Oh yeah! Just remembered she's in Italy. Easiest Mother's Day ever!

Looks like finishing Super Paper Mario is going to take up most of my free time. You? What are you playing this weekend? Hit the comments! Michael McWhertor

Gallery: Odin Sphere

Mike Fahey — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 11:20:46 MDT

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

Odin Sphere Gets Dated

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 18:40:02 MDT

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.

The game sees players take the role of warrior princess Gwendolyn and guide her through a nasty fairy war. I know, I know, it's SO femme, it should ship with a pink controller, but this game is too gorgeous to give into fear of emasculation.

Don't believe me? Check out our previous Odin Sphere gallery showing off the game in action alongside some delicious artwork. Michael McWhertor

Odin Sphere Trailer Is Poetry In Motion

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 18:40:50 MST

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

Gorgeous Odin Sphere Comes Stateside

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 17:20:49 MST

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.

The character artwork and in-game graphics really are breathtaking, making this sidescrolling, spiritual successor to the Saturn epic Princess Crown a fairly easy purchase. Check out the gallery below, hit the jump for the full release, and forgive us for letting it slip under the Kotaku radar. Michael McWhertor

Odin Sphere Official Site [Atlus]

ATLUS U.S.A., INC. SIGNS ODIN SPHERE

The Prophecy Must Die

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA — FEBRUARY 9, 2007 — Atlus U.S.A., Inc., a leading publisher of interactive entertainment, today announced the acquisition of the North American publishing rights to Odin Sphere, an Action RPG designed exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and slated to be in retail stores in late spring of 2007.

Odin Sphere is developed by Vanillaware, makers of the amazing Princess Crown for the Sega Saturn, and features beautiful hand-drawn artwork put into motion to tell an epic tale of power, loss, and love. The game is rated "T" by the ESRB for Mild Language, Fantasy Violence, Suggestive Themes, and Use of Alcohol.

About Odin Sphere:

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.

Odin Sphere Key Features:

* Gorgeous hand-drawn artwork and animations!
* Intense side-scrolling action with astonishing attacks and magic effects!
* Fully-voiced dialogue that heightens the drama!
* Fantastic bosses that tower over the protagonists!
* 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!

# # #

About Atlus U.S.A., Inc.

Located in Irvine, California and founded in 1991, Atlus U.S.A., Inc. is a publisher of video games for a variety of platforms, including the Nintendo DS , Game Boy Advance, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and Xbox . Atlus U.S.A, Inc.'s library of critically acclaimed video games includes Riviera: The Promised Land, Trauma Center: Under the Knife, Magna Carta: Tears of Blood, and the award-winning Shin Megami Tensei series. For more information, visit http://www.atlus.com.