Vanillaware’s action RPG masterpiece Odin Sphere (2007) is one of those games that everyone should play before it’s too late. The bad news is that most of you probably don’t own a PS2 anymore, but the good news is we’re releasing the HD remake Odin Sphere Leifthrasir for the PS4, PS3 and PS Vita! While the remake is an improved version of the original, it doesn’t diminish the fact that Odin Sphere on the PS2 was a magical experience.
So how exactly do you bring a modern fairy tale to life in video game form? It takes a large team of creative and technical masterminds from Vanillaware for one, but it also takes a dedicated and hardworking team to localize the game from Japanese to English. The staff at ATLUS toiled day and night to make sure that we got the most authentic Odin Sphere experience possible. While localizing games isn’t always a magical fairytale full of wonderment (it mostly is, but some days…), Atlus U.S.A., Inc.’s Bill Alexander, Mike Manzanares, and Sammy Matsushima are here to recount the amusing time ATLUS staff had to “improvise” during production to me – here’s the abridged version:
Back in 2006-2007 when we were localizing the original Odin Sphere, we had no idea what to expect from it. It was a new IP, and while some really hardcore fans knew of Vanillaware, it was a studio not widely known amongst the North American gaming audience. (Of course, after Odin Sphere, Muramasa, and other big successes, they got a little more popular.)
In most traditonal RPGs during the PS2 era, the story advances when the player presses a button to go to a new dialogue window, but to our consternation, Odin Sphere’s story sequences auto-advanced, meaning the voices had to be exactly timed to the scenes. This slowed down voice recording a lot, since some lines had to be modified in the studio to fit within the time constraints. Even though we had tried to manage this during localization, individual actors read their lines at different paces, and some changes were inevitable.
As recording kept on with no end in sight, we made some concessions by tasking a few of the localization team members to do the voices for some (very) minor characters. This was really exciting for the team (and nerve wracking), since it was very rare anyone from production would get a chance to be heard in-game. Usually, the loc team’s involvement in recording was limited to giving feedback and direction to professional voice actors. But of course, this led to some less-than-ideal results (no offense, Production Team!). Perhaps I was hyper-sensitive, but it seemed to me like these minor roles stuck out like a sore thumb. I don’t remember any of the characters being specifically mentioned in reviews, but every time I played the game, I noticed.
To make matters worse, we discovered after recording that a few retakes were needed, and so to keep the game on budget and on schedule, we recorded a handful of lines using amateur equipment in a tiny room in our office which was not properly soundproofed. I imagine you could pick these lines out if you played through the whole game with headphones on, but hopefully people were too busy enjoying the game!
Fortunately, I’m happy to report that all of the above voices have been re-recorded for this new version of the game by professional voice actors! Needless to say, none of our staff went on to become career dub artists, so I don’t think they are too upset about their voices being removed from the game. I guess you could say that makes the original more of a collector’s item, at least in some circles.
From left to right: Bill Alexander, Sammy Matsushima, and Mike Manzanares.
We had some other staff talk about their favorite memories of playing Odin Sphere on the PS2. Take a look below:
Robyn M.K., Senior Marketing Manager
Odin Sphere is a special title for me because the memory of it is intertwined with my joining the company. It was being marketed at the time and was the cover story of Play magazine. I took this knowledge into the interview—and got the job. It was also the first ATLUS game I ever played. At that point, I was a lapsed gamer, having given it up to focus on school and work, but my first time playing Odin Sphere drew me right back in. It was beautiful and resplendent and fully committed to its fantastical visions of fairies, Valkyries, walking vegetables, enormous imaginary beasts, ghosts, a rabbit village… It had been a long time since I’d felt truly enchanted by a game. And it was all the more gratifying to find that it was fun! I loved flying Gwendolyn up and around, and then speeding her Psypher Spear into the enemies. I loved growing sheep and Napples. I loved discovering that the new chapter’s protagonist was showing me the other side of a battle I had just been fighting. Odin Sphere seemed like such an accomplishment of imagination that even now it stands as one of my favorite things about ATLUS.
Scott W., QA Lead
There was nothing at the time quite like the art on display in Odin Sphere when it came out. I had greatly anticipated picking it up and was still surprised about how gorgeous the game was I finally got it home and launched it. The opening scene of the Valkyries dropping into the battle from the sky hooked me right away; I couldn’t wait to tell everyone about how great this game looked that I just picked up. The latest version definitely does it justice and then does it one better as it not only looks fantastic, but plays better as well.
Rob S., QA Lead
I have several memories tied to Odin Sphere… Figuring out which items best combined to create the big ticket Materials took up far more of my time than it should have. Oh, and cultivating plants with the souls of your fallen enemies. The boss fights in Odin Sphere were also epic. Knocking off Brigan’s bikini armor shields stands out. Determining how those tiny metal discs managed to do such a great job of protecting him has eluded me to this day. And after defeating him I’d think to myself, “Shouldn’t have skipped leg day, Brigan.” But most importantly, going for S rank on every stage! That’s not to say I always got an S rank though… *sigh* But I definitely remember going for that rank on each stage.
Sara C., Marketing Associate
Odin Sphere means three things to me: Alchemy, organizing inventory, and Mercedes. While Gwendolyn was the perfect starter to set the mood of the game and hook you in, I feel that Mercedes and Fairy Land is the anchor. She unexpectedly and reluctantly inherits a kingdom, gets it stolen and fights to get it back again. And that’s only the beginning! I would say Mercedes’ story is the most memorable to me, because she develops into a brave character that takes charge and becomes a fairy that deserves the title of Queen.
John M., Editor
Odin Sphere is one of those RPGs where the theme starts playing, and it just hits you. Even before all the other stuff, the main musical theme has always felt like one of the most evocative pieces of the console generation. It promised high fantasy, dignity, the richness of the game’s atmosphere… I can’t think of many other games that were as much of a treat for the senses. I’d say the atmosphere’s probably the reason it’s been such a lasting favorite. There’s a vision behind it, of something melodramatic and Shakespearean, and everything in the presentation lived up to that. Kamitani’s art is gorgeous, as people came to recognize in all his games after, and I loved how the story was presented in theatre-style sequences (with soliloquies and spotlights to boot!), but… man. That music. That’s where I started to really feel the game.
What was your most memorable moment from playing the original Odin Sphere on PS2? Let us know in the comments for a chance to win a Myris, Gwendolyn’s loyal Pooka attendant, keychain that we…obtained…from Tokyo Game Show (North American residents only)! Oh, and we’ll be choosing commenters at random to win from today until 2/17, so please post about your memories before next Wednesday!
Honestly probably the prettiest aesthetically game on the PS2. I remember buying this game on a whim in a second hand shop on my search for gems. It was one of the better games i got on my gem search, the other probably would be Valkyrie profile 2 though that is a different story.
Honestly my favourite moments involved Oswald saving Gwendolyn or Vice versa. Pretty standard but the colours of blue and red contrasting each other and the fact that the two characters fight final bosses that are polar opposites just beautiful.
And that is the thing about Odin Sphere it is a beautiful fairytale, sure its story is not the deepest but it didn’t have to be. Fairies, Knights, Demons, Bunnies, Valkyries and Dragons. Do you need anymore?
Also to all those people who own a PS4 this is one of those games i am really jealous of, I mean not only would be just beautiful in HD.. That deluxe box looks amazing.
Not to be repetitive, but I absolutely agree with Sara; and so the most memorable moment for me was finishing Mercedes’ story.
I clearly remember clutching my joystick as I cried my eyes out; I was an absolute mess thanks to you guys, and I honestly can’t thank you enough for it.
On a happier note, I also remember loving how detailed each dish from the Rabbit Café looked, and as a personal memorable moment in my life, I tried to imitate the chocolate fondant. The keyword here is ‘tried’, but it’s still a fond(ant) moment I connect with this game.
Thank you!
This game was a huge artistic style shift from most other PS2 games at the time. That grabbed my initial attention, and the gorgeous artwork never faltered throughout the game. I also enjoyed the storytelling among the large cast and how their respective tales weave with each other.
The most memorable moment for me was when I thought the game was over by finally finishing the 5th character’s story, an entire section was revealed. The intensity of this ‘Armageddon’ arc gave me a big surprise, and that’s what made it memorable. When you thought each character’s story have reached their conclusion, a final arc is presented to provide full closure on the cast.
Honestly, my favorite moment was actually starting the game. Odin Sphere was my first Vanillaware game, and I’ve been a huge fan of theirs ever since. No other company has impressed me in terms of video game art direction than Vanillaware, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Odin Sphere looks remastered on my PS4. I’ve followed Muramasa and Dragon’s Crown, and I’m looking forward to playing Aegis Rim in the future!
My favorite moment in the game, though, would have to be near the end of Gwendolyn’s story. With no major spoilers, I always loved Gwendolyn’s determination to save Oswald, and vice versa later on. Overall, though, I’m absolutely in love with Odin Sphere’s story and characters, and I can’t wait to get relive it again!
My favorite Odin Sphere memory was starting the game while my wife watched. At first, she was only partially paying attention but she was hooked once she heard Gwendolyn say that the ultimate punishment for a valkyrie is to fall in love.
We played the game obsessively for weeks and even now I will come home to find my wife rewatching the story scenes for Gwendolyn and Oswald.
Easily my favourite moment is facing down King Onyx with Oswald to save the sleeping Gwendolyn. “If all you want is a tool to help you gain power, look elsewhere. Return Gwendolyn to me.” I still get the shivers thinking about it. Nothing was going to stand in between Oswald and Gwendolyn’s love.
Well the initial thing that sticks with me in remembering Odin Sphere is that when it came out I didn’t have the chance to get it immediately. I traveled to multiple stores with no success. So when I finally found it I was so excited that I snorted. Like… a pig snorting noise. This was the first time I ever did that, and it remains the only time I’ve done that. It was beyond embarrassing, but I’d definitely say it was worth the excitement!
At the time I was in art school (okay it was technically summer, but I was still taking classes), the type of art school that values concept above all else. And I got called out for having more “commercial” interests and making more “commercial” work. It sort of became exhausting. I had known that the Odin Sphere would be beautiful from the concept art, but I had no clue just how gorgeous it would be until I saw it in motion with a controller in my hands. The visuals blew me away, and reminded me that something can be made to make money, be part of a medium that is frequently seen as childish, and still be beautiful. And I think that the graphics have stood up so well. I’m looking forward to seeing them in HD and experiencing that feeling of awe all over again.
Funny thing is that soon after hearing about Odin Sphere getting remade and being localized, I blogged about some of my favourite moments / quotes of the game — I was so excited and so happy.
As for most memorable moment, there are so many. I can say with utmost conviction that it is one of my all-time favourite games — I loved everything about it. What I remember most is Oswald’s words to Gwendolyn: “You are _not_ an object, and I will not allow anyone to treat you thus — _never_.” I find it to be really powerful and something that both Gwendolyn and Oswald needed to hear to realize / find their own self-worth — so that they don’t accept mistreatment from others. At least that’s what I took away from that single line. The events following that were also very memorable to me. Of all the storylines, Gwendolyn’s was my favourite.
I also will always remember the feeling of warmth and elation when I beat the game and the credits started rolling. I had never felt such satisfaction for finishing a game.
*bows head* Thank you very for bringing over Odin Sphere way back then, and thank you for bringing it over again. I can’t wait to play through it and experience its wonderfulness again.
My fondest memories with Odin Sphere always came from trying to figure out the various recipes and how to fill them out on my own. I was practically starry eyed over being able to literally grow sheep from the ground, and something about finding ingredients to make those beautiful meals in the Pooka village was one of the most calming parts of my days back then. I was a young teen without home computers, so any information I found on it was from walking to the library myself and writing info from FAQs down in notebooks – but I mostly worked on it completely on my own. I didn’t have any skill with the combat, and struggled as I went through trying to finish the game, but due to all the other elements of gameplay and how much I loved the characters, it was always satisfying. And it made me dream of learning to cook beautiful meals in real life. A bit silly, since Vanillaware’s art totally transcends how beautiful anything could manage to be in real life, a little childish, but it was small things like that which always pulled me through difficult days. Odin Sphere’s always a warm place in my heart and I’m so excited to return to the remake with better skills, so I might be able to get some nice ranks in addition to all the fun I have collecting.
I’m glad that my young teen self picked it up, just because it looked like it had a bunch of really cool girls on the cover – I’m doubly glad that the game never let me down on that front, either. It’s games like this that always make me want to come back to video games, no matter how tight money and time can get. I’m surprised by those localization troubles, since Odin Sphere always had some of my favorite voice work I’d heard! But I’m really glad that for all the difficulties, it got through like it did. And really grateful to the production folks who stepped up to improvise at the time, considering how stressful that would be.
My fondest memory, and I’ll be vague to avoid spoilers, was while playing with a friend doing the final boss battles when I was finally able to play as Mercedes again I was so excited because I really enjoyed playing as her. But when the battle ended and she revealed her true name I was completely stunned while my friend was confused and didn’t know what it meant. Neither me nor my friend had a extensive knowledge of Norse mythology when we started Odin Sphere (except for like things we’ve heard in high school or seen in Final Fantasy games) so when she revealed her true name and I actually knew what it meant for the ending I was so shocked I covered my mouth in awe while explaining to my friend what she was and we were both freaking out and depressed. That moment and her story cemented Mercedes as my favorite character in Odin Sphere.
Odin Sphere was released right after I graduated from high school and was preparing for college. I remember first seeing it on the cover of Play magazine in Borders and eventually decided to buy the issue. Immediately I was amazed by the artwork of the game and bought it upon release despite not owning a PS2. I spent that summer borrowing my cousins system and playing it during the afternoons. While it was the graphics that first drew me to the game it was the story that cemented it as one of my favorites. I loved the literary parallels not only with Wagner’s The Ring of the Nibelung, but also with Shakespeare’s plays, like King Lear, and various fairy tales such as The Frog Prince. One of my favorite experiences with the game was using the cutscene viewer to see how the stories of all five protagonists flowed together.
This was also the time when I started to follow Atlus USA as a publisher. While some of my favorite games before Odin Sphere were released by Atlus such as Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis, Riviera: The Promised Land, and Yggdra Union I never followed Atlus’ output until Odin Sphere which led me to signing up to the Atlus Faithful email. I even joined the Atlus forums where my avatar was a character from Odin Sphere.
Overall I would say that Odin Sphere is probably among my top favorite games and I’m looking forward to finally playing the definitive version on my Vita in the coming months.