Image: Microsoft Every time a new Final Fantasy game comes out, people criticize it for not capturing the same spirit as the previous entries in the franchise. And while each new entry has its supporters, there’s a feeling that series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi is still influential. After 2000’s Final Fantasy IX, things seem to be going downhill.
I Haven’t Played Final Fantasy XVI ‘Right,’ And That’s OK This is what 2007’s Lost Odyssey is, and for a short time, the lost masterpiece is available for less than $9 on Xbox. Lost Odyssey looks like a major Final Fantasy title in everything but name. This is largely due to the talent behind it, with Sakaguchi writing the story and Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uemetsu providing the score. The title also features combat from previous Final Fantasy games at a time when Square Enix is trying new approaches to push the franchise away from its roots, as seen in Final Fantasy XII’s MMO-like combat. Combat in Lost Odyssey does not simply play for victories. The addition of new systems that require the player to strategize how long to engage monsters or delay the enemy’s response adds risk to every encounter. Similar systems can be observed in recent RPGs like the game Octopath Traveler, as they mitigate criticisms of turn-based systems being too slow or inadequate. Of course, the main draw of Lost Odyssey is the opportunity to explore a new world from Sakaguchi’s mind, and this one could be the best. There are familiar, Final Fantasy-like elements such as the expansion of the world’s magic and how this new technology aids in the war between its nations, but there is a fresh approach to this familiar concept. At the core of Lost Odyssey’s story is the protagonist Kaim, an immortal who has lived so long that he has started to lose his memory as his brain struggles to cope with the extent of his life. This evolves into a story that raises poignant questions about the importance of remembering the best and worst moments of our lives. An impressive cast led by the protagonist Kaim makes this story, which feels unique to Sakaguchi’s work, very compelling. Most people did not play it. This is likely due to the Xbox 360’s lack of popularity, as it was Microsoft’s effort to appeal to RPG players. Thanks to Xbox backwards compatibility, Lost Odyssey is available on Xbox Live and can be played on Xbox One and Series consoles. And it’s on sale for just $8.24 until February 12. If you’ve been curious about the current state of Final Fantasy, then you should explore Sakaguchi’s overlooked masterpiece.
