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Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is a hand-drawn action RPG by Vanillaware that reimagines their 2007 PS2 original. Set in a Norse-inspired world, it follows three heroes navigating a kingdom torn apart by war. Released in 2016, the PS3/PS4/Vita version adds new combat mechanics, story beats, and visuals. The remake’s focus is on fast-paced hack-and-slash combat with a side-scrolling aesthetic. It’s a love letter to retro RPGs with modern polish, balancing challenging boss fights and deep character progression. Think of it as a visual feast with a steep learning curve, perfect if you want to sink 30+ hours into a story-driven brawler.
You play as three heroes, each with distinct abilities and magic systems. Combat revolves around timed attacks, dodges, and elemental magic. The game alternates between real-time action and top-down strategy in dungeon exploration. Sessions often involve mastering combo patterns to survive bosses, like the shield-punching Siegfried or the fire-breathing dragon. You’ll spend hours refining timing in Classic Mode or tackling Refined Mode’s added challenges. The Vita version lets you play on the go, but the PS4’s visuals pop. Controls are tactile but punishing, missing a dodge resets boss phases. Progression is slow, requiring repeated attempts to unlock stronger spells and gear.
Metacritic scores it 90, with critics praising the art style and combat depth. PlayPile users rate it 88%, averaging 35 hours of playtime. 68% finish the game, with 82% saying the combat is “addictive but tough.” 70% note the story’s “epic but convoluted” pacing. Community moods skew “proud” after beating bosses and “frustrated” during boss resets. One user wrote, “The difficulty curve is brutal, but the payoff is worth it.” Another called the art “stunning but distracting.” Achievements include “Perfect Combo” (30% complete) and “Boss Conqueror” (18% complete).
Leifthrasir is a niche gem. It’s best for players who enjoy punishing but rewarding action RPGs. The 50+ hour campaign and 100+ achievements justify its $40 price tag for completionists. If you’re new to the genre or dislike punishing difficulty, skip it. But if you crave handcrafted combat and dense storylines, this is a must-play. The PS Vita port is especially praised for portability. Don’t expect modern convenience, this is a retro-style challenge with no hand-holding.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
86.7
RAWG Rating
4.3
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