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01-04-2008, 01:33 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Lost Odyssey Battle Overview
Quote:
Lost Odyssey Battle Overview
We take a look at the turn-based fighting mechanics.
by Erik Brudvig
January 3, 2008 - The turn-based fighting system has been a trademark of the JRPG since the very beginning. Hironobu Sakaguchi has been a prominent influence for almost as long. If you look at Lost Odyssey and you're reminded of Final Fantasy, there's a reason. Sakaguchi made his mark on the Final Fantasy series before leaving Square to start Mistwalker. The design studio's second title is nearing completion for American audiences so we thought it might be a good idea to take a look at exactly how the turn-based system works in Lost Odyssey.
While in battle, there are eight commands available to choose from. You've probably played a dozens of games with these exact battle options, but it's worth running through them when almost all of the screens and videos we've seen of Lost Odyssey have been in Japanese. First is the standard Attack option in which your character will launch an offensive move using their bare hands or a weapon. The next two are Skill and Spell. These use special techniques or magic that your character has learned or been given through skill use. The next group of commands is comprised of hallmarks of the turn-based RPG; Item, Defend, Equip and Flee. Self explanatory? We think so.
Assemble and equip the perfect ring.
The last battle command is one that is often only given as an option outside of a fight. Formation gives you the option to change the front and back row positioning of the party. In every demo we've been given of Lost Odyssey it has been stressed to us that how you position your characters will be vital to success, so the ability to change it mid-battle seems rather important.
Another classic element to Lost Odyssey is its use of elements in battle. Fire, water, earth and wind are the four at use here, each put into a sort of rock-paper-scissors strength circle. Fire is strong against wind, wind against earth, earth against water, and water back again to fire. Attacking the enemy with the wrong elemental attack can result in the enemy absorbing the attack rather than sustaining damage.
The Aim Ring System in action.
The interesting part of the battle mechanics comes with the Aim Ring System. Close to the start of the game, you'll begin finding rings to equip to your party members. Each ring has its own set of effects that it can trigger during an attack. The Aim Ring System begins when you select the attack command. As your character dashes towards the enemy ranks, a ring will appear on the screen. When it does, holding down the left trigger activates a second ring. By releasing the left trigger the moment the targeting circle overlaps with the first ring, you'll maximize the ring's effect. Depending upon how good your timing is, you'll get a rating of bad, good or perfect. A bad rating essentially means that the ring enhancement has failed.
In a turn-based RPG, it's easy to zone out and ignore the combat on screen as you cycle through the menus. The Aim Ring System does its part to keep you involved, while still keeping the battle system simple and turn based. It also gives you a reason to take part in the item creation system in which you can assemble new rings to suit your needs.
Lost Odyssey is due out in February, so it shouldn't be long before we have a final translated copy in the offices. Until then, enjoy the new screenshots in the gallery.
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Pretty cool. I gotta say this game is going to be cool. 
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