In the franchise's latest video game adaption, One Piece has inspired a JRPG with a twist in One Piece Odyssey, set for a Jan. 12 release. First announced in March 2022, the Bandai Namco game was delayed until the beginning of 2023.
Directly worked on by One Piece author Eiichiro Oda, the project marks the 25th anniversary of the franchise with more unique adventures of Captain Monkey D. Luffy and his crew. As the Straw Hats become stranded on the peculiar island of Waford, players must explore to figure out the mysterious reason why their individual power has been decreased since setting foot on the abandoned island.
Pre-order And Editions
With pre-orders live and ready to be bought, fans may have trouble deciding which edition to get their hands on, considering the multiple different versions available and each one having its own regional variant. Preordering any of these copies, give the same in-game item bonuses: 10 Energy Apple, 10 Excited Apple, three Golden Jelly, 100,000 Berries, and the Traveling Outfit set for up to seven characters.
Pre-ordering from GameStop gives the player a Steelbook holding the game, and Best Buy offers an exclusive keychain. The Limited Edition of the game comes with a figure of newcomer Lim of Waford island and Luffy, while the digital Deluxe Edition has the upcoming DLC Adventure Expansion Pack, as well as the Sniper King Outfit for Usopp. However, the full Collectors Edition of the game features everything but the elusive keychain, also including a special box, two in-game accessories, and a set of three postcards.
Characters
Though the game doesn't include the entire crew from the anime currently, Luffy, Nami, Zoro, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, and Brook are all playable. Alongside One Piece's strong returning characters of the Straw Hat Pirates, Odyssey adds two new ones to the list, Adio and Lim.
Not much is known about Lim and Adio thus far, but Lim is confirmed to be an important part of navigating the seemingly endless, unknown areas of the island. Every character holds special abilities to use in combat and exploration that reference their skills in the anime. While Usopp can snipe things with his trusty slingshot, Zoro easily slices through obstacles with his blade.
Developers
The brilliant minds behind Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, and a substantial part of Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age are now responsible for developing One Piece Odyssey. Known as ILCA, aka "I Love Computer Art", the Japan-based developers have been around since 2010 and are surely prepared to tackle their newest assigned title.
Although ILCA has never worked on a One Piece game, the developing company are masters of 3D RPGs, which should get fans excited about the installment. When making the game, the developers paid close attention to the crucial parts of the anime series, motivated to please it's insanely loyal fan base.
Platforms
While the PC version of game will be available a day before every other release via Steam, the anticipated game is also coming to the PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X. This news has brought some unpopular opinions of One Piece Odyssey, since it is not only unavailable to Xbox One and Nintendo Switch players despite coming to the PS4, but there is also no multiplayer whatsoever.
Still, being a game for one sole player is not all bad, since the game's massive areas and many different characters will surely keep the player entertained as they venture through Waford island. Additionally, Odyssey's new World of Memories and Dramatic Scene systems will undoubtedly create extra value for single-player that it loses from not having a multiplayer mode.
Gameplay
One Piece Odyssey's gameplay contains a concoction of enemy-filled, traversal dungeons and tricky puzzles where players can level up each character. As character levels grow, unique abilities and skills are unlocked, a tell-tail sign of its JRPG influences. The quirks and specialties of the crew will be tested with every quest, demanding more than just brute force.
Bandai Namco seems to be especially ecstatic to show off their brand-new systems, just as fans are excited to experience them. Players will also be tasked with collecting the memories of the Straw Hat Pirates as they journey across the expanse of Waford, to the World of Memories, and regain everyone's lost power bit by bit.
Story And Combat
As one of the most expensive anime series ever produced, One Piece has never slacked on its unique plots and character arcs, certainly not halting for Odyssey. Harvesting another one of Eiichiro Oda's original, handcrafted stories, the game dares to be just as exhilarating an every other One Piece adventure.
Even the game's monsters are designed by Oda, which are destined to be just as eye-popping and significant as the ones from the anime. Oddly, the combat of Odyssey is turn-based, a first for any One Piece game in existence. These remarkable, cumulative aspects will either sink or sail player's enjoyment as they become acquainted with the World of Memories system, that brings fans to their favorite locations of the franchise.
The World of Memories
One Piece Odyssey's unique World of Memories is something both fans and Bandai Namco are intensely excited about. Taking from the extraordinary settings of the anime, the system lets characters travel to iconic battlegrounds and locations from One Piece's extensive timeline, hoping to bring a nostalgic feel to longtime viewers of the show.
Many of these locations, such as Water 7 and Alabasta, are from significant story arcs. The events can be influenced by a player's actions without actually altering the timeline, bringing many "what if" scenarios and theories to life. Not only will players who ar familiar with the show's plot enjoy the variables ot this mode, but ao will those who haven't caught up with the anime series.
Player’s Parties Will Be Customizable
Choosing which abilities will be needed at different locations will seemingly be an important detail of the game. Luckily, customizable parties let the player choose who of the Straw Hats they want to bring along on certain missions. The characters and their skills must be used strategically, meaning picking the right team will better help in exploiting an enemy's weakness.
So, while fans of the anime can choose their favorite Straw Hat to accompany others set in a mission, some being required for certain situations. Accomplishing tasks with each team member will vary, all of them having a specific use. For example, Chopper will be great for squeezing into small areas, while Luffy can use his Gum Gum slingshot to take out foes from a distance.
Dramatic Scene System
Showcased as the very soul of One Piece Odyssey, the Dramatic Scene system brings a variety of modifiers and escapades that increases rewards for completing specific challenges. Players not familiar with turn-based combat will have to give more concentration to countering enemies and positioning to get the most out of their playthrough.
Furthermore, players will be able to chain some characters attacks together at different points, making for a powerful alliance in battle. The quests contain random variables that can cause spontaneous scenarios to arise, like having to rescue a party member like Usopp because they have been intimidated by a foe. This intelligent way of keeping playthroughs interesting will be perfect for replay value and keeping player's on their toes.
Staying True To The Anime
If there's one thing One Piece Odyssey sets to guarantee, it's sticking to the anime's source material and using its lively world as well as characters. Replicating these distinct dynamics and comedic elements alongside the drama of the game won't be and easy task.
ILCA developers took their time to study the series to the fullest and pour the same amount of heart into the game as Eiichiro Oda does to the anime. With the help of Oda himself to preserve the fun yet intense vibe energy that comes with every season of One Piece, there's no doubt that fans will be pleased by each reference and line of dialogue that will be the core of the game's foundation.
Source:gamerant.com