Vanillaware are bringing their classic PlayStation 2 title Odin Sphere to the PlayStation 4 as Odin Sphere Leifthrasir, and this is set to be no mere port. Not only have they been adding new features to the game, but have also been improving upon pre-existing systems, which will hopefully provide something new and enjoyable for newcomers and veterans to the game alike. Two returning systems are the ability to brew potions (Alchemy) and cook delicious food (Cooking).
In terms of Alchemy, Vanillaware have updated the system “so players can now indulge their inner mad scientists even more than before”. In the original game, brewing potions only involved a recipe and mixing a singular item with a liquid source of magic called a material. In this updated system, players can merge existing potions with an item to create different mixtures. Brewing can be done by either combining a material and item(s), or by combining a potion with an item – the latter of which was not previously possible.! In addition, potions can now be merged with each other and/or food to increase potency via a grade system. More potion/mixing combinations have also been introduced, and it isn’t necessary to have a recipe either, provided you are willing to mix, match and hope for the best.
Now do you fancy the characters as good cooks? The biggest update to Odin Sphere’s cooking mechanics are the Rest Areas which can be discovered within levels, complete with the Pooka chef, Maury. A quick ring of the bell is all it takes to summon Maury’s Touring Restaurant and he’ll cook delectable meals provided you have the ingredients. Have the ingredients but don’t want to eat food at a rest zone? Take-out options are also available.
Of course, despite these changes, there will be plenty of opportunities to hunt down recipes, hunt down Mandragoras, plant seeds, grow food and essentially gather the tools used to take advantage of the aforementioned system improvements.
Developed by Vanillaware and published by ATLUS USA (North America) and Nippon Ichi Software America (PAL), Odin Sphere Leifthrasir is set to launch in June 2016 on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita.
