Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Nami, Usopp and the rest of the gang are back in a new video game adventure, One Piece Odyssey, published by Bandai Namco and due for release on January 13, 2023 on PC (digital), PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series. This unexpected software was announced with great fanfare on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the saga created by Eiichiro Oda, with a trailer revealing a little of the game's history and features.
It's been a long wait, but it's finally over: pirates on Nintendo Switch can also embark on this adventure alongside Luffy. The Deluxe version of the game was released on Nintendo Switch on July 26, 2024.
What did the trailer tell us? Not much, unfortunately... Or at least enough to keep the mystery alive. On the story side, we discover that the Sunny seems to have sunk in a storm. We also discovered the now-famous straw hat worn by Luffy washed up on a beach. But fans can rest assured that the whole team is back on an island, where our heroes will have to face many dangers and wild animals. An original story written by the manga's author himself!
In terms of gameplay, players embody Luffy, but not only Luffy, as the entire crew is playable during exploration and combat. The latest trailer, unveiled during Summer Game Fest, showed us a few images of a mysterious world, an island that seems to be well protected, and filled with magic. The teaser promises many mysteries to unravel, new adventures and new encounters to enrich this already rich universe. Luffy and his companions embark on an odyssey full of twists and turns, with highly polished graphics.
"A shipwrecked Thousand Sunny... Crew scattered... A straw hat missing... During their voyage on the Grand Line, Captain Monkey D.Luffy and his crew are suddenly caught in a storm. They find themselves separated from each other, shipwrecked on a mysterious lush island called Waford. The crew embarks on a new epic. On the agenda: exceptional wildlife, powerful enemies and surprising encounters with the island's inhabitants".
Our opinion:
Playtime: 33% of the game played
We were able to test this game on PS5 when it was released. Graphically speaking, it's a real pleasure. The scenery is a blend of classic video game graphics and the characters are manga. Two universes that match terribly well. The island is beautiful, full of intriguing elements and dreamlike spaces. We regret not being able to explore it at our convenience: the game forces us to follow the paths useful to the scenario, with little room for manoeuvre, to go and see what's hidden on the other side of the map.
As for the story, it's also a pleasant surprise. We're delighted to find the characters from the manga, their personalities and their interactions with each other. In fact, our heroes are quite talkative: dialogue can break the rhythm of combat, but it proves useful during the exploration phases. This new world to explore keeps us on our toes, and we appreciate the various plot twists that bring both challenge and new lore to the vast world of One Piece.
In terms of gameplay, it's possible to control not only Luffy, but also his entire crew, each of whom has specific abilities that enable them to traverse areas that other crew members cannot. Chopper, for example, can squeeze through caves that aren't big enough for the rest of the crew. Luffy, meanwhile, can reach remote areas by clinging to certain branches, thanks to his elastic arms. Zoro, for example, can slice through stones to free up access. To each his own. Switching between characters is quick and easy. Overall, the controls are simple and fluid. But it's nice to have the little summary sheet at your fingertips, to refresh your memory between games.
As far as combat is concerned, fans of turn-based JRPGs should be delighted, as the game features this system in a slightly more advanced version. Roleplay has a significant impact on the way battles unfold. For example, when Sanji suffers a state alteration, such as confusion, he, who should normally be able to attack any member of his crew, will never attack Nami or Robin, due to his unconditional love of women. Sanji is also less sensitive to heat, as is Luffy, who is insensitive to electricity. All these little things, combined with the various groups of fighters, make combat more complex, encouraging players to play strategically.
Strategy plays an important part in these battles: enemies are more or less sensitive to certain attacks, each character has special skills to unlock, and you can tell which enemy is going to attack first. You have to use all this knowledge to win battles and gain experience.
A promising game that should delight all fans of the saga.
Adventure awaits you on Waford Island! Are you ready to become king of the pirates?
For other trailers, click here:
Dates and Opening Time
Starts January 13, 2023
Official website
fr.bandainamcoent.eu
