SQUIDS Odyssey review

A unique and challenging SRPG

Review written by
Joe Larrey

August 25th, 2014

SQUIDS Odyssey has had a long journey since its initial release. Originally featured on mobile platforms, the game then flung itself onto the Wii U. Now the game has returned to its portable roots with the 3DS. And this version contains a few subtle tweaks.

The plot of SQUIDS Odyssey is the classic 'save the world' story found in most role-playing games. Players control a squid named Steev. He must assemble a group of RPG cliched squids (think Final Fantasy) to stop a corrupting black ooze from destroying their underwater world over the course of eight chapters. The story attempts to alternate between telling an epic tale and a comedic romp. Unfortunately, the game does neither one particularly well. An even bigger issue is the game's atrocious dialogue. The humor is forced and just comes off awkward and flimsy. There's nothing unique or noteworthy about our squid's story to save the kingdom. What's unique is how they save it.

The best way I can describe the gameplay is Angry Birds meets Fire Emblem. During the game you play as a unit consisting of four squids, selected from a pool of fourteen different squids. The game has the foundation of a top-down strategy role playing game, but instead of the chess board-like battlefields, here they feel more pinball-esque. Instead of moving the characters from square to square, you launch them like a torpedo to traverse the battlefields and to attack the ooze infected monsters. The direction and intensity of each fling is controlled with either the 3DS circle pad or stylus. Both do an excellent job, but the circle pad, (with its smooth rotation), feels much more comfortable of the two. Forewarning, the trajectory physics are a little wonky to say the least. It can be difficult, even impossible, to determine where on the battlefield a squid will end up. That kind of unpredictability will be loved or loathed by strategy fans.

Each squid has a stamina meter that determines how many flings it can take in its turn. Usually there is enough stamina for only two (maybe three) full strength flings. Obviously, one can use less energy. This can be helpful when you want to maneuver a squid for a better position to attack, or traverse obstacles, or to put some distance between your squid and the enemy.

The stamina meter not only controls movement, but is also used to activate a specific ability - one unique to a class of squid. For example, Scouts can dash extra distances without using up stamina, Shooters have a long range attack, Troopers knock back enemies with an area stomp attack, and Healers (by colliding with squids) can restore health. Mastering each class-specific ability is critical to bypass the many obstacles in the game.

While enemies are the main obstacle, they are just one of many on the battlefield. Other hazards include whirlpools that may transport you into danger, spiky sea urchins blocking the quickest routes, and lots of chasms, that could send a squid plunging toward their end. For optimal results, players will need a fair amount of strategy to properly place units during their turn. When it's the enemy's turn, you'd better have strategized well, because they're merciless! Enemies hit hard, hit fast, and hit often. Plus, they love to push your squids into the chasm. Adding insult to injury, they do a victory dance after you're defeated!

Don't worry, you get equipment to even the odds - in the form of hats. That's right, hats. Hats are the only piece of equipment found throughout the game. They grant permanent stat increases to every squid. However, some hats are only available to specific classes. There are two big issues with the equipment system.

First, when you discover a hat on the battlefield, you don't get to equip it right away. Instead you need to purchase it in the shop for a hefty sum. This seems to be a residual effect of the game's mobile roots with in-app purchases. This port could have benefited from a more traditional RPG equipment system.

Secondly, when you acquire a new squid during the game, you'll have to go through your inventory list and equip all the hats that specific squid can use in order to transfer the permanent stat increases. This can get very tedious. The game could have used an option to apply bonuses from the hat to all of the squids, when it's immediately acquired. The menus themselves are also a bit clumsy to navigate (with either the stylus or the buttons). It works, but it feels like it could have been more streamlined.

I'm not going to sugarcoat it. This game is difficult, sometimes even brutal. It's not uncommon to replay battles four or five times before victory is obtained. However, each defeat provides insight on how to progress further and win the battle(s). SQUIDS Odyssey is the kind of game where defeat is just a part of the gameplay. In my opinion, I feel the game will frustrate the casual player, which seems to be the game's target audience. This game could have benefited from an easy mode setting. I think that some RPG players might be turned off by this game. Playing long marathon sessions (like a typical RPG fan) just isn't all that enjoyable, due to its repetitive gameplay. It's safe to say that this game is not for everyone.

The game will catch your eye with its bright, Saturday morning cartoon graphics. The environments are visually appealing, with lovely designs and coloring. The sprites are a tad small and pixelated. Given the limitations of the 3DS hardware, this is to be expected. Enhancing the visuals is a lively soundtrack: the true highlight of the game.

Despite its flaws, SQUIDS Odyssey is a fun, addictive, and extremely challenging SRPG. Its difficulty level can prove merciless, and will probably turn off quite a few people. But those who stick with it, will be rewarded with a surprisingly good game experience.