Twinsen's Odyssey Review

Geesh!!! This game justs keeps going and going and going!!!

When Esmer aliens from planet Zeelich arrive on planet Twinsun, trouble erupts and our unwilling hero Twinsen is once again called to action. As the aliens begin kidnapping the magicians and children of Twinsun, the Esmer's sinister plan to destroy the planet begins to unfold. Battling the Esmers and their mysterious leader, the Dark Monk, Twinsen kicks into action to save his planet and the ones that he loves.

With a plot that seems neverending, Twinsen's Odyssey makes for an above average adventure game with some good action and great development. Generally the plot was pretty interesting, and it kept me playing. It wouldn't describe it as addictive like other adventure titles such as Azrael's Tear or Myst, but I like the way the designers set up the adventure. It was always apparent what you had to do and what your next move was, but to accomplish the task, you must use your memory, creativity, and have a tolerance for a little bit of exploring here and there. As a matter of fact, the main, substantial complaint I have about this game is that the plot is too childish. There were too many bouncy people, animals that can talk, flying dragons, wizards, and stupid looking aliens cruising around in flying saucers for my taste. I tend to like a more serious-natured, mysterious, somewhat realistic adventure game, even if it is fantasy or futuristic.

The interface is different than most adventure games. Instead of the very common and played out first person perspective, Twinsen's Odyssey chooses a third person view to widen the gamer's view which gives the game a slight similarity to what you might see in Diablo. The only difference is that most of the graphics aren't sprites; they're mostly true 3D scenes. Unfortunately, instead of continually redrawing the 3d scenes, you only get one, single shot of your environment and from there you are free to move your person wherever you choose. Consequently, once you move your character out of view, the camera angle changes to a different view. This is good news for those of you would like to enjoy some good looking graphics without throwing down for a 3D accelerator card.

One unique feature about Twinsen's Odyssey is the ability to change Twinsen's mood. Having the option to change your mood from normal to sporty, aggressive, or discreet means that you are also enabled with the ability to run, fight, and sneak up on people. Personally, I would have rather hold down shift to run, and ALT to fight, rather than change my mood by hitting F keys, but it's something you have to get used to. Maybe this "mood changing" thing has a future in other games, but I found it hindered my playing ability and slowed things down instead of adding to the game play

I didn't like the sounds very much at all. The miscellaneous game sounds were generic and the voices were VERY annoying. I'm so glad they included a mood which let's you hit people, it sure came in handy beating the hell out of all the high-pitched, squeaky, spine tingling, brain chilling, glass shattering, diamond carving voices. Someone must have had broccoli stuffed in their ears when they recorded these sounds. Thankfully, the soundtrack is a lot better. Again, sometimes a little childish, but with a few select tracks a liked a lot. The music also changes with your environment, it's not just random tracks played one after the other. This adds a lot to the tone of the current situation; not the most original idea in the world, but still, good work on Activision's part. I have to say, I liked most aspects of the game, it was creative and interesting, but its not for everyone. I would strongly recommend you pick up the prequel, Relentless, for $14.99 (it's available re-released as a classic). See if you like that game, and if you do, great! You can continue the adventure and if not, you only spent fifteen bucks, instead of fifty. Definitely don't pick this one up if you hate kiddie adventures, but it you're undecided, and you have no bias, it's worth your look, it's a really long adventure that'll take some time to beat, and I'm sure the average adventurist will enjoy this game.