Abyss Odyssey

Short description: 2014 platform action-adventure video game

Abyss Odyssey

Developer(s)| ACE Team
Publisher(s)| Atlus
Sega (Windows)
Engine| Unreal Engine 3
Platform(s)| Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Release| Windows, PS3

* WW: 15 July 2014
* PAL: 16 July 2014 (PS3)

Xbox 360
16 July 2014
PS4

* NA: 28 July 2015
* PAL: 30 July 2015

Genre(s)| Platform, action-adventure
Mode(s)| Single-player, multiplayer

Abyss Odyssey is a platform action-adventure video game developed by ACE Team and published by Atlus. It was released in July 2014 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Microsoft Windows, and for the PlayStation 4 in July 2015.

The game's plot follows a set of heroes who fight to reach a warlock whose dreams are infecting reality in late 19th century Santiago, Chile. Abyss Odyssey combines elements from multiple video game genres, has a unique art style based on the Art Nouveau movement and has characters based on Chilean mythology. It received mostly positive reviews from critics who praised its atmosphere but criticized some aspects of gameplay.

## Contents

* 1 Gameplay
* 2 Development
* 3 Reception
* 4 References
* 5 External links
* 6 Features
* 7 History
* 8 See also
* 9 References
* 10 External links

## Gameplay

The game's developers described Abyss Odyssey's fighting style as "a bit like Street Fighter meets Super Smash Bros."[1]

The gameplay has a fusion of elements from a number of gaming genres.[2][3] The player controls an avatar who battles enemies and advances through dungeons to reach the conclusion of the stage. The game's levels are procedurally generated, providing a new experience on each.[2] The player only has one life but may be revived.[3] If the player character dies, the player is put in control of a much weaker human who tries to avenge their death and can revive the player at specific altars.[2]

The game's fighting system combines elements of the Super Smash Bros. and Street Fighter franchises,[1][2] and rewards players for timing their blocks and attacks at the right moment.[2][3] Players can capture the souls of enemies they encounter—once collected, a player can then assume the form and abilities of the enemy in-game.[3] Abyss Odyssey uses a community-based unlock system; upon its launch, only the first "phase" of the game was available. After a certain number of players defeat the game's final boss, the Warlock, the next phase of the game is unlocked for all players.[3]

## Development

The art was inspired by the works of Harry Clarke

Developer ACE Team revealed Abyss Odyssey on their blog on 4 March 2014.[4] The developers were inspired by the Art Nouveau movement and they used Harry Clarke as a direct reference for much of the game's art and atmosphere.[1] The developers intended the game to be extremely replayable and designed the combat mechanics to be simple to understand, after initially considering a more complicated fighting layout.[1]

An Enhanced Edition titled Abyss Odyssey: Extended Dream Edition introduced competitive multiplayer as well as new types of enemies and bosses to the game and was released for the PlayStation 4 in July 2015. A "nightmare" difficulty mode is included in the Enhanced Edition.[5]

## Reception

Reception

| Aggregate score

Aggregator| Score
Metacritic| (PS3) 70/100[6]
(PC) 69/100[7]
(PS4) 65/100[8]
(X360) 64/100[9]
Review scores
Publication| Score
Destructoid| (PC) 7/10[10]
Eurogamer| (PC) 8/10[3]
GameTrailers| (PC) 7/10[11]
GameZone| 8/10[12]
Hardcore Gamer| (PC) 4/5[13]
IGN| 6.7/10[2]
OPM (AU)| (PS3) 65%[14]
OXM (UK)| (X360) 7/10[15]
PC Gamer (UK)| (PC) 55%[16]
Push Square| (PS4) [17]
USgamer| (PC) 3/5[19]
Metro| (PS3) 6/10[20]
Slant Magazine| (PS4) [21]

The game received "mixed or average reviews" on all platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[6][7][8][9] Critics praised the game's art style and atmosphere, but were disappointed by some of its game mechanics and its repetitive nature.

Eurogamer's Dan Whitehead praised the PC version's visuals and new ideas in a positive review, but felt that there was a "... sense that in straddling so many genres, the game has spread itself a little thin."[3] IGN's Richard Cobbett compared the same PC version's roguelike elements unfavorably to The Binding of Isaac and Spelunky, but noted that "the soundtrack is fantastic, and the art is even better."[2] Hardcore Gamer's James Cunningham likened the art style to "playing a Grateful Dead album cover" and called it "a quirky little gaming gem."[13]

Reception to the combat system was mixed. Destructoid's Alasdair Duncan felt that the combat system was "enjoyable and deep" and provided one of the main reasons to play the game,[10] while PC Gamer's Emanuel Maiberg derided what he felt to be the game's sluggish control input and compared the game negatively to the Super Smash Bros. series that its fighting system is based on.[16]

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Grayson, Nathan (7 March 2014). "Zeno Clash Dev On Abyss Odyssey's Procedural Insanity". Gamer Network. https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/zeno-clash-dev-on-abyss-odysseys-procedural-insanity. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 "Abyss Odyssey Review". Ziff Davis. 24 July 2014. https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/07/24/abyss-odyssey-review. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Whitehead, Dan (24 July 2014). "Abyss Odyssey review (PC) [date mislabeled as "9 February 2015""]. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on 27 July 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140727045057/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-07-24-abyss-odyssey-review. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
4. ↑ Bordeu, Andres (4 March 2014). "Abyss Odyssey revealed!". Archived from the original on 10 August 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140810154749/http://forums.aceteam.cl/index.php?autocom=blog&blogid=2&showentry=108. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
5. ↑ Matulef, Jeffrey (8 May 2015). "Abyss Odyssey: Extended Dream Edition announced for PS4". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/abyss-odyssey-extended-dream-edition-announced-for-ps4. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Abyss Odyssey for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/abyss-odyssey/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Abyss Odyssey for PC Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/abyss-odyssey/critic-reviews/?platform=pc. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Abyss Odyssey: Extended Dream Edition for PlayStation 4 Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/abyss-odyssey-extended-dream-edition/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Abyss Odyssey for Xbox 360 Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/abyss-odyssey/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Duncan, Alasdair (15 July 2014). "Review: Abyss Odyssey (PC)". Gamurs. https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-abyss-odyssey/. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
11. ↑ Moore, Ben (21 July 2014). "Alien Odyssey - Review (PC)". Defy Media. Archived from the original on 10 August 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140810085235/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/gezl1f/abyss-odyssey-review. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
12. ↑ Clouther, Andrew (15 July 2014). "Abyss Odyssey Review: Gaze long into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you". Archived from the original on 6 October 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151006070712/https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/abyss-odyssey-review-gaze-long-into-the-abyss-the-abyss-also-gazes-into-you/. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Cunningham, James (15 July 2014). "Review: Abyss Odyssey (PC)". Hardcore Gamer. https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-abyss-odyssey/94283/. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
14. ↑ "Abyss Odyssey (PS3)". PlayStation Official Magazine – Australia (Future Australia): 77. October 2014.
15. ↑ Evans-Thirlwell, Edwin (21 July 2014). "Review: Abyss Odyssey Xbox 360 [Incomplete"]. Official Xbox Magazine UK (Future plc). Archived from the original on 24 July 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140724071848/http://www.totalxbox.com/79553/reviews/abyss-odyssey-xbox-360-review/. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Maiberg, Emanuel (18 July 2014). "Abyss Odyssey review". PC Gamer (Future plc). https://www.pcgamer.com/abyss-odyssey-review/. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
17. ↑ Stinton, Alex (18 August 2015). "Abyss Odyssey: Extended Dream Edition Review". Gamer Network. https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/abyss_odyssey_extended_dream_edition. Retrieved 23 February 2023.
18. ↑ Tucker, John (2 September 2015). "Abyss Odyssey: Extended Dream Edition". Emerald Shield Media LLC. https://www.rpgfan.com/review/abyss-odyssey-extended-dream-edition/. Retrieved 23 February 2023.
19. ↑ Mackey, Bob (31 July 2014). "Abyss Odyssey PC Review: Training Wheels". Gamer Network. Archived from the original on 29 July 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220729162346/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/abyss-odyssey-pc-review-training-wheels. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
20. ↑ Hargreaves, Roger (21 July 2014). "Abyss Odyssey review – hot Chile gaming (PS3)". Metro (DMG Media). https://metro.co.uk/2014/07/21/abyss-odyssey-review-hot-chile-gaming-4804901/. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
21. ↑ Pressgrove, Jed (7 August 2015). "Review: Abyss Odyssey: Extended Dream Edition". Slant Magazine LLC. https://www.slantmagazine.com/games/abyss-odyssey-extended-dream-edition/. Retrieved 22 February 2023.

## External links

* Official website
* MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

## Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

## History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

On February 13, 2025, Freyholtz stepped down as the site lead to move onto new projects, leaving operations to Tracy Poff, a veteran coder on the site, and Atari staff.[18]

## See also

* IGDB - game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/.
2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/.
3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1.
4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards.
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521.
8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media.
9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned.
10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner.
11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames.
12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games.
13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/.
14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/.
15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/.
16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/.
17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames.
18. ↑ "An update on MobyGames leadership". 2025-02-13. https://www.mobygames.com/forum/3/thread/269628/an-update-on-mobygames-leadership/#post-269628.

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ACE Team

* Zeno Clash (2009)
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