SoulTerra Odyssey's Potential Unlocked by Gameplay, Hobbled by Gating
The match-3 puzzling and roguelike battles in SoulTerra Odyssey are enjoyable when the game lets players experience them, but the energy system and level requirements hinder progress.
The latest mobile effort from Bandai Namco, SoulTerra Odyssey, has left a mixed impression on players. While the game's original IP and varied character designs are intriguing, the lack of depth in the plot and character development is notable.
The game's strongest aspect is its gameplay, which combines match-3 puzzles with roguelike elements. Players begin each level by selecting a starting hero and then engaging in action-packed battles. Before each battle, players must complete a series of goals, such as collecting a certain number of objects, by making matches in a big-messy-pile approach.
The game's potential is unlocked when players pick cards to add abilities, skills, passives, and even other heroes to their team. As synergies start to appear, players can experience the satisfaction of seeing their strategies pay off. However, the game's energy system and level requirements hinder progress, making it feel overly stingy compared to other summon-based games.
| Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | Energy System | Limited number of runs before needing to wait for a refill | | Level Requirements | Heroes must be at a high enough level to progress |
The game's soft launch status suggests that Bandai Namco is still refining the experience. With a focus on letting players enjoy the gameplay rather than waiting for energy or enough coins to level up a hero, SoulTerra Odyssey could do well in the future.
### A Promising yet Flawed Experience
While SoulTerra Odyssey's gameplay is enjoyable, the game's gating mechanisms and lack of depth in the plot and character development hold it back. The game's potential is clear, but it needs refinement to unlock its full potential.
### A Future with Potential
As the game continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Bandai Namco addresses the issues that hinder player progress. With a focus on gameplay and a willingness to refine the experience, SoulTerra Odyssey could become a compelling mobile game.
