Odin Sphere Leifthrasir is a fantastic update to an already wonderful game. The numerous changes accentuate and expand on what made the original so good, and a Classic Mode offers purists the chance to play through the game in its high-definition glory but without any changes to the mechanics.

Today, we've got a special treat for you kids. We'll be telling the story of Odin Sphere Leifthrasir for all of you that missed the Odin Sphere story time. You can all thank little Alice for picking this one out. Now, how about we quiet down and let her begin reading this wondrous tale?

If you played Odin Sphere on PS2 and are curious about some of the specific changes, these are the most significant alterations. It isn't a comprehensive list, but these tweaks improved the experience the most for me.

Gamers who don't connect with the story may find the experience too repetitive and overlong, but those who love 2D brawlers and these colorful characters will find a lot to love in Odin Sphere Leifthrasir.

Right from the beginning prologue, where I saw the bear-skinned berserker fighting the armored horse knight, I knew I was going to love this game. A very long, story-driven 2D action game with heavy RPG elements and a Norse/anime visual style!? Yes! Yes! Yes! Every kind of yes!

Gorgeous 2D hand-drawn art style; Choice of classic or upgraded gameplay; Tons of content

Must like 2D action games

Odin Sphere is framed narratively as a series of books read by a little girl called Alice with her cat Socrates, in a delightfully presented opening sequence of her picking a book to read, each revolving around one of five protagonists.

Every bit as lovely as the original, Leifthrasir breathes new life into Vanillaware's debut side-scroller and then some.

Dazzling visuals; interwoven character vignettes; sweeping fantasy score; clever interplay of RPG systems; refined gameplay

Omission of all-new character scenarios; skirmishes can become repetitive

6 stars

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir is a HD remake of the 2D action RPG with Norse Mythology roots, originally released on PS2 in 2007.

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir tells a truly intriguing tale through multiple perspectives. The gameplay is easy to grasp while still providing strategic depth, and the gameplay is varied and appropriately challenging. I would highly recommend this game.