This Xbox JRPG Is a Better Final Fantasy Game Than Most Final Fantasy Games

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If you don’t include remakes, spin-offs, and sequels, there are currently 16 Final Fantasy games. With so many titles, it’s expected that fans have strong feelings about which ones are great and which aren’t. However, for a lot of people, Final Fantasy 8 was such a letdown that they see another Japanese role-playing game as the “real” follow-up to Cloud’s story in Final Fantasy 7. Even though it isn’t officially a Final Fantasy game, the 2008 title Lost Odyssey actually feels more like the older Final Fantasy games than some of the more recent ones in the series.

Lost Odyssey initially came out only for the Xbox 360. This means players who don’t own an Xbox may not have had a chance to play this expansive JRPG. However, those who have played it often say it captures the essence of what made classic Final Fantasy games so special. One reason for this is that Hironobu Sakaguchi, a key figure from the original Final Fantasy team, was a lead designer on Lost Odyssey. The resemblances between the two games are quite noticeable, leading many to consider Lost Odyssey an unofficial Final Fantasy title – and a particularly excellent one, at that.

Lost Odyssey Is a Clear Spiritual Successor to Early Final Fantasy Titles

Hirobobu Sakaguchi played a key role in the creation of the original Final Fantasy and continued to be a major influence on many of the franchise’s early titles. While at Square Enix, he helped develop some of the most memorable games in the series, with his last contribution being to Final Fantasy X-2. After leaving Square Enix, he established his own game studio, Mistwalker, where he created Lost Odyssey.

Lost Odyssey, which came out in 2008 after Final Fantasy XII, received generally positive reviews. However, like previous titles, it continued to shift away from the elements that many long-time fans enjoyed in earlier Final Fantasy games. The game replaced random battles with a new “gambit” system, changing the classic feel of the series. This change was also apparent in earlier installments such as Final Fantasy XI, and it becomes clearer when you consider that Hironobu Sakaguchi, a key creator, left Square Enix after Final Fantasy X-2.

A desire for the classic Final Fantasy experience actually began quite a while ago. While Hironobu Sakaguchi stayed with the series until X-2, the games moved away from traditional turn-based combat, adopting Square’s Active Time Battle system with Final Fantasy 4. This shift continued in subsequent titles, and many fans felt the changes peaked – not in a good way – with Final Fantasy 8. Its complicated draw system and weak storyline have contributed to its reputation as one of the weakest entries in the series. Regardless of whether that criticism is fair, the disappointment with Final Fantasy 8 has led some to consider Lost Odyssey as the real eighth game in the series.

This is because Lost Odyssey really captures the spirit of the classic Final Fantasy games. It features a turn-based battle system reminiscent of Final Fantasy 1-3, a style that the Final Fantasy series has largely moved away from. Coupled with the involvement of the original Final Fantasy creator, this has led some fans to believe that Lost Odyssey is the genuine successor to Final Fantasy, and that all subsequent games released after Sakaguchi departed from Square Enix don’t quite carry the same legacy.

Playing Lost Odyssey really gives me Final Fantasy vibes, especially like Final Fantasy 8. I can see why some fans might compare it and almost wish it *was* another entry in that series – you know, something that feels more like the Final Fantasy they remember and love. But honestly, Lost Odyssey isn’t *just* trying to be a spiritual successor. It’s a genuinely good game on its own, and that’s what matters to me.

On Its Own Merits, Lost Odyssey Has Fans Begging for a Remake

Although Final Fantasy has seen recent revivals through remakes and remastered versions, Lost Odyssey has largely been forgotten, fitting its name. Players who still own an Xbox 360 and the original game disc can still play it, and a digital version is available for Xbox One or Series X|S through the Microsoft store. However, this beloved JRPG has never been released on PC, nor on any other consoles. Therefore, Lost Odyssey hasn’t achieved the same level of popularity or widespread availability as Final Fantasy. Perhaps it’s time for that to change.

As classic JRPGs such as Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter and Dragon Quest receive remakes and updated versions, fans are increasingly hoping for a revival of Lost Odyssey. While the game isn’t perfect, it captures the traditional JRPG feel that many who enjoyed older Final Fantasy titles are eager to experience again. For a long time, players have wanted to see it released on current consoles, but unfortunately, that doesn’t seem probable.

In a recent interview with IGN Japan, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer expressed his desire to see Lost Odyssey revived, along with other beloved classic Xbox games. He mentioned it’s one of the most frequently requested revivals, and understandably so-it’s a well-made game that hasn’t reached a wide enough audience. However, the original developers aren’t currently interested in bringing the game back.

In 2024, Sakaguchi stated he isn’t planning to remake or remaster Lost Odyssey or Mistwalker’s other beloved game, Blue Dragon. The studio is focused on creating new titles, and it doesn’t seem like remastering older games is a priority. While things could potentially change – perhaps with a significant offer – or if Mistwalker partnered with another company like Virtuos did with Oblivion Remastered, fans shouldn’t expect Final Fantasy’s spiritual successor to return to current gaming systems anytime soon.

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2025-10-03 16:15