How do you feel about turn-based combat?
As the manga sails toward its 25th anniversary,One Piecefans will have a big new role-playing game from Bandai Namco to sink their teeth into this year. Announced today with a trailer,One Piece Odysseyis coming to PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S from developerILCA, Inc., a studio we recently saw work onPokemon Brilliant DiamondandShining Pearl.
The trailer leans into the world, characters, and music, but it’s voiceless. Naturally,One Piece Odysseyis heavy on returning favorites — today’s press release confirmsLuffy, Roronoa Zoro, Nami, Franky, Sanji, Usopp, Nico Robin, Tony Tony Chopper, and Brook — but there’s also a new character in the game, the “cheerful and towering Adio.”
One PiececreatorEiichiro Odawas involved in the project (with character and monster designs, perSiliconera), and he leftan amusing message. “I thought to myself — wasn’t it like three years ago when I designed the characters?! Hahaha! But when I actually saw the game… Wow! It felt like I was watching a movie! What incredible immersion!”
The elaborate attack animations give it away further into the trailer, but yes,One Piece Odysseyis an RPG with turn-based combat. The story is hush-hush other than to say that the Straw Hats are stranded and separated on a “mysterious island full of nature.”
The exploration angle could be comfy, and aseparate videowith producerKatsuaki Tsuzukishows a few dungeon clips, if you want to see more. It’s also worth giving a nod to composer Motoi Sakuraba, who’s coming off of theTales ofandDark Soulsseries.
It seems like Bandai Namco is betting big onOne Piece Odyssey, and before even seeing much of it in action, I already get the sense that folks are going to eat this game up. I mean, an all-outOne PieceJRPG — it makes sense! The timing, for now, is just “2022.”
