XSEED has yet to confirm a western release date for its Playstation Vita title, Ragnarok Odyssey, but a version of the title available in Hong Kong on August 16 will feature English text. Importers should know, however, that this release will differ from the planned North American release. Several DLC packs, for example, will be available for download, unlike the Hong Kong version, which includes these packs. Regardless, all DLC that’s currently free in Japan will be free in North America. It is also possible to import save data from the Japanese version of the game into this version.
Ragnarok Odyssey is developed by Game Arts, who developed the Grandia and Lunar series of games. Odyssey follows in the footsteps of other monster slaying, world exploring titles such as Monster Hunter and Phantasy Star Online. It’s possible to switch between six classes – Sword Warrior, Hunter, Hammersmith, Assassin, Mage, and Cleric – at your character’s home, and there are also options to customize appearance and equipment. Most importantly for a game of this type, online 4 player multiplayer is available. An additional twist to the standard monster hunting formula is that it’s possible to launch your enemies into the air in a chain of combos. You can also slam your opponents back into the ground to cause damage to any enemy in the immediate vicinity. RO seems to take a faster approach to its combat than its contemporaries.
RO has sold well in Japan since its February release and has actually given gamers a reason to buy a Vita.
