Atlus and ACE Team announces Abyss Odyssey

The team behind Rock of Ages and Zeno Clash announces Abyss Odyssey, a procedurally generated side-scrolling action game that looks like it’s set to break the mold. But then again, what would you expect from the guys who made the supremely odd Zeno Clash.

Abyss Odyssey is a downward journey into the depths of the unknown. Developed by ACE Team (Zeno Clashseries, Rock of Ages), Abyss Odyssey is dripping with Art Nouveau style. In the game, three warriors are available to challenge the titular abyss: the bold Katrien, the tortured specter Ghost Monk, and the ethereal Pincoya. But no matter how powerful these warriors get, their descent is a circular trip – the action adventure of Abyss Odyssey is infinitely replayable.

The side-scrolling levels never play out the same way twice – be it the monsters they are filled with, the locations of life-saving merchants, or the pathways between levels. There are only two constants in Abyss Odyssey: a great evil awaits at the bottom of the pit, and succeed or die, the warriors will have to battle the abyss for eternity. But the enemies in the abyss are no mere fodder – each one has a complex set of moves. They also have a weakness: almost every enemy can be possessed and controlled by the player…

Well this is a nice surprise. And looking mighty impressive from that sneak peek I might add. I love the somewhat random nature of the game world and the graphics engine looks excellent all around with some terrific animation happening. Probably the most unique feature though has to be the fact that you can take on the forms of the enemies in the game and actually fight using a complete move set.

It’s pretty far from the days of the original Castlevania titles where a bad guy could only move and execute a basic attack as Abyss Odyssey’s enemies actually have abilities that are comparable to the player-characters. Neat stuff and definitely a move forward for the genre. Have a look at the short list for whats new and exciting in AO:

• The Infinite Abyss – Procedurally generated levels will allow the three warriors to battle for eternity.
• Technically Deep – Since combat is the core of the game, ACE Team specifically focused on implementing fighting game mechanics into the action. Dodge-cancels and other technically demanding techniques will unlock the warriors’ true powers in combat.
• Know Thy Enemy – Possess almost any enemy in the game to use its skills and combat abilities…each foe is as technically complex as the main warriors.
• ACE Developed – From the independent team behind some of the most boldly creative, aesthetically interesting titles: theZeno Clash series and Rock of Ages.

Keep you eyes open for more on this one, Abyss Odyssey will be on the way for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC some time this Summer.