Twinsen's Odyssey Preview

Relentless: Twinsen's Adventure (known in Europe as Little Big) was one of the best action-adventure games of the last few years. Featuring stunning visuals, an excellent story, and an enormous game world, Twinsen's Adventure was one of those rare gems that managed to be both original and familiar at the same time. Designed by Frederick Raynal (whose design credits also include Alone in the Dark and Time Commando), Twinsen's Adventure created a world filled with strange creatures and cultures. Sadly, the game went largely unnoticed, garnering rave reviews, which unanimously hailed the merits of the game while complaining about the terrible save/restore features, but not finding its way onto the hard drives of the general public.

Luckily for those who missed out the first time around, this summer will bring Twinsen's Odyssey. The Odyssey picks up pretty much where the Adventure left off. Twinsen has saved his homeworld (named, confusingly enough, Twinsun) from the grip of the evil Funfrock, rescued the lady and discovered his heroic lineage. At the start of Twinsen's Odyssey, all seems right and well in Twinsun. But when the wizards of the land begin disappearing, Twinsen must head out on yet another quest. He'll have to travel not only through the numerous lands of Twinsun, but also to an alien world.

Players will still be able to explore most of Twinsun, and the game won't take a strictly linear path, allowing more time to wander around and take in the sights. All of the resident cultures (such as the rabbit-like Rabbibunnies and elephant-like Grobos) have returned, and their newfound freedom from Funfrock makes Twinsen's dealings with them much less hazardous. In addition to the immense world of the original, Twinsen's Odyssey has added a whole other world, Zeelich - the home of the aliens who have abducted the magicians in hopes of conquering Twinsun. There are numerous resident cultures on Zeelich, including the malevolent Esmers and their slaves, the Mole People and the Mosquibees (who look like a cross between mosquitoes and bees). Before his Odyssey is over, Twinsen will not only have to save his home planet, but also help to free the indentured inhabitants of Zeelich.

Twinsen's Odyssey doesn't attempt to alter the look or the feel of the original - but there has been one major change. While the player is inside buildings, the game still utilizes the isometric viewpoint and crisp, cartoonish graphics that defined Twinsen's Adventure. Once the player begins exploring the outside world, however, the game adopts a changing camera that can follow Twinsen or be manipulated by the player to find the perfect angle. The other major change, which will delight anyone who played the original, is the addition of a more flexible save and restore feature, allowing players to save the game at any point.

With the adjustments and additions, Twinsen's Odyssey promises to be a bigger and better adventure - a hearty achievement, indeed. Adventure gamers should get ready to set aside a large chunk of their summer.