Orphen: Scion of Sorcery

Orphen: Scion of Sorcery, known in Japan as Sorcerous Stabber Orphen (魔術士オーフェン, Majutsushi Ōfen), is an action role-playing video game for the PlayStation 2. The game was developed by SHADE Inc. co-published by Kadokawa Shoten and ESP in Japan, and released abroad by Activision.[1] Its lore is based on the light novel series Sorcerous Stabber Orphen by Yoshinobu Akita. The name 'Orphen' is officially derived from the word 'orphan', but also has a resemblance to Ancient Greek Orpheus, who has surprising connections to ancient Japan and ancient India. The game was a launch title for the PlayStation 2 in North America and Europe.[1]

Orphen: Scion of Sorcery
European PlayStation 2 cover art
Developer(s)Shade[1]
Publisher(s)
Composer(s)Minoru Yamada
Platform(s)PlayStation 2
Release
  • JP: August 3, 2000
  • NA: October 26, 2000[1]
  • EU: November 24, 2000
Genre(s)Action, role-playing
Mode(s)Single-player

Gameplay

Gameplay consists of a mix between platform/puzzle solving and battles. Outside of battles, the player usually controls Orphen or another member of their party and must explore each area one at a time, solving puzzles and jumping across platforms. Treasure chests are spread out throughout areas which contain either items that can be used outside of battle or equipment which is used during battle. Although enemies can sometimes be found throughout areas, there are many scripted battle sequences that occur throughout the game. In battles, the player controls one character throughout the whole battle and can use three different pieces of equipment: melee weapons, spells, and elemental shields. Though battles are set up like turn-based battles, the battles occur in real time so that the player, allies and enemies can all attack at any time. If the controlled character dies during battle, the game ends and the player is returned to the title screen. However, the player can pause the battle and change equipment at any time, restarting the battle in the process and avoiding a restart.

Plot

Tricked by Volcan into sailing to the merchant city of Arvanrama on the premise of "easy money," Orphen and his friends quickly find themselves in trouble when monsters attack their ship. Somehow, they all make it off the sinking ship safely, only to find themselves stranded on Chaos Island, together with three other travelers: Sephy, Zeus and Mar. They set off to explore the island and learn of a time traveling object. Upon beating the game you are given the choice to go back in time and replay the story and help out a different person. After helping all three fellow travelers, the final battle initiates, in which you learn the whole thing has been a simulation created by a machine in the center of the island known as Gaia, and the fellow travelers were all chosen by Gaia to be actors in its stories. After defeating Gaia, the three travelers are freed and everyone is able to return home.

Reception

Orphen: Scion of Sorcery received mixed reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[2] GamePro said, "While some who prefer more traditional gameplay might not like Orphen's action adventure twist, it still has a compelling storyline, interesting characters, and a good dose of fun."[3] David Smith of IGN said, "The fun of the occasional epic battle is crippled by the dozen mind-meltingly dull conversations you have to sit through to get to it."[12] Jeff Lundrigan of NextGen said that the game was "both frustrating and not very challenging at the same time."[8] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of 22 out of 40.[6]

The game was a runner-up for "Role-Playing Game of 2000" in Readers' Choice at IGN's Best of 2000 Awards.[16]

References
  1. IGN staff (September 20, 2000). "Orphen: Scion of Sorcery Confirmed for PS2 Launch". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
  2. "Orphen: Scion of Sorcery for PlayStation 2 Reviews". Metacritic. Red Ventures. Retrieved December 5, 2011.
  3. Human Tornado (October 24, 2000). "Orphen: Scion of Sorcery Review for PS2 on GamePro.com". GamePro. IDG Entertainment. Archived from the original on January 18, 2005. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
  4. Dudlak, Jonathan; Lockhart, Ryan; Mielke, James "Milkman" (January 2001). "Orphen [Scion of Sorcery]". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 138. Ziff Davis. p. 210. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  5. Bramwell, Tom (December 8, 2000). "Orphen: Scion of Sorcery". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Retrieved June 5, 2022.
  6. "魔術士オーフェン [PS2]". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
  7. Brogger, Kristian (December 2000). "Orphen: Scion of Sorcery". Game Informer. No. 92. FuncoLand. p. 91.
  8. Lundrigan, Jeff (January 2001). "Orphen: Scion of Sorcery". NextGen. No. 73. Imagine Media. p. 91. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
  9. Van Stone, Matt "Kodomo" (December 2000). "Orphen [Scion of Sorcery]". GameFan. Vol. 8, no. 12. Shinno Media. pp. 90–91. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  10. Mylonas, Eric "ECM"; Weitzner, Jason "Fury"; Ngo, George "Eggo" (December 2000). "Orphen [Scion of Sorcery]". GameFan. Vol. 8, no. 12. Shinno Media. p. 25. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  11. Koehler, Paul (November 10, 2004). "Orphen: Scion of Sorcery - Retroview". RPGamer. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  12. Smith, David (October 23, 2000). "Orphen: Scion of Sorcery". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
  13. Thompson, Jon. "Orphen: Scion of Sorcery - Review". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  14. "Orphen: Scion of Sorcery". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. No. 39. Ziff Davis. December 2000.
  15. Lopez, Miguel (November 2, 2000). "Orphen [Scion of Sorcery] Review". GameSpot. Red Ventures. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  16. IGN staff (January 29, 2001). "Best of 2000 Awards (PS2: Role-Playing Game of 2000)". IGN. Snowball.com. Archived from the original on February 2, 2001. Retrieved December 31, 2021.
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