Beyond standard attacks, characters can cast spells and trigger unique abilities. All magic requires a casting period in numbers of turns that varies depending on the strength of the spell. Successful enemy attacks on a character preparing a spell causes interference, delaying the magic. This means a bit of strategy is needed to time your spells so that they aren't delayed by enemy attacks. New spells, as well as non-magical abilities, are learned through skill points earn from battle. Along with general experience, skill points contribute toward learning new abilities that are tied to accessories. To gain access to a new spell, for example, you must equip the corresponding item and then earn the denoted number of skill points. Mortal characters automatically learn skills upon reaching set levels, which means immortals like Kaim must use skill linking to acquire abilities. This basically has Kaim learning from other party members instead of on his own.

Lost Odyssey spans four full discs, of which we only played through just shy of ten hours of the first disc. It's a huge game in every sense of the word. Controversial themes dealing with the environment and inherent meaning of life ought to instill the game with a narrative depth that matches well with the gameplay. There's just a tinge of originality to its traditional turn-based battle system that keeps the familiar fresh. Microsoft Game Studios has about two weeks to go before it starts shipping Lost Odyssey, so come back later in the month for our full review.