Clair Obscur Director Urges Microsoft to Remaster Lost Odyssey for Wider Audience

In a recent interview with Eurogamer, Guillaume Broche, creative director of the upcoming RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, openly expressed his admiration for the Xbox 360-exclusive Japanese role-playing game Lost Odyssey.

Developed by Mistwalker and penned by legendary Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi alongside noted Japanese author Kiyoshi Shigematsu, Lost Odyssey made its debut in 2007 as one of Microsoft’s most ambitious forays into the JRPG genre. Although Lost Odyssey received a muted response from critics at launch, Broche emphasized its enduring influence and deep narrative.

He described the game as “the last grand turn-based RPG adventure with realistic graphics,” an experience that powerfully resonated with him on an emotional level.

“The themes it tackled were profound and handled with skill—it's the last game that moved me to tears,” Broche said, underscoring the story’s lasting impact. Lost Odyssey’s initial reception was complicated by platform exclusivity.

Available only on the Xbox 360, the title’s target audience—traditional JRPG fans—often gravitated toward PlayStation consoles, making access more limited.

Over time, however, Lost Odyssey garnered a devoted following through word of mouth, its status evolving into that of a cult classic.

Broche noted, “It became a cult favorite not because it wasn’t worthy, but because not enough people were able to play it.

The original reception, in my view, didn’t do justice to what the game offered, especially in an era when anything not open world was hastily labeled ‘old school’ by Western outlets.” Lost Odyssey stands out for its linear progression, immersive world map, emotionally rich narrative, and a renowned soundtrack—qualities that set it apart within the turn-based JRPG landscape.

Broche lauded the game’s structure and storytelling, declaring it “one of the best titles of its kind.” As part of his closing remarks, Broche issued a public plea to Microsoft to consider reviving the game for modern platforms: “Bring justice to Lost Odyssey by remastering it so more players can experience it.” Lost Odyssey continues to be celebrated for its artistry and depth, and the call for a remaster reflects persistent demand among fans and industry creatives alike.

For now, it remains accessible via backward compatibility on newer Xbox consoles, but a full-scale remaster could potentially introduce the title to a broader audience and a new generation of RPG enthusiasts.