COPPER ODYSSEY

I initially had something longer written down but it was getting too wordy and not quick enough to the point (sorry I don't write steam reviews, like at all, usually, also I feared coming off as a pretentious "game journo" which my previous draft was edging towards, but clearly, you can forget about this though, Strap in). For the short and skinny on it, I think if you're into "artistic games" (more art than game mind you) with a resilience against obtuse strange design decisions combined with nonlinear progression, along with entertaining & interesting characters, then Copper Odyssey is definitely worth checking out if you haven't already! (It's already free on itch.io anyways, steam version's only upper hands are achievos and recently added awesome steam cards, emotes & profile backgrounds). If you're an RPGMhead of the sickest, highest, most poisoned degree, then absolutely no skipping out on this one, check it. Un(?)fortunately I'm probably one of the few who've gotten genuine enjoyment out of the literal gameplay, so I'll temper my expectations and try not to glaze my interest in that part too much. It doesn't help that I've gotten genuine enjoyment out of much objectively worser games than this one too if I'm being honest. "Copper Odyssey" is as described in its advertising "A Printmaking RPG," printmaking is, well, play the game and find out. You play as the "Monitor" of a school's print shop, on a particularly bad day in said print shop in fact. Angels have taken the print shop hostage and have added four brand new additions which surround it. The goal is, in theory, simple, beat the four zones in any order. Each is ruled by a previous member of the print shop, take them out in any way you can! And then move onwards to finally take out the lead angel who's orchestrated everything. Of course though, given the aforementioned fact that the game is obtuse and strange in its design, there's at least a bit of an extra layer of confusion to trying to figure out everything in terms of progressing through the zones on a first-time playthrough. But definitely play it blind (as is the general sentiment), as a lot of the enjoyment for a first time playthrough comes from trying to figure out the giant pseudopuzzle of progression and exploration. Later on, the enjoyment comes from knowing how to utterly break the game's gameplay and progression almost immediately, and ignoring the original intended challenge. Not very engaging if I had to be truthful and not a statmunching JRPGgrinder supernerd. The combat is basically throwing instakills around and it doesn't really ever leave that domain, it's a low point for anyone who plays JRPGs for strategy (well, unless you're going for Monitor-only which is an alright challenge and the routing for it is neat) and not because they love seeing big numbers obliterate big bars. I've forgotten to mention that the game is also a buggy mess in some cases actually too, whoops. It's nothing too overly gamebreaking though (usually, there are few instances in regards to the combat actually if you do things in an obtuse manner, figure-it-out), but at least the game's files aren't going to shred themselves up or brick your computer anything like that. Beyond that, the characters present in your party and the zones are all genuinely enjoyable, weird, and interesting (some even "quirky" if you will) to read the dialogue of, and it all comes off in a non-infuriating way, which is a rare sight to accomplish such a balancing act at least in my personal "sights-that-I've-seen." I would like to write in length about them along with the world's setting, however this review is already as long as it is, but I'll at least also say as an addendum; if you play this game and are fond of them too, not only do you have a sequel to play and several other game-experiments published for free, but CAM's also made plenty of comics related to Copper Odyssey's characters & extended setting! "Way of the Canvas," It's a r…

COPPER ODYSSEY is an unconventional role-playing game that proudly embraces its eccentricity from beginning to end. Developed and published by CAM, this indie title presents a surreal journey through a world inspired by the art of printmaking, blending abstract storytelling with strategic turn-based combat. Rather than relying on familiar fantasy settings filled with knights and dragons, the game introduces players to the role of the Monitor, an enigmatic figure exploring the mysterious Print Studio in search of allies and answers. The result is an experience that feels deeply personal, imaginative, and unlike most RPGs currently available on Steam. What immediately stands out is the game's commitment to its artistic identity. Every aspect of Copper Odyssey revolves around creative expression, from its unusual cast of characters to its environments and enemy designs. Companions such as Bad Girl, Miss Gun, and Mr. Woodcut are memorable not because of extensive backstories, but because of how naturally they fit into the game's bizarre universe. The narrative is intentionally cryptic at times, encouraging players to interpret events and uncover meaning through exploration rather than lengthy exposition. This approach may not resonate with everyone, but players who appreciate experimental storytelling will find plenty to admire. Exploration plays a major role throughout the adventure. The Print Studio is structured as a nonlinear world where players can recruit companions, discover hidden locations, and challenge bosses in a relatively open fashion. There is a strong sense of discovery as players wander through its strange landscapes, often stumbling upon secrets that feel rewarding simply because they were found without guidance. The lack of handholding can occasionally lead to moments of uncertainty, but it also reinforces the game's dreamlike atmosphere. Copper Odyssey trusts its audience to engage with its world on their own terms, which is a refreshing design choice in an era dominated by objective markers and constant tutorials. Combat utilizes a variation of the Press Turn System, adding a layer of tactical depth to encounters. Battles encourage careful decision-making, particularly during tougher encounters where understanding party abilities becomes essential. Each character contributes unique skills and combat options, allowing for experimentation and multiple approaches to challenging fights. While the mechanics are accessible, they contain enough strategic elements to remain engaging throughout the game's runtime. Difficulty can fluctuate depending on the order in which players tackle objectives, occasionally resulting in unexpectedly demanding battles, but these moments often become some of the most memorable parts of the experience. Visually, Copper Odyssey adopts a distinctive style that emphasizes personality over technical sophistication. Its hand-crafted presentation and colorful, surreal imagery give the game an unmistakable identity. The world often feels like stepping inside an experimental art project, with every screen offering something unusual to observe. Complementing the visuals is a fitting soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere, shifting between whimsical and contemplative tones as players progress. Together, the audio and visual elements create an immersive experience that successfully communicates the developer's creative vision. Copper Odyssey is ultimately a game designed for players who enjoy venturing beyond conventional RPG boundaries. It may occasionally frustrate those looking for straightforward storytelling or perfectly balanced progression, but its willingness to take risks is precisely what makes it stand out. It is an ambitious and heartfelt project that demonstrates how independent developers can craft memorable experiences through originality and passion alone. Copper Odyssey succeeds not because it follows established genre conventions, but because it confidently carves out i…

This is an incredible game, it feels like it was made just for me. I know the "quirky" RPG genre is tired at this point but trust me when I say this game is a huge breath of fresh air as someone who grew up playing Earthbound and games inspired by it. I could get lost in its world and its characters, the music is fantastic but the strongest aspect are the visuals. I hope this underrated gem gets the attention it deserves, like other reviewers have said it deserves to be up there with the likes of Hylics and OFF. Definitely my favourite RPG Maker game of all time.