I do not usually play the New Game option in games because the developer’s typical strategy is to keep the party equipped with previous end-of-game weapons, raise the difficulty level of enemies, or some combination that just becomes a more challenging version of the same game.
However, that is not the case with Odessa. The 4-person party becomes either all women or all men with Oscar the dog being optional in both modes. Why anyone would choose to not include Oscar is beyond my comprehension. But this definitely changes the game.
Playing NG+ or NG++ results in an entirely different strategy being used in each mode. For example, the men seem fairly weak in the beginning of NG++ and a lot more focus on party buffs may be necessary before going into attack mode.
Both of these modes allows you to see the power of Super Technics and make you want to replay the original game just so you can try to incorporate a powerful late arrival character like Jimmy or concentrate on a specific character’s skill to master at Lvl. 60 (or even get to lvl. 70) by giving them 2 skill-use based relics.
I left out Oscar after a point in the original game and never realized how powerful Jimmy’s skills were (especially when Infection is mastered). The original game seemed more focused on MP use for me and TP management was tough without using items. I want to replay the original version now and see how different my party member choices would be.
Just try to not get confused with the dialogue exchanges involving characters that are not currently in the party because the story doesn’t change from the original. It’s a bit awkward when your entire party is standing opposite your entire party, but you get over it (or maybe seek professional help?)
What have you experienced with the New Game options?
