Is One Piece Odyssey Canon? Unraveling the Truth Behind the Game’s Story
In short, One Piece Odyssey is not canon to the main One Piece storyline. While Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, was deeply involved in its production, designing new characters and contributing to the overall story, the events of the game are considered an original story outside the main One Piece narrative.
Exploring the Canon Conundrum
The concept of canon is crucial in understanding the place One Piece Odyssey holds within the expansive One Piece universe. Canon refers to the officially recognized events and storylines that contribute to the overarching narrative established by the original author. Think of it as the “true” story, as far as the author intends it.
Although the game does not adhere to the canon of the main story, the development team did ensure that Odyssey falls in line with the One Piece timeline.
Original Story with Familiar Touches
One Piece Odyssey delivers a fresh narrative experience that incorporates beloved characters and familiar themes from the One Piece world. One Piece Odyssey leans heavily into the popular anime, boasting a new story that seemingly slots neatly into the series’ canon timeline, although it doesn’t offer a specific date for when it takes place.
This approach allows the game to explore new narrative territories without altering the core storyline established in the manga and anime. However, this originality can sometimes feel like fan service, where characters appear without significant impact on the overarching plot.
Oda’s Involvement: A Mark of Quality
Despite its non-canon status, Eiichiro Oda’s significant involvement in One Piece Odyssey lends credibility and authenticity to the game. Oda designed new characters, like Adio and Lim, and played a role in shaping the overarching narrative, ensuring that the game retains the signature charm and spirit of the One Piece series.
Why Canon Matters
The classification of a story as canon has implications for how fans perceive and integrate it into their understanding of the overall One Piece narrative. Canon events have lasting consequences, shaping character development, plot progression, and the overarching themes of the series. Non-canon stories, while enjoyable, are typically regarded as self-contained adventures that do not significantly impact the established storyline. The canon of a story helps readers understand what matters to the authors.
Where Does Odyssey Fit in the Timeline?
The One Piece Odyssey timeline is between the Dressrosa and Wano arcs. The story seems to fall neatly in place with the One Piece timeline.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into One Piece Odyssey
To further clarify the game’s position within the One Piece universe, here are some frequently asked questions:
1. Is One Piece Odyssey an original story?
Yes, for the most part, One Piece Odyssey features an original story. However, some elements might feel like fan service, with characters appearing without significantly impacting the plot.
2. Does One Piece Odyssey follow the anime?
While the game has its own storyline, it integrates elements from the anime, creating a story that feels like it could fit within the series’ timeline. It may feel like it follows the anime, it is important to remember that One Piece Odyssey is a new narrative experience.
3. Is One Piece Odyssey after Wano?
No, One Piece Odyssey takes place after the Dressrosa arc but before the Wano arc and One Piece Film: Red.
4. Is One Piece Odyssey a filler?
Essentially, One Piece Odyssey can be seen as a large filler arc, similar to side adventures in the anime that maintain the show’s weekly schedule without advancing the main plot.
5. Do I need to watch One Piece before playing Odyssey?
Some knowledge of the One Piece plot is recommended to prevent confusion. At least completing the Dressrosa arc (chapter 801 or episode 746) is advisable.
6. Is One Piece Odyssey worth playing?
Yes, especially for fans of the series and JRPGs. Despite some combat and UI issues, it offers an enjoyable experience.
7. How far into One Piece does Odyssey go?
One Piece Odyssey probably takes place before episode 795, placing it before the Whole Cake Island arc, which starts with episode 783.
8. Why is Jinbei not in One Piece Odyssey?
One Piece Odyssey entered development before Jinbei officially joined the Straw Hat Pirates.
9. Can I play One Piece Odyssey without watching One Piece?
While possible, the game doesn’t thoroughly introduce the characters, and it references past events from the anime. Playing without prior knowledge might reduce your enjoyment of the story.
10. What arcs does One Piece Odyssey spoil?
The game can spoil events up to the end of the Dressrosa arc (chapter 801 or episode 746).
11. Can you only play as Luffy in One Piece Odyssey?
No, all members of the Straw Hat Pirates are playable except for Jinbei. Franky and Brook are unlocked later in the game.
12. Is One Piece Odyssey next-gen only?
No, One Piece Odyssey was released on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on January 13.
13. Will One Piece Odyssey have DLC?
Yes, there is DLC available for One Piece Odyssey, accessible after completing the main game.
14. What happens after you beat One Piece Odyssey?
After beating the game, players can complete missed side stories and return to fights to level up their characters.
15. How long does it take to 100% One Piece Odyssey?
Completing the main objectives takes around 33.5 hours, while achieving 100% completion takes about 58 hours.
Conclusion: Enjoying Odyssey for What It Is
One Piece Odyssey offers fans a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the One Piece world through a new and original story. While it doesn’t fall within the canon of the main storyline, its original story provides the opportunity for fans to see their favorite characters interacting with the world. Recognizing its non-canon status allows fans to appreciate the game for what it is: a self-contained adventure that honors the spirit and legacy of One Piece.
To further explore the educational potential of video games and interactive storytelling, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.