The Odyssey is a three piece hybrid case made to be competitive in the maximum protection category. It provides a new design idea when it comes to hard exoskeleton hybrids. My first impression was puzzlement at the strange back panel. It makes the case look something like a combination of a robot, and a reduced six pack stomach. After using it for some time the design makes more sense, and I can even find it quite cool looking.
Made using three pieces the Odyssey is still quite easy to assemble. First you insert the phone in the inner casing made from a soft polymer. This inner casing in itself protects the sides, back and front sides of the phone. It is thinner than silicone, but lacks the same rubberized surface. Next you place the loose back panel onto the back of the case. This back panel is rubberized, and hollow. It provides grip, and impact protection. 
Holding it all in place is the outer hard exoskeleton. This frames the back, and protects the top, and bottom of the phone. Furthermore there is a strip sticking out next to the camera giving the entire back the same depth. This makes it possible to have the case lie down flat on a table without any wobbling.
For protection the Odyssey is excellent providing fabulous impact, and scratch resistance. The entire phone bar the screen is protected directly by the case. I would rate it at the same level of protection as that of the OtterBox Commuter, and Speck CandyShell. But what makes it excel slightly above most cases is the inclusion of extras. If you use the included screen film protector, headphone socket protector and charge socket protector the Odyssey is getting closer to the king of protection OtterBox Defender. What sets Odyssey apart from both the Defender and Commuter is the fact that it is quite slim, and the bulk added is limited to the back panel. This is perhaps the best protection solution when counting protection added for each millimetre of bulk added.
The surface of the Odyssey feels somewhat plastic, and cheap. This is a common problem with a lot of polycarbonate cases. Even the back panel that is supposed to be rubberized feels too plastic. The case still provides extra grip due to having the grooves in the back panel, and upper bump of the exoskeleton. When playing games in landscape mode it feels great, and enhances the experience of games such as Real Racing 2.
When inside the case you still have full functionality. The camera cut-out is well made, and has black colour in the inside to avoid disturbing the flash. The volume controls, and silent button are covered by the inner soft plastic. All buttons are responsive, and don’t take any extra power to push. The mute switch needs some fiddling to use, as it is encased in two layers of protection.
The Odyssey is an excellent choice for protection without becoming bulky. It has a special look to it, and that alongside the plastic feel are the only drawbacks. If you can get past that this is definitely a case I can recommend. It provides grip for long gaming sessions, and comes with a lot of extra accessories. The fact that it comes in seven color combinations, all with extra interchangeable back panels is also worth mentioning.
Final Rating
Odyssey at SwitchEasy.com $29.95
