Both critics mentioned its archaic design compared to other games of the time. Greg Kasavin, writing for GameSpot, noted the conventional gameplay but otherwise lauded Orta both compared to other series entries and other games on the Xbox at the time, citing its overall presentation and extra features as well above what other games offered in its genre. GamePro described Orta as existing as two entities: one "a 10-stage rail shooter, an archaic and straightforward game style that’s been all but shunned and forgotten in this modern era of fully immersive 3D worlds", the other "a massive sensory overload machine" due to its complex and beautiful level design. GameSpys Christian Nutt felt Orta would appeal to both hardcore gamers, and those who appreciated music and aesthetics more due to these elements being so strongly presented, with his main complaint being pacing issues and an unoriginal if well-told story. IGNs Hilary Goldstein only felt negatively about its short length potentially turning off players compared to other recent Xbox releases, otherwise praising it as one of the best rail shooters available. Jon Ortaway of Official Xbox Magazine felt Orta was a worthy successor to the earlier Panzer Dragoon series, lauding its graphics and audio, with his main complaints being its high difficulty and harsh checkpoint system. Sales In Japan, Orta sold over 33,400 units by the end of 2002, according to data analysis company Media Create, finishing as the 285th-best-selling game in the region. It was considered popular enough in Japan to be re-released through Xbox's budget Platinum Collection brand. According to The NPD Group, Orta was the fifth-best-selling Xbox game in the region during January 2003. Sales were disappointing in the United Kingdom, selling roughly 10,000 units, numbers similar to two other Sega games released for the platform in the region, The House of the Dead III and ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth. Orta was not mentioned in Sega's fiscal report for the financial year ending in March 2003. Accolades As part of its review in 2002, Famitsu gave Orta a Platinum Award, ranking it alongside Metal Gear Solid 2 Subsistance and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. It was nominated in the "Best Action Game" category in the 2003 Spike Video Game Awards, but lost to True Crime: Streets of LA. At the 2003 National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers awards, Orta won the "Art Direction,