Etrian Odyssey
by Atlus
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Video Game Reviews of Etrian Odyssey
Customer Review: Old school RPG, indeed
Summary: 2 Stars
This game is a grind-fest with practically zero story. I felt like I was playing a primitive RPG. I will admit it is one of few RPGs I have played that is truly challenging.
I am not sure why this is on the DS. Besides the draw your own map idea the game makes no use of its power. There is almost no animation. You never see your characters except in a portrait in menus. Battle is represented by an enemy portrait being assaulted by a flash and either a yellow slash or maybe a lightning bolt. The rest of the game is done by exploring a 3D maze first-person style sometimes avoiding a glowing ball that represents a tougher enemy or navigating menus in town.
If you like true old school gaming on the go this game is for you. If you want a more evolved game with more substance, I don't recommend this one.
Customer Review: Atlus Again, Doing What It Does Best
Summary: 5 Stars
A classic RPG set in the first person mode (like Counterstrike or any other FPS). Atlus owns the DS in uniqueness.
I'll admit, I don't get stuck to a particular game for a very long period of time, mainly because I don't have the time to devote to it. While the same goes for Etrian Odyssey, I could tell immediately that this was a well made game, probably the most intricately designed game for the DS.
The same day I walked into EB Games to buy Naruto (which I later decided against and bought Izuna instead), I picked up Etrian Odyssey, simply because I had never heard of it. I love doing that, but it's disappointed me very many times.
Fortunately, Etrian Odyssey did not. RPG fans, this game has it all: good storyline, good character development, slow and deliberate character building through the classic EXP system, a very intricately designed dungeon system, mages, warriors, bards, rogues, archers... It's got it all.
While I haven't ventured far enough to discover any personal dislikes for the game or any cons to the overall value of the game, it's definitely not for everybody. In the same way some people prefer Crazy Taxi over a Final Fantasy game, Etrian will find a distinct fan base, but I have to highly stress that it will most likely not disappoint.
$29.99 like most other Atlus releases, it's worth every penny to those that are interested in a fresh new DS RPG that's new on the shelves.
Customer Review: Nod to the old school
Summary: 4 Stars
Etrian Odyssey is as old school as it comes when thinking of the RPG's and dungeon crawlers of the past, and in this case that's not such a bad thing after all. At first glance it seems like a simple, tried and true, turn based RPG, but once you get deep into the core gameplay of Etrian Odyssey, you'll see it for what it really is. The game offers some incredibly challenging gameplay elements as you tackle the usual RPG settings, particularly labyrinths. Not to mention that the various abilities of you and your party are just begging to be tinkered with, which also provides a great deal of fun and challenge as well. What really makes Etrian Odyssey worth checking out is the great use that the game makes of the DS' dual screens, touch screen, and stylus. The mapping interface used with the touch screen and stylus is inventive and helps set the game apart from the recent flood of RPG's to hit the DS, along with the overall atmosphere and charming graphics as well. The only real downsides of Etrian Odyssey are the same problems that plague many RPG's: there is far too much back tracking involved in your lengthy quest, and when I say lengthy, I mean lengthy. The game offers a long and satisfying story and quest, but the game's steep learning curve and difficulty may put off some gamers. Despite it's few flaws though, Etrian Odyssey is a real treat for longtime and hardcore RPG or dungeon crawler addicts that own a DS, and it is definitely worth picking up.Customer Review: Engaging in its Simplicity, almost primitive.
Summary: 5 Stars
This game is exhilarating because it is genuinely hard. You worry when going deeper into the dungeon. It's hard because you have to manage your fighting resources, avoid the minibosses, play tactically against opponents, use money wisely. Experience is hard earned. Diversity is prized. Some people will be turned off that they can't "run and gun" their way to a boss or miniboss and reveal that next cutscene; the pace is slow, and the story is light compared to modern RPGs.
Etrian Odyssey has a simple, primitive game structure. There is the town and there is the dungeon. You can only save in town. There are only 5 NPCs you talk to and only 3 of them do you talk to frequently; the innkeeper (who heals you and saves), the quest giver and the blacksmith.
In the dungeon combat is likened to final fantasy 1-5; Your turn, theirs, then resolve the actions based on character stat speed priority. FF1-5 was 10-15 years ago. The uncertainty of who will act next, do you have the priority to heal him after he gets attacked so I don't overheal, is a throwback to that generation of RPGs. You'll find yourself wondering, could he survive another hit? will the enemy do an aoe or one hit kill someone unless I choose to defend? can I get this kill before he attacks?
Maddening at times, but the diversity of the character skills and the choice of 9 (7 at first) classes means the game can be played differently with a different set of worries. Like when you chose jobs of FF3.
You will die, you will find yourself running for reasons other than not wanting to deal with lvl 1 trash encounter, you will be broke, you will not be able to complete a quest immediately, you will have to traverse a dangerous landscape back to save, but you will enjoy it, all in the name of exploring this beautiful and memorable dungeon.
Customer Review: The best Handheld RPG I have ever played.
Summary: 5 Stars
Etrian Odyssey is an amazing game... If you like Old School RPG's than stop reading and get this game.(old school= i.e. Wizardry, Bards Tale.)
I actually bought my DS Lite just to play this game and am glad I did.
The depth of the dungeon is staggering for any system and especially so on a hand-held system.
You make your own maps of the dungeon with the styles on the bottom screen and the action happens on the top. I have been playing for about 20 hours and I would estimate I am about half done.
The game is tough, but not in a cheap way.
Pros:
-You can use any combination of 9 classes in your 5 person party.
-Side quests are interesting and varied.
-The dungeon areas are very different with hundreds monsters and items.
-The story is really interesting
-Freedom in general; to do what you want...
-Great art style
Cons:
-Could be too hard for some people (Challenge is a good thing)
In my 25 years of playing RPG's, Etrian Odyssey is in my top 3 and it's the best one on the DS! Atlus please bring the sequel to the USA...