Summary

• Release Year: 2007
• Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
• Platforms: Nintendo DS
• Developers: Atlus
• Publishers: Atlus, Atlus USA

Etrian Odyssey: A Labyrinthine Adventure

Released in 2007 for the Nintendo DS, Etrian Odyssey is a dungeon-crawling RPG that combines classic gameplay with innovative features. Players create their own party of adventurers and embark on a journey through a labyrinthine dungeon, battling monsters, solving puzzles, and uncovering the secrets of the lost city of Etria.

Gameplay

Etrian Odyssey’s gameplay is divided into two main phases: exploration and combat. During exploration, players navigate through the dungeon’s procedurally generated floors, using the Nintendo DS’s touch screen to create their own maps. The maps are essential for keeping track of the player’s progress and planning their strategy for future expeditions.

Combat takes place on a turn-based grid, with players controlling a party of up to three characters. Each character has their own unique abilities and skills, and players must carefully consider their party composition and tactics to succeed in battle. The game’s combat system is challenging but rewarding, and requires players to think strategically about their every move.

Story

Etrian Odyssey takes place in the titular city of Etria, a once-prosperous city that has been lost to the ages. The player’s party is tasked with exploring the labyrinth beneath the city and uncovering the secrets of its downfall. Along the way, they will encounter a cast of colorful characters, both friendly and hostile, and learn about the rich history of Etria.

Graphics and Sound

Etrian Odyssey’s graphics are lush and detailed, with a distinct art style that combines 2D character sprites with 3D environments. The game’s world is brought to life by a beautiful soundtrack that perfectly captures the atmosphere of the labyrinth.

Reception

Etrian Odyssey was a critical and commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging combat, and engrossing story. It has since become a cult classic among dungeon-crawling RPG fans.

Legacy

Etrian Odyssey has spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs, each of which has expanded upon the original game’s formula. The series has become known for its challenging gameplay, deep character customization, and beautiful art style. Etrian Odyssey is a must-play for fans of dungeon-crawling RPGs and anyone looking for a truly unique and rewarding gaming experience.

Detailed Review

Gameplay

Etrian Odyssey’s gameplay is a perfect blend of classic and innovative. The game’s turn-based combat is reminiscent of classic RPGs like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, but the addition of the map-making mechanic adds a whole new layer of strategy. Players must carefully consider their party composition and tactics in order to succeed in battle, and the map-making mechanic adds an additional layer of challenge and depth.

The game’s procedurally generated dungeons are also a great touch. This means that no two playthroughs are ever the same, and players are always in for a new and exciting experience. The dungeons are also very well-designed, with a variety of puzzles and challenges to keep players engaged.

Story

Etrian Odyssey’s story is not particularly complex, but it is well-written and engaging. The game’s characters are well-developed and likeable, and the player is quickly drawn into their quest to uncover the secrets of Etria. The game’s world is also very well-realized, with a rich history and lore that is gradually revealed to the player as they progress through the game.

Graphics and Sound

Etrian Odyssey’s graphics are lush and detailed, with a distinct art style that combines 2D character sprites with 3D environments. The game’s world is brought to life by a beautiful soundtrack that perfectly captures the atmosphere of the labyrinth.

Overall

Etrian Odyssey is a must-play for fans of dungeon-crawling RPGs and anyone looking for a truly unique and rewarding gaming experience. The game’s innovative gameplay, challenging combat, and engrossing story are sure to keep players entertained for hours on end.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots