Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard (2008)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard is a first-person dungeon crawler role-playing game developed by Atlus for the Nintendo DS. It is the second installment in the Etrian Odyssey series, and was released in Japan in 2008 and in North America and Europe in 2009.

The game is set in the Grand Duchy of High Lagaard, a nation that is said to be descended from inhabitants of a castle in the sky. When an unforeseen crisis befalls the nation, it is decreed that the first explorer to retrieve the Grail of Kings from that mythical floating palace will be rewarded with wealth and fame beyond imagining.

Players create a party of four adventurers and set out to explore the floating castle, which is divided into five distinct strata. Each stratum is filled with challenging puzzles, dangerous traps, and powerful monsters. The game’s combat system is turn-based, and players must carefully consider their strategy in order to succeed.

In addition to the main story, Etrian Odyssey II also features a number of side quests and optional dungeons. These challenges can provide players with valuable experience and items, and can help them to develop their characters.

Gameplay

Etrian Odyssey II is a first-person dungeon crawler role-playing game. Players create a party of four adventurers and explore a series of procedurally generated dungeons. The game’s combat system is turn-based, and players must carefully consider their strategy in order to succeed.

One of the unique features of Etrian Odyssey II is its map system. Players must use the stylus to draw their own maps of the dungeons they explore. This can be a challenging task, but it is also essential for success. By carefully mapping out the dungeons, players can avoid getting lost and can plan their strategy more effectively.

Characters

There are 10 character classes to choose from in Etrian Odyssey II:

  • Landsknecht: A physical damage dealer with high strength and vitality.
  • Hoplite: A defensive fighter with high vitality and shield skills.
  • Arbalist: A ranged physical damage dealer with high agility and accuracy.
  • Survivalist: A support class that can heal and buff allies, and debuff enemies.
  • Medic: A healing class that can restore HP and cure status ailments.
  • Runemaster: A spellcaster that can deal elemental damage and support allies.
  • Alchemist: A spellcaster that can deal status ailments and support allies.
  • Nightseeker: A physical damage dealer that specializes in dealing critical hits.
  • Protector: A defensive class that can protect allies from damage and status ailments.
  • Troubadour: A support class that can buff allies and debuff enemies.

Each character class has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so players must carefully consider their party composition when exploring the dungeons.

Story

The story of Etrian Odyssey II is set in the Grand Duchy of High Lagaard, a nation that is said to be descended from inhabitants of a castle in the sky. When an unforeseen crisis befalls the nation, it is decreed that the first explorer to retrieve the Grail of Kings from that mythical floating palace will be rewarded with wealth and fame beyond imagining.

Players create a party of four adventurers and set out to explore the floating castle, which is divided into five distinct strata. Each stratum is filled with challenging puzzles, dangerous traps, and powerful monsters. As the players progress through the game, they will learn more about the history of Lagaard and the secrets of the floating castle.

Reception

Etrian Odyssey II was met with critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, deep character customization, and engaging story. Many reviewers also praised the game’s unique map system, which allows players to create their own maps of the dungeons they explore.

Legacy

Etrian Odyssey II is considered to be one of the best dungeon crawlers ever made. The game has been praised for its challenging gameplay, deep character customization, and engaging story. The game’s unique map system has also been praised by many reviewers.

Etrian Odyssey II has had a significant impact on the dungeon crawler genre. The game’s success has led to the development of several sequels and spin-offs. The game has also inspired other developers to create their own dungeon crawlers, such as the popular Shiren the Wanderer series.

Conclusion

Etrian Odyssey II is a classic dungeon crawler that is still enjoyed by many gamers today. The game’s challenging gameplay, deep character customization, and engaging story make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding dungeon crawler, then Etrian Odyssey II is the game for you.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

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