More than a year ago Etrian Odessey was released in the US. Finally this RPG is scheduled for its european release in June 2008. In the US the sequal Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard will be released in the same month. More than enough reason for us to make this a ‘Game of the week’ release.

Background

“In a vast and fertile land lies a small town known as Etria, a peaceful village that became famous for a startling discovery. A crack in the vast forest opened at Etria’s edge, leading downward like a gaping maw. Those who hear rumors of the labyrinth of Etria, whether young or old, begin to harbor dreams of exploring it. Thus the adventure begins…”.

Basics

Etrian Odyssey is a Role playing game (RPG). And common with games in this genre…you head of for an adventure with a guild. A group of characters with distinct skills to overcome the diverse set of enemies you’ll encounter. In this game you pick 5 characters from different classes like: survivalist, medics, landknecht, alchemist, etc.

If you’ve never played an RPG before this is likely not your game. Etrian odyssey doesn’t explain a lot. Nor does it contain a tutorial that takes you along. This game lets you figure it out alone. It’s hard for newcomers but if you like to experience games like in the early days….this is it.

Mapping

Once you set up your guild it is time to explore the Yggdrasil labyrinth. You explore the beautiful looking 3d forest in the top screen. A blank grid is visible in the bottom screen. It’s a labyrinth and there’s no map… It’s up to you to draw this map. And this is where the fun begins. You draw the map with your stylus and place items and take notes at spots on this map. The game consist of 24 levels and each level is a map. All complex maps and every inch you draw on this map feels like an achievement. Because it’s a difficult game but it’s very rewarding when you solve a map.

Fighting

As you wander trough the labyrinth you’ll encounter enemies. As is a lot of RPGs these enemies are randomly trown at you. From the beginning of the game these fights are tough. It’s not uncommon a standard battle will wipe out half your guild. Luckily you can revive you’re characters, first in town, later medics will be able to learn the revive skill making it a little easier for you.
Fighting is pretty straightforward. It’s a turn based battle, so you set your actions (attack, use skill or use item) and just wait to see what happens.

The game experience

The 3D labyrinth looks great for Nintendo DS standards. So don’t expect PSP visuals. Together with the right music it’s great to wander around. Characters and monsters look nice as well, with strong emphasis on manga/ anime. The battle animation are not that great, there’s hardly animation at all.
 

Closing comments

It might be clear this isn’t an easy to pick up game for everyone. If you like RPGs and/or challenging games…this game is for you. Otherwise this game is not the best game to be introduced to the RPG genre. Graphics look decent, music is decent as well. Mapping is great fun as is exploring this great labyrinth. Although for a smaller group of players this game is a highly addictive.

Rate

8,5