Etrian Odyssey Image
Etrian Odyssey
Atlus
Release Date:
Metascore
75
Based on
30 Critics
User Score
8.8
Based on
33 Ratings
Summary Back to top
(Also known as "Sekaiju no Meikyuu" in Japan) 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. It all began there... Your salvation in the labyrinth is in your own hands: Create your own team of adventurers to withstand the maze’s fierce battles, while creating your own dungeon maps using the Nintendo DS touch screen outside(Also known as "Sekaiju no Meikyuu" in Japan) 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. It all began there... Your salvation in the labyrinth is in your own hands: Create your own team of adventurers to withstand the maze’s fierce battles, while creating your own dungeon maps using the Nintendo DS touch screen outside of combat. Lush 3D graphics and a world-class soundtrack puts an exquisite face on the mortal danger that lurks at every step. [Atlus Software]… Expand
Starring: Jun Okabe, Masaru Sato, Katsura Hashino
Developer: Lancarse, Atlus
Genre(s): Role-Playing
# of players: 1 Player
Cheats: On GameFAQs
Rating: T
see all Details »
Critic Reviews Back to top
Positive:
16
Mixed:
14
Negative:
0
95
Hardcore Gamer
In reality though, Etrian Odyssey is a challenging, ballsy, rewarding game that gives the otherwise stagnant RPG genre a swift, much-needed kick in the ass. [June 2007, p.62]
85
NintendoWorldReport
Etrian Odyssey definitely isn't for everyone, but that's due to its genre rather than lack of quality. If you have a taste for brutal difficulty and don't mind a touch of level grinding now and then, you'll want to savor this game like a fine wine.
Read full review
80
games(TM)
The truth of the matter is that Etrian Odyssey’s punishing difficulty is actually the key to its addictive allure. [Aug 2007, p.118]
77
Console Gameworld
It doesn't have ultra-realistic CG cut scenes, it doesn't have memorable characters that will jerk a tear from your eye when they fall in battle, but Etrian Odyssey is the quintessential old school RPG experience.
Read full review
71
GameZone
Etrian Odyssey is best suited for gamers seeking an abundance of ultra-challenging Pokemon-style battles without a single Pocket Monster to speak of.
Read full review
70
Zentendo
Etrian Odyssey is not for the faint of heart, there are consequences of falling in love with this game – lack of free time, as it will capture you. Yet the lack of appeal for the general audience is a big turn off for most.
Read full review
50
GameShark
Etrian Odyssey requires patience and resolve to unlock the mysteries of the Labyrinth, with not enough reward in return. This is a game only for the hardcore. All others need not apply.
Read full review
see all Critic Reviews »
User Reviews Back to top
Positive:
13
Mixed:
1
Negative:
1
10
MannyL
Apr 3, 2008
My ABSOLUTE favorite game for the DS. Etrian Odyssey is quite certainly the best RPG I have ever played on any handheld system! The visuals My ABSOLUTE favorite game for the DS. Etrian Odyssey is quite certainly the best RPG I have ever played on any handheld system! The visuals are just plain beautiful and you will certainly appreciate it as it is. The gameplay is punishing but it's the challenge that really makes this game shine. I would definitely recommend this game to any true RPG lover and enthusiast. Not for the casual gamer.… Expand
10
TakoC.
Jul 14, 2007
Awesome old school RPG goodness. Reminds me of the Wizardary, the first few versions. Addictive.
10
TonyG.
Jan 24, 2008
EXCELLENT! Etrian Odyssey is an old school RPG brilliantly updated to the DS. This is NOT for everyone. Don't expect the game to hold EXCELLENT! Etrian Odyssey is an old school RPG brilliantly updated to the DS. This is NOT for everyone. Don't expect the game to hold your hand through a wonderful fantastical journey. You will be 2 hours into the current level with your uber party, fight the boss, and then die within two rounds. You will suffer, and you will love it. The music is great, the environments are enthralling, and the class system is brilliant. Forget about "maxing out" your character, I'm not even clear if this is possible. You will need to GRIND and you will need to experiment with the synergy between the various classes. You will need to balance the classic RPG roles of damage dealers, tanks, melee, magic, etc. Bosses are HARD. New levels are tough. If your party is not built right, you WILL be back in town removing one of your characters and creating a new one. Not to be forgotten, the mapping system is genius. It should be implemented in every similar RPG from now on. One important note--this style of RPG predates the dawn of gaming, it is more pen & paper than Final Fantasy. I love the FF series, but that series is a walk in the park compared to this game. It is a hardcore RPG player's dream. Have fun!… Expand
9
RCR
Jul 17, 2007
Very cool game for those who enjoy exploring uncharted corridors and building character skills.
9
SilentMugwump
Sep 1, 2011
This was my absolutely favorite RPG game on the DS... Until parts II & III came along. Those two add a lot to the game play, and refine theThis was my absolutely favorite RPG game on the DS... Until parts II & III came along. Those two add a lot to the game play, and refine the user interface and item collection management.
If not for its sequels, I'd give it a ten, which maybe it's not fair since I'm reviewing this game years after it came out.
I do recommend, however, to play the games in sequence, not because the story might be relevant (it has a minimum story line, which is one of its strengths), but because it is more fun to feel the progression of the series' design.
One thing that this first installment does have above its sequels, in my opinion: the character artwork is my favorite here!… Expand
9
FredrikI.
Dec 13, 2007
One of the best dungeon crawlers I've had the pleasure of playing, great art, music and challenging game play. This game will keep you One of the best dungeon crawlers I've had the pleasure of playing, great art, music and challenging game play. This game will keep you occupied for many days. Some limitations in the mapping system keeps me from giving it a full 10/10.… Expand
3
Philosophy
May 17, 2007
This game is quite boring. I grew up on rigid turn-based RPGs (ie Dragon Warrior, Death Keep) and while the artwork is good, the gameplay is This game is quite boring. I grew up on rigid turn-based RPGs (ie Dragon Warrior, Death Keep) and while the artwork is good, the gameplay is stagnant. The mapping is ridiculous and pointless. I made it through the first floor and had no desire to continue. It's a shame, I was really hoping this would be a good RPG that would pass the time until Dragon Quest IX.… Expand
see all User Reviews »