| 91 |
The Onion (A.V. Club)
By hooking up to the Internet or a nearby friend, a fallen Shiren can call for help. If another player hears his plea and pulls off the rescue mission, Shiren is revived, goodies intact.
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| 90 |
GameZone
Shiren the Wanderer doesn’t coddle its players, but those willing to invest enough effort into the game are rewarded with a game that’s intricate, deep, and infinitely replayable.
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| 87 |
RPG Fan
This is a game for the most hardcore of the hardcore. Though, on another level, it is a surprisingly casual game if you want it to be.
|
| 86 |
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Success is 30 percent planning, 30 percent persistance, and about 80 percent luck--making for a challenging, infuriating, but deeply rewarding experience. [May 2008, p.89]
|
| 83 |
1UP
It's far more demanding than its fellow DS-based roguelikes, lacking, say, the cuddly mascots of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon or the cumulative experience-building of Izuna. But it's remarkably well crafted, with streamlined gameplay that belies its impressive substance.
|
| 80 |
GamePro
Between the cute 2-D graphics, the comfortable, nostalgic soundtrack, and the super addictive "Just one level further!!" game flow, my wander-lust is on full blast. Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer is a great way to dip a toe in the rogue like pool.
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| 80 |
Cubed3
It may not be a game for everyone, but those that can truly immerse themselves in Shiren the Wanderer will discover one of the most enjoyable experiences the DS has to offer.
|
| 80 |
N-Europe
With various side quests,puzzles and bonus dungeons, there's a lot to keep you busy with.
|
| 80 |
Zentendo
Shiren the Wanderer is the most brutal of the above games in every sense, with severe punishments for slight miscalculations.
|
| 80 |
Armchair Empire
Not everyone is going to take a liking to Shiren - it's a game where you need to actively seek out its pleasures, and other than some occasional advice from wandering NPCs, you'll need educate yourself by reading FAQs or interacting with other Shiren players.
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| 70 |
GotNext
I haven’t made it to the Lair of the Golden Condor yet, but I'll give it a go every once in a while. It's a great way to kill some time and enjoy a style of gameplay we don’t often see anymore.
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| 70 |
Pocket Gamer UK
It certainly won't be to everyone's tastes but deep within the dusty catacombs of Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer resides a unique and impressively addictive game.
|
| 70 |
GameSpy
Shiren is absolutely and utterly a game for the hardcore. Being flung back to level one for dumb luck or a simple error is infuriating, and Shiren lacks the storytelling polish that many gamers expect from their titles regardless of genre, but the core game is very well done.
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| 67 |
Games Master UK
A journey that's littered with pits and troughs that's rewarding if you persevere. [June 2008, p.83]
|
| 66 |
Cheat Code Central
It's a very difficult game simply because the prospect of death is such an overpowering force in the game that it literally changes the way you play.
|
| 66 |
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
Some will loathe it and some will love it, although you can be sure that the former will be in the vast majority. [May 2008, p.74]
|
| 65 |
Nintendo Power
Starting from scratch every time you have bad luck will be frustrating, but if you can get past the setbacks, you'll enjoy a solid DS adventure. [Mar 2008, p.86]
|
| 65 |
IGN
The random dungeons are oftentimes poorly laid out, and the turn based gameplay can lead to a slow, jerky experience. Still, Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer is a game that will certainly give players a run for their money, if only due to the fact that it takes forever to beat.
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| 65 |
PALGN
While some will be turned off by the challenging gameplay and the less appealing visuals, those seeking an old-school gaming experience should look no further.
|
| 60 |
Games Radar
We're also sure the majority of today's gamers will find it nasty, plodding, and archaic.
|
| 60 |
Gameplayer
An above-average dungeon crawler.
|
| 60 |
GameSpot
If you're not put off by the idea of an RPG in which every death returns you to the start of the game, Shiren the Wanderer can be a lengthy, satisfying experience.
|
| 60 |
Edge Magazine
Shiren The Wanderer still has its own charm and deep and lasting individual value that, for all its abstract irritations, surpasses many more modern gaming experiences. [May 2008, p.96]
|
| 58 |
Game Revolution
Mysterious Dungeon is the anti-Zelda doppleganger, cute and unthreatening in its top-down stylings, but as potentially punishing and old-school as lurking demons come. Once again, the question is begged: Do you feel lucky?
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| 55 |
Worth Playing
The worst flaw in any RPG is the lack of a decent save system, and in that respect, Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer is guilty as charged. This frustrating trait, combined with the mediocrity that's prevalent in the rest of the title, makes for a pretty poor showing.
|
| 50 |
Gamer.nl
Shiren the Wanderer was a nice concept back on the Super Nintendo. It's not that the game is unplayable, but it ruins your joy when you lose all you have accomplished when you're killed. The game doesn't make much use of the Nintendo DS functions. It would have been better if the game was released on the Gameboy Advance.
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