Okay, so I was deterred from playing this for a while because of all the "old-school RPG" descriptions flying around. I'm not particularly fond of the conventions that made RPGs like Wizardry popular, so I wasn't really sold on Etrian Odyssey's style of play. Then again, there were a few elements of the game that sounded interesting and the glowing impressions on it were hard to ignore. Seeing as the game was relatively cheap ($15), I figured I'd take a chance and see what all the fuss is about.
Well, I can safely say that, at the very least, the praise was warranted. I haven't played too much of it (I have a bunch of characters at level 7-8, just beat a Ragelope or whatever it was called on the second floor), but I can say I like it. It definitely has the feel of an old-school RPG, reminding me of stuff like Phantasy Star and Ultima, and has some of the conventions that really annoy me, such as the seeming reliance on endless grinding and the fact you basically have to retrace your steps every time you want to progress, which seems like a waste of time. However, I think it does a lot of things right. The combat is typical turn-based fare, but the class distinctions and skill system are executed in a way that experimentation becomes integral. I haven't read up on 'optimal' parties or skillsets or any of that crap, so I find myself spending my time levelling up different characters of te same class and junctioning their skill sets at different points, trying to set up the characters that compliment each other the most. Gathering materials that act as your source of income *and* as a means of upgrading buyable items is a good idea as well.
Fortunately, the game comes together because the interface and presentation is rock solid. Menus are quick, responsive, and organized logically. Combat moves swiftly enough that grinding isn't a complete chore. There are several minor but useful interface additions that make things much less annoying. Seeing how much energy an enemy has remaining before you execute your turn is one such example. The 3D dungeon looks really good, even for the DS.
Oh yes, I haven't even mentioned the mapping portion, which is easily one of the single best justifications for the DS's existence. If Kirby Canvas Curse is the quintessential demonstration of the touch screen's potential for gameplay, Etrian Odyssey is the same for the touch screen's utility. Suddenly, a style of RPG that I previously dreaded for requiring either intense memorization or exact bookkeeping for its inevitably complex and convoluted dungeons is now a breeze. Map making is extremely simple, with a host of tags and options so that you can easily keep track of *everything* you come across with little to no trouble. Also, written memos that actually appear on the dungeon screen when you approach the square is a great addition as well.
I imagine that I'll be spending a bit of time increasing my levels, making sure I have enough gold to get by(which is at a huge premium in this game from my reckoning), and customizing characters to my liking. If the guild's "Rest" command does what it says it does, then there shouldn't be too much of a problem if I screw up character development somehow. Overall, the verdict is still out on whether it's the "best RPG on the DS!", but I like what I've played so far.
Well, I can safely say that, at the very least, the praise was warranted. I haven't played too much of it (I have a bunch of characters at level 7-8, just beat a Ragelope or whatever it was called on the second floor), but I can say I like it. It definitely has the feel of an old-school RPG, reminding me of stuff like Phantasy Star and Ultima, and has some of the conventions that really annoy me, such as the seeming reliance on endless grinding and the fact you basically have to retrace your steps every time you want to progress, which seems like a waste of time. However, I think it does a lot of things right. The combat is typical turn-based fare, but the class distinctions and skill system are executed in a way that experimentation becomes integral. I haven't read up on 'optimal' parties or skillsets or any of that crap, so I find myself spending my time levelling up different characters of te same class and junctioning their skill sets at different points, trying to set up the characters that compliment each other the most. Gathering materials that act as your source of income *and* as a means of upgrading buyable items is a good idea as well.
Fortunately, the game comes together because the interface and presentation is rock solid. Menus are quick, responsive, and organized logically. Combat moves swiftly enough that grinding isn't a complete chore. There are several minor but useful interface additions that make things much less annoying. Seeing how much energy an enemy has remaining before you execute your turn is one such example. The 3D dungeon looks really good, even for the DS.
Oh yes, I haven't even mentioned the mapping portion, which is easily one of the single best justifications for the DS's existence. If Kirby Canvas Curse is the quintessential demonstration of the touch screen's potential for gameplay, Etrian Odyssey is the same for the touch screen's utility. Suddenly, a style of RPG that I previously dreaded for requiring either intense memorization or exact bookkeeping for its inevitably complex and convoluted dungeons is now a breeze. Map making is extremely simple, with a host of tags and options so that you can easily keep track of *everything* you come across with little to no trouble. Also, written memos that actually appear on the dungeon screen when you approach the square is a great addition as well.
I imagine that I'll be spending a bit of time increasing my levels, making sure I have enough gold to get by(which is at a huge premium in this game from my reckoning), and customizing characters to my liking. If the guild's "Rest" command does what it says it does, then there shouldn't be too much of a problem if I screw up character development somehow. Overall, the verdict is still out on whether it's the "best RPG on the DS!", but I like what I've played so far.
