Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan

 3DS
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Feb 26, 2013
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
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  1. Cheat Code Central
    Feb 28, 2013
    74
    Casual Mode is a godsend for anybody who wants to have a good time exploring the labyrinths without having to grind too much, and the game's many strong points have elevated Etrian Odyssey to the best dungeon crawling series around.
  2. Pocket Gamer UK
    Mar 13, 2013
    70
    Legends of the Titan is the perfect definition of niche RPG gaming, catering for the hardcore but leaving more casual players in the lurch.
  3. DarkStation
    Apr 1, 2013
    60
    Unless you’re a chronic stat-cruncher and menu enthusiast, though, I can’t imagine that this incremental and grind-heavy sequel will resonate with you.

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best 3DS Game of 2013
18
#18 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2013
11
#11 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 177 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 149 out of 177
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 177
  3. Negative: 23 out of 177
  1. ricklongo
    Apr 25, 2013
    3
    Ever since the SNES era, I've been a huge RPG fan. From Japanese masterpieces like Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, and EarthBound toEver since the SNES era, I've been a huge RPG fan. From Japanese masterpieces like Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, and EarthBound to American franchises like The Elder Scrolls, I'm always enthralled by the epic storylines, memorable characters, and ridiculously immersive gameplay.

    There are, however, plenty of pitfalls in the genre. Sometimes, a game with all of the above qualities will simply force you to grind way too much (hello, Secret of Mana!). Other times, games turn into a slugfest of item and/or stats management that makes it a lot harder to enjoy their other qualities (much like The World Ends With You).

    To be blunt, Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan features none of the qualities I mentioned above AND all of the hassles. The game is an endless grind, with no real compelling story and no memorable characters (all of your party are almost-faceless, player-created drones).

    Everything you do in the game, you do in the coldest way possible, through a crapload of menus and submenus. You don't get to wander around towns, approach townsfolk, look for secrets in the back alleys... you simply choose what to do from a list, suffer through boring dialogues, and proceed to grind the next dungeon.

    As if all of this wasn't enough, the game (apparently, the series) forces you to draw your own map as you go along. Words can't describe how aggravating I found that experience. Of course, it's something that real life adventurers would have to do, but it's also the sort of minutia I really don't want to have to deal with in a game. It makes adventuring seem more like a job than, well, an adventure.

    I know there are stat-grinding aficionados out there. For them, this game must be heaven (and the excellent graphics will definitely help). If that's not your case, however, chances are you'll find it a soulless, charmless drag.    … Full Review »
  2. ovoon7
    Feb 26, 2013
    10
    Atlus keeps my 3DS busy. Etrian Odyssey IV brings a modern jRPG twist on first person RPGs akin to Eye of the Beholder, and Wizardry. FuseAtlus keeps my 3DS busy. Etrian Odyssey IV brings a modern jRPG twist on first person RPGs akin to Eye of the Beholder, and Wizardry. Fuse those concepts with incredibly charming (and adorable) anime art, and a fantastically fitting soundtrack, and you have one of the best time sinks on the 3DS. The 3D effect on the menus is pleasing to look at.… Full Review »
  3. Luigibarqs
    May 3, 2013
    8
    Etrian Odyssey IV is a classic dungeon crawling RPG for the Nintendo 3DS that bears similarities to Wizardry. Is it a great addition to theEtrian Odyssey IV is a classic dungeon crawling RPG for the Nintendo 3DS that bears similarities to Wizardry. Is it a great addition to the RPGs on the 3DS? I would definitely agree that it is.

    The plot of the game isn't anything of major interest and contains average writing overall, but with games like these, the story isn't the major focus of the game to begin with.The music in this game is absolutely beautiful, and fits well with the mood of each area and events in the game.

    The gameplay resembles Wizardry and other classic dungeon crawling RPGs with you exploring areas by airship and on foot, finding treasures, hunting monsters, doing missions, drawing maps and fighting in strategic turn based RPG battles all while advancing the plot, gaining levels, getting better loot, making money and improving equipment and items. The game has two different difficulties, normal for people who want to play the game in its normal difficult format, and casual for people if they find normal too difficult and unforgiving.

    The game is packed full of content, plenty of hours worth of play time with the story, side-quest missions, exploring, hunting enemies for supplies and anything else to collect and see everything it has to offer. Once you have completed everything in the game, you can even scan QR codes given out by Altus to get even MORE side-quest missions to play. You can also share guild cards via QR codes with other guilds (and if your level is high enough, you can hire members from other guilds to join yours and help out but they can't gain experience or have their equipment or skills changed). There is even a New Game where you can replay the story again will all of your characters and their equipment remaining in the next playthrough, however, all of the items that aren't equipped to characters (that are in the inventory or storage) are deleted.

    Although many people find this game to be rather difficult, I tend to disagree, I had my entire party at level 70 by the time I reached the 3rd floor of the 3rd main dungeon when playing on normal difficulty, but I will admit that the bosses in the post-story can be extremely difficult and unforgiving if you aren't properly prepared. The last two secret bosses in particular can even take down a party of level 99s pretty easily if you don't have a good plan or strategy in place.

    Overall, its a great RPG dungeon crawling game, but it can consist of a lot of grinding, strategic planning and fighting difficult battles to complete fully, if you aren't put off by that, then I suggest that you check it out.    … Full Review »
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