Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard

 DS
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Jun 13, 2008
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. 1UP
    91
    But it says something about our hobby that even in a week when the biggest-budget, highest-tech game imaginable hits stores, there's a seemingly anachronistic, equally engrossing labor of love available from a minuscule, hardworking crew with just as much heart as Kojima's team.
  2. Cheat Code Central
    90
    It's simultaneously sadistic and marvelous.
  3. RPG Fan
    89
    Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard is everything you loved about the original, except even better.
  5. GameZone
    88
    This is a game that only a dedicated few will enjoy, but those players will find a game that’s as deep, rewarding, and fun as they come. Etrian Odyssey II is the very definition of a “cult” game.
  6. Nintendo Power
    85
    Etrian Odyssey 2 isn't very ambitious, but it's still plenty of fun. [July 2008, p.88]
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  7. NintendoWorldReport
    85
    Ultimately, Etrian Odyssey II lives up to its predecessor while including several incremental improvements that make the gameplay smoother.
  8. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    83
    This sequel feels like the original game on expert mode - and that's a good thing. [July 2008, p.81]
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  9. GamingTrend
    83
    Etrian Odyssey 2: Heroes of Lagaard is for hardcore RPG fans only. Those looking for a challenging title that will deliver 40 to 70 hours of gameplay will not be dissapointed.
  10. IGN
    80
    Yes it’s hard, but it’s also very rewarding, and we found ourselves having much more fun this time around with some very helpful warps, balancing, interface changes, and options for customization, but more than anything else this game’s “fun level” is going to depend entirely on who you are, and if this is, or isn’t, your cup of tea.
  11. GamesRadar+
    80
    This is a specific kind of game for a specific type of gamer - the RPG masochist. But those people are going to love this thing.
  12. Wired
    80
    Even without a story to speak of, Etrian Odyssey II does exactly what it was meant to do: It provides a ridiculous level of challenge coupled with weeks, if not months, of classic gameplay to an audience who still desires that sort of thing.
  13. Worth Playing
    80
    Etrian Odyssey II: The Heroes of Lagaard is tough. It is not always fairly tough, it can be frustrating, it can be aggravating, it can make you want to drive your stylus through the DS and throw it out a window. It's also unbelievably fun, quite challenging, and a fantastic game for fun or travel.
  14. PALGN
    80
    While an obvious attraction for the older RPG fan, Etrian Odyssey II will also appeal to anyone looking for a rewarding pocketful of portable exploration and combat.
  15. GameCritics
    80
    This shining example of old-school design infused with new-school wisdom completely destroyed my expectations and delivered a supremely polished and challenging adventure that only grew more rewarding the further I went.
  16. GameSpot
    75
    Etrian Odyssey II's brutality and grinding is initially off-putting, but push on and you're in for an intense, rewarding experiences.
  17. Pocket Gamer UK
    70
    Infuriating and compelling in equal measures, this is the very definition of niche gaming.
  18. games(TM)
    70
    For out money, however, the battles are all too often a test of patience rather than an examination of your ability to strategise efficiently. [Sept 2008, p.121]
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best DS Game of 2008
48
#48 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
84
#84 Most Shared DS Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 32
  3. Negative: 5 out of 32
  1. SilentMugwump
    Sep 1, 2011
    10
    An absolute beauty of a game... This is hardcore RPG dungeon crawling at its best! Also, a BIG improvement on the original!
    Only possible    An absolute beauty of a game... This is hardcore RPG dungeon crawling at its best! Also, a BIG improvement on the original!
    Only possible let down (not a big one, though) is that in this installment the F.O.E.s (not the big bosses, but the mini-bosses) don't give your characters any experience points, so there is no motivation to kill more than a couple of each kind to get the special item drops... Also, I did like the character art better on the first one, especially the non-playable character portraits. But, overall, it is better than the original!
    Warning: this type of games are an acquired taste... Platformer and FPS gamers need not apply! (Unless you want to try something REALLY different.)    … Full Review »
  2. Gabe20007
    Aug 17, 2017
    10
    One of the best RPG'S in the DS without a doubt, plenty of fun even when the game can be hard and very challenging sometimes, the graphics areOne of the best RPG'S in the DS without a doubt, plenty of fun even when the game can be hard and very challenging sometimes, the graphics are insane for a DS 2008 game, good character design, gorgeous music, as well a fun combat and costumization system, Atlus really make a great JRPG as always ... isn't very ambitious but is a worth RPG to play i highly recomended for those also looking for a hard challenging game .… Full Review »
  3. Tomd
    Aug 30, 2008
    10
    Amazing, this is the only game I have played since I got it. I have tons of console games to play but this game is deep and simple and super Amazing, this is the only game I have played since I got it. I have tons of console games to play but this game is deep and simple and super challenging. Great!… Full Review »
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