Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns

 DS
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Jul 22, 2008
Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. 1UP
    75
    It's a game of trade-offs and cautious play -- a challenge meant for hardcore RPG fanatics but amusing enough that newcomers might find it worthwhile, too.
  2. Cheat Code Central
    72
    But you see, for all its strengths and adherence to traditional dungeon crawling gameplay, Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns fails simply because it is so familiar.
  3. Destructoid
    70
    If roguelikes are your brand of fun, you'll probably like Izuna 2. For the rest, I'd still recommend trying it out, but be warned that this level of challenge isn't for everyone.
  5. G4 TV
    80
    Izuna 2 is fun to play and occasionally just plain funny as well, which is why it shouldn't get lost in the middle of its suddenly crowded little niche.
  6. GameCritics
    50
    Being average isn't a bullet-point for the back of a box, and if someone's going to play a potentially punishing, definitely repetitive roguelike, I can't imagine that they'd want to put that kind of serious effort out for something that's just average, at best.
  7. GamePro
    70
    The controls are solid, the Japanese vocals and English subtitles are well done, and while the game does make you grind through levels, it was nice to know that my actions would make a difference even if I died eleven floors down.
  8. Games Master UK
    67
    Classic dungeon crawling with great characters and humour. [Oct 2008, p.85]
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  9. GameShark
    50
    At least the game is humorous, with Izuna written as a died in the wool slacker.
  10. GamesRadar+
    60
    The nicest thing you can say about its difficulty is that Izuna 2 isn’t as diabolical as its compatriots, but its admirable art and writing could draw in new players.
  11. GameZone
    74
    It’s got a quirky, tongue-on-cheek charm to it that makes up for some of its gameplay deficiencies.
  12. Gaming Target
    85
    The dialogue is lighthearted and funny enough that newcomers to the genre might stick around and the difficulty of the quest is enough that already-made fans will enjoy it just as much as the previous one.
  13. GamingTrend
    69
    Izuna 2 certainly does have personality, and it does help to offset a lot of its deficiencies, but it's just not enough to push it over the top.
  14. IGN
    60
    The gameplay, visuals, and style of the game have remained nearly identical to the previous package, so while we like what we’ve played once again, it’s undoubtedly more of the same.
  15. Nintendo Gamer
    63
    An RPG-fan-only purchase - but they'll probably love it. [Oct 2008, p.76]
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  16. Nintendo Power
    50
    Izuna 2 is an excercise in frustration management. [Sept 2008, p.88]
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  17. NintendoWorldReport
    60
    I’m not a fan of the presentation or the ridiculous grinding required for success.
  18. RPG Fan
    50
    I guess if I had to summarize my experience with Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns, it would be this: do not buy this game. Do not rent this game. Do not borrow this game from a friend.
  19. Worth Playing
    74
    More of the same, several new additions, and more comedy than before.

Awards & Rankings

90
#90 Best DS Game of 2008
87
#87 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15
  1. St.Terryberettapunk
    Apr 4, 2009
    10
    really a fun game. the "grind" isnt all that bad as its made out to be. the challenge is there but it fades just a lil the more you get usedreally a fun game. the "grind" isnt all that bad as its made out to be. the challenge is there but it fades just a lil the more you get used to controls. both izuna and izuna 2 are really fun games. id encourage anyone to at least give them a good try at the least. i give it a ten because its one of my favorite titles on the ds period. this is a game i find myself going back to play over and over again and that means something to me. not a lot of games have that kind of staying power with me.… Full Review »
  2. CalebMayhall
    Dec 15, 2008
    10
    Call me crazy but I absolutely love this game! The characters, from Mitsumoto's desperation for a girl to Izuna's ditzy mishaps, areCall me crazy but I absolutely love this game! The characters, from Mitsumoto's desperation for a girl to Izuna's ditzy mishaps, are awesome! The difficulty and neccessity for resource management will keep players on their toes, and the use of original Japanese voice-actors (whose acting is top-notch by the way) adds alot of authenticty to the experience. I recommend Izuna 2 for dungeon crawling fanactics, or newcomers looking to get their feet wet!… Full Review »
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