Izuna: Legend of the Unemployed Ninja

 DS
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Feb 20, 2007
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 21
  3. Negative: 2 out of 21
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  1. Cheat Code Central
    72
    Izuna will find its fans, but it will also alienate plenty of gamers that may be expecting a funny, fuzzy, anime frolic.
  2. GamePro
    70
    While the quirky game play and novelty of random content may not keep younger gamers coming back for dungeon runs, Izuna will certainly entice old-school RPG fans simply as a challenge to their gamer's ego.
  3. IGN
    69
    A game that’s everything but mainstream, and while it will appeal greatly to its intended niche audience casual gamers and fun-loving current-day RPG fans are forewarned; this game is hard, merciless, and a blast from gaming’s “kill or be killed” past.
  5. RPG Fan
    69
    Nothing more than a short and simple game that provides a thoroughly unsatisfying experience. While the localization is excellent, not only is there not enough of it, what's already there is lost in the torrent of monstrous difficulty, subpar aesthetics, and an overly simplified game system.
  6. GameSpot
    67
    Despite its simplistic nature and barbaric difficulty level, Izuna: The Legend of the Unemployed Ninja can be intensely satisfying.
  7. Play Magazine
    65
    Izuna, like all Rogue style dungeon crawlers, takes patience, dedication, and the type of gamer who is a glutton for punishment. [Jan. 2007, p.83]
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  8. Nintendo Power
    65
    You'll be thrown into the deep end right at the start, and will probably have to play each dungeon over and over again to master it. [Mar. 2007, p.88]
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  9. Nintendojo
    65
    Without learning how to best use the items and talismans available to Izuna, this is a frustrating trip. But for those who enjoy the way Izuna forces players to use more than just a handful of attacks, the strategy of battle and the joy of victory can be quite fulfilling.
  10. NintendoWorldReport
    65
    A true Rogue derivative, Izuna’s difficulty and depth will likely only be appreciated by fans of the genre.
  11. G4 TV
    60
    A little bit of humor and a fun bunch of characters go a long way towards making all the dungeon-hackery go by smoothly.
  12. GamesRadar+
    60
    As long as you’re comfortable with a great degree of difficulty (and a bit of monotony), and provided you’re comfortable with your own mortality, Izuna offers a reasonable distraction.
  13. Eurogamer
    60
    Any prospective patron should be well-prepared for an extremely challenging relationship that will strain even the most-committed Rogue-devotee. But, for the very few fans still looking to recruit in that toughest of niche sectors, Izuna is a worthy hire.
  14. Pocket Gamer UK
    50
    She's got a cute smile and there are some nice touches, but Izuna: Legend of the Unemployed Ninja doesn't help the inexperienced, and doesn't reward the skilled. Don't hire this dungeon-crawler.

Awards & Rankings

84
#84 Best DS Game of 2007
58
#58 Most Discussed DS Game of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 2 out of 21
  1. PatrickR
    May 2, 2009
    8
    I see alot of reviews complaining about mortality and the loss of all items as being the deal breaker. I'll admit that at a time I was I see alot of reviews complaining about mortality and the loss of all items as being the deal breaker. I'll admit that at a time I was often getting killed and loosing it all, but once I got into the flow of the game, dying is a very avoidable scenario. I also find the system for powering up weapons rewards skilled players alot more then people claim. I find working towards being able to power up my weapons with various talismans and tricks to be very rewarding.… Full Review »
  2. M
    Dec 2, 2008
    6
    What's the point in having randomly generated dungeons when you have such shallow combat and have the levels looking all the same? It What's the point in having randomly generated dungeons when you have such shallow combat and have the levels looking all the same? It hardly affects the experience, I think it would have been better if they just made a single design for every dungeon that actually looked good. Putting talismans on your weapons was pretty cool but I think it would've been a lot better if the game was more lenient with them letting you easily put a couple on your sword without grinding, reminds me WoW. The game is only good for it's characters and simple story but the game isn't really big on that either.… Full Review »
  3. DaveO.
    May 31, 2008
    9
    Izuna requires a little bit of time and patience to figure out how the mechanics work, but once you do, it's really an excellent game. Izuna requires a little bit of time and patience to figure out how the mechanics work, but once you do, it's really an excellent game. Many reviewers have called it "unforgiving", but in fact that's not true at all. In Izuna, dying is really not a big deal, as you get to keep all your experience points, and you can just jump back in and start playing again. Over all, it's a well-designed game with addictive gameplay and nice visuals and music.… Full Review »
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