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. Gaming Target
    90
    If you're looking for a serious story of epic proportions and melting the senses graphics and sounds, Izuna may not be your cup of tea, instead you might want to pick up Final Fantasy III. If you're looking for a solid dungeon crawler packing a challenge, Izuna is the ninja for you.
  2. Worth Playing
    78
    You may not be worthy of playing Izuna. Chat with the Oracle a few times, and maybe you'll figure out if you are.
  3. GameZone
    75
    Izuna is one rough quest, and the old-school gameplay and unforgiving difficulty are a stark contrast to the story’s lighthearted tone. However, if you’re looking for a good story and one tough cookie, then this one is for you.
  5. Deeko
    75
    The action may grow somewhat trite and drawn out and the whole "someone looted me while I was passed out" aspect kind of sucks, but the attention to old school detail and gameplay really packs a mean wallop and the localization is incredibly amusing and fun.
  6. 1UP
    75
    If you're in the dark about Roguelikes but still want a taste of one, it's better to start with the more accessible Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Its difficulty is more gradual, it's got touch-screen controls, and it features more than one party member, which is easier to deal with than Izuna's solitary dungeon-crawling. But those who already love the genre -- or want to "graduate" from Pokémon -- will still find great enjoyment from Izuna.
  7. AtomicGamer
    75
    A fun game. While it is often incredibly difficult, you’ll eventually get through the dungeons.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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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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