Review: Etrian Odyssey Nexus (Nintendo 3DS)

by Jim Smale · Published February 11, 2019 · Updated March 11, 2019

The final Etrian installment on Nintendo 3DS. With more classes, characters, gameplay systems, and labyrinths than any other game in the series, Etrian Odyssey Nexus is the ultimate dungeon-crawling adventure.

Pros:

Etrian Odyssey Nexus has elequant Anime style graphics.
6584 blocks download size.
Full touchscreen support.
3D implementation and looks fantastic.
Invert axis.
Etrian Odyssey Nexus has RPG gameplay.
Strong musical score.
4 difficulties-picnic, basic, expert and heroic.
Text speed- slow, normal, fast and hyper.
Japanese voicework.
Walk speed- normal or fast.
Options- messages, animations, auto battle, button skip all can be set on or off.
9 save slots. 1 on the system and 8 on the SD card.
The story told like an adventure game with you making choices and getting full narration.
Earn EXP and level up to increase stats.
Make your own party/customize them.
Name your own guild.
Can rename party members.
Main hub- shop/save/quests/guild management.
Automap can be set to on/off or all. If you turn it off you have to fill in the map yourself with the stylus.
Huge selection of icons you can put on the map.
Turn-based combat.

Cons:

Slow starter.
Lot of text to read.
A lot of in-app purchases.
Slow pace overall.
No English dub.
Clunky UI.
Not the most in-depth tutorial.

9/10
Graphics - 9/10
9/10
Sound - 9/10
8/10
Accessability - 8/10
9/10
Length - 9/10
8/10
Fun Factor - 8/10

8.6/10

Summary

Etrian Odyssey is back on the 3DS and this could well be the last one on the handheld. For this iteration you could argue its the most complete package, it has had a lot of refinements and opened itself up for other gamers to get involved. The map writing, in particular, is still a unique experience and if it is not your cup of tea, you can have the game do it for you. Outside of that, it’s all business as usual. You still get the strong story and well thought out turn-based combat. With full control of your guild and members, it’s easily one of the most customizable options in the game. Locations are glorious and the sheer number of hours you will pour into Etrian Odyssey Nexus is borderline insane. In shortEtrian Odyssey Nexus is the most definite one, having so many in-app purchases does sour the taste but the core game remains a masterpiece of RPG goodness.