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IGDB
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Atlus released Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth for the Nintendo 3DS on August 4, 2016. This title serves as the fifth main entry in their long-running dungeon crawler franchise. You play as a new adventurer aiming to scale the massive Yggdrasil Tree and reach its summit where legends say your greatest wish awaits. The game blends adventure and role-playing elements with heavy strategy mechanics. It stands apart from standard RPGs by forcing players to draw their own maps rather than relying on an automatic display. This setup creates a distinct experience that demands constant attention to your surroundings while you navigate the labyrinthine depths alone.
You lead a party of four characters through procedurally generated floors in the Yggdrasil Labyrinth. The core loop involves mapping every corridor and wall on your own touch screen as you explore. Combat is turn-based and tactical, requiring you to position your units carefully since there is no auto-targeting system. You choose from ten distinct classes across four unique races to build a team that fits your specific needs. Skill trees allow for deep customization of your party members without bloating the progression system. A typical session means pausing often to sketch out new areas, managing resources like potions and spells, and making split-second decisions during fights. The controls rely heavily on the dual screens to keep your map visible while you issue commands.
The PlayPile community rates this title highly with a Metacritic score of 80 out of 100. Reviewers often cite the depth of character creation as a major highlight. Players spend an average of 45 hours completing the main story, though many log over 60 hours when chasing all achievements. Completion rates sit at roughly 72 percent for those who start the game. Community moods reflect a mix of frustration and satisfaction, with users frequently discussing the difficulty of specific boss encounters. Review snippets mention that the mapping mechanic divides players but ultimately rewards patience. Data shows that 89 percent of players recommend the game to others who enjoy complex systems over linear narratives.
This game is worth your time if you want a traditional RPG that respects your intelligence and doesn't hold your hand. The price point on the Nintendo eShop makes it an accessible entry into a niche subgenre. There are 36 achievements to unlock, with some requiring multiple playthroughs or specific party builds. You will not find this level of map-making freedom in modern dungeon crawlers. It is a difficult game that demands focus and planning at every turn. Skip this if you prefer fast-paced action or automatic quest tracking. The reward comes from solving puzzles and mastering your party rather than just grinding levels.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
85.9
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