Etrian Odyssey III

[Enzeru]

Title:

Etrian Odyssey III: Visitor from the Sea and the Stars

Release:

JP: 3/4/10

Genre:

RPG

Platform:

Nintendo DS

Info:

Totally new, original classes! Expect an all new adventure on the seas!
http://nintendo.nyleveia.com/2009/12/13/etrian-odyssey-iii-announced-in-famitsu/
http://nintendo.nyleveia.com/2009/12/14/additional-eo3-media/

Visual Info:Famitsu


http://i50.tinypic.com/2exwyvs.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/2928eol.jpg
Youtube
System 01 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3MZTfvyBBc)
Story (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmuJ9zzT31U&feature=channel)

Website:
http://sq3.atlusnet.jp

[Kain Mare]

I'm sure it will come out after it has been released and did well over in Japan.
Still, I agree. I would like to see this come to the US shores. I would certainly purchase this.

[poiuiu]

New art, new characters, new dungeons, sea travel, a PIRATE character type, Sekaiju no MeiQ facking 3; jesus fark I'm gonna faint.

PS: This is an ATLUS game. There's no way in hell Atlus USA will not be bring this over. This should be in the ATLUS general discussion forum!

[Enzeru]

PS: This is an ATLUS game. There's no way in hell Atlus USA will not be bring this over. This should be in the ATLUS general discussion forum!
There have been plenty of Atlus games that Atlus USA hasn't brought over.

[jeffx]

Etrain Odysessy III

What? Did you do this on purpose so that this thread may never appear in search results?

[poiuiu]

There's no way in hell Atlus won't be bringing this over.

Either way, pirates AND ninjas!

[Enzeru]

Etrain Odysessy IIIWhat? Did you do this on purpose so that this thread may never appear in search results?What are you talking about?

[jeffx]

Etrain Odysessy IIIWhat? Did you do this on purpose so that this thread may never appear in search results?What are you talking about?

oh sure, make ME look like a fool.

[Enzeru]

oh sure, make ME look like a fool.
:D But seriously, if you just search "Etrian Odyssey" it'll probably come up.

[sdragon21]

2 words:HELL YEAH!!!

I loved the first 2 games, and i'll probably pick this up as well. Instant Day 1 Purchase!!!

[Foobar]

Atlus USA better bring it or I'm going to have to sink a ship full of bunnies.

[Ephidel]

Oeh, sea monsters.
Looks like theres some water tiling on some of those maps too, makes them look more like maps than grids somehow.

And new classes? :D

First is the same letters used for Princess in 7th D, so I assume those two with the scepters are Princess and Prince.
Can't read the rest though.
Definitely a pirate at the bottom of the righthand page though, so I guess its not too far out to assume the one dressed in black who looks like a ninja is a ninja? :P

I loved the first two, so this pretty much has my complete and utter support regardless, but definitely looking forward to hearing/understanding more information.

Little information or no, I will definititely preorder if it gets localised... and I do hope it will be.

[Zachalmighty]

I can't believe I missed this while at work, awesome! DO WANT!

[Dave3]

I would definitely day one this!

[Evila]

Can't read the rest :(
From left to right they are Princess/Prince, Phalanx, Monk, Pirate, Shinobi.

Anyways yeah aaaaaaa! This came out of nowhere. I can't wait. An English release would be an instant buy for me.

[kufufu]

Do Want

[Ephidel]

Can't read the rest :(
From left to right they are Princess/Prince, Phalanx, Monk, Pirate, Shinobi.

Anyways yeah aaaaaaa! This came out of nowhere. I can't wait. An English release would be an instant buy for me.

Thankyou :D

[RayFoxSith]

Day one for sure.

[Macheath]

YEEEEEES!!!! I've been waiting for them to make this! The characters look even more awesome/adorable. Day one!!

[sfried]

Etrian Odyssey: Phantom Hourglass?

[SickleCellAnemia]

Will buy!

[Kakizaki]

Day one.

[Onion of Mystery]

Atlus USA better bring it or I'm going to have to sink a ship full of bunnies.

Psh! Go ahead. Bunnies float.


...Eventually.

[Kid Marin]

Great, i love sea settings.

[Tivor]

OMG Day ****ing ONE!!!

[zergrussian]

Day 1 for me, just like the last two. The more dungeon crawls the better.

[ShadowRaskolnik]

Day one for me as well, I just need to complete EO2 now.

[shimo]

Day one.

[Lorinosan]

...And thus continues the awesomeness of one of my all-time favorite gaming machines.

Needless to say, this would be day one material for me. Make it happen!

[Zachalmighty]

In terms of financial success, where EO I and EO II a success?

[syl]

Day One!
That is all...

[Olethros]

I'll buy it, and I never buy DS games anymore. :D

[illogicaldreamr]

Was not expecting to see this today. So awesome.

Atlus, you KNOW what to do.

I will preorder the hell out of this.

[Gen Eric Gui]

Guess this means I actually have to finish EO2 then!

This is such a great time for oldschool gamers, with so many "dead" genres coming back for seconds. Brawlers, fighters, SHMUPs, first-person RPG's, I'm falling in love with gaming all over again.

[Jehusephat]

After having just completely finished both The Dark Spire and the original Etrian Odyssey, I've come to realize that first-person dungeon crawlers have ruined me for any other type of game. I need EO3, because after I finish EO2 and SMT:SJ I don't know where I'm going to get my next fix. Help!

[cj iwakura]

Here's hoping it uses the graphical improvements from SJ, like animated sprites and such.

Lucifer can be in it too if they want.

[AdrianMorales]

OCEANIC QUEST... so I take it you get to sail on the seven seas.

[etrianfan]

Etrian Odyssey III! Please Atlus USA, bring it here.

[Inzaghi]

Etrian Odyssey III! Please Atlus USA, bring it here.

I saw your name in the "Last Post" field on the board index and thought it would be a cool surprise twist if you were campaigning against it. Alas!

[Neveryll]

Awesome. I liked the first two so this would be a great thing to see come our way. :D

[slayn]

It's almost a certainty that Atlus will bring this one over.

Day one.

[tross]

I can't believe it! I have to finish the first Disgaea so I can allow myself to tackle all my sequels. I loved the first one, and though I haven't finished it 100%, I did beat the main quest, and decided that I'm so far behind on my games that I'll just start the sequel next. I may go back and finish it eventually, but I think for now, I'll just move on. I also need to play Luminous Arc 2, which I also own. Good thing I completed the first a long time ago. It seems that third games in series are being announced left and right, before I start the second game.

[poiuiu]

Here's hoping it uses the graphical improvements from SJ, like animated sprites and such.

Lucifer can be in it too if they want.

The game seems like it's the same low budget affair of the previous two games (right down to the two slightly altered and palette swapped portraits for each character and gender type), so I kinda doubt there'll be animated enemy sprites. But at least there will be additional gameplay and such.

[jeffx]

CJ, are animated sprites this big of a deal to you? Personally I'm fine either way. But I'm thinking they'll step up the presentation with this third entry, especially since EO2 was basically EO1.5.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[poiuiu]

Official japanese site is up but with absolutely nothing of note (until 12/14).

http://sq3.atlusnet.jp/

Also, there's this:
http://i50.tinypic.com/6oq1dy.jpg

[Ephidel]

Theres a post up on famitsu's website now with some more screenshots:
http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/1230321_1407.html

I ran it through google translator and its mostly understandable (translated version (http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.famitsu.com%2Fgame%2Fcoming%2F1 230321_1407.html&sl=ja&tl=en)).

[Tivor]

Theres a post up on famitsu's website now with some more screenshots:
http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/1230321_1407.html

I ran it through google translator and its mostly understandable (translated version (http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.famitsu.com%2Fgame%2Fcoming%2F1 230321_1407.html&sl=ja&tl=en)).

Phalanx looks a bit too similar to Paladin, but I'm loving all other new classes.

I'll definitely try to work Shinobi and Princess into my party.

[Ephidel]

I recall hearing yesterday that these new classes (and others yet to be revealed/announced/whatever) may be replacing the old classes, rather than being in addition to them.
I'm not sure where though. Maybe gaf? :|

I'm a little apprehensive about that though, because I'm very fond of dark hunters (and well, my party as a whole... but dark hunters!) :(
I guess if I decide I want to trick myself into believing that my prior adventurers have continued to explore yet further, I'll have to convince myself they've also undergone some new training in some new specialisations :P

There was also something about 1-5 player local wireless for some form of oceanic quest too, but I can't find it at the moment.

Edit: Yes, stuff about characters was gaf, this post (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=18808947&postcount=327) in particular.
Am I allowed to randomly quote gaf posts here? I'm going to and all, I'm just not sure if I'm meant to as I've not done so before.

Yuzo and character-designer Yuji Himukai are reprising their roles, as are all the other key peoples from EOII.

Here's what else is known:
• All character classes and character art is being completely redone. (So it seems there will be no returning classes.)

• Revealed classes:
Prince/Princess - Seems to be the new Troubadour, granting party-wide buffs.
Phalanx - High-defense frontline fighter, like the Paladin, but wields polearms
Monk - Excels at fighting bare-handed, can use chi to heal allies
Shinobi - Can't quite make this out from the scan. Looks like they're the class with environmental interaction abilities, stealth and such.
Pirate - Excels at fighting groups of enemies, not so great at 1-on-1 battles

• Five other new classes are shown in art only. Looks like some sort of fighter, a shaman/barbarian, a kid with goggles and a massive crossbow? or is that an anchor? Winged chick with some sort of light weapon, kid with a pitchfork...

• Game is set at least partially on the high seas. Mapping function has 23 different icons that seem designed to illustrate ocean currents, islands with various sorts of terrain (rocky, mountainous, level, etc.)

• Multiplayer mode allows one to five players to simultaneously explore a patch of ocean. One of the exploration shots has everyone in a boat (which is shown on screen) while another is the traditional first-person perspective.

• Release date is 3/4. Price is an unusually expensive 6279 yen (same as Strange Journey). All the key peoples have returned.

[Tivor]

I recall hearing yesterday that these new classes (and others yet to be revealed/announced/whatever) may be replacing the old classes, rather than being in addition to them.
I'm not sure where though. Maybe gaf? :|

Ah, I see. Well, that makes sense. The translated article kinda gave me the impression that this might be the case, but this being online translation, I just wasn't sure.

Well, it's a shame that we're losing the old beloved classes, but I suppose they felt they needed to shuffle things up a bit for the 3rd installment. I can live with that.

So there will be more classes announced. Awesome. :)

[Mank]

:) First Megaman 10, now this! Good week for announcements for me, I loved loved loved II.

[mhb77]

Hey I just joined this board solely because it would allow me to bother random people in an effort to make sure this game makes it to the states. Anyways not only will I get this day one, I will try to proselytize anyone I meet who has a DS or an interest in quality RPGs.

[Tivor]

Hey I just joined this board solely because it would allow me to bother random people in an effort to make sure this game makes it to the states. Anyways not only will I get this day one, I will try to proselytize anyone I meet who has a DS or an interest in quality RPGs.

I don't think I've ever seen that word used on an internet forum! Good for you, sir! :D

[Enzeru]

There was also something about 1-5 player local wireless for some form of oceanic quest too, but I can't find it at the moment.

Yes, I saw that in Famitsu, but thought it might be an error. Thanks. ^^

[Eggn0g]

I imported 2 and I'll sure as hell import 3. If Atlus localizes it, that is.

Come on Atlus, you know you want to.

Anyway, what's the deal with this one? Are there going to be multiple dungeons and a world map or something this time?

[Iris]

I will do naughty things to get you to bring this over, Atlus. ;_;

[Zachalmighty]

I will do naughty things to get you to bring this over, Atlus. ;_;

Looks like we are definitely getting EO3 now.

[poiuiu]

This group art seems to be the full list of revealed featured characters so far. Unless there's some surprises in store for later, only one character type will be returning in part 3.

http://i50.tinypic.com/2mf0it4.jpg

[Tivor]

This group art seems to be the full list of revealed featured characters so far. Unless there's some surprises in store for later, only one character type will be returning in part 3.

http://i50.tinypic.com/2mf0it4.jpg

Oooh, Pally girl!! <3

I love the Pally girl, but I'm rather surprised that the Paladin class is making a return appearance. As I already said, Phalanx's description made it sound awfully similar to Paladin's role. Maybe Phalanx isn't what I think it's gonna be.

Anyway, Pally girl looks so badass in that picture. I love it. :D

[Wildarms]

yes. but luminous arc and summon night x first

[Evila]

This group art seems to be the full list of revealed featured characters so far. Unless there's some surprises in store for later, only one character type will be returning in part 3.

http://i50.tinypic.com/2mf0it4.jpg

That image is sadly photoshopped. ^^; I saw the original awhile ago and was confused when I came across that other one with the Protector girl in it. Anyways, here is the original, all nicely scanned. New wallpaper a go go.

http://i46.tinypic.com/2ecgsjc.jpg

[poiuiu]

That image is sadly photoshopped. ^^; I saw the original awhile ago and was confused when I came across that other one with the Protector girl in it. Anyways, here is the original, all nicely scanned. New wallpaper a go go.

http://i46.tinypic.com/2ecgsjc.jpg


That's unfortunately, but I'm glad since the Phalanx seems to be just has heavily armoured as the Protector, so there no need for the both of them.

[Tivor]

This group art seems to be the full list of revealed featured characters so far. Unless there's some surprises in store for later, only one character type will be returning in part 3.

http://i50.tinypic.com/2mf0it4.jpg

That image is sadly photoshopped. ^^; I saw the original awhile ago and was confused when I came across that other one with the Protector girl in it. Anyways, here is the original, all nicely scanned. New wallpaper a go go.

http://i46.tinypic.com/2ecgsjc.jpg

I've been duped!!! *sigh*

Oh well. Anyhow, that is a nice scan indeed. I think that's gonna be the new wallpaper for my PS3. 8)

[sfried]

That image is sadly photoshopped. ^^; I saw the original awhile ago and was confused when I came across that other one with the Protector girl in it. Anyways, here is the original, all nicely scanned. New wallpaper a go go.

http://i46.tinypic.com/2ecgsjc.jpgWhat class is the boy chasing the sheep?

[poiuiu]

Your guess is as good as any of the guesses of the guys that don't know.

I'd wager he's the Robot Master (http://i45.tinypic.com/xavpg6.jpg) master.

[System_Error]

Atlus, please do not localize this. I feel your time is better spent on Persona 3 Portable because I loves it





No seriously Atlus, localize this and Death Smiles. I'll give you my 1 year old niece as compensation.

[mhb77]

http://i46.tinypic.com/2ecgsjc.jpg What class is the boy chasing the sheep?

He is holding a pitchfork in this scan http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/6216/99470841.jpg so I think we can assume he is a lance based class. Not quite sure what his function in the party would be. He isn't the most imposing character I've ever seen, so I'm inclined to think he is some sort of support role, but his character design doesn't exactly give us any clues. (I for one hope it has something to do with that sheep, but it seems unlikely)

[ShadowRaskolnik]

http://i46.tinypic.com/2ecgsjc.jpg What class is the boy chasing the sheep?

He is holding a pitchfork in this scan http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/6216/99470841.jpg so I think we can assume he is a lance based class. Not quite sure what his function in the party would be. He isn't the most imposing character I've ever seen, so I'm inclined to think he is some sort of support role, but his character design doesn't exactly give us any clues. (I for one hope it has something to do with that sheep, but it seems unlikely)

He could be a beast master who can control monsters or summon farm animals.

[Tivor]

http://i46.tinypic.com/2ecgsjc.jpg What class is the boy chasing the sheep?

He is holding a pitchfork in this scan http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/6216/99470841.jpg so I think we can assume he is a lance based class. Not quite sure what his function in the party would be. He isn't the most imposing character I've ever seen, so I'm inclined to think he is some sort of support role, but his character design doesn't exactly give us any clues. (I for one hope it has something to do with that sheep, but it seems unlikely)

He could be a beast master who can control monsters or summon farm animals.

Now I'm reminded of the Shepherd class in Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar. She could summon hordes of sheeps to stampede and trample the orcs and......

OK, I made that summoning part up. There *was* a Shepherd class in Ultima IV though, and if memory serves (it's been 20+ years since I played that game), she could shoot some mean slingshots.

And there I am, going off on a tangent again. :D

And if I were to go off on a tangent again on what is already a tangential post, I think my party will include the sheep-chasing guy, and I'll name him Farmboy. My party will also include Princess Buttercup and Dread Pirate Roberts. ;)

[mhb77]

Now I'm reminded of the Shepherd class in Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar. She could summon hordes of sheeps to stampede and trample the orcs and......

OK, I made that summoning part up. There *was* a Shepherd class in Ultima IV though, and if memory serves (it's been 20+ years since I played that game), she could shoot some mean slingshots.

And there I am, going off on a tangent again. :D

And if I were to go off on a tangent again on what is already a tangential post, I think my party will include the sheep-chasing guy, and I'll name him Farmboy. My party will also include Princess Buttercup and Dread Pirate Roberts. ;)

He actually really looks like a shepherd now that you mention it... that would be all kinds of awesome. Is it bad that the character I'm most interested in is the sheep chasing Farmboy? They really need to get something up on the Japanese site so we can figure what these people do.

On an unrelated note, I hope that they still have some bind related classes. I've been meaning to make a bind based team ever since EOI and I still haven't gotten around to it.

PS. Tivor, I wholeheartedly approve of your names so far, although I fear "Dread Pirate Roberts" and "Princess Buttercup" exceed the word limit, you may have to use some abbreviations.

[sfried]

Now I'm reminded of the Shepherd class in Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar. She could summon hordes of sheeps to stampede and trample the orcs and......

OK, I made that summoning part up. There *was* a Shepherd class in Ultima IV though, and if memory serves (it's been 20+ years since I played that game), she could shoot some mean slingshots.

And there I am, going off on a tangent again. :DNot off-tangent at all. I, too, have been wondering what sort of defence this "shepard class" might have. Some have speculated they have plenty of Take/Chop/Mine points ("Farm"?) to compensate for their relatively poor offence, or would have skills that would make them capable of dodging attacks.

Basically, the equivalent of an Observer from StarCraft in Etrian Odyssey.
He actually really looks like a shepherd now that you mention it... that would be all kinds of awesome. Is it bad that the character I'm most interested in is the sheep chasing Farmboy?Can't wait to use him as well. Since he's wearing green and I plan on naming the pirate "Linebeck"...

[henbayward]

What class is the boy chasing the sheep?

Scottish *ba-dum chshhhh!*

Anyway, day one. This will be pre-ordered fo' sho'!

[Ephidel]

Shouldn't that be Welsh? ;)

[sfried]

What class is the boy chasing the sheep?

Scottish *ba-dum chshhhh!*

Anyway, day one. This will be pre-ordered fo' sho'!
Shouldn't that be Welsh? ;)
I am definitely naming one of them Alan (Davis). :D No offence.

Anyways, I thought about the possibility of EO3 integrating roguelike-elements like hunger, then food supply would definitely come into play here, considering the setting is the sea and such.

[poiuiu]

If they're gonna mess around with the formula like adding a hunger mechanic, they have better increase the storage capacity for your spoils (in addition to making more of your spoils edible) cause only being able to be in the labyrinth for 8 (random number) hours at a time will not suffice. If anything, it's a dumb idea to arbitrarily limit gameplay like this anyway (I hated how characters get fatigued so quickly in P3).

[Ephidel]

Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsz_ndFQ-dI

(Whoever uploaded it to youtube did so from here (http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1230445_1124.html)).

[Tivor]

Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsz_ndFQ-dI

(Whoever uploaded it to youtube did so from here (http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1230445_1124.html)).

*drool*

Thanks for the link!

My Japanese is nowhere near any good to actually understand what the trailer was saying, but I *think* that the very last bit was saying that there is a first-come-first-served limited preorder bonus of EO3 soundtrack CD. Here's hoping that Atlus USA will do the same for us when the game gets released stateside. I love EO soundtracks. 8)

It's early morning of December 14 in Japan right now. That means the Japanese EO3 official site (http://sq3.atlusnet.jp/) should open later today. Hopefully it'll tell us more about the game, including information on the new classes and such. :)

[Marcail]

Lord, I hope they don't add a hunger element. I don't want to have to carry food rations while fulfilling quests that involve collecting a fair number of resources, and besides that, hunger is such a pointless thing to add: you have to keep an eye on it but past that it's not really adding any extra complexity to the game.

Found a link that you might want to check out:
http://nintendo.nyleveia.com/2009/12/13/etrian-odyssey-iii-announced-in-famitsu/
(http://nintendo.nyleveia.com/2009/12/13/etrian-odyssey-iii-announced-in-famitsu/)
It's got a few links, some info on attacks, and a few things that you might like to be sure are confirmed.

And to Atlus: Please, please bring this over. I will definitely pre-order.

[Ephidel]

Site is now up, although there isn't much content yet.
An intro page with the same trailer on it, a basic info page (title, console, genre, release date, price, scanny webpage barcodes...), and a link to the new s3 blog.
Blog post seems vaguely interesting despite the fact that google translate sort of turns it into mush. Also, the girl on the blog post header looks like she has some uncomfortably squished breasts :P

[Tivor]

Site is now up, although there isn't much content yet.
An intro page with the same trailer on it, a basic info page (title, console, genre, release date, price, scanny webpage barcodes...), and a link to the new s3 blog.
Blog post seems vaguely interesting despite the fact that google translate sort of turns it into mush. Also, the girl on the blog post header looks like she has some uncomfortably squished breasts :P

I assume she's gonna be our new storekeeper? :)

Anyway, I used Japanese->Korean online translator (which tends to give more decipherable results than Japanese->English translators due to linguistic similarities between the two languages) on the blog, and basically it's saying that they are trying to "betray what users are expecting, while still delivering what users want," and that it was a conscious decision to keep things fresh in the third installment of the game. They are now at debug-like-hell phase of the development.

He says he'll be answering questions about the game world, classes, etc, through the blog, so I guess this is a page we should keep an eye on. :)

[Marcail]

New official images! Badass monster is badass.

http://nintendo.nyleveia.com/2009/12/14/additional-eo3-media/

Looks like the girl in the header is the barkeeper rather than storekeeper. I'm diggin' the new blacksmith, even if she has got more clothes on than Shilleka.

[ShadowRaskolnik]

I wonder if they will have another Trauma Center cameo as the doctor for this game, or maybe they'll have a character from Trauma Team instead.

[sfried]

There was some updates in the blog (http://sq3-blog.atlusnet.jp/blog/) posted. My Japanese is poor despite taking 5 semesters of it.

http://sq3-blog.atlusnet.jp/blog/blog_img/091216_01.jpg

[dungeon_man]

I was holding the pistol in my hand, ready to end it all, but this news has caused me to reconsider the value of my life. Thank you!

[henbayward]

Again, day one. Pre-ordered.
Also, I just thought of some awesome pre-order Spoils (aside from soundtrack and art book :D)

Shrinky-Dinks of all the characters! I can't post links or attachments yet or I would (wonder why...), but the website is www.shrinkydinks.com. Any other children of the 80's remember these? In a nutshell:
Character pictures come on a sheet of thin, flexible plastic. You color the characters (we used to use colored pencils) and then cut out the characters and put them in the oven. The plastic "magically" shrinks into a smaller, harder version. You can then put them in a little plastic stand to display! (search for pictures of Shrinky Dinks to see examples.)

I think it would be an awesome little retro-flavored goodie.

edit: oh, well heck. The link came up anyway. Cool.

[poiuiu]

Story, system and character pages have been updated on the official site (http://sq3.atlusnet.jp/).

[illogicaldreamr]

You know what I want more of in this game? Traps and places to investigate. The first game had barely any. The first floor had the moths that pretty much killed you, then after that it seemed like there was barely anything to click on and investigate in the dungeon. It was pretty boring. The second game expanded upon it a little more, but not by much.

The Dark Spire had a lot more of this, which I liked. You had to explore a lot to find things on your on. In Etrian Odyssey, if there is anything there, it automatically gives it away by having the check option pop up on your screen.

I hope they thought about this for the third game and add more exploration, and better quests.

[sfried]

Story, system and character pages have been updated on the official site (http://sq3.atlusnet.jp/).

http://sq3.atlusnet.jp/character/img/btn_chara10.jpg
Shepard class confirmed!

[poiuiu]

[img]http://sq3.atlusnet.jp/character/img/btn_chara10.jpg[img]
Shepard class confirmed!

A quick lesson just to make things clear.

Shepherd (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/shepherd), as in 'sheep' 'herder'.

Shepard (http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/shepard-alan.html), as in Astronaut Alan Shepard.

And just because I feel like it,
Shemp (http://www.stoogeworld.com/_Biographies/Shemp.htm) Howard, of the Three Stooges.

[Marcail]

Not shepherd, but farmer!
Remaining classes confirmed!

http://nintendo.nyleveia.com/2009/12/22/final-etrian-odyssey-3-classes-named/

Today is a good day.

[AlexiaCarcera]

Day One!
That is all...

Heey your sig! claymore <3 poor isley~

[Tivor]

I think my party will include the sheep-chasing guy, and I'll name him Farmboy.

Oooooh, I'm good. :lol:

Anyway, I always liked the look of the giant crossbow guy, but with a kickass name like Ballista, that class is definitely gonna be in my party. :D I wonder what to name him though. He doesn't exactly look like Fezzik or Inigo.... Hmm. Inigo Montoya is probably going to be my Warrior anyway too.

But then again, if Fezzik *did* carry a crossbow, it would be a FREAKIN' GIGANTIC CROSSBOW, so I guess that solves that dilemma. 8)


My preliminary party list: (names to be shortened as necessary)

Warrior - Inigo Montoya
Pirate - Dread Pirate Roberts
Princess - Princess Buttercup
Farmer - Farmboy (I'm double-dipping on a same character here, but whatever. :D)
Ballista - Fezzik


God, I can't wait for this game. Maybe I should change my sig pic. :D

[DamnedToBeFree]

My preliminary party list: (names to be shortened as necessary)

Warrior - Inigo Montoya
Pirate - Dread Pirate Roberts
Princess - Princess Buttercup
Farmer - Farmboy (I'm double-dipping on a same character here, but whatever. :D)
Ballista - Fezzik


Dammit you beat me to it. I was just about to post that. I'd name the Farmer Wesley though ;)

[poiuiu]

But then again, if Fezzik *did* carry a crossbow, it would be a FREAKIN' GIGANTIC CROSSBOW, so I guess that solves that dilemma. 8)



INCONCEIVABLE!

[Tivor]

But then again, if Fezzik *did* carry a crossbow, it would be a FREAKIN' GIGANTIC CROSSBOW, so I guess that solves that dilemma. 8)



INCONCEIVABLE!

I'd *love* to have Vizzini in my party, but I can't figure out which class would be right for him. Any thoughts? :)

I suppose Zodiac can be Miracle Max. That sorta fits, no?

And of course, if we can have Princess Buttercup, we can surely have Prince Humperdinck as well. ;)



Atlus, think you can add options to specify a character's handedness (like being left-handed) or a character's number of fingers? No? How about the seas being infested with Shrieking Eels? How about the ability to choose the winds while sailing?

Am I taking this a little too far? :D

[Inzaghi]

Dammit you beat me to it. I was just about to post that. I'd name the Farmer Wesley though ;)

It was Westley, actually!

[sfried]

So Farmers just have high skill points for mining/farming/whatever it is they do to harvest items, or are the the sole class that has that ability?

[henbayward]

You know what I want more of in this game? Traps and places to investigate. The first game had barely any. The first floor had the moths that pretty much killed you, then after that it seemed like there was barely anything to click on and investigate in the dungeon. It was pretty boring. The second game expanded upon it a little more, but not by much.

The Dark Spire had a lot more of this, which I liked. You had to explore a lot to find things on your on. In Etrian Odyssey, if there is anything there, it automatically gives it away by having the check option pop up on your screen.

I hope they thought about this for the third game and add more exploration, and better quests.

I completely agree. I would want to be able to detect traps, though, not just have to stumble through every single section of the map and then, "Oops!" That's one of the things that killed Izuna for me. If I activate a trap, I want it to be my fault for not checking and seeing if it's safe, not random bad luck.

More investigations and "landmarks" would be great and really go a good ways towards making the world feel...alive, I guess?

Bump, Day one.

edit: Ooooh...a new yellow FOE species. http://nintendo.nyleveia.com/2009/12/22/additional-eo3-media-round-4/

[Enzeru]

Let's hope we get experience from that FOE...

[dungeon_man]

Are the old classes returning? I'd prefer that they weren't so I have time to use the new ones more.

[poiuiu]

No returning characters.

[Ephidel]

This thread was overdue a bump ;)

Not sure whats going on on the blog, although there are a whole load of different logo designs up there, but the site itself has updated too.

I know they were already seen/mentioned in scans (http://www.atlus.com/forum/showpost.php?p=164780&postcount=32) in the other thread, but you can now cycle through the different character designs for the Ninja/Shinobi Class (http://sq3.atlusnet.jp/character/chara02.html).

[henbayward]

Hey! I was thinking about this while playing EO II...For the shepherd, I don't think we're thinking Atlus-y enough. Think Megaten demon negotiating. What if the little guy lets us capture or "herd" enemy animals into fighting for us? Or even, if he gets powerful enough, capture FOEs? Dare I dream?
Maybe a monster stable where we can store animals (let's say 5 different animals) and during battle, he can call on them to take his place or even fight alongside him. Ooo, ooo! You can level them up and make them more powerful! Okay, I just thought I'd throw that out there.


Edit: dangit, I should have read the other posts before bringing this up. Still, even if he's not a shepherd, a farmer can do all that, right? Man, that would be sweet...

[four_black_hearts]

^Your idea sounds exactly like the "Beast Master" class from the very same game!

[henbayward]

Dangit! I knew I should have read more!! :D
I just thought about it, got all giddy, and posted. I completely forgot there's a class specifically called "Beast Master!" Let that be a lesson to you, children! Read, then post!
Still, I hope he's able to keep a number of animals, not just capture them for one fight, then they're gone.

[poiuiu]

Since this thread is still alive, I'll link to my latest post in the other one.

Click here (http://atlus.com/forum/showpost.php?p=167987&postcount=36).

Dangit! I knew I should have read more!! :D
I just thought about it, got all giddy, and posted. I completely forgot there's a class specifically called "Beast Master!" Let that be a lesson to you, children! Read, then post!
Still, I hope he's able to keep a number of animals, not just capture them for one fight, then they're gone.

And one thing to note, since that mysterious sixth party spot can be taken by a Shinobi cloning him/herself (by cutting their HP/TP in half), that gives support for other classes summoning something to fill up that sixth spot. :seesaw:

[Chronoshale]

...ohay. I'll cast my vote for this game. I wasn't too big on the first one, but I'd be willing to give this one a try.

[AdrianMorales]

Hooray for underboobs! :D

http://www.rpgland.com/content/media/2010/01/resonance-of-fate-walkthrough40.jpg

[Tivor]

Hooray for underboobs! :D


Yummy! :D

[sfried]

Gotta love the Game Over screen homage. It's now a coconut.

What's "Limit Skill"?

[poiuiu]

Hooray for underboobs! :D

[img]http://www.rpgland.com/content/media/2010/01/resonance-of-fate-walkthrough40.jpg[img]

You're a bit late for that.
http://sq3.atlusnet.jp/character/index.html

Also, belts, belts and more shaqing belts!

Gotta love the Game Over screen homage. It's now a coconut.

What's "Limit Skill"?
Seed actually.
http://i49.tinypic.com/35lb0x1.jpg

And supposedly, they're optional attacks that either has to be equipped via an accessory that can involve several characters, or they act like a fighting game's super move (which is very similar to the established Force attack of 2 anyway). But who really knows.

Oh and more old news, skill transfer, job changes and subclasses are in the game.

[four_black_hearts]

More info on mapping and wifi! (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/02/16/etrian_odyssey_iii_trailer/)

[Enzeru]

Does it have Wi-Fi or local wireless? Wi-Fi would be *awesome*!

[Tivor]

From the trailer video (with my very limited Japanese), I'm getting the impression that it's local wireless only. Which is a shame for me since I don't have any friends who also play EO. :(

Hopefully someone who is more fluent in Japanese can confirm or deny....

Anyway, here's hoping that Atlus USA will be bringing this one over soon!! (c'mon, announce it already!! i mean... you guys ARE bringing this one over, right?????)

[poiuiu]

Yes, it's only local multiplayer for up to 5 players each with their own cart. No wifi.

This was stated in one of the original scans.

[Shikoku]

Announce it already for America so I can stop holding to these spare 40 dollars to preorder it with. They're so bored and lonely and want to be spent on something.
C'mon Atlus USA, you want to make these 2 twenties cry?

[illogicaldreamr]

Announce it already for America so I can stop holding to these spare 40 dollars to preorder it with. They're so bored and lonely and want to be spent on something.
C'mon Atlus USA, you want to make these 2 twenties cry?

Calm yourself. It's not even out in Japan yet. Last I heard it was pushed back until April.

[Chronoshale]

I'm having a random surge of excitement over this game, so I feel compelled to re-post my support and bump this topic. 8D

[Stealth20k]

Yeah I would wait at least 5 -6 months after EO III comes out in april.

On the other hand after strange journey releases, A US date for luminous arc 3 is alot more likely.

[Stealth20k]

Once the game comes out, this is a definite US release.

[fates]

Just posting to show support ^^

if you guys bring it, please bundle a CD with it! :D

[sfried]

EOIII to have cannon on your ship (http://sq3.atlusnet.jp/play/play02.html). The prospect leads to the question if enemy ships will also have cannons as well...

[poiuiu]

Reposting here since no one goes to the other EO3 thread. <_<

Only two days before release and the SQ3 developer blog updates with a couple videos of them sailing in co-op (or something) (http://sq3-blog.atlusnet.jp/blog/2010/03/9-4164.html).

Also, official site updates (http://sq3.atlusnet.jp/system/sys06.html) with small blurb about the two new guys and something about post game new game+ and leveling up or something.

Also, beware of F.O.E. crossing (http://sq3.atlusnet.jp/special/dwl/sq3_015_1900x1200.jpg).

"Clean" images of the two ... whatevertheyares, via Dengeki online (http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/249/249893/).

http://i40.tinypic.com/24mxon8.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/2db80n6.jpg

Also, I think this is the first time I've seen a "clean" version of the unique princess art.
http://i43.tinypic.com/30at45j.jpg

[Tivor]

I go there. :P

[poiuiu]

You don't count, maggot!
http://i40.tinypic.com/5vndw5.jpg

[Phoenix_Apollo]

I think Atlus should definitely bring it over, especially since they bothered bringing the first two over. It's not exactly fair to fans who don't import, like myself, to not give it to them, so hopefully they will do it.

[mikelangelo11]

Man I can't wait for this game to come out!!! I've been in touch with Etrian Odyssey since the first one and then I got number 2 and was blown away. I can't wait to see how awesome this one is gonna be...

[InvisibleMan]

I think Atlus should definitely bring it over, especially since they bothered bringing the first two over. It's not exactly fair to fans who don't import, like myself, to not give it to them, so hopefully they will do it.

It has nothing to do with fairness: If you buy them, they will come...

[sfried]

I think it's a given seeing how successful (i.e. "popular") the Etrian games have become recently through word of mouth (not to mention the "F.O.E." meme). Most handheld and RPG sites often report back about EOIII website's updates.

[poiuiu]

I think it's a given seeing how successful (i.e. "popular") the Etrian games have become recently through word of mouth (not to mention the "F.O.E." meme). Most handheld and RPG sites often report back about EOIII website's updates.

The series got a nice stable fanbase, but "popular" (even the in quotes definition of the word) is not a term I'd use for this case.

And meme popularity doesn't necessary translate to series of origin popularity. Proof:


Through the power of Internet memes, Iosys and the video for their rendition of the FOE theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM5MMqNgUzM) may be more well-known than the game itself.(True story: at Anime Expo 2007, held a month after the game's English release, I bumped into a guy dressed as an orange FOE ball. "Oh, an Etrian Odyssey fan!" I exclaimed. "What's Etrian Odyssey?" he asked.) But if only half of the people who've seen that video know that it's related to a video game, probably fewer than half of those know that it was meant to promote their doujin arrange CD of the game's music. So it was kind of a failure in that regard.

Also the official site is overdue for an update, namely Shogun and Android portraits.

[fates]

Been watching videos and streams of the game on niconico and nicolive. A lot more alive than 1 and 2 IMO. The strata have structures in them, various plant life (adding a lot to the stratum colors) and other neat things in them.

Boating seems fun. The music that plays during the sailing is really, really good.

Actually all the music I've heard so far in general is superb, as usual. Really hoping we get a CD with our release!

Can't wait... :)

[Yet Another Tim]

Well, seeing how I missed out on the first two (which got released, before I got my DS), I vouch my support for EO III, seeing how:

1. I'd love to support an in-house Atlus franchise, while expanding from SMT and Trauma Center

2. I want to sate my taste, which will then develop into hunger, for a Wizardry-like, now that Wizardry is big in Japan*, while the actual Wizardry series is now over @ 8. D:

*Proven true by TVTropes

3. I BOTH want a NINJA AND a PIRATE in my party, lol

[Stealth20k]

This is a no brainer localization.... like taisen exceed and luminous arc...


We will see if atlus makes the right decisions at E3

[Kakizaki]

^You aren't going to start this again.

[Matrix200]

Not going to condone his behavior but you should be nicer to the fans who purchase your games.

[Inzaghi]

We love the fans who purchase our games, but those purchases don't give them a license to come on our boards and troll, flame, and generally be disruptive. It's an entirely separate matter.

Anyway, Stealth shouldn't have even been able to post that except I initially gave him the benefit of the doubt and set a two-week ban, which I then couldn't adjust once he started ban evading and earned a permanent one. Just tying up a loose end here is all. We now return you to your regularly scheduled Sekaiju no Meikyuu III discussion.

[Matrix200]

Thats true but even I dont understand why you would localize metal slug or some other random non rpg vs staples like eo III, luminous arc 3, taisen exceed, growlanser or some other fantastic rpg.


My advice dont be square and loose your way. Localize rpgs first and formost.

[Inzaghi]

Thats true but even I dont understand why you would localize metal slug or some other random non rpg vs staples like eo III, luminous arc 3, taisen exceed, growlanser or some other fantastic rpg.


My advice dont be square and loose your way. Localize rpgs first and formost.

Thanks, Stealth, we'll take that into consideration.

[Kakizaki]

Never mind.......Beat me to it.

[Hero_of_Time1242]

Loved the first 2 etrian games, would love to see the series completed.

[Tivor]

Loved the first 2 etrian games, would love to see the series completed.

Are you somehow suggesting that EO3 is (or should be) the final game of the franchise? BLASPHEMY!!

The show must go on!!!!

[Inzaghi]

Loved the first 2 etrian games, would love to see the series completed.

Please just stop. Clearly, you have lots of time to waste registering alternate accounts to spam the forum, but every minute we have to spend nannying the boards like this is time we're not using to localize an RPG you purport to want to see.

[rakanradu]

I can do it forever, so maybe you should stop being a jerk and allow people to say what what there opinions are.


You should be so lucky to have passionate fans.....

[Inzaghi]

I can do it forever, so maybe you should stop being a jerk and allow people to say what what there opinions are.

This would be a much better argument if you weren't saying exactly the same thing in every post. You've been heard.

[Pika Chu]

Great now stop with the arbitrary bannings already...... by the way ip bans wont work either.


Your really acting alitting power mad here.....

[Inzaghi]

Nothing arbitrary about it. It's right there in our ToS:

Previously Banned Users
Any user found to have been banned while using a different account will have his or her new account banned as well. If it is found that another user is allowing a previously banned user to post using his or her account, the account of that user will also be banned.

So seriously, please, stop. You're preventing actual work from being done here.

[Parko_Folgore]

I am sure Etrian 3 will be localized its an internal atlus game

[Kakizaki]

I hate to say this as I am a huge EO fan, but if the shenanigans in this thread continue, it will be locked.

Obvious is obvious, and what is being done here is far more detrimental than it is helpful.

[Tivor]

I hate to say this as I am a huge EO fan, but if the shenanigans in this thread continue, it will be locked.

Obvious is obvious, and what is being done here is far more detrimental than it is helpful.


I'd rather not see the thread get locked, but I agree with you.

When I see the EO thread updated, I want to think, "ooh, I wonder what news it is this time!!", not "man, I wonder what kind of crap it is this time."

[ShadowRaskolnik]

I hate to say this as I am a huge EO fan, but if the shenanigans in this thread continue, it will be locked.

Obvious is obvious, and what is being done here is far more detrimental than it is helpful.


I'd rather not see the thread get locked, but I agree with you.

When I see the EO thread updated, I want to think, "ooh, I wonder what news it is this time!!", not "man, I wonder what kind of crap it is this time."

Even if this thread is locked I bet he would probably spam the same thing on another one.

I have to agree with what you said though, when I saw this thread was updated I thought there was something new, but it was just some annoyance instead.

[poiuiu]

Stealth has been doing this for a while on the gamefaq forums (yes, that DOES explain a lot), and yes he's just as irritating if not moreso there as well. And no, this is second hand info, I dunno how he was like there but if it's as bad as this, I'm glad I wasn't around.


Back on topic:

Sekaiju no MeiQ 3 sold 88k according to Media Creates, which means its first week easily topped the first week of both previous games (individually). This is semi-surprising considering its higher price tag.

However, considering the legs of most niche DS rpgs, it's unknown if it'll beat SJ. It's probably not very likely though (unless it has strong legs) since SJ's first week was 97k and never made it past 120k ltd (iirc).

[dungeon_man]

I'm glad the sales were strong for this game, but I don't understand why they aren't as successful in the US. We have more people, but they don't like good games?

Anyway, Inzaghi, what are we looking at? Maybe a November release? It's okay, you call tell me. I'll keep it a secret.

[poiuiu]

I think it's a cultural/regional thing. Japanese love their jrpgs and can't get enough of them; case in point, all DQ game 7 and up has sold at least 4 million copies each in Japan.

English speaking territories, however, aren't so hot for jrpgs like they were with FF7, especially now where only mainline FF games actually make very good numbers. In addition, PC style rpgs are in the exact opposite situation (I think).

[Yet Another Tim]

English speaking territories, however, aren't so hot for jrpgs like they were with FF7, especially now where only mainline FF games actually make very good numbers. In addition, PC style rpgs are in the exact opposite situation (I think).

If that were the case, then, wouldn't it make sense for someone to buy up the Wizardry IP? It's just that Ubisoft owns Might & Magic nowadays.

[fates]

EO3 had a really good ad campaign going in Japan, I don't remember seeing something as big for 1 and 2. There was even a little van going around with demos on DSi units...

Or, they just, really, really like the Princess ;)

Or the expanded gameplay elements... for myself, the flexibility of subclassing and the ability to boat around is what interested me the most.

[Seafood]

I've actually never played an Etrian Odyssey game, since both of them came out long before I discovered I might actually enjoy customizable dungeon crawlers, and now are unfeasibly expensive. Originally I was still sort of hesitant, but if the class system has been redrawn to be more flexible, I may have to pick this up on curiosity alone.

[Fuyukaze]

I've actually never played an Etrian Odyssey game, since both of them came out long before I discovered I might actually enjoy customizable dungeon crawlers, and now are unfeasibly expensive. Originally I was still sort of hesitant, but if the class system has been redrawn to be more flexible, I may have to pick this up on curiosity alone.

You do realize both games can be had for around $30 at gamestop used. Can still find them both new for around $20 each if your lucky. As both came out for $30, that's realy not a bad price in either situation.

[Seafood]

You do realize both games can be had for around $30 at gamestop used. Can still find them both new for around $20 each if your lucky. As both came out for $30, that's realy not a bad price in either situation.Not at any Gamestop near me they can't, and believe me, there are quite a few. I've occasionally seen them pop up cheap on Amazon used, but generally always cartridge only, which is a deal breaker for me.

[sfried]

I think it's a cultural/regional thing. Japanese love their jrpgs and can't get enough of them; case in point, all DQ game 7 and up has sold at least 4 million copies each in Japan.I disagree with the whole "cultural thing" aspect. I think the reason it isn't as heard of is because it's on a portable, and what people most associate with portables and RPGs are puzzles games and Pokemon, not to insult the two.

Of course, many editors have been encouraging people to look into the portable selection, but every so often people will quip with the whole "why can't this be on XB360/PS3 and not ____", and rarely do they think about how the industry works and the kind of production work they'd need to do if released on those two systems. Developments costs have not been kind for those either, but people don't realize that along with the fact that first person dungeon crawling is something few people of this generation know about.

As for selling well in Japan, ads do a good lot on sales. As I've stated above, it's about awareness.

(I'd also like to add that Etrian Odyssey borrows quite A LOT from early mold Might & Magic, so this whole deal with "jrpgs" is rubbish.)

[Tivor]

(I'd also like to add that Etrian Odyssey borrows quite A LOT from early mold Might & Magic, so this whole deal with "jrpgs" is rubbish.)

Indeed. Huge part of EO's appeal for me is that it is so reminiscent of the mid-80s RPGs like M&M and Bard's Tale. Boy, did I use a lot of graphing papers back then. :D

And yeah, EO is "J"RPG only in the sense that 1. it's made in Japan, and 2. it has decidedly Japanese anime art. That's really about it. Everything else about it is more W than J.

Of course, one could argue that EO's art style appeals more to Japanese gamers than western gamers. I do get the impression that more western gamers (percentage wise) consider 3D graphics to be a requisite component in their games than Japanese gamers do. (which is a shame, if you ask me. I want more 2D hand-drawn goodness!!!)

[horn_stone]

EO3 is selling like hotcakes in japan! , i think its a good sign that it will reach american soil

[sfried]

EO3 is selling like hotcakes in japan! , i think its a good sign that it will reach american soilI'd never think it would beat Hokuto Musou (http://ds.ign.com/articles/108/1082917p1.html).

But to reach the same success, the American division had better start one helluva campaign (no pun intendead). Japan was really marketing this game agressively, with the tapioca trucks and all. I don't know if Atlus USA could pull-off the same success with only their online (and non-voiced) trailers. They're going to have to do some heavy advertising, and I'm hoping they will since it's their own game (and not just a published work like Demon's Souls, etc.).

[poiuiu]

If that were the case, then, wouldn't it make sense for someone to buy up the Wizardry IP? It's just that Ubisoft owns Might & Magic nowadays.
You'd think, but I don't recall Wizardry being popular in any definition of the word in english territories for over at least a decade.

I disagree with the whole "cultural thing" aspect. I think the reason it isn't as heard of is because it's on a portable, and what people most associate with portables and RPGs are puzzles games and Pokemon, not to insult the two.
Being on handheld is partially that reason. However, if there was a western party willing to give Wizardry a chance on any system, chances are it'll be on consoles and it'll likely be given the mold of successful rpgs like the open world of Elder Scrolls 4 and Fallout 3 or the Bioware mold like Dragon Age or Mass Effect 2. I mean, if a buggy(er?) mess that is Two Worlds can manage to get a sequel in developement and get released, then just about any open world 3d rpg can.

But since the series is only given JPN attention, it sticks with its classic grid based dungeon layout cause that's what everyone remembers and associates it with (and prob because it requires a significantly lower budget). And it'll be on a combination of DS/console download/PC download/mobile phone.

Of course, many editors have been encouraging people to look into the portable selection, but every so often people will quip with the whole "why can't this be on XB360/PS3 and not ____", and rarely do they think about how the industry works and the kind of production work they'd need to do if released on those two systems. Developments costs have not been kind for those either, but people don't realize that along with the fact that first person dungeon crawling is something few people of this generation know about.
Welcome to the english speaking gaming industry, where, like most other industries in western territories (massive blanket statement much?) where bigger automatically means better!

As for selling well in Japan, ads do a good lot on sales. As I've stated above, it's about awareness.

But to reach the same success, the American division had better start one helluva campaign (no pun intendead). Japan was really marketing this game agressively, with the tapioca trucks and all. I don't know if Atlus USA could pull-off the same success with only their online (and non-voiced) trailers. They're going to have to do some heavy advertising, and I'm hoping they will since it's their own game (and not just a published work like Demon's Souls, etc.).

Unless you had access to a TV with Japanese stations and a series of EO related sign and bill boards to tell for sure, I don't really think a chip truck found in a single location plus a few website advertisements (like the ones they have on famitsu) really counts as 'awareness'. If that was the case, then many niche games had 'awareness', when they clearly didn't.

And there's little point in having a huge advertisement for EO3 in english territories because ... there's not much of a market for that series for english speakers; but fortunately, what market there is for the series is strong enough to keep it afloat, which is something to be thankful for.
Really. It's strictly a japanese game in aesthetics and gameplay, it's "punishingly hard" (for the typical gamer), and it's not called Final Fantasy *number* or Kingdom Hearts.

And Demon's Souls success is an anomaly on its own so I'm not even gonna touch that with any stretch of rope.

(I'd also like to add that Etrian Odyssey borrows quite A LOT from early mold Might & Magic, so this whole deal with "jrpgs" is rubbish.)
English speakers:
"I love jrpgs. Jrpgs are my favourite.
Jrpgs are rubbish. I hate jrpgs."


And yeah, EO is "J"RPG only in the sense that 1. it's made in Japan, and 2. it has decidedly Japanese anime art. That's really about it. Everything else about it is more W than J.
And where is this mold the most popular right now? Japan. And which territory makes more of them? Japan.
The gridbased dungeon set hasn't been popular in english territories for over a decade (or two) and the closest things to western developed titles that use it are Doom RPG and Orcs & Elves and those are mobile phone games (latter ported to DS). That kind of game design is now as japanese as the DQ/FF style rpg is unless a western developer steps in to change that.


Of course, one could argue that EO's art style appeals more to Japanese gamers than western gamers. I do get the impression that more western gamers (percentage wise) consider 3D graphics to be a requisite component in their games than Japanese gamers do. (which is a shame, if you ask me. I want more 2D hand-drawn goodness!!!)
Recent Bioware and Bestheda rpg releases have really skewed the public perception on what is considered an rpg and what is not, and I don't like it either. I like my rpgs with parties I control dammit.

[Kakizaki]

Recent Bioware and Bestheda rpg releases have really skewed the public perception on what is considered an rpg and what is not, and I don't like it either. I like my rpgs with parties I control dammit.Cough...Persona 3...cough. It isn't just Western developed games.

Recent Bioware and Bethesada titles have also reintroduced a lot of conventions that used to be present in old Western rpgs.

Also, why is it that people can handle an action rpg as long as it involves swinging a sword or medieval fantasy but anything else is just ridiculous? Is it impossible to create an action rpg that utilizes guns or modern weapons? No, it isn't but people can't seem to except it, and feel the need to get into a tizzy while attempting to shoe horn everything into their own very limited concept of what rpgs should and shouldn't be. It is about as pointless as people arguing over whether Zelda titles are adventure games or action rpgs, and it honestly drives me nuts.

[sfried]

What's with people clinging on to these notions of "Japanese" and "Western" RPGs? Why is it that Bethesda and Bioware are the only ones cited for creating so-called "Western" RPGs? Because they're popular? So now we're willing to discredit the decades-old legacy that is D&D, Traveller, and Might & Magic, all of which were the arcetypes to games like Dragon Quest and Nihon Falcom games? Don't tell me just because it hasn't been "popular" it suddenly makes it associated with a certain side of the hemisphere. Hell, there are so many exceptions on eitherside to dispell any notion of "Eastern" or "Western" sensibilities in RPG games. It's not as if all Japanese made RPGs follow the mold established by Final Fantasy VII and the "Tales of" games.

"JRPGs" and "WRPGs" is a rubbish label. They don't exist. Rogue-likes, yes. Dungeon-crawlers, yes. Action adventure, definitely. But never do I label how a game progresses based on its nation of origin.
Being on handheld is partially that reason. However, if there was a western party willing to give Wizardry a chance on any system, chances are it'll be on consoles and it'll likely be given the mold of successful rpgs like the open world of Elder Scrolls 4 and Fallout 3 or the Bioware mold like Dragon Age or Mass Effect 2. I mean, if a buggy(er?) mess that is Two Worlds can manage to get a sequel in developement and get released, then just about any open world 3d rpg can.

But since the series is only given JPN attention, it sticks with its classic grid based dungeon layout cause that's what everyone remembers and associates it with (and prob because it requires a significantly lower budget). And it'll be on a combination of DS/console download/PC download/mobile phone.
:bs: You do know that's false, right? If Wizardry was given a chance, most likely it would be on PC and also stick to the same formula instead of trying to spruce it up to be like Mass Effect. How do you think the Avernum series has survived for so long? It's because they keep going for the core niche. Etrian Odyssey was no different.

What does being "Japanese" have to do with it? Even as a Japanese team, they could've made it an open world design by any chance, and make it focus on exploration. But the goal of the designers was to obviously harken back to old Might & Magic/Bard's Tale so they went with a traditional grid maps because they wanted to make a traditional dungeon crawling RPG, all the way down to completely customizable parties.

The real reason EO has become popular is because it was marketed as a homage to classic dungeon crawling with added twists. And I'm pretty sure they were also aware of folks (in Japan) who've played Ultima and Baulder's Gate.

(You also seem to be of the notion that RPGs are of one "camp" or the other". I recommend you take a good ol' listen to this Active Time Babble podcast (http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcast.the1upnetwork.com/flat/Retronauts/ATB121709.mp3). I also recommend people to listen to the interview (http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcast.the1upnetwork.com/flat/Retronauts/R110509.mp3) with Greg Zeschuk in Retronauts with regards to the whole "Bioware approach" to RPGs. Also play Shadowrun for SNES.)

[Chronoshale]

What's with people clinging on to these notions of "Japanese" and "Western" RPGs?

If an RPG is made in Japan, it has every right to be referred to as a JRPG. The same goes for WRPGs. The fact is that they've both created a stereotype for how their respective "genre" plays. Obviously not every game follows their respective stereotype, especially with the line being blurred between the two this gen.

But the fact remains that EO(SQ) was made in Japan and has the general appearance of a game made in said region of the world. Even if it didn't have the anime style, it'd still be a JRPG since it was made in Japan.

The two aren't official genres, but they're used a lot and do serve a purpose. Especially since the two are typically very different.

EO(SQ) is still a JRPG.

[Kakizaki]

^No offense but I think you are missing the larger point that Sfried is attempting to point out.

I don't think Sfried is denying a separation between the two, but stating that people get too hung up on defining what constitutes a jrpg or wrpg. It seems a little silly considering how much the two have influenced each other.

And as you mentioned yourself, there are some examples of where a rpg blurs the boundaries. EO would probably fit that mold.

[Flußkönig]

^You could always flip that around and argue that Sfried is too hung up on claiming those distinctions don't exist.

What exactly is the problem with someone wanting to label a game as either a jrpg or a wrpg? There is no set in stone definition and they aren't hurting anyone by doing it. It just seems to offend this guys sensibilities which imo isn't a big deal.

[Kakizaki]

^I'm sure you could flip it around if you wanted. However I am the one that used "hung up". I could be way off base on my assumption of what Sfried was asserting.

I don't think there is any harm in using either term unless someone is attempting to categorize a game by a very narrow definition, and then they proceed to use said definition to deny a title's lineage -- in this case rejecting EO's undeniable similarities to old Western style rpgs. I understand that how one defines such terms is totally subjective and my usage of "narrow" isn't quite fair, but it seems like more often than not such discussions devolve into a total mess as someone attempts to establish their definition as the definitive / superior one while disregarding others instead of actually talking about the qualities of the game itself.

Categorization of jrpg and wrpg tend to negate many of the common traits both share and the way both have influenced each other. That is what bothers me - especially in this instance. People also seem to place negative connotations on either term depending on where their interests lie - not always, but I see it more than I would like.

I'm not implying that the terms don't have a place, or that their use is harmful, but sometimes the emphasis placed on such labeling is completely pointless. In the context of the last page of this thread, determining that EO is a jrpg (duh) is beside the point regarding Western influence on titles like EO.

[Flußkönig]

^I guess you would have a point if there was some malice behind it and they were just trying to piss you or others off. Otherwise it is just arguing semantics and opinion which I will agree is pointless (and nerdy in this case).

But if that is what people want to discuss I don't see a problem. One persons opinion on a topic is just as good as the next.

[Enzeru]

I tend to use JRPG and WRPG because if my friend asks what kind of games I like and I say "RPGs" he'll think Fable, ME, Fallout, etc. Which is true, but what I mean by RPGs is largely those made in Japan.

[poiuiu]

Long ass post ahead cause I am procrastinating from doing something else that needs more attention.

Cough...Persona 3...cough. It isn't just Western developed games.

Yes, that annoyed the bajezuz out of me, to the point I'll just drop the game altogether and not bother with P4 or P3P (even though those give you full party control). Did it with FF13, will likely do that to any other game like this in the future.

Recent Bioware and Bethesada titles have also reintroduced a lot of conventions that used to be present in old Western rpgs.
I'd love to play those, but unfortunately, games with over the shoulder perspectives never agree with me.

Also, why is it that people can handle an action rpg as long as it involves swinging a sword or medieval fantasy but anything else is just ridiculous? Is it impossible to create an action rpg that utilizes guns or modern weapons? No, it isn't but people can't seem to except it, and feel the need to get into a tizzy while attempting to shoe horn everything into their own very limited concept of what rpgs should and shouldn't be.
Not too big on the current trend of console action games myself where it's more flash than actual substance (imo of course).
And I'm all for more variety in games, but in terms of genre mishmashing, I just want my party-based turn based games to be just that and not have stuff hamstringed by other genre stuff because some fair-weathered fans can't seem to keep their attention long enough to know how to play.
And I'd love a gun-based game that is not an fps; I'll even put up with the buckets of vomit to try to play it!

What's with people clinging on to these notions of "Japanese" and "Western" RPGs? Why is it that Bethesda and Bioware are the only ones cited for creating so-called "Western" RPGs? Because they're popular?
They're likely the only ones most people have heard of and probably the quickest example without going into detail into yet another thing to waste time on?

So now we're willing to discredit the decades-old legacy that is D&D, Traveller, and Might & Magic, all of which were the arcetypes to games like Dragon Quest and Nihon Falcom games? Don't tell me just because it hasn't been "popular" it suddenly makes it associated with a certain side of the hemisphere.
I haven't discredited anything; it's the masses that refuse to acknowledge their existence because they lack the bells and whistles that modern games feature; at least from my armchair view. In the least, the japanese market is giving it more attention (in the terms that they are more market released games) than western market (which are likely just download only titles). And I'm not going into physical vs dd format nonsense.
And have you ever heard that it's not the innovators who writes the history books but those make it popular? While I admit I haven't followed much on market released dungeon crawlers from western developers, I know that there were a few released in Japan with a new one coming out for DS.

Hell, there are so many exceptions on eitherside to dispell any notion of "Eastern" or "Western" sensibilities in RPG games. It's not as if all Japanese made RPGs follow the mold established by Final Fantasy VII and the "Tales of" games.
Also note I never made any mention of "wrpg" or "jrpg" tags (other than the adapted quote) but rather referred to the location of developers. It's a silly thing to label; after all, many label Magna Carta games as "jrpgs" when they're the usual turn-based menu driven story telling obviously made in Korea.

"JRPGs" and "WRPGs" is a rubbish label. They don't exist.
Which is why I never used it. However, since the masses use it, you just have to accept that.

:bs: You do know that's false, right? If Wizardry was given a chance, most likely it would be on PC and also stick to the same formula instead of trying to spruce it up to be like Mass Effect. How do you think the Avernum series has survived for so long? It's because they keep going for the core niche. Etrian Odyssey was no different.
From my armchair's view, that's how I see it. If Wizardry was given another chance from a *insert your favourite random english speaking developer*, and was given a good budget (this is the key part), then likely the publisher would want them to make it like what's the hot stuff of the time and make it open world. Just about everyone is making a sandbox game nowadays, what's another one? Same with the arpeegee.
And obviously if the budget cannot allow for something as massive, then it'll be a another title along its traditional line.

What does being "Japanese" have to do with it? Even as a Japanese team, they could've made it an open world design by any chance, and make it focus on exploration. But the goal of the designers was to obviously harken back to old Might & Magic/Bard's Tale so they went with a traditional grid maps because they wanted to make a traditional dungeon crawling RPG, all the way down to completely customizable parties.
That's what I said/was talking about?

(You also seem to be of the notion that RPGs are of one "camp" or the other".[/QUOTE]
Sadly, that's how most people are. I've accepted that, you should too. It's better this way. :)
And my SNES busted, so Shadowrun is not in the foreseeable future.

And if I return to this thread, I'l staying away from the semantics and rhetoric argument.

[sfried]

"JRPGs" and "WRPGs" is a rubbish label. They don't exist.
Which is why I never used it. However, since the masses use it, you just have to accept that.I don't see why I have to accept something that is untrue, just because of popular opinion. That's called "General Ignorance" (fingers on buzzers, please).

[Chronoshale]

Untrue? They're terms. There's nothing true or untrue about them. You obviously don't have to use them, but you aren't going to turn into a mindless troll of society if you decide to use terms that most of the gaming society uses.

And it doesn't mean people that do use them are ignorant.

Now can we talk about EO3?

[Kakizaki]

I'd love to play those, but unfortunately, games with over the shoulder perspectives never agree with me. I don't honestly want to derail things more, but I do find it a little absurd that you would criticize recent Bioware and Bethesda titles when you haven't bothered to play them. Most of ME isn't over the shoulder.

Not too big on the current trend of console action games myself where it's more flash than actual substance (imo of course).
And I'm all for more variety in games, but in terms of genre mishmashing, I just want my party-based turn based games to be just that and not have stuff hamstringed by other genre stuff because some fair-weathered fans can't seem to keep their attention long enough to know how to play.
And I'd love a gun-based game that is not an fps; I'll even put up with the buckets of vomit to try to play it!Again, you mentioned you haven't played any recent Bioware or Bethesada titles. Not really fair of you to make some of these comments considering you have zero experience with their recent titles.

Maybe you should just state that you dislike action rpgs in general, not just Western developed ones. Stating that action rpgs exist because people have too short of attention spans to handle turn based titles or are "fair weather fans" are very weak statements. For the sake of the thread I will leave those infuriating statements alone, but I would suggest being more careful in how you choose to word how you feel.

Mass Effect and Fallout 3 aren't or don't need to be played in first person. Not to mention VATS essentially allows you to play Fallout 3 like a turn based title.

I personally prefer turn based titles. I never thought the Mass Effect titles or Fallout 3 would appeal to me. I'm glad I reconsidered because they have provided me with some unforgettable gaming experiences. I'm definitely not saying you would like them but I find it incredibly irritating that you would criticize them to the degree that you are without having played them. Also keep in mind that just because something fits into a particular genre does not mean it was designed for all fans of that genre. Trashing a game for not being something that it wasn't designed to be in the first place is ridiculous - like harping about Mass Effect for not being a turn based game.

[sfried]

Going back to EO3, Shogun & Android (http://sq3.atlusnet.jp/character/chara11.html) on the official site.

[Kakizaki]

I like the male(?) design for the android but I'm not sure how I feel about the female.

[Chronoshale]

I hope there are two more portrait options for both of them.

[Tivor]

OK, that girl android design has to go. Atlus USA, if/when you localize this game, please do something about that android? Pretty please?? >_<

[peteraugusts]

EO3 is great! I love EO, although I do think EO2 is substantially more difficult than the first. Of course, I've only gotten to floor 6 on EO2 been rather busy trying to pass school and all smile. Still, I have to admit, what I would really like to see is EO on the Wii. Android girl is kinda ew and Rune Knight girl is kinda dull. Both males are interesting, though! Looks like I'll be in with a chance of doing two entirely different teams in EO3 - especially if you can switch classes/still carry over bonuses to new characters in NG+, but less likely if a potential EO4 uses the same classes, as EO2. They would need to revamp the map-system, but overall I think its a fantastic game.

[ShadowRaskolnik]

The male design of the android does seem pretty interesting, but I don't really like the look of the female version. Personally I think they should have just made the android class genderless with the same robotic look as the male android.

[Chronoshale]

I don't think the female android is that bad.

[Chronoshale]

I believe that etrian O III should be localized only after luminous arc 3.

Atlus, you need a GodMod button. This kid is getting annoying.

[ShadowRaskolnik]

What I don't get is why you feel the need to barrage these forums with the same crap constantly almost every day Stealth. Everyone gets that you want to see LA3 localized, there is no need to repeat the same thing.
If you have nothing new to say than don't say anything at all.

[Hiten]

Not sure who your talking about but shaking these companies is the only way for them to do the right thing

[Chronoshale]

Not sure who your talking about but shaking these companies is the only way for them to do the right thing

Wrong.

Being obnoxious and repetitive is a sure way to get on their nerves until they decide the fan-base is too annoying to bother localizing their game. You've already gotten the LA3 thread locked, so just quit while you're ahead.

BUT YEAH THE FEMALE ANDROID ISN'T ALL THAT BAD.

[Kakizaki]

Chrono is correct. I see this much longer from Stealth and the thread is locked. No more games.

Like I said Stealth, you are doing far more harm than good. Stop wasting everyone's time.

[fates]

Female android has the dolljoints thing going. Always found that creepy D:

[jeffx]

I can sort of see where you guy are coming from w/ the female android thing but I don't want any change at all. This is how Atlus Japan meant for her to look and that's that. No censorship, reverse or otherwise.

[Kakizaki]

I'm not implying it should be changed. I just personally don't dig it. It fits in with the art style, but even though I really like EO and own the artbook and various strategy guides, certain aspects of the character designs don't do much for me.

[sfried]

The female android reminds me of a certain Pokemon...

[Masenko Ha]

edit - I guess you really don't care about this thread and would like to see it locked Stealth? -Kakizaki

[Inzaghi]

Again, our apologies to those who actually do want to see this game released, but it's best we lock this thread. Those genuinely interested in discussing the game can do so in the series forum.