Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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29 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
I wanted to like this so badly..., March 2, 2007
Fun:2.0 out of 5 stars
I love Atlus. I think they're the greatest game company out there right now and they're not afraid to put out quirky titles that other companies probably wouldn't touch (the amazing "Riviera," for example). Naturally, I was psyched when I heard about Izuna. I pre-ordered my copy and eagerly waited...
...only to be crushed when I started playing. This game is VERY light on the plot and the characters are pretty one-dimensional. It really focuses on the dungeons, which feel like the old days of playing Gauntlet, and not in a good way. All the action in the game is turn-based (including, inexplicably, walking around town), the graphics are nothing to write home about, and the I found the gameplay to be more "frustrating" than "challenging."
They bill this as "Old-School" on the package, but it doesn't feel nostalgic. It feels outdated and nerve-wracking. You just die and die and die, often without it really being your fault. And when you die, you lose all your items and have to start the dungeon over again. If you really enjoy "roguelikes" and your idea of a good time is crossing your fingers and just grinding for hours, then you might like this. If, like me, you're an Atlus fan because their games have unique characters, interesting dialogue, and often-inventive game mechanics, you probably won't enjoy this game, I'm sorry to say.
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Frustrating Fun, March 26, 2007
Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars
This game is an entertaining little dungeon crawl with good graphics, fun characters, and lots of neat little Japanese references. Unfortunately it is also extremely frustrating and that tends to drag down the enjoyment quite a bit.
You cannot play this game without getting defeated--many, many times. Each time you are taken down by the baddies you find yourself outside the dungeon minus EVERYTHING you had when you went in or found while you were there. As if it wasn't bad enough that you are doomed to lose that great new sword or item because of the unavoidable traps and foibles of the game, weapons and armor also wear out, often very quickly, often leaving you equipped with whatever junk you manage to find laying around.
If you are patient and like a strong Japanese flavor to your RPG's, this game could be a good choice for you. Keep in mind, however, that you will want to smash your DS from time to time as you play, so you might want to keep a spare handy.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Larn, without the ASCII, but with the dying, September 30, 2007
Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars
If names like "Rogue", "Larn", or "Angband" bring back happy, ASCII-filled memories, then you will likely love Izuna. The game hearkens back to a time when you could not just haphazardly run through a dungeon, picking off slimes or rabites as you come to them, and just say "oh well, I'll reload" if you die.
In Izuna, the dungeons are randomly generated every time you go into one. Item placements will always be different, some rooms will be devoid of action while others will be populated with nearly a dozen monsters, all of whom will work to surround you. And since combat is turn based, being surrounded is a horrible thing.
As many previous reviewers have said, dying is commonplace in Izuna (both for the monsters, and for you). However, those familiar with the roguelikes of yore will also remember that cautious preparation will yield survival, rich rewards, and consequently, addictive gameplay. "Get-out-of-dungeon-free" cards (or talismans) are abundant in earlier dungeons--and if used properly--will prevent many frustrating deaths.
The heart of my own addiction came from the weapon and armor customization system. The talismans (read: magic) you find in the dungeons can be used either against the monsters found therein, or affixed to your equipment to do anything from improving their attack and defense, to inducing sleep or paralysis in enemies. Overloading equipment in this way causes them to break faster. Of course, the time and care involved in creating the ultimate weapon will also be a factor in the despair you feel when you lose it after you die, so even in the latter levels you still have to maintain a bit of caution.
To those unfamiliar with this genre of game, I wouldn't recommend this game. . . not yet at least. I would first suggest downloading one of the many freeware versions of the original roguelike games, put aside your 3D (or even 2D) graphics-tinted lenses, and try playing a game where you can't use save points as a crutch.
For everyone else, you'll love Izuna. And she's a lot cuter than an @.
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