So, I finally broke down and got a DS Lite. Paranoid about the state of my replacement DS screen and hopped up on the knowledge that I'd be getting my 600$ security deposit back, I broke down and just got a new one. The Lite isn't a huge jump over the classic DS, but it looks less like a toy and, hence, I'm less embarassed to be rocking it in public.
Anyhow, I've had Etrian Odyssey sitting around for three weeks, waiting for that stupid screen to show up. I finally popped it in today and it's a dream. Anyone who insists it's too difficult is a total weakling. It's challenging- Not difficult for difficulty's sake, but difficult because it maintains interest. I'm a little paranoid about party layout, it seems like the kind of game where you could fuck it up early on and not find out until it's too late. I like how valuable cash is and the map system is bar none the best touch screen integration yet. Keeping a map is a pain in the ass on paper, even when it's a private joy. Using the touch screen to mimic that otherwise miserable experience is a great idea, to the point where to me it's a cartography sim with classic RPG elements tacked on.
I adore the idea that the kinds of things you sell back to the shop keeper effect the sorts of things she'll sell to you. This is perhaps the purest distillation of everything good and kind about portable gaming available.
Anyway, let's chat EO: I'm not even done mapping the first floor yet. I thought I completed the first "quest", but it doesn't seem to have registered. Maybe I missed a room. I like the way my characters "feel" like they're getting stronger. But here's my layout
Landsckencht-Survivalist
Bard-Healer-Alchemist
I'm thinking about booting the Bard for a first row Darkhunter. The bard is sort of slow and so her effects rarely hit the party on the first round, making it pointless to keep her around. I figure I could use a better tank. A healer seems like a must and the Alchemist is really useful. Any tips?
