Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City is a turn-based role-playing game (RPG) for DS and DSi that places the player in command of a band of adventurers on an ongoing quest to return their city to its once great status. The third release in the Etrian Odyssey franchise, the game features five character party combat, 5-player local wireless multiplayer support, a large number of character classes, the ability to explore and battle from sea vessels, customizable maps and three possible game endings.
Beneath Your Feet Lies a World Lost to the Seas...
The embodiment of adventure and discovery in the purest sense, Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City (EOIII) transports gamers to a sparkling oceanic paradise filled with atmospheric dungeons to chart and survey, vast watery expanses to sail across, and rumors of a sunken city to investigate. With an entirely new host of character classes to customize and train, the addition of naval travel and exploration, and the unprecedented introduction of cooperative local multiplayer content, EOIII isn't content to simply continue the series; it seeks to redefine it.
Explore a rich world with your party and customizable maps. View larger.
Gameplay
As with earlier releases in the series, EOIII is an RPG designed primarily around dungeon crawling and turn-based party combat. In single player action the player acts as leader a new crew of up to five adventurers, which must be created. In the local multiplayer mode each player occupies one of these five spots. The game contains many character classes, including but not limited to Prince, Gladiator, Hoplite, Buccaneer, Ninja, Monk, Zodiac, Wildling, Arbalist and Farmer. Each of these have their own strengths and weaknesses, which should be taken into account when a team is assembled. Each member of a class can can also be identified as male or female. Once assembled this team can start exploration of the Yggdrasil Labyrinth, where monsters dwell.
Within the Labyrinth players are guided by a map, which can be customized with points of interest, directions, etc. using the DS stylus. Once monsters are encountered, turn-based combat begins, with the five party members arrayed in a line of three in front and two in back, or vice versa, and with support/healing as well as ranged attacks possible from the rear. If a character in the vanguard falls, one from behind assumes that position on the line. Players dictate in advance how individual characters respond in combat, and with victory in combat can use the individual skill points characters earn to level up specific abilities and attributes. An additional new feature allows for players to take to the high seas. Here they can explore, fish and battle new monsters for as long as provisions are available for the crew.
Key Game Features
- Create Your Unique Team - A system of 10 new classes and a wealth of proprietary skills make developing the optimal party absorbing, tactical, and rewarding. Will you invest in sword mastery or learn a new healing spell?
- Live and Die By Your Map(-making) - When danger lurks around every corner, it is imperative to keep track of where you have been and what you found there. The streamlined map maker lets you draw paths, paint in terrain, and drag and drop icons.
- Adventure in the High Seas - The ocean becomes a new stage for exploration. Sail your ship, chart the ocean map, sink enemy vessels, and take on seagoing foes.
- Replay Value - Play again and again as you pursue each of the game's three possible endings.
- Wirelessly Share with Friends - Up to 5 friends can team up in special combat challenges over a local wireless connection to take down the toughest monsters living in the ocean. Additional options let you wirelessly trade items.
Additional Screenshots
 5 player support.
View larger. |  A wealth of character classes.
View larger. |  Turn-based party combat.
View larger. |  New seagoing action.
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