When asked "What is your most memorable experience with Etrian Odyssey?" a plethora of memories probably flood your mind. It almost seems cruel to be asked for just one. Sure, some experiences might be more epic in scope than others; but in my eyes, the whole game is an experience unlike any other.

It was after I finished creating my party (A cheerful Landsknecht, stoic Protector, inquisitive Alchemist, crafty Survivalist, and naive Medic) that I realized something: This game is only as limited as your imagination. I began pondering my characters history which, to my pleasure as well as dismay, distracted me from the game for quite some time. In my many years of gaming, not once has a game inspired me to do such a thing.

With my character identities and guild origin squared away, I was finally able to begin my very own odyssey. Awestruck and full of vigor, I finally took my first steps into the Yggdrasil Labyrinth. As I slowly progressed through the first floor of the labyrinth, taking care to map every detail, I came across the choice of resting in a bed of flowers. Thinking this was a nice chance to refresh my now weary party, I eagerly took it. It was at this point I learned my first lesson: The Yggdrasil Labyrinth is alive with monsters waiting to take advantage of the unsuspecting adventurer. A harsh lesson, but one well learned.

Aggravated but determined I pressed onward in the unforgiving labyrinth once more. Once I had mapped what I could, I made preparations and made my descent to the second floor of the labyrinth. Not far in I came across what could only be the infamous FOE. Remembering my first lesson I avoided them as best I could. Well, at least until curiosity inevitably got the best of me. Feeling confident I was well prepared I took on my first FOE. It was then I learned my second lesson: If you think you're ready for anything the Yggdrasil Labyrinth can throw at you, think again. While I managed to escape the battle, it had injured more than my pride. Half of my party was also dead. It was then I learned my third lesson: Always double check to see if you have warp wire.

Well, time passed and I grew accustomed to the labyrinth. I learned the ins and outs necessary for surviving it's depths and began taking on quests. My progress into the Yggdrasil Labyrinth became steady, each completion of a stratum filling me with a large sense of accomplishment. However, as I continued to delve further into the labyrinth a question began to linger in the back of my mind: What will happen when I reach the end and the mysteries of the Yggdrasil Labyrinth are solved? Each new floor brought about a pang of sadness as the question echoed in my mind. The gloom didn't last long though, as the rush of adventure quickly overwhelmed me once more. Feeling refreshed I'd press on and continue my quest; vanquishing monsters and battling FOEs as I slowly unraveled the mystery that engulfed the Yggdrasil Labyrinth.

As my characters levels began to grow, so did their personalities and my attachment to them. I knew the time would come when I would have them retire and be born anew in the spirits of younger adventurers. (With better stats of course.) However, when the time came, I could not bring myself to do it. I had become so attached to my characters that despite the allure of stronger ones, I was unwilling to deny them the right of seeing their exploration of the labyrinth to the end. Instead I registered new blood into our guild and had my original team take the newbies under their wing and train them in their spare time. While developing my new recruits was a pleasant break, it was not long before I could no longer keep the calls of adventure at bay. For the time being I put my fledgling adventurers aside and continued forward with my original party.

Plenty of well-spent hours later and I found my character's odyssey was at an end. I reluctantly gave them a well deserved rest and set my new guild members with the task of completing the Monstrous Codex and Item Compendium, as well as finishing any quests still remaining at the Golden Deer Pub. It might seem strange, but I'm happy to report that they're still working on those tasks.



Etrian Odyssey has no doubt been many things to many people. To me it has been a remarkable journey and the most memorable game I have played to date. It gave me a true feeling of exploration and amazement the entire time I played it, something I didn't think a game could accomplish. And as I scramble to complete it entirely before the release of Etrian Odyssey 2, I'd like to wholeheartedly thank Atlus for bringing such an incredible piece of art to American shores.