Etrian Royal Guard

Waren Burn

less than a minute read

·

02-12-2024

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Etrian Odyssey: The Royal Guard, released for the Nintendo Switch, represents a fascinating departure from the established formula of the beloved dungeon-crawling series. While maintaining the core gameplay loop of map-making and strategic combat, this installment introduces a fresh perspective: the establishment and management of a royal guard. This shift fundamentally alters the experience, creating a unique blend of RPG elements and base-building strategy.

Beyond the Labyrinth: Managing Your Royal Guard

Instead of solely focusing on a party of adventurers delving into the unknown, The Royal Guard tasks players with recruiting, training, and deploying a team of guards to protect the kingdom of High Lagaard. This involves a compelling management layer, where you'll need to carefully assign units to different missions, balancing their strengths and weaknesses against the challenges presented. The strategic depth comes from understanding each character's unique abilities, class progression, and the synergy between different team compositions. Improvisation and adaptability are crucial, as you'll encounter a diverse range of enemies and situations.

The Familiar Grind: Dungeon Crawling Returns

Despite the management aspect, The Royal Guard doesn't abandon the series' hallmark dungeon crawling. Players will still engage in turn-based combat within procedurally generated labyrinths, demanding careful consideration of enemy positioning, elemental weaknesses, and skill utilization. The familiar map-making mechanic remains, allowing for a hands-on approach to exploring these intricate dungeons. However, the integration of the guard management aspect adds another layer of complexity and planning; successful dungeon exploration directly feeds into the resources and experience used to strengthen your royal guard.

A New Direction for a Classic Franchise

Etrian Odyssey: The Royal Guard isn't simply a rehash of the series' formula; it's a deliberate evolution. While core fans might initially feel some adjustment is needed, the introduction of the royal guard system provides a surprisingly engaging and rewarding experience. The combination of strategic base management and classic dungeon crawling offers a compelling blend of gameplay elements, creating a unique identity within the wider JRPG landscape. The game certainly challenges players to think strategically and adapt, making for a compelling and memorable experience for those willing to embrace its unique approach.