Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection are varied. Some critics, such as Cubed3 and Impulsegamer, appreciate the light narrative that focuses more on gameplay mechanics. They see the story as a backdrop that serves to enhance the overall experience. This aspect is also highlighted by critics like WellPlayed and Worth Playing, who mention that the plot is thin but still complements the mechanics of the game. On the other hand, several critics express their disappointment with the lack of a strong narrative and well-developed characters. GamersRD mentions that there are no memorable characters or significant interactions, while SpazioGames notes that the absence of these elements may not appeal to players who prefer story-driven games. This sentiment is further echoed by Screen Rant, who states that the stories in the Etrian Odyssey games are simple and serve as a foundation for the dungeon-crawling and cartography aspects. Despite the mixed opinions, there is a general consensus among the critics that the Etrian Odyssey series has never been highly focused on narrative elements. Eurogamer Germany acknowledges that the story varies slightly in each game but maintains the overall premise of adventurers uncovering mysteries in a plagued city. Hey Poor Player highlights the vibrant and unique world of each game, as well as the Yggdrasil Labyrinth, which adds variety to the gameplay experience. Additionally, Metro GameCentral praises the unexpectedly eloquent writing style of the script. Overall, the critics agree that the Story of Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection prioritizes gameplay mechanics over a complex narrative. While some critics appreciate the light storyline and its compatibility with the game's mechanics, others express disappointment with the lack of well-developed characters and a strong narrative. However, there is a recognition that the game's focus on exploration, dungeon-crawling, and player-driven choices contributes to its appeal.

The gameplay of Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. Many critics praised the game for its challenging and enjoyable dungeon-crawling mechanics, turn-based combat, and strategic elements. The game's focus on party composition and skill tree system encourages experimentation and strategic thinking, as mentioned by Cubed3. The mapping mechanic, where players create their own map as they explore the labyrinth, was also highly praised by multiple critics, including Eurogamer Germany and Hey Poor Player. The game's emphasis on resource management and party-balancing adds tension and a sense of accomplishment when defeating bosses, as noted by Eurogamer Germany. While the majority of critics had positive opinions about the gameplay, there were a few minor criticisms. Some critics, such as Impulsegamer and Tech-Gaming, mentioned that the mapping mechanic could be fiddly in docked mode but worked better in handheld mode. The repetitive nature of traveling back and forth between the city and the dungeon was also mentioned by Gamereactor Finland. Additionally, Digital Chumps described the gameplay as brutal and unforgiving, requiring strategic decisions and detailed map creation. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection is exceptional. The game offers a deep and challenging dungeon-crawling experience with a variety of classes, character customization, and a rewarding progression system. The positive feedback from critics such as Everyeye.it, Siliconera, and RPG Site further reinforces the consensus that the gameplay is a standout feature of the collection. The combination of strategic combat, party-building, and the unique map-making mechanic creates an immersive and enjoyable experience for players.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection are generally positive. Many critics praise the remastered visuals and HD graphics, noting that they make the game look fantastic and visually appealing. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and Nintendo Insider specifically mention the updated art assets and character designs, with crisp character portraits and vibrant enemy sprites. The distinct visual styles for each dungeon floor, as mentioned by Cubed3, also add to the overall positive sentiment towards the graphics. However, there are some criticisms regarding the graphics as well. Some critics, such as SpazioGames and Digital Chumps, mention issues like low-resolution textures, recycled assets, minimal animations, and noticeable pop-in of elements during exploration. The lack of variety within each level, as noted by Vooks, also contributes to the negative aspect of the graphics. Additionally, RPG Site mentions font issues that take some getting used to, and Metro GameCentral states that none of the games in the collection are very different from each other. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the graphics and visual design of Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection are a significant improvement over the original games. The remastered visuals, HD graphics, and updated art assets are widely praised, with critics like Eurogamer Germany and Everyeye.it highlighting the improvements. The positive comments regarding the crisp character portraits, vibrant enemy sprites, and distinct visual styles further support the overall positive sentiment towards the graphics. However, there are some criticisms regarding issues like low-resolution textures, lack of variety, and font problems, which slightly detract from the overall positive reception. Nonetheless, the majority of critics agree that the graphics in Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection are visually appealing and enhance the overall experience of the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection, it is clear that there are several positive aspects that have been highlighted. Critics such as Cubed3, Eurogamer Germany, GamersRD, God is a Geek, Multiplayer.it, Nintendo Life, SpazioGames, Vooks, RPG Site, and Worth Playing all praise the music and sound design in various ways. They mention that the soundtrack adds atmosphere, energy, and immersion to the game. The remastered soundtracks are described as phenomenal, superb, relaxing, and perfectly suited for the Nintendo Switch's audio chip. The music by Yuzo Koshiro, one of the greatest video game composers, is specifically highlighted for its quality and contribution to the overall experience. The remastered FM synth music is also praised for being clean, punchy, and excellent overall. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the Sound Design and Music of Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection. COGconnected mentions that the soundtrack is a mixed bag, with some tracks being appreciated while others are described as bleak. Noisy Pixel mentions that additional music is missing from the collection, which could be seen as a drawback for fans of the franchise. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection is a positive aspect of the game. The majority of the critics praise the music and sound design, with specific mention of the remastered soundtracks and the contributions of Yuzo Koshiro. The immersive atmosphere, energy, and quality of the music are highlighted as positive aspects. While there are some minor criticisms, such as the mixed quality of some tracks and the absence of additional music, the overall sentiment is that the Sound Design and Music greatly enhance the gaming experience in Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection.

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In terms of technical performance, the Nintendo Switch version of Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection receives mixed reviews. Eurogamer Germany mentions some minor technical issues without going into detail, while Everyeye.it points out a small issue with the continue button leading to the last quick save instead of the most recent one. Multiplayer.it mentions loading issues specifically in the remastered first chapter. However, SpazioGames highlights more significant technical drawbacks such as low-resolution textures, recycled assets, minimal animations, and noticeable pop-in of elements during exploration. They do note that the portable mode of the Nintendo Switch helps mitigate some of these issues. On the other hand, the PC version of the game receives positive feedback regarding its technical performance. RPG Site mentions that the game supports resolutions up to 4K and high framerates above 120fps, and it should run fine on lower-powered machines and laptops. The Mako Reactor praises the technical performance on PC and Steam Deck, specifically highlighting quick load times and no performance issues. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the technical performance of Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection is more favorable on PC compared to the Nintendo Switch. While the Switch version suffers from various technical issues, including loading problems, low-resolution textures, and asset recycling, the PC version is commended for its support of higher resolutions, smooth framerates, and overall stability. It is worth noting that the portable mode of the Nintendo Switch helps alleviate some of the technical shortcomings. However, the positive feedback from RPG Site and The Mako Reactor reinforces the notion that the PC version offers a superior technical experience.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection are generally positive. COGconnected highlights that the game offers updates and improvements from previous titles, making it appealing for returning players. Cubed3 also mentions that the collection offers a lot of content and replay value with New Game Plus. GamersRD praises the game for its replay value, particularly for fans of dungeon crawlers, thanks to its engaging preparation, missions, and immersive rewards. Nintendo Insider also emphasizes the long-term rewards and enjoyable challenge that the game provides. Nintendo Life mentions the variety of classes and skill loadouts as factors contributing to the game's replayability. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Eurogamer Germany criticizes the new Picknick mode, stating that it reduces the challenge to the point where battles are fought automatically, diminishing the gameplay experience. This mode is deemed unnecessary for newcomers who can enjoy the well-designed and enjoyable normal difficulty mode. Impulsegamer suggests trying one game before buying them all due to their similarity, as well as the heavy grinding involved. Metro GameCentral highlights the high price of the collection, which may deter potential buyers. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection offers a significant amount of replay value. The game's updates and improvements, along with its New Game Plus feature, provide an appealing experience for returning players. The variety of classes, skill loadouts, and long-term rewards contribute to its replayability. However, the new Picknick mode and its high difficulty may not appeal to everyone. The high price tag of the collection is also a point of concern for some critics. Nevertheless, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics recommending the game for both series veterans and newcomers who are willing to invest in its engaging and rewarding gameplay experience.