Winner: Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold
A series like Etrian Odyssey doesn’t appeal to a wide audience, but for those that it does appeal to, it can make people disappear for weeks. And explaining why it’s so good—my personal example being, “Dude, it’s an animé-styled old-school RPG that will kick your ASS”—can leave a sympathetic ear to scratching their head. But who cares? It’s exactly the grind-requiring ball-buster with an adorable smile that’s necessary sometimes. And it fits in your pocket.
Masochistic and cute, deep and difficult, technically sound and customizable. Sometimes you just need to plumb a dungeon, and Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold is one of the best ways I know how. If you don’t mind taking the occasional kick to the plums, this is one to keep in your pocket.