While reading reviews of this game, you might see the words “roguelike”, “mystery dungeon”, “hard”, “unforgiving”, etc. These words all but sum up the experience of the game, but not in a negative way. Read on to find out if this game is worthy addition to the Atlus library or not.

Graphically, the game looks slightly outdated, and might easily be ported to the GBA without a big hit in the graphics department. However, when you’re working with 2d sprites, there’s not a lot you can do to improve them over the standards already set. The graphics, however, are very beautiful, and the 2d graphics fit in with the gameplay style. The audio, unlike other recent games I have played, was very nice, and the soundtrack is worthy of a mention here.

Gameplay is where the game shines. It is based on a sub-genre of games called “roguelikes”. These games date back to the original “Rogue” on the DOS platform. The games are based in a dungeon, and every movement is turn-based. For every move you make, each enemy makes one also. Izuna is no different, but this time around we’ve got multiple dungeons (around 7, I think) and many enemies and items to fill your plate. At the end of each dungeon you fight a boss, and each boss grants you an orb which you can use to heal the curses laid upon the citizens of your village. Like I stated earlier, the game is very, very hard.One wrong action can cost you your life, and dying makes you lose all your equipment and money (the only thing you retain is your exp and level). Some people say this is too “unforgiving”, but, in my opinion, this is a lot more forgiving than any other roguelike I’ve played because in most you have to start over when you die.

The game, depending on how much time you’re willing to invest in it can last well over 30 hours. If you’re going for the last secret dungeon (featuring 100 floors), you’re in for even more gameplay time. Replay value, however, is close to none, as you’ll most likely want to stick to your original file. I doubt I would get another Izuna for my DS, but at the same time, I doubt Atlus will make another.

All in all, if you’ve never played a roguelike (or at least a Mystery Dungeon game), don’t touch Izuna. If you have some experience in the genre, pick the game up, it’s a satisfying experience