Gamertell Review: Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns for DS

Title: Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja ReturnsPrice: $29.99System(s): DSRelease Date: July 22, 2008Publisher (Developer): Atlus (Ninja Studio)ESRB Rating: Teen for mild fantasy violence, mild language and suggestive themesPros: Easier than the first Izuna, interesting dialogue, extra chances in dungeons, more locations and dungeons.Cons: Extra characters have to be leveled up. Too easy for true rogue-like fans, too difficult for rogue-like beginners.Overall Score: One thumb up, one thumb down, 75/100, C, ** 1/2 out of 5

Rogue-like role-playing games are a funny sort of genre. They tend to be very difficult and appeal only to hardcore gamers with a penchant for leveling up. While they may receive critical praise, the general gaming population doesn’t really know what to do with them.

Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns, for example, is a traditional rogue-like RPG, but Ninja Studio has attempted to make the sequel more accessible to standard RPG fans with partner characters and the introduction of some familiar, RPG elements that weren’t in the original.

While Izuna 2 is a great deal of fun, it will frustrate some players. Dying is an everyday event in the game, happening as many as 10 times in a single dungeon. Those unfamiliar with the series, or genre, might abandon the title because of this. Players willing to stick it out will find themselves enjoying a moderately challenging and clever RPG…