It's rare to find a game that can sometimes feel like work yet still be enjoyable. Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard is definitely one of these games, whether it's due to the sheer sense of accomplishment that comes with defeating FOEs, the excitement of discovering new loot, or the complete control you have over your characters' growth.
So long as you're not afraid of a game that'll hold you by the throat and slap you around every now and again, this game--like Etrian Odyssey before it--is one of the deeper, more gratifying role-playing experiences you'll find for the Nintendo DS.
