News

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA -- AUGUST 12, in the year of our Lord 2010 -- Atlus U.S.A., Inc., the little publisher that could, today revealed that free inside each and every launch copy of Etrian Odyssey™III: The Drowned City, the upcoming third chapter in the acclaimed series of exploration RPGs for Nintendo DS™, fans could expect to find a collectible "Explorer's Poster."  The unexpected, previously unannounced bonus is a full-color, two-sided affair: on one, a lush collage of characters set against the crystal blue backdrop of Armoroad's seas.  On the other, skill trees for all of the starting character classes, offering fledgling adventurers invaluable insight for their crucial initial customization decisions.

"We could use this space to offer up a self-congratulatory quote about the fact that we're giving our fans a free surprise with their copies of Etrian Odyssey III," mused Aram Jabbari, Manager of Public Relations and Sales at Atlus. "We could go on about how we've just added even more incentive and value for anyone who picks up The Drowned City, on top of the existing pre-order bonus at participating retailers. You know, the one that gets you "Forests Of Eternity," a 60-page, full-color art book with designs and sketches spanning the entire Etrian Odyssey series? We could talk about how all these extras only serve to complement the best Etrian Odyssey game yet, a deep handheld RPG with hours upon hours of satisfying exploration and rewarding character customization. But that kind of boasting wouldn't be our style," he concluded, polishing an apple on his jerkin whilst leaning on his fine mahogany mantel.

The dual-sided "Explorer's Poster" is included free inside each and every launch copy of Etrian Odyssey III; customers with existing orders need not make any changes in order to receive the bonus. "Forests Of Eternity," the official Etrian Odyssey III pre-order bonus art book, is only available from participating retailers while supplies last.

Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City is scheduled to release September 21, 2010 for Nintendo DS. For more information, visit the official website.

About Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City

Off tranquil ocean shores, far below the surface of the sea, the city of Armoroad bears a secret. Rumor suggests that this coastal metropolis is less than it once was; much of it, they whisper, was lost to the unforgiving waters. Will you assemble and train a team of explorers to uncover once and for all what really lies beneath, or will you succumb to the innumerable dangers hidden in the abyssal depths?

Key Features

* Create your unique team -- A system of 10 new classes and sub-classes and a wealth of proprietary skills make developing the optimal party absorbing, tactical, and rewarding. A maximum of 30 possible member slots provide plenty of room to experiment. You decide where to apply members' skill points: will you invest in sword mastery or learn a new healing spell?

* Live and die by your map(-making) -- When danger lurks around every corner, it is imperative to keep track of where you have been and what you found there. The streamlined map maker lets you draw paths, paint in terrain, and drag and drop icons. Watch the map grow bigger and more detailed under your hands as you capture every door, map, set of stairs, and secret pathway.

* Adventure in the high seas -- The ocean becomes a new stage for exploration as you take to the city of Armoroad to uncover the secret of why half of this once vibrant and technologically advanced metropolis sunk below the waves. Sail your ship, chart the ocean map, sink enemy vessels, and take on seagoing FOEs on your way to playing out one of three possible endings.

* Wirelessly share with friends -- Up to 5 friends can team up in special combat challenges over a local wireless connection to take down the toughest monsters living in the ocean. Additional options let you wirelessly trade items.

Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City has been rated "E10+" (Everyone 10 and older) with Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Language, Mild Fantasy Violence, Suggestive Themes by the ESRB.