After seeing some positive reviews, this one's definitely on my radar. The concept of a portable roguelike with reasonably modern graphics and interface is really appealing.

If this is like other releases in the series, keep in mind it usually starts with a beginning area where item names are revealed, just to introduce you to some of the basics. Then as you progress forward, the dungeons will get deeper, the areas larger and you'll end up needing to develop techniques to discover what each item is etc.

I'm looking forward to your impressions. Wrestling with my conscience right now on purchasing just one more game... just one more can't hurt right?

If you like roguelikes, I'm sure you'll like this. IGN for example dinged it a bit, mainly for being difficult to beat. Same with Nintendo Power for it's unforgiving nature. 1UP gave it a stronger review.

I guess my counter would be, aren't most roguelikes a bit difficult to beat? I thought that was where the accomplishment lies.

It's the one game-style where you must maximize your efficiency (food etc) and tweak your strategies, while depending on a wee bit of luck to survive and progress too. I am usually not forgiving of games where lady luck casts the dice alongside me, but I dunno, this series just clicks I think.

Keep the impressions coming!

What a coincidence! Despite raining cats and dogs, the realization settled on me that I just absolutely had to go run an errand to the bank.

On my way back to the safety of my car, a great fear of lightning overcame me. It hadn't struck yet, but there is always a chance. In the distance, a mere two blocks away I sighted the sign of a warm and inviting Gamestop.

Leaving the metallic deathtrap of my car behind, I sprinted across vast open spaces so I could get into the nearest shelter from the storm.. the Gamestop. With great relief, I made it into the store unscathed.

Upon catching my breath and recovering my senses, I realized I should start some idle chitchat. On a whim, I asked the young clerk behind the counter "Do you have Mysterious Dungeon - Shiren" and the courteous employee said, "Well yes fine sir, would you like a copy?"

Now of course, I couldnt lie. It was an honest question and deserved an honest answer, so I replied "Yes, I'd like a copy"

He asked, "Would you like to pay with cash or card?" and I replied, "Well if I were buying it, I think I'd prefer to pay with cash."

He asked "Would you like anything else?" and so again, as a man of moral upbringing and integrity, I replied honestly, "No that will be all."

He rung me up and placed a copy in a bag. I handed him my money because he had gone to all that trouble on my behalf, and walked out of the store, myself a victim of circumstance.

Despite being cold and wet outside, I no longer felt the same fear of lightning. I felt quite warm and sunny inside. It's not my fault, it was just fate that drove me to Gamestop today. Silly weather.

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Impression Update:
I think this is a remake of a version I played in Japan. I find the interface updates and DS specific presentation neat. It appears you can control with a stylus or the traditional buttons. I'll stick with the buttons and d-pad.

It looks fantastic on the DS and the animations are fluid (for a turnbased game). I'm only on the tutorial adventures in the beginning so its more focused on teaching mechanics than ramping up the difficulty yet. If I remember correctly, the whole first struggle to complete the game opens up some interesting rewards that take the game to a whole new level (of pain) also, but I'll leave it to others to figure that out.

Best Level Up audio ever. Among things little Shiren the Wanderer can find are an assortment of food, scrolls, herbs, weapons, arrows, magical jugs (not oppai) and shields. You can move, fight, shoot, throw things, cast spells, eat herbs, use the magic jugs (again, not oppai). There are npcs on some of the maps to talk with and shops in the between adventure villages. Under certain circumstances, you can earn companions who level up and can die. There are a variety of traps and monsters can level up on a level if you are not careful. It's a very pure rogue-like experience with streamlined mechanics. I like the Japanese backdrop and the art direction.

Is anyone still playing this? The game mechanics are intriguing to me so I picked it up. Also is anyone interested in exchanging friend codes?

Dubious Quality synopsis here
Game Set Watch synopsis here

I got *coughed* here

Anyone have a hint for Fay's Puzzle #10 (Avoid the Cannonballs)? I've been able to make it most of the way to the stairs, but the tank's progress is not always predictable.

I'm getting old:)

I am having issues with that one as well. Must be the age...

Ok, I finally passed puzzle #10, but I think I got lucky. Moving diagonally at the right time helped.

Mix, I'm giving the rescue a shot now...

Edit: Ugh, I failed 3 times and it won't let me attempt any more

Rescue complete Nimcosi.

My friend code is 3652-0861-1044

Don't worry, after a couple hours I wanted to play again so badly I just gave it up and restarted. This game is too crazy. I've started working on running a weapon back and forth between the 2nd warehouse and the smithy once per game to level it. I haven't seen any of the warehouse jars that instant teleport things for you.