Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard (DS) release date is June 17, 2008

Pre-order Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard for DSAtlus U.S.A., preferred publisher of adventuring duo Fight and Heal, announced Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard for Nintendo DS with a release date on June 17th, 2008. Continuing one of the genre’s purest experiences, this sequel builds upon the original Etrian Odyssey cult classic with more diverse areas to explore, new character classes, more fiendish FOEs, and an improved mapping system.

Etrian Odyssey II boasts an all-star development team, led by director Shigeo Komori (scenario designer – Etrian Odyssey, Odin Sphere). Composer Yuzo Koshiro (Actraiser, Streets of Rage, Etrian Odyssey) returns for Heroes of Lagaard, in addition to character designer Yuji Himukai and monster designer Shin Nagasawa, who both worked on the original Etrian Odyssey.

About Etrian Odyssey II: In the Grand Duchy of High Lagaard, it is said that the Duke is descended from inhabitants of a castle in the sky. When an unforeseen crisis befalls the nation, it is decreed that the first explorer to retrieve the Grail of Kings from that mythical floating palace will be rewarded with wealth and fame beyond imagining. Enter the central city of Lagaard and begin your journey to the clouds!

Key features include:
• Make the adventure yours – Rediscover true role-playing as you build your party of stalwart adventurers from 12 different classes. From basics like name and gender to advanced settings like combat formation, skills, and spells, every detail is yours to customize!
• The Odyssey continues – Experience an all-new story, more classes, improved mapping capabilities, new Force Skills, and over 100 side-quests.
• Chart your progress through the dungeons – Etrian Odyssey’s innovative mapmaking tool returns with more options and features! Use the touch screen to map out the halls, chambers, treasures, and dangers of the realms you explore.

Watch the first Etrian Odyssey II map gameplay video: