New Etrian Odyssey: Millennium Maiden Has A Stronger Story Focus [Update]

Earlier in the week, Etrian Odyssey series director Shigeo Komori teased that his next game would bring significant changes to the series, and now we know what they are, thanks to leaked details from this week’s issue of Famitsu magazine.

For starters, the new game, New Etrian Odyssey: Millennium Maiden is a remake of the first Etrian Odyssey game, will have a stronger focus on story and characters. Millennium Maiden is set in Etria and the protagonist is from the Highlands. He uses a spear for a weapon and is asked by the Etria administration to explore mysterious ruins following recent earthquakes in Etria.

During the course of the game’s story, the protagonist will meet multiple companions along the way, including Frederica Irving, an amnesiac Gunner. Frederica is described as a kind girl who tends to be wary of others, perhaps owing to her amnesia.

Joining them is Simon York, a Medic. York is the leader of an investigation team and is well-versed in knowledge of ancient civilizations and labyrinthine monsters. Simon is described as being calm and capable.

Another character is Arthur Charles, an Alchemist, who is on Simon’s investigation team. Arthur has a great deal of faith in Simon, and is described as a character that tends to mouth off from time to time. Finally, Lakuna Sheldon, a Paladin, is one of the supporting cast, too. Lakuna is from a family of nobles but is humble in her personality. She’s sensible has a strong sense of justice, but tosses common sense aside when it comes to matters of food.

Even though your characters are now fixed, you’ll be able to change their class to teach them different skills. Skill points are limited, so you’ll need to prioritize which skills you want your party to learn. When you do decide to change class, the character undergoing the change will retain his or her appearance and stats, but they’ll be able to learn the skills of their new class now. The one change Famitsu points out is that the Novice and Veteran skill tiers aren’t present.

New Etrian Odyssey: Millennium Maiden is being directed by Shigeo Komori, who resumes his director’s duties following Etrian Odyssey III. Yuzo Koshiro is returning once again to provide the music. Monster design is being handled by Shin Nagasawa. Finally, Yuji Himukai returns to provide character designs.

Komori explains that Atlus decided to focus on the production side for New Etrian Odyssey: Millennium Maiden. By fleshing out the story and characterization aspects, the game will make it easier for players to enjoy its RPG essence, which has been left intact.

New Etrian Odyssey: Millennium Maiden will be released on June 27th for the Nintendo 3DS. The game will cost 6,279 yen.

Update: Game title changed to “New Etrian Odyssey: Millennium Maiden”. It has also come to light that this is a remake of the first game.