New, ‘festive’ culmination Etrian Odyssey in development for 3DS

A new Etrian Odyssey title is in development for 3DS, series director Shigeo Komori has told Famitsu.

Komori confirmed the development of the new title, which he calls a ‘festival-like’ culmination of the series, during the following exchange in an interview commemorating the release of Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 in Japan:

—During an interview when Etrian Odyssey V was released, you said, “We really haven’t decided what’s next. For now, we would be happy if you can enjoy Etrian Odyssey V to your heart’s content, and if it’s not too much to ask, to make your voice heard through official surveys and the like. I hope that we can deliver a game to everyone.”

Komori: “As a matter of fact, I feel like I have heard everyone’s voices. When I look back on the games we have done so far, there is a sense that we may have been too fixated on doing something new each time. Especially in recent months—in addition to the release of Etrian Dungeon 2—with the pre-sale of the “Etrian Walker” book produced by Famitsu at the Summer Comic Market, and the eventual release of various goods commemorating the series’ 10th anniversary, I am often seeing the voices of the series’ fans through social networking sites and the like, and they are filled with comments of deep affection for the series. In order to respond to all of our kind-hearted fans, I want to release a ‘festive’ game that can be said is another culmination*. That’s the feeling I’ve come to, and we are currently moving forward on the development of a new title.”

*Earlier in the interview, Komori called Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth a culmination title in terms of it being a representation of the all the experience cultivated by the development team.

—Ooh! That’s a pleasant statement…!

Komori: “This will be the last title in the series that uses the bottom screen of the Nintendo 3DS to draw the map. For specific content and the like, I hope you can wait until the day we can officially announce. For now, I would be happy if you can thoroughly enjoy Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2!”

Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 launched for 3DS in Japan on August 31.