The Etrian Odyssey saga is one of those timeless classics that fits every gamer possible. Whether you’re a Nintendo DS veteran, or you’re just getting into handheld gaming, this series has everything you could ask for. We’re talking some seriously addictive dungeon crawling, competitive hack-and-slash, and characters that you make from scratch.

But the best part? You get to draw maps.

Each of the three games starts with the creation of your guild, including registering adventurers of different, customizable classes. Think of Final Fantasy Tactics titles, but with a single, point-based level-up system, like Growlanser or World of Warcraft.

Once registered, you’ll move into the stratums; labyrinth-style dungeons that you have to chart out yourself. Key missions and side quests move the story along, starting with the task of mapping out the first floor.

There are different classes and locations in all three games, making them a unique experience without abandoning the gaming style. While the classes follow the basics of other games, they have a flavor all their own:

• Etrian Odyssey comes with the classes Landsknect (sword or axe fighter), Survivalist, Protector, Dark Hunter, Medic, Alchemist, Ronin, Hexer and Troubadour—and as much as I poke fun at bards in Dungeons and Dragons, the Etrian Odyssey troubadour is the best!
• Etrian Odyssey 2 let’s you play the same classes, but also introduces the War Magus, Gunner and adorable Beast.
• Etrian Odyssey 3 is in a port city, and sports the classes Prince/Princess, Gladiator, Hoplite, Buccaneer, Ninja, Monk, Zodiac, Wildling, Arbalist and Farmer. Depending on the ending you’re working towards, you can also unlock three additional classes.

Each class has multiple specialties, entirely reliant on the skills you choose for them. (Sound familiar?) To increase playability, you have the option of taking level losses and moving skills, or retiring a character entirely, so they may tutelage a new recruit with more potential.

So it’s time to convince you:

• If you’re a fan of console RPGs, this game’s challenge factor is thumbs up. You’ll love the customization of your characters, quests and maps.
• If you play Dungeons and Dragons, this will feel familiar. You’re creating a character and going on an adventure—just like any other campaign.
• If you’re a WoW kind of gamer, the addictive factor of character creation and leveling is unmatched. Every time an Etrian Odyssey game lands in my DS, it peels me away like concrete-grade adhesive.
• If you play Magic: the Gathering, you’re going to love combining classes and abilities to build the perfect strategy. Not to mention pimping your deck with Etrian Odyssey sleeves.
• All three Etrian Odyssey games sell used at most stores for under $20, and you can play them in any order.

Regardless of what brings you to this game, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll get hooked. Just when you think you’ve got the game’s features figured out, the plot will twist and wrench out of control. The music’s just stellar, especially the battle themes. And there’s just the right amount of combat, mystery and exploration—from the first stratum, to the secret tunnels and doors.