Nexus is the natural evolution of the EO series and a wonderful conclusion to it. It's a love letter to all the previous games, with returning monsters and classes and even some characters, as well as a story that fits alongside the others. It never really stands out compared to them, but I personally don't think that's a flaw at all. The gameplay improvements are much better in my opinion, and with 19 classes (and one pseudo class) there are a ton of different combinations to try out and interesting builds to mess around with.

Returning labyrinths were such a joy to go through again, even though I really could have lived without mapping out Sandy Barrens again. I greatly enjoyed seeing the new models for older enemies as well, and overall the game was a blast to play! I'm very pleased that you can essentially use any portrait for any class as well as the customization options on older portraits (but only those with the corresponding classes in Nexus), but having to purchase the older games' portraits if you want to use them is rather disappointing.

Whenever I want to return to Etrian Odyssey, this is the game I'm going to pick up. It was a great time returning to a game series I really enjoy!