Not what you would expect in Shin Megami Tensei
posted by Jeremymia (GAINESVILLE, FL) Nov 12, 2006
Member since Oct 2006
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On the most superficial level, this game seems like a Shin Megami Tensei game. That is, there are demons, and you exploit weaknesses and enlist their help. That's pretty much where the similarities end, though.
The story is one of my largest complaints about this game. Those who know and love Atlus' RPGs take themselves pretty seriously. The stories are all rather deep, full of philosophy and character development. There's a large amount of immersion, and as a result you feel a bit of empathy for the characters.
This game pretty much cut all of that. The overarching plot itself is only someone ridiculous, and if it was given the same writing and voice acting the other games were given, that plot could have become something interesting. Instead, it just feels like a piece of fan fiction. The game was more in favor of introducing plot twists than fleshing those plot twists out, and as a result you find yourself not really caring. There's pretty much character development, either. That and no voice acting means you won't really be pulled in by the plot.
The gameplay is the other problem. A draw of the Shin Megami Tensei games is the fact that all of the battles had a small amount of strategy. That's gone here. Just summon the demon that hits really hard and tap that sword button! As a result, you find yourself bored by battles.
I really enjoyed the soundtrack. I listened to the opening song far too much for my own good. All of it was well done, and this section does not disappoint.
If you like RPGs, this is a good introduction to the Shin Megami Tensei series (after that, play Digital Devil Saga, and then Nocturne.) And if you like Shin Megami Tensei, you'll want to play this game, since it's not all-bad - It was just disappointing.
A minor warning for those who might want to play Shin Megami Tensei 1 or 2 (for the NES) later: Once you get to the 1990s, stop talking to the lost souls from then on. They spoil both games.
Enjoy.
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