Shin Megami Tensei
General Info
| Genres | Role-playing |
|---|---|
| Artists | Kazuma Kaneko |
| Writers | Kouji Okada, Kazunari Suzuki, Ginichiro Suzuki |
| Game Name | Shin Megami Tensei |
| Composers | Tsukasa Masuko |
| Languages | Japanese, English |
| Playmodes | Single-player |
| Developers | Atlus |
| Directed By | Kouji Okada |
| Release Date | 1992-10-30 |
| Game Platforms | Super Famicom, Mega-CD, PlayStation, Game Boy Advance, iOS, Android |
| Publisher Name | Atlus |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Publishers Websites | https://atlus.com/ |
Screenshots
Overview
In the game, players roam a world ravaged by post-apocalyptic events to encounter and recruit numerous demons and gods. As the player travels through warped dimensions and ravaged landscapes, these creatures can be traded, merged, or fought. Press Turn's strategic combat system adds tactical depth to encounters with these creatures, rewarding and punishing the player based on their understanding and manipulation of various combat elements such as weaknesses, resistances, and turn order. The series' customization system, with choices between Law, Chaos, and Neutral, allows players to significantly shape the story and the world around them. Every decision counts, so exploring multiple matches is a rewarding experience. The Shin Megami Tensei series is not your typical RPG. It's a dark and unsettling experience that dares to challenge the player's view of the world and keep them guessing at every turn.
Trailer
Gameplay
At its core, Shin Megami Tensei is a fighting game that pits players and their demon teams against various mythical creatures. A unique feature that definitely defines the game is the negotiation with these aliens. Unlike regular RPGs, players are given the option to talk to enemies instead of just fighting them. These dialogues can have various results, including becoming allies with demons or obtaining items.
Another fascinating part of the game is the concept of Demon Fusion. Players can combine two or more of their demon allies to form a stronger entity. This aspect feeds into the strategic elements of the game, as players must make careful decisions about which demons to fuse and when. While Shin Megami Tensei is about a deep story, there is a strong focus on exploration and puzzles. Navigating through mazes, finding hidden paths and solving puzzles to overcome obstacles all contribute to an intriguing and challenging environment where players can control their character.
One element that greatly increases the appeal of the game is its multiple endings. Unlike linear narratives, the decisions players make during gameplay can lead to different outcomes, giving the story different twists and endings. This feature adds a lot of replay value to the game and makes each journey unique. In short, the addictive nature of Shinami Megami Tensei's gameplay comes from a successful combination of RPG aspects and strategic gameplay elements, a complex storyline full of choices, and a unique negotiation system that sums up a unique gameplay experience.
Gameplay video
Plot
On a typical day, the main character receives a mysterious program on his home computer. Unbeknownst to him, the program is a devil summoning program. Soon after, a devastating apocalypse hits Tokyo, turning the city into a demon-infested wasteland. Through the Devil Summoning program, the protagonist gains the power to communicate, negotiate, and recruit these demons to fight alongside him.
The plot of the game is deeply rooted in philosophical and ethical dilemmas. As the main character, you are repeatedly faced with compelling moral decisions that shift the balance of a three-way ideological war between different factions who want to remake the world as they see fit. Different storylines lead to multiple endings depending on the choices you make in the game.
In this harsh new world, inhabited by gods and demons from various mythologies, survival depends solely on your choices and relationships with these supernatural beings. The dynamic story, strategic battle system and deep demon fusion mechanics make Shin Megami Tensei more than just a game, but also a journey of self-discovery in a black and white amoral world.
Development
The game required a lot of attention to detail, pushing the boundaries of 90s gaming technology. Taking an unconventional approach, the developers introduced a matching system, a branching narrative, and multiple endings that were revolutionary at the time. This decision was not without risk, as it relied heavily on player choice and deviated from the usual paradigms of traditional storytelling.
The development of Shin Megami Tensei also featured a bold approach to visual aesthetics. It introduced players to a dark and mature universe set in a destroyed Tokyo; it was a departure from the fantasy settings that dominated RPGs at the time. The moody and atmospheric game design contributed greatly to the uniquely unsettling and isolating gameplay experience.
Working closely behind the scenes, the development team had to deal with the complex themes of religion and philosophy, ensuring that they were respectfully represented in the game without dilution. This balance made the game intellectually challenging and interesting.
To date, the development of Shinami Megami Tensei is a case study in game design that has dared to tackle controversial themes, present complex moral dilemmas, and push the boundaries of narrative exploration in video games. It's a lasting testament to the limitless realms that video games can explore as a medium.
Release
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Shin Megami Tensei V players assume the role of a high school student who becomes a divine being known as "Nahobino". The complex storyline combined with the unique demon negotiation and fusion system provides an enchanting and deep gameplay experience that will delight returning players and newcomers alike.
The release was critically acclaimed for its stunning visuals, intricate character designs, engaging narrative, and rich gameplay. The game's exploration of deep themes of morality, identity, and introspection received critical acclaim, further cementing the Megami Tensei series' reputation for thought-provoking content.
Shin Megami Tensei V marks a major turning point for the series as it perfectly blends the traditional elements that fans have come to know and love with new features that add to its appeal. It's a testament to the franchise's pioneering spirit as it continues to redefine the boundaries of the Japanese RPG genre.
Reception
Another point of praise was the game's story, praised for its moral ambiguity and thought-provoking themes. Branching storylines influenced by player choices have been known to improve replayability. Shin Megami Tensei's ethical dilemmas, which often lacked a clear right or wrong solution, were distinguished by their emotional richness and complexity.
However, the game was not without rivals. Some found the graphics to be dated, even for the time, and the plot to be overly complicated at times. However, these niggles did not overshadow the game's positive aspects, resulting in a generally favorable review from critics and players alike. In retrospect, Shin Megami Tensei is widely regarded as a classic in gaming history, often cited as one of the best RPGs of its time. Its continued popularity has spawned several additional titles that reflect its significant impact on the gaming landscape. His legacy continues to influence modern game design, marking his continued relevance in the industry.
Cultural impact
Shin Megami Tensei's use of myths and legends from various cultures adds to its appeal around the world. The demon fusion system incorporates mythology from around the world into the game mechanics, fueling intrigue and teaching players about global myths. Character designs and backgrounds are inspired by real-world architecture and fashion, making the dystopian setting unique and adding another layer of authenticity to the story. The franchise's philosophy of moral ambiguity and its branching narrative model were particularly influential. Unlike most RPGs where the player character is usually a self-sacrificing hero, Shin Megami Tensei often places the protagonist in a morally complex situation. The choice between law, chaos or neutrality and the consequences of those choices add depth to the game and reflect the complexities of true morality. This design move changed the story and choice systems of video games, reinforcing the idea that player choices should have a significant impact.
The cultural impact of the music of the Shin Megami Tensei series cannot be underestimated. The franchise's music, composed by Shoji Meguro and others, has a distinctive style that blends rock, electronica, and orchestral music, often setting the tone for the game's dramatic moments. The music has struck a chord with large audiences, and the songs are regularly performed live in concerts, a testament to the show's cultural influence.
The continued popularity and influence of Shin Megami Tensei in the nearly 30 years since its introduction proves its enduring relevance. The unique combination of narrative, stylistic presence and game mechanics continues to inspire developers and captivate players, highlighting the significant cultural impact of the gaming environment.