Shin Megami Tensei is a brutally difficult RPG series, probably one of the most challenging traditional RPGs of the last decade. Yet, it remains as one of the most visually interesting games out there with the signature style the franchise has always represented. Capturing modern Japanese culture and using Judeo-Christian mythology, Shin Megami Tensei is a brilliant mix of culture to create a unique setting. Running alongside the events of Shin Megami Tensei IV, Apocalypse starts with a hunter cadet who is violently killed by a demon using Tokyo as its stomping ground. Think Godzilla, but more demonic.
Luckily, for the main hero, a strange god Dagda brings him back to life in exchange for servitude and loyalty. Whether or not Dagda is trustworthy or merely using the hero as a pawn is one of the central themes driving the narrative. It also important to note that with many entries in the series, players won’t need to play the original Shin Megami Tensei IV to understand what’s going on. Dedicated fans may still want to pick up the prior game though as it does take place in the same world.
Gameplay will be improved, but will remain familiar to veterans of the series. Players will be able to team up with three demons and one of seven partner characters. Demon variety will also be dense as there are 450 plus demons to recruit, fuse, and of course battle with. Demon fusion remains a staple way to acquire stronger allies and the system has been altered to better estimate what sort of monster will result from said fusion. The Press Turn system returns, rewarding tactile players with extra turns by exploiting weakness, as well as the Smirk system which grants buffs and can even grant insta-kill moves.
Apocalypse is boasting a solid 60 hour or more game and will be releasing on the Nintendo 3DS for $49.99. Expect to see this stylish romp with human identity and face imminent doom this summer.
