Overall 9.3 Graphics 7 Sound 9 Addictive 7 Story 9 Depth 9 Difficulty 10
9.8
A brilliant (and difficult) game. Popful
Shin Megami Tensei is unique among SNES RPGs for its apocalyptic story, high-tech setting, mature themes, demon recruitment and fusing system, and creepy atmosphere.
Graphics: The character sprites are appropriately creepy, with blank faces that have little black dots for eyes. The demons themselves have very detailed sprites, from the jolly Jack Frost to the horrific Arioch, each demon has tons of personality.
However, the backgrounds are very boring, with identical-looking buildings with bland, featureless walls and an overworld map that looks like something from Mapquest.
Sound: The music has a very hardcore vibe when it isn't being creepy, like the intro and Chaos theme, or beautiful, like the Law theme. The battle and boss themes are intense, although short.
The ruined overworld theme is suitably depressing, and thankfully one of the longer tracks in the game.
Length is often a serious issue with these songs, songs you only hear once or twice being a minute long, while songs you'll hear often and for extended periods, such as the aforementioned boss music, last about 30 seconds at most. This is especially grating with songs like The Embassy and The Great Cathedral.
The sound effects are about average, with little menu chimes and weapon/spell sounds
Story: Do NOT, under any circumstances, google this game's plot, it's loaded with twists and surprises, and very well told. The characters are written with vivid personalities, and their dialogue is very natural to read.
Gameplay: Battles are a bit more complicated than an average RPG. Instead of having to equip one weapon per character, you equip them with a sword, a gun, and ammo for said gun. The ammo is an interesting gimmick, you can either use bullets that do a lot of damage, or ones that cause nasty status effects on your enemies. Surprisingly enough, these effects work on most enemies, even bosses, and you'll need to learn how to use them effectively to survive.
Progressing doesn't require any level-grinding, you can be very underleveled and get through just fine.
Fights require careful strategy, and while there is an autobattle, it is NOT recommended for most battles.
Another neat feature is the ability to talk to and recruit most of the demons you encounter. You'll need to figure out the right things to say and do for a positive result.
Demons you recruit do not level up, instead you have to keep getting stronger ones, either by recruiting them, or fusing two of your own to make a new one.
The difficulty is very high for anyone not using a guide, however, with a guide, it's pretty average.
Overall, this is a classic game that you can't ignore if you love RPGs.
Graphics 7 Sound 9 Addictive 7 Story 9 Depth 9 Difficulty 10
Review Rating: 4.3/5
Submitted: 04-06-13
Review Replies: 2