Shin Megami Tensei IV (3DS)

[ubernoob]

Well, we have no thread for it... and this game needs to be played.

Metacritic - 86 (at time of posting)

Game Informer - 8.5

ZTGD - 9.6

Destructoid - 9.5

Little bits from the destructoid review.

Atlus is known for their strong characters, fantastic settings, and deep stories, and with SMT IV they do not disappoint. There's a varied cast of characters spread over two worlds (you'll see) to meet, judge, and then later change your mind about as the story strings you through several surprises, some tough choices, and some pretty big plot twists. Atlus brings loud, handsome, and eye-catching character designs in a big way, from the main cast to the new demons. Series fans will be thrilled to see a few references to past Shin Megami Tensei games thrown in. I won't ruin the surprises.

...

Shin Megami Tensei IV may have been developed for two little screens, but it's a massive, uncompromising game that feels just as big as any console RPG release. It's as deep and gratifying as you'd expect from Atlus' original key franchise, and now it's fully portable (with a save anywhere function). In fact, the only real problem you're going to have with Shin Megami Tensei IV is keeping your 3DS battery charged up, because it's the best RPG for 3DS to date.

Well.

If you don't have it, get it. The beginning ("Training missions") are pretttttay difficult, be forewarned.

[Flawless]

Re: Shin Megami Tensei IV (3DS)

Yeah, demons hit so hard right out of the gate. I got wiped out a handful of times during the first 3 training exercises. If anybody is wondering about difficulty settings, an easier difficulty does unlock after you die a couple times and can be changed at any point. Also, you can save anywhere now, so make sure to save often.

I've put 3 hours into it so far and I'm enjoying it. It hasn't quite wowed me like Nocturne's opening few hours, but I'm still in the beginning area, which everybody says is very limiting and menu driven compared to the rest of the game. It's great to have the real SMT back!

[MachoMyers]

Re: Shin Megami Tensei IV (3DS)

Would love to have it...no release date for Europe...region locked....Why Nintendo Why?

[Cubfan]

Re: Shin Megami Tensei IV (3DS)

This will be my first SMT game. I just ordered it from Amazon.com and it will be here Thursday.

[Drag66]

Re: Shin Megami Tensei IV (3DS)

This is my first SMT game and I am really enjoying it. It is certainly tough, but I am getting the hang of it. I am on the 3rd training mission and I am just grinding right now. I realized if you already have a specific demon and try to recruit another of the same kind, they will give you gifts like a life stone or some HP/MP. It's a good way to gain health if you don't want to use items. I can already tell this game will be extremely addicting.

[Flawless]

Re: Shin Megami Tensei IV (3DS)

People weren't kidding. It's like a completely different game once you get to...

Spoiler

Tokyo

Not really a spoiler if you followed the game any and it's on the back of the box.

Took me 10 hours to get there. The overworld theme is so good. The atmosphere, mystery, and intrigue is all there. Love it. Going with a pure magic build for my MC.

[ubernoob]

Re: Shin Megami Tensei IV (3DS)

My MC has been a split. I'd go +2 STR +2 DEX, then alternate between AGI and LUK for the extra point on every level up. Pretty much purely physical, with the MP only really used for healing.

[Candyman5]

May try it out, I love RPGs and such. I have a question, is it turn based, real time or grid/board turn based?

[ubernoob]

Re: Shin Megami Tensei IV (3DS)

Turn based all the way.

[Flawless]

Re: Shin Megami Tensei IV (3DS)

I said a demon was beautiful during a negotiation, and the demon called me a pervert and almost killed me.

Again, the opening in Mikado was decent, but the game really opens up and gets so much better after that. SMT IV is the kind of JRPG I yearn for; challenging turn-based battles, tons of depth, content, exploration, and polish, and draped in amazing atmosphere. It's like a hardcore niche JRPG that you often saw during the PS1 and PS2 era that was not only just as good, but arguably better than many of its more popular counterparts.

Hopefully, Atlus finds a good partner to continue making badass games.

[Flawless]

Re: Shin Megami Tensei IV (3DS)

Finished Law path playthrough (48 hours). Also, saw the bad ending. I got a save for Neutral which will end up being my clear save for a new game + Chaos run, but there's lots of stuff I want to do before finishing the Neutral path.

It's sad to think it could be another 10 years (if ever) that we see another mainline SMT. Fantastic game though and definitely in my top 3 so far this year.