Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse

Genre: Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG

Players: 1, StreetPass Supported

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Review:

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is a Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG released on Nintendo 3DS in 2016. This game is a direct sequel to Shin Megami Tensei IV that appears to follow that game’s “neutral” ending and follows a new set of characters whose story occasionally has them crossing paths with characters from the first game, including the first game’s protagonist Flynn, now hailed as a hero by the people living in this game’s post-apocalyptic underground version of Tokyo. As with other entries in the mainline Shin Megami Tensei series, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse uses the core Monster Collecting JRPG formula that many associate with the Pokemon franchise, but goes about it somewhat differently in multiple ways, most notably with its dark demonic themes and its grim setting.

The presentation here is interesting, using decent but unspectacular 3D for backgrounds and for your protagonist as he explores the game’s areas, as well as glitchy-looking 3D characters for enemies stalking those same caverns. The game otherwise uses 2D artwork for characters, both in battles, in conversations, and in cutscenes. I should note that right from the start the areas in Apocalypse are more open and give players more freedom to explore than what was in the prior game. These visuals are all backed by a soundtrack that has elements of what you’d expect from a typical JRPG, but is a bit more on the dour side of things. It’s not a super-appealing presentation, but it is one that definitely sets this game apart from others in its genre.

When it comes to the gameplay, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse plays almost identically to Shin Megami Tensei IV. As with other games in the mainline Shin Megami Tensei franchise, Apocalypse features a huge compendium of demons to negotiate with to entice into your party, and later creating stronger ones by combining together two demons already in your party. And as the protagonist learns his abilities from these demons, it can make it a really rewarding experience to raise up and combine demons not only to create the ultimate unstoppable party, but also to ensure your character gleans an ideal mix of skills on the way.

However, there are a few drawbacks here. It’s not always clear what the advantages and disadvantages combining two demons will bring you, since the menu that lets you combine them doesn’t compare the monsters’ base stats but their current ones.

Apocalypse also features a slew of improvements over the prior game. Most of these are nothing truly game-changing, but they add up to make this an overall more enjoyable experience – in addition to the areas that are more interesting to explore, players have more control over the way abilities in menus are displayed, the map makes it clearer where to go to complete mission assignments, and overall this game eases up on the frustratingly high challenge the previous game pushed onto players.

As a result of all of this, there’s a strong argument to be made that players wanting to play Shin Megami Tensei IV on the Nintendo 3DS may be better off starting with Apocalypse, even if its plot incorporates characters and events from Shin Megami Tensei IV. In any case, this is an outstanding Turn-Based Monster Collecting RPG, and one of the more enjoyable experiences in the genre on Nintendo 3DS.

tl;dr – Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is a Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG that takes a unique approach to the genre, having players fight against and negotiate with demons in a story that takes place after Shin Megami Tensei IV. This game makes multiple small improvements over the prior game, resulting in an experience I would argue is overall a much stronger one. As a result, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is one of the best games in its genre on Nintendo 3DS. Definitely well worth playing.

Grade: A-

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