Shin Megami Tensei IV

Genre: Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG

Players: 1, StreetPass Supported

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Review:

Shin Megami Tensei IV is a Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG released on Nintendo 3DS in 2013. While the Shin Megami Tensei franchise has previously released on Nintendo platforms and handheld devices, this marks the first time that a numbered entry in the series was made exclusively for a Nintendo handheld. As with other entries in the mainline Shin Megami Tensei series, Shin Megami Tensei IV 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 setting and story this time around is a bit different than what we saw in other modern entries in the series like Shin Megami Tensei III and V. Those games star a teenager in school in Japan who finds themselves at the center of apocalyptic events who must survive and try to understand what has happened to the world. Shin Megami Tensei IV, on the other hand, takes place in an odd, anachronistic world that combines elements of both feudal and modern-day Japan. In this world, players have been recruited as a Samurai, a force of warriors who fight demons, as well as using a technological armlet to recruit demons to fight alongside them, as they venture into the demon-infested caverns below the city.

The presentation here is interesting, using decent but unspectacular 3D for backgrounds and for your protagonist as he explores the game’s dungeons, as well as glitchy-looking 3D characters for enemies stalking those same caverns. However, the game otherwise uses 2D artwork for characters, both in battles, in conversations, and in cutscenes. This is 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 has many of the same elements making for a compelling experience that its successor Shin Megami Tensei V has. It may lack the large world to explore, but still 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. Also, the corridors you’ll be exploring are a bit dull and repetitive, and the plot is at times incomprehensible.

Probably the biggest flaw in Shin Megami Tensei IV is that it can be punishingly hard at times, particularly early on in the game before you’ve gotten a real chance to piece together your starting party and grind them into some semblance of a competent fighting shape. After dying a few times, players will unlock access to an easy mode, but even this still makes for a very difficult RPG.

However, despite Shin Megami Tensei IV’s flaws, it is a truly compelling experience, much as III and V are, and the different setting and approach to the plot help to set this game apart in its series even more than the game’s exclusive release on a handheld. If you’re looking for an unusual JRPG on Nintendo 3DS and do not mind a challenge, Shin Megami Tensei IV is definitely a game you’ll want to look into.

tl;dr – Shin Megami Tensei IV is a Turn-Based Monster Collecting JRPG that takes a unique approach to the genre, having players fight against and negotiate with demons in an anachronistic world that manages to be different than other entries in the series. This game has a fair number of flaws, including a harsh at times difficulty level. However, it’s still a truly compelling and unique experience that RPG fans on the Nintendo 3DS will definitely want to have in their collection.

Grade: B+

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