DIGITAL_DEVIL_DATABASE Community Forum

Now I'm not talking favorite sub-franchise, I'm talking individual game, how or why it's your favorite, and anything else you can think of to throw in there.

Mine used to be Tsumi, but I find that Digital Devil Saga 2 was really my favorite.  The first one was great as well, but there was something about the second one that seemed to outshine the first.  The DDS system is just elegantly simple, the storyline is actually comprehensible (you have to admit, most of the Megaten games tend to go a little off the deep end), and the characters don't come off as total archetypes and have motivations outside of saving the world.

I'm also not a huge fan of the "collect-them-all" type mentality in other SMT titles.  Yes the demons are cool, but the hassle of trying to fuse the right ones together without a guide is fairly tedious, especially since that method seems to change drastically from game to game.  With DDS you didn't have to worry about it and you get to build characters which I think is more fun than ditching your nakama after they've outlived their usefulness.

My favorite Megaten game is Persona 2: Batsu since was my first megaten game. And if I need to decide a second one I´ll say Shin Megami Tensei: If... because it´s the origin of Persona games. And I think when I have Persona 3, I´ll change my mind and say that P3, is the best one. And I too have Avatar Tuner 2, but I haven´t play it, because I need to finish Nocturne first.

I like all the Megaten franchise, and I´m the type of guy who wants to collect all the titles of this awesome franchise.

I don't mind the "collect-them-all",but I agree with DDS being able to organize your characters.

Kind of hard to say...Nocturne was the one that brought me into the series,where I was hooked to it for hours on end.During the time,I haven't had an RPG get me that addicted in a Long time,and I thank Nocturne for that.

DDS I really loved,I like both games..but I'm going to have to go with the first game,just the introduction of the world you are in,really amazed me.

So far,I've only played Be Your True Mind,and the story was pretty good,but I think I might like P3 even more.

Is there any controversy over whether Batsu should be pronounced Bachi instead? Same kanji, but Bachi more specifically refers to punishment for sin vs. crime according to many of my references.

I'd have to say mine would have to be a tie between Nocturne, DDS1 and 2. I liked them all on the same level, which was a level above most RPGs I've played in a while.

I was "introduced" to the series through Revelations Persona. While it was glitchy I liked the unique setting and change from fantasy to modern day.

Next up I got Digital Devil 1 and 2. I immediately loved the story direction and characters though it came off as a very linear level grinding experience. While it blew away final fantasy 10 I still put Shadow-hearts covenant on top as my favorite rpg of that 2 year  arch.


Fast forward to now and I have  Persona 3. Atlus has blown my mind. Rather then give me a linear dungeon crawl they put destiny in my hands and gave me many variables on how the story progresses + NPCS I actually care about. Hands down  it is not only the best MegaTen game for me but also the best RPG on my PS-2.

Hmm....
tough choice.
For me it's a tie between Digital Devil Saga 2 and SMT: Nocturne.
I greatly enjoyed the stories of both: DDS2 for the technology-caused apocalypse and quantum physics concepts woven in, and Nocturne for the concept of not only individual, but universal metapsychosis.

I just started Imagine today, but I've alredy got a high opinion of it, just because it allows me to "exist" in the setting of the original two.

I wanna try imagine but am too hesitant because of it being in japanese, and I don't wanna get horribly lost=/

Imagine is an excelent game, and of course you get lost sometimes, but I have play many other Megaten titles in Japanese and I think with the time you can deal with it.

I was worried about getting lost too.
Thankfully, the tutorial section gives plenty of visual aides.
I still don't understand a word of negotiations, but since the end of the demon's response shows their attitude (and exclamation point for surprise, a question mark for curiosity, a musical note for happyness, and you taking damage for anger) it's only moderately confusing

mmmm.... well I loved Digital Devil saga 2( And digital Devil Saga 1 by association... I suppose).
But I also really liked the more action based battles in Devil Summoner, actually it was more of a love-hate relationship because you don't need as much strategy or tactics for those battles as you do in traditional Megaten style battles and I always enjoyed that factor.

Overall though; it would definitely be Nocturne, simply because of the depth of the game, multiple endings, gameplay and all the side options.

I really want Nocturne but like any MegaTen title it didn't stay available to the masses very long. Sure I could pay top dollar on ebay but it's not in my budget currently and I'm glad I got Persona 3 at the very least. If I hear wind of Nocturne 2 I'll be smart and pre-order this time.

Nocturne was Shin Megami Tensei 3, I don't think they would Make Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne 2.....
But... maybe :-\

Well in America  it would likely be called Nocturne 2 though  the very first Shin Megami versions were on the old nes and snes. It's the same as Final fantasy. What was FF3 for us in the states was FF 6 in Japan. Eventually I hope they send us P3 Fes but I'm not 100% counting on it. Guess I'm a bit of a pessimist. lol. However P3 did great review  wise so maybe Atlus will realize extra profit can be had.

Nah, they'll just call it Shin Megami Tensei 4, or whatever the subtitle for four may happen to be. After all, I think most the players know full well that Nocturne was the third in the series, and SE has re-numbered their games to fit the original japanese order, so that's not the best example to go by.

On a side note, I believe SMT:4 has been announced for PS3.
Now I'll actually have to buy the damn thing.

Yeah, I've heard it's been announced for the ps3 as well... which makes me sad in leaps and bounds because I can't imagine a ps3 will be in the budget anytime soon.
Also I'm pretty sure SMT4 was announced before they even had a team together so, maybe by the time it is released I will be able to afford the ps3.

I was reading something like a sequel of Kuzunoha Raidou, for the ps3 or the Wii, but I hope, if they really are going to do this sequel, they do it on the Ps3.

We'll be waiting 8 years for the next Persona installment. =P

Heh,I wouldn't be surprised if it does turn out that way.

The next Persona game is going to be about the story of my manga!! :xd: :xd: :xd:

I think Devil Summoner would actually work a lot better on the wii than it did on traditional systems.
I'm not sure, I also recall hearing wind of a possible SMT:Ds... I think that would be interesting to say the least.

But since Nintendo is a "family console" the most probably thing is that they will censor a lot of the Megaten game, like demons names and other type of things. That´s one of the reasons I´ll hate if they make a game for the Wii.

I don't know, I don't think it would need to be edited that much I mean there were games like RE4 and Eternal Darkness on the cube and even on the wii there is already.... Far Cry Vengeance?  (Horrible game, and horrible example but it is an M rated game that I wouldn't want to see little kiddies playing)

I can see a SMT appearing on a Nintendo console, more likely a DS than the Wii, but if Nintendo actually wants GAMERS to buy stuff for the Wii, a SMT is a good idea. Honestly, I don't think Atlus would be stupid enough to release a SMT just for the PS3. Sure, they don't usually sell that many copies of a game, but that would be just sad.

Well who knows, maybe is a good idea, but I dont like it at all. I preffer PS3!!!

I'm guessing you own a PS3, Emilio? That's good for you, but you do realize that making the only new SMT game an exclusive for the PS3 would be a horrible financial decision, considering the PS3 is the worst selling console worldwide.

The Nintendo DS, being the largest selling video game platform in sales, would be the most logical choice.

How about releasing SMT 1 and 2 over in the US for the DS? Does that sound good? ^_^

I would prefer a PS3 SMT to be honest. I would love to see a next-gen SMT with the graphics etc - some of the demon designs would look amazing. Oh my god, a Lv99 Lucifer in next-gen graphics :xd:

I can't see SMT being on the Wii. How would Atlus market it? How would they imply the controller? SMT is a bit dark to be on the Wii. Sure, there's Far Cry, but SMT is a little bit more disturbing in the head than just baseless guts 'n' gore.

I have to say - the Wii is the last console I'd like to see it on. I don't have any particular hatred for Nintendo or anything, it's just the Wii....I mean, it's so clean and sparkley and cute. It's just so not Megaten.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention my fave game. Hmm....prolly a toss-up between Lucifer's Call and Persona Eternal Punishment. I think I'll go for LC - it's just so huge and epic. The "sandbox" RPG.

Yes, PS3 makes sense for Megaten, but I personally see a strong possibility in a DS Megaten, since the DS is:

A: Not always "kid friendly".
B: VERY Japan friendly, since the DS is the only platform in the history of Japan to COMPLETELY sell out.
C: Money!

Isn't there already a SMT game for the DS? Or I have I just seen screenshots of a very similar art-style?

Nope, I dont have a PS3, and is just like Lycanthroat say, the last console I want to see Megaten is on Wii. I dont like the console, its not a console for Megaten games. I dont like what NINTENDO do with some games, such as Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, to me that game completely ruin FF series, it sucks!!! They took a good game as FF and make a childish game, bad graphics, oriented to kids, etc. And I dont want that occurs on Megaten, of course I know about Devil Childrens, but what happend if they make "Shin Megami Tensei 4" and make something like FF Crystal Chronicles?

The DS in other hand, is more probable, cause I like more the portable games of the NINTENDO than the principal console of them. They can make a good Megaten game on the DS like the Shin Megami Tensei 1 and 2 for the GBA. But I guess releasing again SMT 1 and 2, is just to much with this two games, because we have them on the SNES, PSX, GBA, I guess is to much, but like you say, in "english" for the US, it would be cool! But I think it would be better on the PSP. I like SONY more than the NINTENDO.



Exactly! It would be a lot better on the PS3!! And maybe on the Xbox 360, but I think PS is the best console for this games. Because I dont like at all the Shin Megami Tensei NINE for the Xbox. But who knows?

I see the consoles like this:
SONY PlayStation: Good for RPG games (and of course other types of games, "perfect for Megaten games").
NINTENDO: Good for puzzles games (and all kind of games, were you play in a multiplayer way).
Xbox: Good for Shooting and Online games.

Yeah and X-box 360 is also an unlikely console because they are not as "rpg friendly" as Sony. If it comes out on any system it will be the PS3 assuming that the system manages to do better in the console wars later on.

Yeah, the PS3 just need some time, when they began to do the move, maybe it will be the best console around, again like the PS2.

For me, the PS2 is still head and shoulders above the rest of the next-gen at the minute. I mean, Valkyrie Profile 2 Silmeria was JUST released for PS2 these week. I can't wait to play that game.

I hear Blue Dragon is pretty terrible.

I already have Valkyrie Profile 2 and is a cool game, not as good as Valkyrie Profile but it kick some ass!!

I have Valkyrie Profile 2 Silmeria, and it may not be as good as the first VP, but sure it kick some ass! And more with the story!

I love all the ones I've played, but since Revelations: Persona was my first (that sounds funny D:), it's always held an evil little place in my heart. So I'm gonna have to go with that one. ;D

Yeah, Revelations: Persona was a good game, I have play it a little, but the thing that bothers me, is the movement on the map, since you cannot change the angle of the camera the controls for me are confusing (at the begining, I guess you´ll get it later on the game).

Honestly, the only Megaten games I've ever played are Revelations: The Demon Slayer, and Persona 3. I'm a bit of a n00b to the franchise, since it's so hard to find any of the games for a good price. I may be able to get Devil Summoner and the second Digital Devil Saga, but, unless I pirate, the other ones are far out of my reach.

Since I don´t have any money, most of the Megaten games that I have are in roms or ISOS, because they´re games rare to find and too expensive, and other reason is that I don´t have all the consoles to play them all. But I also like to have this games original, but if I can´t, there are other ways to get them.

Nocturne is by far my favorite game in the overarching series.  I think Atlus managed to strike a balance between the difficulty level and non frustrating gameplay that SMT I & II lacked.  

I also really enjoyed P2, P3 and DDS I.  

I never really like the first Persona game.  For some reason everything about it struck me as being archaic.  

I didn't really care for Devil Summoner (ps2) either.    I thought it looked good and that the overall plot and localization was great, but for some reason the gameplay and the different scenarios really turned me off.    

I couldn't get into DDS II either despite all the improvements over the first game.  The whole thing felt sorta rushed and the plot seemed forced in a few aspects (they almost totally forgot about poor Cielo) so that the game could arrive at a ridiculous conclusion.

Yeah, if it's one thing about SMT games I've played that almost always sucks, it's the endings. I hated the Eternal Punishment ending (it's not even the true one - Innocent Sin save file obviously lacking) as it didn't really satisfy, the LC ones I've seen are a bit....underwhelming (I liked the True ending though), Devil Summoner's I can't even remember and Persona 3's was also lacking a tad (it's not the true ending, is it?).

I hated DDS2's ending. How much cheese can you cram into an outro? Bah - for me, it was completely out of place with the games very dark story. It's a shame as the games are so damn tremendous.

Yeah, I kinda was thinking that when I got to the last Dungeon of Devil Summoner...
It's like an SMT standard to have a lame-ass metaphoric, non existant land for the last Dungeon...*spoiler alert* Like why do you "Time Travel" at the end of Devil Summoner?!?!  It was so ridiculous and the dungeon wasn't even difficult, it was painfully linear and the last boss wasn't too impressive either.. I had Kudan (Cow thing that tells you the city's going to be destroyed) that had Anti-Physical and the power up move and I beat it first try without even breaking a sweat, grr that annoyed me. I wanted a challenge!  Also another thing about that game I did not like was the annoying music with the flute of Rhone... *twitch*

And well..... Digital Devil Saga Series ended.... specially.

I liked the ending in DDS 2. Yeah it was kind of campy but after the characters went through that much hell I figured that they deserved something a bit better.
(I will not elaborate more then that.)

For its time Revelations Persona was awesome. It was  my first Megaten game so if I never enjoyed it I never would have moved on to other games in the series. However if I went back to playing it today I  admit likely I'd be frustrated with a lot of the game play mechanics and certain snippets of bad dialogue. It had a great story sure, but you had to have patience to get to the climax.


To Lycanthroat: Valkyrie Silmeria is a great game. I have more nostalgic love for the first one BUT Silmeria is worth getting in my opinion.

I don't know what it was about Silmeria but I didn't like it. It felt too.. artificial for me. I only played the first one on the PSP and it was pretty decent.

Valkyrie Profile Silmeria was not as good as Lenneth, but it has good graphics and good story that envolves you with the first Valkyrie Profile. And what I like of VP Lenneth, was the dialogue and the voice acting.

Digital Devil Saga was my first exposure to the SMT way of doing things.  In retrospect, it really wasn't, I guess.  I do own Maken X, which I had no clue was an Atlus game.  Well, I didn't know until after DDS...until then I didn't know (nor did I care) who or what Atlus was.  

Since then, however...heh...I love 'em.  

Anyway, so yeah...DDS is my favourite SMT title, thus far.  And that MIGHT be solely because it was my first game.  I'm pretty partial to Nocturne...simply for the multiple endings.  DDS instantly grabbed my attention upon throwing it into my PS2.  "Rend, slughter, devour your enemies?"  Now THAT's a great tag line.  And cel-shaded animation...I love it and want more.  

With me, the SMT titles, in general, are absolutely fantastic.  From the animation style, to the music, and the character design.  Kaneko and Meguro are...well, awesome.  And two of the main reasons I keep coming back to this spectacular series of games.