Rating

A

Specific Ratings

GameplayA+
GraphicsA-
Learning CurveA
Replay ValueB+
SoundA-

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Great storyline
  • Multiple endings
  • Solid battle system
  • Demon fusion
Cons
  • Battle graphics aren't amazing
  • Repetitive music
  • Freezing glitch, while rare, is annoying
  • A little on the short side

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor (Nintendo DS)

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Summary

Great addition to the MegaTen series

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Description

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor is the latest installment in the Megami Tensei (MegaTen) series of games. This game has a unique mix of RPG, turn-based tactics and text adventure-style gameplay.

Devil Survivor takes place in modern Tokyo and centers around a group of three friends, the main character (you name him), Yuzu and Atsuro. The group receives altered COMPs (basically DS's) from the main character's mysterious cousin, Naoya. Soon the friends find themselves within a lockdown placed all around the Yamanote train line.

The COMPs can predict a possible future using the LaPlace Mails, often consisting of the deaths of you and/or other characters. You have the power to change these outcomes by summoning demons and fighting back. You are also able to see "death clocks," the system predicting the day when that person will die, however you may be able to change that number.

Devil Survivor consists of two parts, exploring the lockdown area via text-driven menus and grid-based tactics combat. When exploring, you can choose certain commands in certain areas. Depending on the timing, you may be able to talk to characters, fight battles, look around and access other special events. When you speak with a character, you see a large portrait and the conversation is text. You will often be presented with choices and a number of these will effect certain events later in the game.

The game features multiple paths and endings, which adds to the replay value. There will be some things you can accomplish and some you will have to ignore; you won't be able to save everyone. The game is a little on the short side though, so you may find yourself finishing up the game rather quickly.

When you enter battles, it's your standard grid-based tactics system, until you attack. Upon entering a battle, it takes on the form of a standard RPG, where you can see your enemies but not yourself. You can then select attacks, skills and guard. The maximum amount of enemies you can encounter is three and if you knock out the middle enemy, all of them fall. This goes for your characters as well, every character can have two demons alongside them (of equal or lesser level to the main character), but if that character goes down, the demons become unusable. If one of your demons are knocked out, you have the ability to summon a new one or revive them (if you have the proper skill).

Later on you gain access to Fusion and Auctions. Fusion allows you to take two demons to create a new one. Unlike some of the other MegaTen games, this game features a "search" function that allows you to pick the demon you want and create them on the spot, you don't have to randomly search for a good combination. The Auction allows you to buy new demons for your party. You can bid against people in real time or put in a high bid and win immediately.

The graphics in the game aren't amazing. The menus and character portraits all look good, although some may be sad to see that Kazuma Kaneko is not the character designer this time around. The battle graphics are alright, but I feel they could have done more with the sprites, although there are quite a few of them.

The music is also well done, it's definitely in the same vein as many of the other games in the series. The problem is that there are not that many tracks and many of them get replayed frequently. Devil Survivor doesn't feature any voice-overs or voice effects, but it's not a serious issue.

There is one problem that needs to be addressed. The game has a habit of freezing up at random intervals. Some think it's due to status effects clearing up and others think it could be something else. It seems to be a somewhat rare/uncommon occurence. but it's best to make frequent use of the suspend-save feature during important battles, just in case.

Overall the game has an interesting storyline and a solid battle system. The graphics, repetitive music and glitch do bring the game down a little, but it's still a worthy addition to the MegaTen series. Pick this up if you're a fan of the series, or of the genre in general.

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