Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor DS
  • Publisher: ATLUS
  • Release Date: Jun 23, 2009
Metascore
84 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
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  1. Worth Playing
    93
    Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor is easily one of the best strategy-RPGs on the Nintendo DS and may even be one of the better strategy RPGs ever made.
  2. Gamer 2.0
    91
    It’s vintage Shin Megami Tensei, and that’s all anybody can ask for with the series’ debut on Nintendo’s handheld powerhouse.
  3. The A.V. Club
    91
    The combination of monster-collecting, tactics, and disturbing plot are sure to keep players’ heads in the game.
  4. 1UP
    91
    A tough but rewarding game, a welcome addition to DS despite the system's RPG glut.
  5. Thunderbolt
    90
    To those looking for a great portable Shin Megami Tensei experience, this is it, and any fan of tactical turn based games should pick it up as well.
  6. GamesRadar
    90
    With its quick battles and focus and short conversations to tell the story, Devil Survivor works great for the DS. On top of that it is so refreshing to play an RPG on the system that isn’t steeped in fantasy and/or is a remake.
  7. Nintendojo
    90
    Overall, Devil Survivor hits all the marks of a great Shin Megami Tensei title: the story has a mature tone with plenty of twists and multiple endings, the setting and characters defy the genre’s norms, and the gameplay mechanics offer some unique twists to well established formulas while demanding the player to think strategically.
  8. GameSpot
    90
    This fantastic hybrid role-playing game will pull you in with its thrilling story and keep you coming back for more.
  9. Play Magazine
    90
    A stylish and sinister strategy RPG that is indeed worthy of the Shin Megami Tensei monicker.
  10. Cheat Code Central
    90
    SMT: Devil Survivor is an intense game that has branching paths that allow for an endless amount of plot twists and ending possibilities, so replay is not just recommended, it’s a must.
  11. GamingTrend
    90
    If you can stick with Devil Survivor through the steep learning curve and occasional frustrating bits, you’ll experience one of the better RPGs – and better overall games – the DS has to offer.
  12. Destructoid
    90
    If you've got the strategy chops and don't mind a bit of a challenge, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor is a fantastic role-playing experience on the DS. Its time-based, branching story and clever blend of both strategy and turn-based game play styles make for a highly original title.
  13. IGN
    87
    Devil Survivor blends a gripping story with fresh gameplay concepts and a whole lot of depth, all of which fuse together to create one of the best RPGs of the year thus far.
  14. SpazioGames
    87
    Quotation forthcoming.

User Reviews

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User Score
9.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Setsuna86
    10
    If you like Atlus RPG games of the Shin Megami Tensei serie, you will love this one. The game mechanics are a DS-tactical adaptation of the old SMT PS2 games, but what really shines is the story: very deep, with the typical japanese style. You can finish the game in a wide variety of ways (i.e. different endings) and you'll have quite a bit of hard battles in the end, depending on your choices. Definitely a 10 for me, and now I just ordered the sequel, Devil Survivor 2, which looks to be even BETTER than this one!… Full Review »
  2. neokarny
    9
    The story is absolutely amazing and the characters are great. This was the first game of this calibur I played on the DS, and I'm still struck by it a couple years later. This was my first game in the SMT world, and it opened them up to me. The demon system is really fun, and the combat system is pretty smooth and refined. The only complaint I have is that it can be pretty rage and grind inducing at times - when you don't have the right demons and right strength for a certain boss, for example, and lose several times before you go and grind for an hour. I'm not a fan of grinding, but I can tolerate it and this game certainly pushed that at times. Regardless of any frustration on that front, it was all worth it with how great of a story and cast of characters this game had. Hands down this easily competes to be the best DS game, and is definitely the best DS RPG, on the market.… Full Review »
  3. BoyMcBoy
    9
    The story is quite compelling and unique, and, while the majority of the story is fixed, your choices can affect the survival of your allies, and the final outcome. The core of the game is the combat system, which is a combination of tactical grid based movement, and old school 3 on 3 attack/magic/defend combat. I was worried the grid based part of combat would be extraneous, but it turns out to be important in some battles, and in no way detracts from the gameplay. The 3 on 3 combat is solid. Your choice of parties and equipped magic can be very important (although usually pretty obvious). In the few cases where the combat starts to seem a bit monotonous, the ridiculously lively music/graphics/fast paced combat keep things going. You have a good amount of control over the parties you bring into combat, but there is some room for improvement in this regard - i.e. a better skill / leveling system.… Full Review »
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