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.
Amazing game. The soundtrack is memorable, gameplay nearly addictive and story incredible. Definitely recommend if you're already a megaten fan or gas already played the fire emblem emblem games. Sad so many people put such low ratings for no reason.
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.
Atlus succeeds in creating another idiosyncratic concoction of narrative and play, one that twists convention as often as it builds upon it. [Sept 2009, p.98]
Fans of tactical RPGs will enjoy the game's solid and original combat, which will also appeal to those that have grown tired of playing the same old thing. Even those RPGamers who are generally turned off by tactical RPGs might find this new hybrid combat system enough to offset the things that normally turn them off from the subgenre.
Still, aficionados of the Megami Tensei universe will undoubtedly get a kick out of the game's intriguing story and colorful cast while fans of turn-based combat might just find an addicting and innovative adventure - just don't expect an RPG that'll re-invent the wheel.
Another masterpiece by atlus, the art syle is gorgeous, the combat is fast paced and fun and the story and dialogue are interesting all the way through. It can be challenging at times, but it is so worth it to keep playing
Right off the bat, this game throws you into the deep end of the pool. No floaties, no hand-holding. The narrative hits you like a ton of bricks, and if you blink, you might miss a crucial detail.
Graphics:
Graphically, "Devil Survivor" isn't breaking any new ground. It's like an old-school RPG had a love child with an anime series. But you know what? It works. The character designs and demon models are solid, and the stylized visuals complement the dark and apocalyptic tone of the story.
Soundtrack:
Let's talk tunes. Shoji Meguro, the mastermind behind the "Persona" soundtracks, delivers once again. The music is a glorious blend of electronic, rock, and atmospheric elements. It's like if Nine Inch Nails did the soundtrack for a demonic Pokémon game. The soundtrack's a banger, no doubt.
Gameplay:
The combat system is where "Devil Survivor" truly shines. It's a hybrid of turn-based strategy and traditional JRPG battles. The demon auction mechanic adds a layer of unpredictability, and fusing demons to create new ones.
Story:
Now, the story. Brace yourself. This game dives deep into moral ambiguity, existential crises, and the consequences of human choices. It's a narrative rollercoaster that's not afraid to take you to some dark places. Think "Game of Thrones" meets "Evangelion" with a splash of H.P. Lovecraft.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The difficulty curve is steeper than a Black Diamond ski slope. If you're not a seasoned SMT veteran, be prepared to face some crushing defeats and agonizing decisions. The learning curve is like trying to understand quantum physics with a manual written in ancient Sanskrit.
In conclusion, "Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor" is a brutal, unforgiving journey into the abyss, both in terms of gameplay and narrative. It won't hold your hand, and it won't apologize for it. It's not for everyone, but if you're a glutton for punishment and enjoy a narrative that challenges your very perception of right and wrong, give it a shot.
We have a sorting hat problem here. How to rate this game has proven to be difficult. For starters the story is fantastic and so are the people in it. The atmosphere created by trying to survive in an awful situation that only gets worse is stellar and if we could see it on say the Playstation 2 that would be absolutely fabulous. And while at first the choices you make don't seem to matter much near the climax those choices of yours will decide which of the many endings you will receive though and the game can be very vague about which choices decide which outcomes. But the game has a big problem being the combat system is too grind-tastic. It doesn't help that unlike many other games there is no demon compendium which means getting the right demons for the sudden situations you'll be thrown into takes far longer than it should, which in turn slows down the pace of the story.
What little this game offers for innovation (and the truly fascinating story) is stifled by enemies who rely less on tactics and more on cheap abilities to win. What could have been a handheld tour de force is instead just another dime-a-dozen JRPG.
SummaryTokyo is in full lockdown, the government's swift, coldblooded response to a surprise demon invasion. Trapped within the sprawling metropolis is the city's helpless populace, forced to turn on each other in order to survive. A mysterious piece of technology, the COMP, falls into the hands of you and your peers. This device allows you t...