Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey

 DS
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Mar 23, 2010
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
4.5

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 231 Ratings

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  • Summary: When the black spot appeared in the Antarctic, mankind became nervous; when it began to spread, that anxiety turned to panic. The Joint Project, convened to discuss how to deal with the expanding anomaly, decided to send in four ships carrying humanity's finest soldiers and most cutting-edgeWhen the black spot appeared in the Antarctic, mankind became nervous; when it began to spread, that anxiety turned to panic. The Joint Project, convened to discuss how to deal with the expanding anomaly, decided to send in four ships carrying humanity's finest soldiers and most cutting-edge technology. The mission: to investigate what lay on the other side of what had been dubbed the Schwarzwelt and find out if there was a way to stop it from eventually covering the Earth. You are an elite soldier hand-picked for the Strike Team, outfitted with a Demonica environment suit and posted to the Red Sprite under Commander Gore. Upon entering the Schwarzwelt, the crew finds itself forced to deal with harsh conditions, supernatural interference, and throngs of demons populating the bewildering world. What exactly is the Schwarzwelt? What awaits at the end of this strange journey? It is entirely in your hands to find out. [Atlus USA]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
  1. RPG Fan
    93
    While the aesthetic elements of Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey are only slightly above-average, the incredibly strong gameplay elements make the game so addictive that this doesn't matter.
  2. GameShark
    91
    The combination of a compelling and ideological narrative with complex combat, not to forget the outright fun of collecting demons, makes Strange Journey an incredible addition to the series.
  3. Thunderbolt
    90
    Strange Journey does its own thing, but boy, does it do it well. If you're looking for an interesting challenge that will keep you rapt from start to finish, this is one adventure you won't want to miss.
  4. The A.V. Club
    83
    It's a familiar taste, but it's comforting rather than stale.
  5. Metro GameCentral
    80
    A typically assured mix of standard Japanese role-playing and MegaTen's more provocative ideas.
  6. The Escapist
    80
    Unless you're absolutely sick of Shin Megami Tensei's core mechanics or can't push past a few tutorial-heavy opening hours, Strange Journey's a fantastic RPG - portable or not.
  7. GameCritics
    30
    As a dungeon crawler, Strange Journey is abominable. As an SMT, it's unforgivable.

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. midipon
    Feb 16, 2015
    10
    This game is really just an amazing ride. It's beautifully executed and wonderfully challenging. The demon negotiation system is at anThis game is really just an amazing ride. It's beautifully executed and wonderfully challenging. The demon negotiation system is at an all-time high for the series, being both as complex and simple as it has to be. Demon alignments play a large role in the gameplay, but don't limit you regardless of what path you take.

    The characters and story are splendid. They'll make you seriously consider the situation and can change the way you view the world. Atlus' portrait of humanity's downfall, the stress of keeping calm during the mission, and how your crew mates slip away from themselves are a testament to what a video game can achieve. I think this game will serve as an amazing game-changer for people for years to come. It does not hold back in any respect, so players have to be prepared to bite back when picking up this gem.    … Expand
  2. LorneB
    Mar 25, 2010
    10
    The triumphant return of SMT I/II/Nocturne's trademark brand of nut-stomping, soul-crushing fun? I'd say so. The fact that The triumphant return of SMT I/II/Nocturne's trademark brand of nut-stomping, soul-crushing fun? I'd say so. The fact that it's a DS game, as opposed to an overpriced console game, simply means I get more gameplay for my dollar. Being able to get sucked in anywhere is a definite boon.… Expand
  4. DanielG
    Mar 24, 2010
    10
    When Devil Survivor came out for DS I was excited. One of my favorite games of all time has got to be SMT 3:Nocturne. Most of the series spin When Devil Survivor came out for DS I was excited. One of my favorite games of all time has got to be SMT 3:Nocturne. Most of the series spin offs have all been stellar too. Gotta love the Persona series especially. But Devil Survivor while it wasn't bad, seemed somewhat lazily slapped together and subpar. What I thought Devil Survivor was going to be when I first saw images emerge on the net, Strange Journey fulfills. This is the closest thing to SMT 3 that we have in the States (unless you emulate a fanmade rom with a translation patch which is illegal). Forget about Pokemon, this is the series that started the true "catch 'em all" franchise back on the NES and it is far cooler and darker than it's kiddie competitor. I wouldn't recommend this for kids though, as it does have some language and dark themes/imagery. Not for the squeamish or those that are easily offended religion wise. But if you basically want an adult pokemon on steroids, get this game, NOW! The graphics are great, the story and writing is wonderful and the soundtrack is just plain phenomenal. Seriously, the music is epic for a DS game. I will say that I almost marked this game down to a 9 due to the fact that it doesn't have any online or wifi battles with your friends, period. But it does have an interesting demon transfer system via pass codes like some older games used to have. The nostalgia factor regained the lost point for me. Next time though I hope they implement an online battle system.… Expand
  5. IGNsus
    Mar 25, 2014
    10
    One of the most underrated games in the history of the universe.

    Strange Journey exudes style in every facet. From the classic dungeon    One of the most underrated games in the history of the universe.

    Strange Journey exudes style in every facet. From the classic dungeon crawling gameplay to the memorable musical score by Shōji Meguro, Strange Journey represents the pinnacle of the SMT series.

    Real SMT fans play Strange Journey. Moe fans play Persona.    … Expand
  6. Onionspam
    Jan 28, 2012
    9
    Okay first of all, I have always like the IDEA of the SMT series more than the actual execution of the games. The very nature of the gamesOkay first of all, I have always like the IDEA of the SMT series more than the actual execution of the games. The very nature of the games causes them to be a bit difficult and grind heavy, so I have never actually completed a SMT game...until now.

    With Strange Journey the creators have not only created the best SMT game I have ever played (including all the spinoffs), but they have also created the best first person dungeon crawler I have ever played. This game has an EXCELLENT auto map system that works perfectly with the DS dual screens, making navigation a breeze. Also the compendium and fusion elements travel with you now, so you can view and fuse demons wherever you are, with no need to backtrack to some weird Igor character.

    The story and setting are both appropriately weird, disturbing, and exciting at the same time, and the new mission-based angle really gives you excellent reasons to get out there and explore.

    And about that grinding...
    Yes, it is there. I can't imagine how they could make a SMT game with demon collection without grinding. However, they have done their best at making grinding more enjoyable and much less frustrating. Healing and saving points are much more available and affordable, so that grinding out levels is equally beneficial to your wallet. And the inclusion of an auto-battle option at the press of a button is a super time-saver. And if you're a fan of instant gratification, each demon has a password, so a quick internet search will give you the ability to summon just the right demon when you want it (assuming your character can afford it).

    I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed this game thanks to all the little touches the developers have put in place for this DS release. If you are a fan of SMT, collection-type RPGs, or dungeon crawlers in general, you absolutely cannot go wrong with this game. I picked it up for twelve bucks so you have no excuse. And you can ignore that lowest score in the critic review section. He admittedly didn't even finish the game. In my opinion that reviewer should be pulled from the metacritic ratings. So go, get it now. Go on. lol    … Expand
  7. Cyberpunked
    Jul 12, 2013
    9
    Pros:
    - Grueling Difficulty, yet Accessible
    - Terrific Gameplay Elements - Plenty of Replay Value Cons: - Main Story Themes are done    Pros:
    - Grueling Difficulty, yet Accessible
    - Terrific Gameplay Elements
    - Plenty of Replay Value

    Cons:
    - Main Story Themes are done well, but are Cliche to use
    - Characters are under-developed, but still Entertaining    … Expand
  8. seieko_pherdo
    Dec 28, 2011
    6
    As the title states strange journey is strange. Quite unexpectedly we are lead back to the old days of the Megami Tensei franchise and no itAs the title states strange journey is strange. Quite unexpectedly we are lead back to the old days of the Megami Tensei franchise and no it isn't any less brutal. There is no press turn system and exploiting weakness is less important. The game's main theme is exploration which is why almost every area can be an absolute choir to travel through and can feel borderline impossible without some sort of online map. Resource gathering is also tedious. Not to mention demons can only have 6 moves instead of 8. The demon password system works well and while you can abuse it, it is very costly and while you're not hard pressed the game doesn't just hand it out ether. The story is unsurprisingly awesome, and while the demons may seem overtly preachy many of them are connected in some way to the planet that humanity has spend most of it's time desecrating. However the story as good as it is, the DS screen is small and reading a big text dump on the really small screen can get irritating. And because the game's main theme is exploration there is no way you can rush through this game. It's a solid title but the changes added since Nocturne were added for a very good reason and this game will shoehorn that point into you if it does nothing else.… Expand

See all 12 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best DS Game of 2010