Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army

 PlayStation 2
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army Image
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
4.4

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 210 Ratings

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  • Summary: (Known in Japan as "Devil Summoner: Kuzunoha Raidou") Raidou Kuzunoha is a private detective in Japan's Taishou Period of the 1910s and 1920s, but he's much more than just a well-dressed crime scene investigator; he also has the power to capture and conjure demons to do his bidding. Take(Known in Japan as "Devil Summoner: Kuzunoha Raidou") Raidou Kuzunoha is a private detective in Japan's Taishou Period of the 1910s and 1920s, but he's much more than just a well-dressed crime scene investigator; he also has the power to capture and conjure demons to do his bidding. Take control of Raidou and his otherworldly companions, guide them through thrilling episodes of action and intrigue, and learn the incredible secrets of the Soulless Army. Detailed real-time combat sequence with swords, guns, combo attacks, and devilish helpers. Photorealistic graphics that transport the player to 1920s Japan. Puzzle-solving with the use of carefully chosen demonic powers. Character design by legendary illustrator Kazuma Kaneko. [Atlus]… Expand
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Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army Gameplay Movie 1

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. GameBrink
    93
    An extremely fun game. The gameplay is unique and plays fairly well, the cast is fantastic, and the visuals do the job. It’s filled with the addicting gameplay of the SMT series, yet provides a different enough type of game that it doesn’t feel like more of the same. [JPN Import]
  2. GameZone
    86
    It’s an action packed romp that has all the trappings of the Megaten series, but a bit less of the doom and gloom the series is known for.
  3. Digital Entertainment News
    85
    A solid, if silent, installment in the critically-acclaimed Shin Megami Tensei series, Devil Summoner delivers the goods but falls short of greatness.
  4. Game Informer
    75
    Unmistakably an SMT title: It still features the distinctive art of Kazuma Kaneko, demon fusion, and an atmospheric story. It may not have the gameplay or challenge that fans have come to expect, but it does a good job of taking small steps toward the mainstream without renouncing its roots.
  5. GameSpot
    73
    The newest installment in the Shin Megami Tensei series suffers from repetitive battles and a slow-rolling narrative, but its fascinating premise makes it worth a look.
  6. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    70
    A fairly average RPG, rescued from mediocrity by some unique mechanics, an oddball plot and the dozens of demons at youru disposal. [Apr 2007, p.81]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Game Revolution
    50
    It’s probably not the opus of the series, but it’s a good enough case to warrant further investigation.

See all 38 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. PN8000
    Aug 11, 2021
    10
    This game is based and poggers y'all just mean
    Story is greato, gameplay is solid, characters are likeable, OST slaps, idk what people want lol
  2. TiagoRPGfan
    Nov 10, 2011
    9
    i'm enjoyed it very much the game don't have a great graphics or have the best history but created a nwe way of RPG it's a challenger game.i'm enjoyed it very much the game don't have a great graphics or have the best history but created a nwe way of RPG it's a challenger game. much hard and i like this it's very good i recoommend it… Expand
  4. guiletheguiles
    Nov 5, 2021
    6
    SMT: Devil Summoner came as fine change of pace from what I've experienced in the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, but despite its nice ideas andSMT: Devil Summoner came as fine change of pace from what I've experienced in the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, but despite its nice ideas and simplistic enjoyable mechanics, it didn't quite stick the landing for me.

    The beginning of the game hyped me up. It starts very well and during the first very entertaining three chapters, Devil Summoner showcases its strenghts back to back. The combat system is fun and accessible for anyone, characters and demon designs are great, the story sparks an interesting mystery, the demon investigative mechanics are creative and the cutscenes are nicely done.
    Raidou Kuzunoka himself, albeit a silent protagonist, makes quite an impression and is definitely the most memorable character in the entire game. Add that to Shoji Meguro's fine soundtrack, the right amount of challenge and incredible boss fights, and you have yourself a strong start.

    From chapter 4 onwards, though, the game's cracks become visible.

    The pacing is dull and the story is simply tedious. The writing just does not hold up. I found myself wanting to go back to grinding and boss fighting everytime the story became the focus.
    Fusion, something essential for SMT's fun factor is almost useless here. Demons take too long to level up, there's plenty of tiresome backtracking, map designs are unvaried and uninteresting and the soundtrack, no matter how good it is, repeats its 15 songs over and over again.
    It's by no means a broken or an unpleasant game but it is, throughout its lenghty 30 hours campaign, quite a bore. I mean, come on, the final dungeon even packs a BOSS GAUNTLET! And I say this while praising the boss fights, which are probably the game's spotlights.

    To me, SMT: Devil Summoner felt like a breath of fresh air for the series. Honestly. The first 3 chapters and the final 4 were great, containing everything right that this game carries. The problem is that the game has another 5 VERY tedious chapters that just threw the story and my interest through the window for a big chunk of the playthrough.

    It's not bad. It's a fine action JRPG. But for a series with so many highlights, this is lusterless one.    … Expand

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Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Best PS2 Game of 2006
29
#29 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2006