Advice for branching out from specific SMT games to other SMT games

[hibiki_takami]

Alright, so I wanted to start this thread with the hopes of other first time SMT series gamers to try out other sub-series in the SMT universe.

Mainly, this thread is for people to ask other people what other SMT games they should play if they played only one particular sub-series in SMT. Let me illustrate this by using myself as an example.

I used to have Revelations: Persona but didn't get into it. I thought that the whole concept of not having a traditional medieval fantasy RPG was very palatable and a great concept, but the dungeon system and the scope of the options was too great of a feat to understand during my teens.

I then purchased Persona 2: Eternal Punishment which I never beat, but stayed in my collection. Upon hearing the fact that Persona 2: Innocent Sin, which is said to be the "connected sequel" of sorts to P2:EP, would never come out here I didn't find any reason to even attempt playing it, afraid that it's not going to make any sense since I was unable to play P2:IS.

Fast forward 8 years later, I pick up Persona 3: FES and Persona 4 and I love and appreciate the time and care they've put into making these games. While Persona 3 and 4 only had a year apart, I appreciated the fact that Atlus took 7 years to reinvent the franchise and polish it with a mirror sheen.

Given said context, what other SMT sub-series should I try out? I know that there's a whole bunch of them, but given the personal tastes described above what series would be a logical jumping point given that me and my friends have all the consoles?

I was thinking of picking up SMT: Devil Survivor since its the first in a series on the DS when it comes out, but recommendations on other SMT series would be awesome. Thanks in advance!

[Pibbman]

Well, Persona 2: Innocent Sin has an english fan translation out there that you could check out now. At least you can play both the P2 ones now.

Obviously SMT:Nocturne, Digital Devil Saga 1 and 2 are good bets too.

[LadyRayna]

Upon hearing the fact that Persona 2: Innocent Sin, which is said to be the "connected sequel" of sorts to P2:EP

Actually, you got it backwards. Innocent Sin comes first.

I find it quite hard to recommend games when there’s so little information about a person’s taste, but I’ll be biased and say you should play Shin Megami Tensei. Since you’ve only played the Persona series I think you should try the main series. However, don’t expect it to be like Persona because it isn’t. Persona is a more mainstream series, even more so now, than SMT.

[Iris]

I would suggest trying Digital Devil Saga next. It, like the Persona series, is a bit closer to a traditional RPG in a less traditional setting -- strong character development, fixed party, et cetera.

If you don't mind jumping into something a little more different, Nocturne is fantastic and IMO the best of the Megaten games, but it may not be everyone's cup of tea. If you move on to Nocturne, expect a much more sparsely told (but still very interesting) story, very little emphasis on character development, and a constant need to reinvent your party, since the main character is the only fixed character you'll have.

[EvilHero]

You really should try playing some of the games in the main series, I would track down a copy of SMT Nocture. You could also try downloading the first two SMT games along with the english patches.

They're difficult games and they won't be what your used to, but this was how the series was originally.

[Saburo Hikari]

They're difficult games and they won't be what your used to, but this was how the series was originally.It's true that Nocturne is difficult and not something most J-RPG fans are used to. I just got it and I'm sad to say that I'm not liking it so far. You aren't safe from battles anywhere, they're difficult and not as exciting as P3/P4 (In my opinion), and there's no voice-acting except in battles (I'm still spoiled by voice-acting in console games, unfortunately.). I am liking the demon negotiations though.

However, Digital Devil Saga, like its intention, would be the game to start off for those used to you usual J-RPGs. Awesome cut-scenes, great voice-acting, and battles are a bit more forgiving and less-frequent. Interesting how there's a silent protagonist in this one too though even though he's already named and has a background.

[hibiki_takami]

Actually, you got it backwards. Innocent Sin comes first.


Yea I did. Should've said it was set before. (I knew that! The words "Sin and Punishment" always go in that order, somehow. Reminds me of the N64 import game from Treasure.)

Well based off of Saburo and Iris' recommendations, we'll probably track down a copy of Digital Devil Saga and Nocturne. I was just unsure as to the level of complexity in terms of how far away from a typical JRPG each sub-series differentiates itself on and I think I have a grasp of them based off of what people have said in this thread.

[nesshin musha]

sorry to jump in, but I have been having problems finding some where to download the first two games from. any help would be nice.

[Kenji]

Aeon Genesis made the patches, and it's up to you to do the patching yourself (otherwise, it'd be very illegal). Not sure if we can help you anymore than that, so Google Google Google!

[EvilHero]

It's true that Nocturne is difficult and not something most J-RPG fans are used to. I just got it and I'm sad to say that I'm not liking it so far. You aren't safe from battles anywhere, they're difficult and not as exciting as P3/P4 (In my opinion), and there's no voice-acting except in battles (I'm still spoiled by voice-acting in console games, unfortunately.). I am liking the demon negotiations though.


Yeah, theres a good chance you'll either like it or hate it. I recommend trying them out just for the experience. Kind of like trying exotic food. You don't have to like it, but you should at least see how it all started.

If you don't like Nocturne, you most likely won't like the original SMT games. You still aren't safe anywhere, battles are difficult and there aren't exciting cut scenes or events. You kind of just take it in slowly bit by bit and use your imagination.

[DevilRy]

Can't say I agree with you about this:

While Persona 3 and 4 only had a year apart, I appreciated the fact that Atlus took 7 years to reinvent the franchise and polish it with a mirror sheen.

More like a "Zeitgeist"-sheen, but I digress.

If you're cool with playing games in Japanese, the original Megami Tensei Digital Devil Monogatari and it's sequel were pretty rad. I'm always seeing them up on ebay and they're always selling o.g. Famicoms for like 20 bucks as well.

Also, the Digital Devil Sagas are something you might be interested in. Along with SMTIII, they're pretty much the link from the original Megatens to the new ones.

[Asema]

If you're cool with playing games in Japanese, the original Megami Tensei Digital Devil Monogatari and it's sequel were pretty rad. I'm always seeing them up on ebay and they're always selling o.g. Famicoms for like 20 bucks as well.

This.

[urmean15]

Play Shin Megami Tensei 1 and 2.
If you can, that is, they're quite difficult.

Then, you should play Nocturne, which is considered even harder.

[hibiki_takami]

Can't say I agree with you about this:

I'm pretty sure you have your reasons, and I'm hoping that as the months go by I get to learn them one by one... it interests me how different the SMT sub-series are and how it appeals to different demographics.


Also, the Digital Devil Sagas are something you might be interested in. Along with SMTIII, they're pretty much the link from the original Megatens to the new ones.

What mix of different RPGs (that are non-SMT) would represent DDS? As an example, my friend described Persona 3 as being a mix between Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Digimon. I'm just trying to figure out what game or ideas closely resemble the style and gameplay of DDS.

[Hamel]

Your friend is weird...

and I can't think of anything that resambles DDS

[hibiki_takami]

Your friend is weird...

and I can't think of anything that resambles DDS

That's a good enough answer as any.

And yes, he's weird. Which is why he's called the "closet gamer" on the podcast heh.

I found that there's a couple of places around my work that possibly have both (DDS) games. Gonna call them to confirm and pick em up (hurray for payday).

[Hitoshura9999]

List of must games

DDS 1 and 2

Devil summoner

Persona games Revelations to 4

Nocturne

Enternaining but not needed

devil children

Any Snes SMT


For a complete experience i recommend Revelations then P2IS and then P2EP

At the end youll understand why

[DevilRy]

What mix of different RPGs (that are non-SMT) would represent DDS? As an example, my friend described Persona 3 as being a mix between Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Digimon. I'm just trying to figure out what game or ideas closely resemble the style and gameplay of DDS.

I've heard MegaTen in general referred to as "Satanic PokeMon," before so that analogy probably isn't far off. :cool:

I'd say DDSaga is kind of like a 'Satanic Power Rangers in the future' or something.

[Kakizaki]

List of must games

DDS 1 and 2

Devil summoner

Persona games Revelations to 4

Nocturne

Enternaining but not needed

devil children

Any Snes SMT


For a complete experience i recommend Revelations then P2IS and then P2EP

At the end youll understand why

Keep in mind that this is the opinion of one individual. I feel the SNES SMTs are needed.

[hibiki_takami]

Thanks to the advice that a ton of you guys gave. When I went into the local GameStop I didn't feel like I had absolutely no perception of the value of SMT games thanks to the strong recommendations and debate in this thread.

With that said, I walked away from GameStop with the following during lunch:
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp206/eternityinblack/IMG_0006.png

SMT: DDS2 was $19.99 without a manual or a sleeve, but it was clean. No fingerprints or marks on it. Same with SMT:Nocturne, except of course it had the manual and sleeve. That cost me about $39.99 though.

I also ordered SMT: DDS1 regular edition online and should arrive sometime next week. I'm planning to basically pop out my PS2 Soul Calibur 3 from its case (it had an additional CD jacket for some demo) and create a custom sleeve for it so that it'll hold both SMT: DDS1 and SMT: DDS2. If only I could find a PDF of the instruction manual for SMT: DDS2... (hint hint, Atlus mods! who can make anyone's dream come true *or not* heh)

So with that said, I needed to rename my memory card. I felt like for a Memory Card named "Persona" that it didn't deserve that title anymore:

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp206/eternityinblack/IMG_0007.png

Again, thanks to everyone. I'll be sure to come back to the thread once I feel like I'm ready to tackle the SNES SMTs (and learn some Japanese in the process)

[Flußkönig]

DDSaga is kind of like a 'Satanic Power Rangers in the future' or something.
Lol, it is a shame that no one can travel through time and include that quote on the box somewhere.

[unknown]

hehehe I got DDS2 new for only $15 almost a year ago at Gamestop.

I'm glad I moved fast to get it right after I got into the SMT series.

[Zephyr]

Let us know what you end up thinking of the games, hibiki.

[Ark]

Play Shin Megami Tensei 1 and 2.
If you can, that is, they're quite difficult.

Then, you should play Nocturne, which is considered even harder.

I just cant get into the first person perspective of an RPG like that, and between that, Soul Blazer, Terranigmia, Illusion of Gaia, etc. I can't say I'm up for another "Creationism" RPG. Aside from that SMT 1&2 seem to be good games.

[Hydra]

Hmmm.... seems Amazon.com doesn't have sealed copies of Nocturne, anymore. Playasia..... only has pre-owned copies, too.... wierd. Guess Nocturne is out of print, again. http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-43-77-1-49-en-15-nocturne-70-39xs.html.

Guess this post won't be here for very much longer, either.... Looks like another forum move is about to happen... that makes what, 5 now?

[Olethros]

I thought that the whole concept of not having a traditional medieval fantasy RPG was very palatable and a great concept, but the dungeon system and the scope of the options was too great of a feat to understand during my teens.



Really? Not to be rude or single you out specifically (I would have said this no matter who wrote it) but this is a perfect example of why I fear for our future generations. Also, the myriad comments made about being spoiled by voices and graphics and such. I don't want to go on a big long rant here, but let me just say that younger generations having everything spoon-fed and nicely handed to them is not doing them any favors.

Having said all that, however, I do appreciate your willingness to give the older games a chance and to ask for advice when you feel you need it. That shows a lot of character on your part.

OK, crotchity old grandpa will get out of you youngins' way here. Play nice now.

[hibiki_takami]

this is a perfect example of why I fear for our future generations.

What are you talking about? I'm 30! I'm as much of a grand*a as you are! :)


Having said all that, however, I do appreciate your willingness to give the older games a chance and to ask for advice when you feel you need it. That shows a lot of character on your part.

It's mostly due in part because I didn't have money when I was in my "younger years" (ugh, I hate putting it that way) to freely throw around to get games, which is why you'll hear weird things from me like "I didn't play through Xenogears" or "I never got to play Star Ocean" or "I never got to play Dragon Warrior on the SNES"

So in a sense I'm trying to reclaim my childhood by going back and playing through my pile of shame (or what would've been my pile of shame had I purchased them) and playing through games later to see if the context in which I play them have changed dramatically. It's interesting to find out that some of the games we played earlier that we loved we now hate and vice-versa.

EDIT:
Now, who's got my walker?!

[Olethros]

^ Ah. That makes much more sense now. My bad for making assumptions. I'm not having the best day, not that that is a proper or sufficient excuse. My apologies.

But...

While it doesn't apply to you, I still stand by the point of the post. The core idea is valid.

[hibiki_takami]

^ Ah. That makes much more sense now. My bad for making assumptions. I'm not having the best day, not that that is a proper or sufficient excuse. My apologies.

No worries.

Day's taking too long for me as well *sigh*

[Samarecarm]

From my experience, the first game I bought in the MegaTen series was Nocturne, and I honestly "didn't get it" for the first couple hours and quit playing it. But some time after Digital Devil Saga came out, I read about it, gave it a shot and got addicted since, like everyone mentioned, the game is a bit more traditional. Especially with that game I got to learn the strength/weakness system with the elements and realized that the other games have it also. I also completed Persona 3 (though not DDS2 at the time) before going back to Nocturne and I was addicted right away because I felt so familiar with how the game worked.

[Decept]

I am happy this thread was started. I picked up Persona 3 FES on whim and haven't played it yet because due to the large backlog.I don't want to put 150+ hours into it, and never get around to the rest.

I am prob going to search for most if not all of these after I get a chance to play P3.

[dungeon_man]

I played Nocturne after Persona 3 and absolutely loved it. It has a very old-school feel built with modern technology. I especially loved the Amala Network random battle music which sounded like something that would have been written in the 16-bit era. I consider Nocturne to be the best PS2 RPG, and I also think it has the best soundtrack.

If you have similar feelings about Nocturne, you will really enjoy SMT 1 and 2 for the SNES. However, if you don't care much for Nocturne, you probably won't like the SNES games. Think of Nocturne as your link between the PS2 games and the old stuff. If you don't like it, you can just ignore that branch of the SMT tree. (Or would you call that the trunk?) Even so, there are other branches to explore, and the upcoming DS game looks fantastic. (translate DS however you like, it's true either way.)