Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2's vastly improved combat system

[AtlusAram]

SMT: Devil Summoner 2's vastly improved combat system
Why Devil Summoner 2 will feel a heck of a lot like Devil Summoner 3

http://www.atlus.com/res/devilsummoner2_raihodance_h.gif

Friends, let us speak in riddles. What is incredibly improved over its predecessor, bundled with a rare collectible plushie, and poised to be one of the best RPGs of 2009? Why, it can only be SMT: Devil Summoner 2 for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.

http://www.atlus.com/res/devilsummoner2_screens_16.jpg

For starters, combat is completely overhauled. What was once a slow-paced, experimental attempt at a real-time SMT game is now a refined, action-packed demonstration of how this kind of game should be done. A new "dodge roll" maneuver allows you to deftly span the battleground, avoiding your enemies' attacks and putting yourself in the right location to launch your retaliation. Because two is better than one (unless you're talking about paper cuts), you can now command two demons in battle, strategically exploiting their strengths in order to come out on top. Getting overwhelmed? Just hold down a button to hide your demons and protect them from damage until the danger is over.

http://www.atlus.com/res/devilsummoner2_screens_15.jpg

More is also better (as long as you're not talking about weights on your chest, crushing the life out of you), so there is more of everything. More weapons to wield, each now with a unique special attack in the hands of Raidou. More enemy types, about twice as many, actually. More attacks for the demons in your control, and the ability to activate multiple such abilities so that they are available in battle, meaning that demon fusion is vastly more complex and vital to your success. More intelligent demons means your summoned pals can be set to repeat a certain attack, but they won't bother repeating an effect spell until the current effect has worn off, thus saving time.

http://www.atlus.com/res/devilsummoner2_screens_14.jpg

And the best part? Demon negotiation. Instead of wiping your foes out, talk to them, charm them, berate them. In short, tell them what they want to hear -- which is an art in and of itself -- and maybe they'll give you an item, or better yet, join your party and lend you their unique abilities in battle. On top of all of that, the up to two demons you can bring into battles can assist you in your negotiations, using special tactics that can win over your potential new acquisition.

http://www.atlus.com/res/devilsummoner2_raihodance_h.gif

My, my, what a difference a sequel makes. And to really hammer the point home, friends, we'll mention yet again that all launch copies come with a free collectible Raiho plushie. That's right, each and every launch copy of SMT: Devil Summoner 2 includes a cuddly, wuddly (or menacing, if you prefer) Raiho plushie. Quantities are very limited! Pre-ordering is a good way to secure yourself the complete set! Exclamation point!

http://www.atlus.com/res/devilsummoner2_glamshot_b.jpg

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon ships into retailers across North America on May 12th.

[Zachalmighty]

Very nice, I'm glad that Atlus USA is commited to reassuring us that their games are always improving.

http://www.atlus.com/res/devilsummoner2_raihodance_h.gifYAY

[Emilio Morales]

I can't wait!! I want my plushie and my game!! O___O

[cj iwakura]

I don't like the undue criticism thrown at Devil Summoner 1. It was a perfectly fun game.

[jeffx]

I don't know about perfect, but fun, hell yes.

[AdrianMorales]

This post has pretty much destroyed the first Devil Summoner. It makes it sound like the 1st title was just a way of ripping us off. Not a good way to promote a game. And if the 1st one was a 'slow-paced, experimental attempt at a real-time SMT game', then the ones who bought it should get the sequel for FREE!!!
This post has really pissed me off especially since I really like Raidou Kuzunoha Vs. The Souless Army. Thanks a lot for nothing. I'm just glad that Atlus USA is far better than the sum of its parts because Mr. Aram is doing one amazingly crappy job!!!

[dungeon_man]

This post has pretty much destroyed the first Devil Summoner. It makes it sound like the 1st title was just a way of ripping us off. Not a good way to promote a game. And if the 1st one was a 'slow-paced, experimental attempt at a real-time SMT game', then the ones who bought it should get the sequel for FREE!!!
This post has really pissed me off especially since I really like Raidou Kuzunoha Vs. The Souless Army. Thanks a lot for nothing. I'm just glad that Atlus USA is far better than the sum of its parts because Mr. Aram is doing one amazingly crappy job!!!

Every game is an experiment in some ways, some more than others. DS:RKvsSA was an experiment in creating a real-time SMT combat system, much like Persona 3 was an experiment in mixing a social sim with a turn-based SMT game.

After those experiments were completed, DS:RKvsKA and Persona 4 were focused on improving those game designs based on user feedback, but even the changes made to these newer games are essentially Atlus experimenting with their previous designs and hoping they are improvements.

At any rate, if game developers never experimented, you'd never get innovative new games to play. Experiments are a good thing.

[cj iwakura]

I don't see how the first game was 'slow-paced'. Compared to the average SMT, Devil Summoner was pretty intense.

[Onion of Mystery]

And compared to other action games, it was pretty slow.

Saying A > B does not mean that B = horrible. Sheesh.

[Olethros]

^ Agreed. I suppose people could debate the semantics of it if they wanted to, but I really didn't see Aram's post/e-mail as being negative against the first game as much as emphasising the improvements in the second.

[Inzaghi]

Also, remember that we're coming from a position of having played the second game. I liked the first game a lot, but after finishing King Abaddon, it's going to be very hard to go back to.

[Hamel]

Also, remember that we're coming from a position of having played the second game. I liked the first game a lot, but after finishing King Abaddon, it's going to be very hard to go back to.

Now you make me want the game even more

[Kenji]

I concur with the staff, even though I only played the tutorial battles (just as I suspected/planned, the Atlus USA announcement came after I bought the Japanese version). As cool as Devil Survivor and Persona PSP are, it's this game that I can't wait for. :D Damn thing plays like a dream.

Couldn't test out the conversation system, though, since my limited understanding of Japanese doesn't cover early 20th century dialect composed almost entirely of kanji.:confused: How's the conversation system when compared to Nocturne or Persona 2? Which is it more like? (I'm personally hoping for something closer to Nocturne than P2, the latter being weakness exploitation with talk instead of magic... much less compelling)

[Inzaghi]

Couldn't test out the conversation system, though, since my limited understanding of Japanese doesn't cover early 20th century dialect composed almost entirely of kanji.:confused: How's the conversation system when compared to Nocturne or Persona 2? Which is it more like? (I'm personally hoping for something closer to Nocturne than P2, the latter being weakness exploitation with talk instead of magic... much less compelling)

It's very similar to Nocturne's system, although there is a slight element similar to P2's (though less elaborate) in that your demons can help you, so party composition matters during negotiation.

[Kenji]

It's very similar to Nocturne's system, although there is a slight element similar to P2's (though less elaborate) in that your demons can help you, so party composition matters during negotiation.
Thanks. :D I was hoping for as much. All the more to look forward to.

[cj iwakura]

Couldn't test out the conversation system, though, since my limited understanding of Japanese doesn't cover early 20th century dialect composed almost entirely of kanji.:confused: How's the conversation system when compared to Nocturne or Persona 2? Which is it more like? (I'm personally hoping for something closer to Nocturne than P2, the latter being weakness exploitation with talk instead of magic... much less compelling)

It's very similar to Nocturne's system, although there is a slight element similar to P2's (though less elaborate) in that your demons can help you, so party composition matters during negotiation.

Is there a predictable pattern with particular races, or is it still a crap shoot as to how any given demon will react?

[Pibbman]

I must have a weird sense of humor because whenever I see a demon talk like this "I hAve CooOoomE for YoUr SoUl!", I can't help but chuckle at it. Especially when the zombies say it.

[Elizabeth]

Is there a predictable pattern with particular races, or is it still a crap shoot as to how any given demon will react?

I was wondering that, too. When I got the guide for Nocturne I was puzzled as to why there wasn't a section saying how you should respond to certain demon's questions but I soon discovered it was random, which I typically had bad luck with and chose the wrong answer (Brainwash solved that problem pretty well, though).

If it is like Nocturne then there's a part of the game I already don't like.

[bullman422]

Is there a predictable pattern with particular races, or is it still a crap shoot as to how any given demon will react?

I was wondering that, too. When I got the guide for Nocturne I was puzzled as to why there wasn't a section saying how you should respond to certain demon's questions but I soon discovered it was random, which I typically had bad luck with and chose the wrong answer (Brainwash solved that problem pretty well, though).

If it is like Nocturne then there's a part of the game I already don't like.

I was sort of hoping contacting demons in this sequel would be similar to what it was in Persona 1 and 2. In those games each type of demons had a certain set of dispositions (smart, stupid, grumpy, happy, snob, surly, strong, etc..) and whatever negotiation tactic you used determined how they responded (happy, angry, fearful, or interested) . But I have a feeling in this game it is similar to Noctourne which I can live with and who know, maybe it will ultimately be better.

[Pibbman]

You know, since this one has two demons available for battle, could that mean potential "fusion spells" too?