Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey announced for Nintendo DS

[jj984jj]

http://img179.imagevenue.com/loc361/th_29334_1248228469758_123_361lo.jpg (http://img179.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=29334_1248228469758_123_361lo.jpg)ht tp://img161.imagevenue.com/loc497/th_29336_1248228578904_123_497lo.jpg (http://img161.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=29336_1248228578904_123_497lo.jpg)ht tp://img227.imagevenue.com/loc575/th_29341_1248228732522_123_575lo.jpg (http://img227.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=29341_1248228732522_123_575lo.jpg)ht tp://img218.imagevenue.com/loc61/th_29342_1248228801900_123_61lo.jpg (http://img218.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=29342_1248228801900_123_61lo.jpg)
http://img22.imagevenue.com/loc547/th_29344_up9778_123_547lo.jpg (http://img22.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=29344_up9778_123_547lo.jpg) http://img171.imagevenue.com/loc1024/th_30094_1248229000571_123_1024lo.jpg (http://img171.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=30094_1248229000571_123_1024lo.jpg)
Just a warning: imagevenue might have an adult ad before the scans since I couldn't dub them "family safe"

Official Website:
http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/

Producer/Original Concept/Character and Devil Design: Kazuma Kaneko
Director: Eiji Ishida
Scenario: Shogo Isogai
Composer: Shoji Meguro

[Crabman]

Totally digging the look of the game! I wish it came out on consoles...but I'll play it regardless :)

[cj iwakura]

"The South Pole Swallowed All...."

SMT + EO = <3

If they're smart, this'll use stylus-drawn maps, but that might be hoping for too much.

[Emilio Morales]

I was hoping for as PS3 release :( Anyway, looks cool enough for me! Looks like Devil Survivor was a big hit for they to develop a new game for the NDS. And with Kazuma Kaneko's designs. :D

[DamageCity]

I'm excited, only 2 and a half months to go.

[Sanctine]

This actually looks a lot better than what I was expecting. Too bad it's a DS game.

I'll still end up buying it. Looks a lot like EO, which is a good thing.

[Divals]

DS? Come ON Atlus, make SMT 4 for the PS3! We're dying out here!


...that said, day one buy for me.

[Cinder6]

This actually looks a lot better than what I was expecting. Too bad it's a DS game.

This. I hate playing on the DS, but I'll do what I must.

[jeffx]

Looks great!

[jj984jj]

Detailed information:
“You” are the nameless protagonist, a Japanese elite soldier who has received harsh training and discipline. Under the orders of the country, you join the exploration team on the ship Red Sprite No. 1. This amphibious ship serves as a base in the unknown world, being the only place you can consider safe. Aside from the Red Sprite No. 1 that the protagonist rides, there also exist other ships, named the Blue Jet No. 2, Elves No. 3, and Gigantic No. 4.
http://www.siliconera.com/2009/07/21/shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-mission-overview/

[Hellel]

DS? Hm...I guess I should invest in one now. Looking forward to this.

[Iris]

I was hoping for SMT4, but honestly, this is just about as good in my eyes. I've been wanting a Megaten with the EO engine since I played EO.

[unknown]

Now this is what Devil Survivor should have been like.

Can't wait

[jj984jj]

^Nah, Devil Survivor was a great game from R&D1 headed by Growlanser designers, I think both can co-exist.

[Crabman]

I still haven't played EO. I guess I should give it a shot now...

[unknown]

^Nah, Devil Survivor was a great game from R&D1 headed by Growlanser designers, I think both can co-exist.

I didn't like the SRPG aspect of it, would've preferred a dungeon crawler.

But then again I didn't like Devil Survivor period.

[Flußkönig]

Awesome, looks like something I have been waiting for awhile for.

[SickleCellAnemia]

Pretty awesome.

[Kenji]

Fascinating...

Not only is it an essentially classical format, but it also has a setting and (apparently) storyline that's completely different from the usual MegaTen (demons in Tokyo: do something about it). The former I'm hardly against, the latter I'm definitely for.

I'm in!

[Dead Flag Blues]

So stoked! Atlus has been loading me up on ds titles in the past 6 months, and this past 6 months are the first 6 months that I haven't had a DS since its launch! :(:(

[jj984jj]

Shoji Meguro is confirmed to be the composer, I'm guessing this will be more like his SMT/DDS work than his Persona work. In otherwords, ####ing awesome! :D

[Himuro]

This is ####ing awesome.

[DragoonKain3]

No human battle party members apart from MC screams utter fail immediately for me. Main reason why I coudln't get much into Nocturne, and unless things change drastically or I'm under the wrong impression, I'd only get this just for collection's sake.

[RayFoxSith]

I'm excited. This looks like old-school SMT and it's what I've been wanting to see come out of Atlus for a long time. Day one'd, whenever it is.

[DDanny]

As you can see from the scans, the game practically SCREAMS classic megaten, a surprise since the last one was uh, If... in 1994 or something.
I can only hope for a story of the same quality as the older games now!
Seriously, this game is practically everything I always wanted back in megaten.
And it's great to see they are finally targeting the classic megaten fans again!

[Juanblue85]

Awesome another SMT DS game and its a dungeon crawler. Even awesome. I gotta adjust to first person so i'll play SMT Nocturne did any recent SMT games have first person.

[Terash Cas]

Glad I have a DS.... Still get lost when playing Devil Survivor mainly because I forget which choices go to which path _

[Foobar]

Well, I was hoping to hear something about SMT IV, but this is just as good.

I like the combination of returning to roots and departing from them as well. Its not set in Tokyo, there are actually people of other races in it and it doesn't seem to have a teenaged cast at all.

Return to first person, standard demon recruitment and fusion and Metroid Prime-like suit upgrades for exploration? Sounds tasty.

[Enzeru]

It's very hard for me to look at the screenshots (due to porn pop-ups appearing whenever I go to imagevenue, and the fact that they simply don't appear when I click them), so is this 2D or 3D, like EO?

Awesome another SMT DS game and its a dungeon crawler. Even awesome. I gotta adjust to first person so i'll play SMT Nocturne did any recent SMT games have first person.
Nocturne had an option of First-Person in New Game+.

[Raksha]

I applaud the return of Megaten's older style.

But I'm sad that it's on DS. I don't have DS.

[Pibbman]

Totally digging the look of the game! I wish it came out on consoles...but I'll play it regardless :)

I have to agree with you. I'm a bit disappointed its not a console game, at least it wasn't SMT 4. However, seeing how portable games are all the rage in Japan, it's not surprising.

[four_black_hearts]

As long as they keep giving us handheld SMT awesomeness (With the return of first-person and DEMON CONVERSATION, no less!), I don't care if we ever get SMT 4! ;)

[iammako3]

I'm very interested in the plot and I love SMT stories/choices. However, I'm not digging the first person (me and first person never got along). Obviously I'll buy it anyway since I'm sure the awesomeness of the game will help make up for the first person!

. . . still waiting for a next-gen SMT game. . .

[Soushi_Grapple]

I'm a little disappointed at the first person view... again. I was hoping these would have maps similar to Etrian Oddyssey where you can see where you are going? Otherwise, going to make this a huge turn off on picking up the title.

I would've preferred a next gen game, but at least its on a system I actually own.

Now the plot... thats what is really intriguing me. I think I might suffer through the first person for it. XD I love the fact you get to use conversation to recruit the demons and fuse them, ect. ect. but a little sad there aren't any human party members either.

The first thing I thought when I read it was: Alien. X.X

[OverGAR]

Yeah, old style SMT style. I like that and the history and:
Producer/Original Concept/Character and Devil Design: Kazuma Kaneko
Director: Eiji Ishida
Scenario: Shogo Isogai
Composer: Shoji Meguro
^this

PD: I always complain why they don't take psp more seriously, I mean DS have unique games but psp have only port o remake (not only with smt saga)

[Emilio Morales]

It would be cool if we could see Kozy Okada again. :)

[Olethros]

I approve.

[Aizuku]

can't wait!

I'll pre-order as soon as possible!

[Raksha]

It would be cool if we could see Kozy Okada again. :)

Wonder how this will turn out without him.

[Yukichin]

PD: I always complain why they don't take psp more seriously, I mean DS have unique games but psp have only port o remake (not only with smt saga)

I believe it's because the DS is more popular in Japan, so they'd put more games on it.

[sfried]

*Sees fourth pic*

Shin Megaten versus the Cybermen?

[unknown]

PD: I always complain why they don't take psp more seriously, I mean DS have unique games but psp have only port o remake (not only with smt saga)

I believe it's because the DS is more popular in Japan, so they'd put more games on it.

It's also cheaper to develop for it.

[Tears of Ash]

Generally, I would complain about a game in the mainline series being on a handheld, but I think that time has passed. There are plenty of fun DS games, and I'm sure this will be one of them.

I'm just glad that they are making a REAL SMT game for once. It might not be a fully-numbered game (this is not SMT IV). I don't mind the spinoffs, but it's good to have a game where the name "Shin Megami Tensei" isn't just slapped on the title for arbitrary marketing purposes.

[diosisback]

Looks like Kaneko had Dead Space in mind when he designed those suits XD

[zavlin]

count me in as excited. This looks great.

[Sseklebeast]

All over this omg! Awesome :D

[Dave3]

Day one!!! This is the direction I was sort of hoping they'd take the series in since Etrian Odyssey worked so well on the DS. I really enjoy the classic first person SMT games and the DS is an excellent platform for the first person RPG genre. Hopefully a NA release will be announced soon.

[OverGAR]

PD: I always complain why they don't take psp more seriously, I mean DS have unique games but psp have only port o remake (not only with smt saga)

I believe it's because the DS is more popular in Japan, so they'd put more games on it.

It's also cheaper to develop for it.

Still complaining XD buh- really I want some cool spin off on psp too. Well this one is good to know. I'm sure Atlus will bring this ^^

[Enzeru]

I always complain why they don't take psp more seriously, I mean DS have unique games but psp have only port o remake (not only with smt saga)
PSP gets tons of music games.

EDIT: Now that I think about it, isn't it kind of sad that there have been three main SMT releases so far this year (Not counting RA vs. KA because that was out in 2008 in JP)? Two of them on DS, too.

[Zephyr_Fate]

No human battle party members apart from MC screams utter fail immediately for me. Main reason why I coudln't get much into Nocturne, and unless things change drastically or I'm under the wrong impression, I'd only get this just for collection's sake.

Uhhh, what? That's the sole reason Nocturne is the best of the SMT series... all fully customizable demon party members. You ARE a half-demon after all, why would you parade around with humans who are bound to die in the Vortex World anyways? The plot alone makes Nocturne amazing...

[Mank]

Yay! Geez, this gen is such an awesome time to be a handheld fan, and I'm loving it!

[slayn]

I approve.

Your DS backlog, however, does not :).

[FruitPunch]

Bleh, I'm disappointed.
It screams too much Old School. I hated the old SMT games, EO and Survivor cause they where too hard and frustrating. Would it kill them to put in an easier difficulty mode?
I also hate first-person and turn-based.

No human battle party members apart from MC screams utter fail immediately for me. Main reason why I couldn't get much into Nocturne, and unless things change drastically or I'm under the wrong impression, I'd only get this just for collection's sake.

Nocturne was awesome because it DIDN'T revolve around humans. I loved how you where a demon, basically, and you only had demon companions. I wish they'd make more SMT games like that (and Devil Summoner).
This new DS game looks lame to me, dumb looking, plain characters.
Even if not, I'd prob not even try it because I'll end up playing it for 10 minutes getting frustrated and selling it like I did with EO2.

but it's good to have a game where the name "Shin Megami Tensei" isn't just slapped on the title for arbitrary marketing purposes.

I always found it annoying that Atlus just slaps "SMT" on freaking EVERY GAME. The ONLY true SMT game we got was Nocturne, there's no reason to make the titles of the spin-off games longer than necessary (SMT : DS : RKvsTSA for one thing). Then, its like, the games are just SMT:blah blah.

[Kakizaki]

*Sees fourth pic*

Shin Megaten versus the Cybermen?

Doh! You beat me too it.

I am pretty pleased. My guess wasn't that far off now was it. ;)

I'll be curious to see how close I really am once more story details are released.

Bleh, I'm disappointed.
It screams too much Old School. I hated the old SMT games, EO and Survivor cause they where too hard and frustrating. Would it kill them to put in an easier difficulty mode?
I also hate first-person and turn-based.Wow dude. lol. I'm stoked for those exact reasons - because it does look like a cross of an old school SMT title and EO. I'm totally geeking out right now.

[Yukichin]

I always found it annoying that Atlus just slaps "SMT" on freaking EVERY GAME. The ONLY true SMT game we got was Nocturne, there's no reason to make the titles of the spin-off games longer than necessary (SMT : DS : RKvsTSA for one thing). Then, its like, the games are just SMT:blah blah.

You probably already realize this, but I'm fairly sure they do it so consumers know that it's part of the overall Megaten franchise. Otherwise you'd have people saying things like, "Devil Summoner is a rip-off of Persona!" and things like that, or have trouble getting people interested in the games.


EDIT: Just a little warning, but... er... people might want to be careful where they're looking at the STRANGE JOURNEY scans. That image host tends to switch over to ads before images, for a porn site.

[Foryth]

Wow dude. lol. I'm stoked for those exact reasons - because it does look like a cross of an old school SMT title and EO. I'm totally geeking out right now.

Same here. I crave for games like this. I loved the old SMT games way more than the new and EO really wasn't as hard as people make it seem. Challenging is more like it.

I'm eagerly awaiting this. I had pretty much lost interest in MegaTen up until now, but this has renewed my interest. The EO style of the screens has particularly sparked my interest. I've been somewhat disapointed in recent first person dungeon crawlers. They were still fun, but not the EO level of fun.

[Kakizaki]

I'm kind of wondering if the battle suit will be the equivalent of classes in EO.

[DamageCity]

What issue of Famitsu is this from
?

[jj984jj]

What issue of Famitsu is this from
?

It was leaked from this issue coming out this week:
http://wiieveryday.blogspot.com/2009/07/famitsu-20090724.html

[DamageCity]

What issue of Famitsu is this from
?

It was leaked from this issue coming out this week:
http://wiieveryday.blogspot.com/2009/07/famitsu-20090724.html

Thanks, I'm going to look for it today.

[pichonCalavera]

Nice, happy I just picked up a DSi recently :) .

So this is coming in October in Japan... I suppose is a no-brainer that Atlus USA will pick this one up for a USA release.

[maddy]

i am very excited for this! :9

[Enzeru]

Why did they use 3D character portraits? They look weird on the DS. xD

[Foobar]

IGN seems to be saying this is a direct follow-up to Nocturne. Well it does have the series name in the title and it wasn't just slapped on there.

So is this really SMT IV after all? Not that I wouldn't count it as such since DQIX is a true DQ main series game in every sense, just curious is all.

[PFV]

Wow dude. lol. I'm stoked for those exact reasons - because it does look like a cross of an old school SMT title and EO. I'm totally geeking out right now.
Same here. I loved FPDCs since I was a kid and and that style of play is what got me into this series the begin with.

I think I'm going to do another playthrough of SMT1 after seeing this. I'm excited!

Kaki, it must have been a little strange to recently start up your own SMT1 playthrough and then see this? :)

[Soushi_Grapple]

Do you have to have a DSi to play this? That would suck.

[Enzeru]

Do you have to have a DSi to play this? That would suck.
That would also be very unlikely, lol.

I sure hope this isn't SMTIV. Doesn't make me excited at all. Maybe SMT 3.5?

[dungeon_man]

TC: Please warn people when hosting images on a site with adult advertisements all over the place.

I am thinking this will be like If. Non-numbered main-series title. Looks awesome anyway, I can't wait to learn more about it.

[CoarseDragon]

300 demons - Oh my, sounds great. And conversation too - I like that.

[Kakizaki]

Wow dude. lol. I'm stoked for those exact reasons - because it does look like a cross of an old school SMT title and EO. I'm totally geeking out right now.
Same here. I loved FPDCs since I was a kid and and that style of play is what got me into this series the begin with.

I think I'm going to do another playthrough of SMT1 after seeing this. I'm excited!

Kaki, it must have been a little strange to recently start up your own SMT1 playthrough and then see this? :)

Definitely was a little weird. Let's see what happens when I start another run in SMT II. ;)

[Enzeru]

The teaser site is "up", but it's the same as the old one save for the logo appearing.

[Sleepless Neko]

Man, I seriously need a DS now!

300 demons + Negotiation... YES.

[Zacewing]

I'm personally tired of Meguro's generic raunchy rock themes. SMT needs a new composer.

[Hamel]

I am glad I got a DS recently

[RayFoxSith]

Japanese site's up.

http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/

I'm officially stoked.

[Jessicat]

Japanese site's up.

http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/

I'm officially stoked.
Oooh, check out the system page for gameplay movies, the demon sprites are animated! Kinda reminds me of the Digimon DS games... What? XD
Also I wonder if THIS (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/history/index.html) is the answer to every other person asking "is this SMT4?!??!11" :p [Too bad I can't read it XD]

[Juanblue85]

Gameplay Video on Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaYege3mip4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5OhNcL73zI

[DamageCity]

I'm extremely happy the enemies are animated.

Last Name: ATLUS
First Name: HERO

Japanese site's up.

http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/ (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/)

I'm officially stoked.
Oooh, check out the system page for gameplay movies, the demon sprites are animated! Kinda reminds me of the Digimon DS games... What? XD
Also I wonder if THIS (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/history/index.html) is the answer to every other person asking "is this SMT4?!??!11" :p [Too bad I can't read it XD]

From what I can tell it's no different than SMT: If...

but not SMT: IV

[pichonCalavera]

Someone should translate it for us that don't know jappanese :( .

But I must say I don't like the logo that much. The blue block thingy behind "Strange Journey" doesn't look very "proffesional".

I suppose they are using the Devil Survivor engine for the battle sequences, altough like someone pointed out, they are animated here, so it's a bit better.

[DamageCity]

But I must say I don't like the logo that much. The blue block thingy behind "Strange Journey" doesn't look very "proffesional".


I think they are trying to give the feeling that they are returning to a more old-school traditional SMT game.

[Foobar]

So, its been "Hero Atlus" that I've been bidding against in Devil Survivor. That on top of a Kuzunoha. Greedy jerks, those are my demons, they have plenty.

[Zephyr_Fate]

This isn't SMTIV. Kinda disappointed by the lack of any guitar in the trailer, that's Meguro's bread-and-butter and the orchestra take smacks too much of other series. Ah well, here's hoping the story is dark...

[jj984jj]

Meguro said he's aiming for a more mature sound with Strange Journey, I don't doubt they'll be a few guitar tracks in there though, the clips on the website don't exactly give us much of a taste of the music.

[Zephyr_Fate]

I'm personally tired of Meguro's generic raunchy rock themes. SMT needs a new composer.

That's what separates SMT apart from other RPG series, though. Badass electric guitar is the only thing that works with demons and the occult appropriately, unfortunately. That and really, really discordant organ work.

[dungeon_man]

^Nah, Devil Survivor was a great game from R&D1 headed by Growlanser designers, I think both can co-exist.

Indeed! The point of the spinoffs is to make new types of games using some ingredients from SMT. Devil Survivor was an awesome example of doing that. It would start getting dull if all SMT-based games played exactly the same.

[Enzeru]

But I must say I don't like the logo that much. The blue block thingy behind "Strange Journey" doesn't look very "proffesional".
But it looks old school has heck. Whenever I play an old game, it spams blue gradients whenever it gets the chance. xD

[illogicaldreamr]

I'm really excited about Strange Journey. This is what I've been waiting for ever since I heard that rumor that Etrian Odyssey was a test to see if a SMT game would work on the DS

Seems like a lot of people are complaining about little things for no reason. It's funny. You'd figure people would generally be excited about this news seeing as it's a return to the old school SMT.

I'm happy that I'm not one of these people that only likes certain games in the series and complains when something like this comes out and see that it's not 3rd person or find ridiculous reasons not to enjoy it.

[Enzeru]

I made a sig out of the fail low quality scan images. Thus, it's blur tastic:

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w77/FEDKite/SMTSJ.png

[OverGAR]

I find curious what IGN said about this game and Nocturne, I don't mind if this were a SMT4 or 3.5 xD

About the music I only heard the beggining not the complete theme. I can't say anything about them.

I'm happy that I'm not one of these people that only likes certain games in the series and complains when something like this comes out and see that it's not 3rd person or find ridiculous reasons not to enjoy it.
That's how jerks are... D:

OMG! some people complaining about the logo :tongue:

PD: So...can we fight Hitoshura or Team Embryon in this one? D:

[Nephlabobo]

But I must say I don't like the logo that much. The blue block thingy behind "Strange Journey" doesn't look very "proffesional".

If you're going to criticise something, spell professional correctly.

/facepalm

[Emilio Morales]

I'm not quite sure when did they update the site, but a new character, Goa (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/cast/cast02.html), has been added.

[Megaten Hiro]

There's also a new "System" video. The video shows the actual battle theme(only the first two seconds or so, but at least it confirms that the battle theme heard before was just the Encounter theme), and it also shows us the main character's command menu. It seems that he can learn gun skills(a replacement for additional types of ammo?).

[Crow T. Robot]

Looks like Kaneko had Dead Space in mind when he designed those suits XD
Yeah, I got that vibe to. But that just makes more excited seeing as I love Dead Space and ATLUS.

:^D

[Kenji]

I'm just gonna say this now.

When Atlus USA brings this over, I think they should put the "Shin Megami Tensei" kanji on the lower right hand corner of the logo, like they did with Nocturne. Titular continuity. :D

[hickwarrior]

Why didn't I hear of this when I registered for the forums? Oh right, I didn't look around...

but why now? D: I've got etrian odyssey already, pre-ordered persona psp and I have to try to play them all until the end? I just have to work on it, but geeze... that's going to take a while.

But it's definitely interesting for me, although it has a rather old-school look. Especially the artwork on the characters looks worn. But that won't stop me from trying this game. And since it is very similar to EO, I guess I will enjoy this, since I enjoyed EO for its challenge.

[jj984jj]

New images:
http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/1226566_1407.html

http://i27.tinypic.com/2zso76u.jpg

[Soushi_Grapple]

I really liked the videos and stills I've seen so far. I'm starting to think the first person won't bother me much on a handheld for some reason. XD

[jeffx]

Just pointing out the obvious, but they're limiting all Japanese text to dialog boxes.

Is this a sign they're already working with Atlus USA? Or have all past SMT games used a fair amount of English text?

[Enzeru]

Just pointing out the obvious, but they're limiting all Japanese text to dialog boxes.
That sounds annoying. xD I took Spanish for 7 years and got B-As but I cannot for the life of me read a lick of it! Imagine if a video game came out with Spanish for everything but dialog. x.x

[Yukichin]

Just pointing out the obvious, but they're limiting all Japanese text to dialog boxes.

Is this a sign they're already working with Atlus USA? Or have all past SMT games used a fair amount of English text?



Many Japanese games have English text in them.

[Crabman]

That diamond thing in the last screen, the first thing I thought of was the Sony Computer Entertainment logo. Because on DS, Sony is the enemy!

[Enzeru]

http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/cast/cast03.html
Himenesu (a mouthfull compared to Goa lol) has his own page now. Looks like Girl_Gamer 7 is getting her wish. xD

They also added a new wallpaper: http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/special/index.html
And a new story bit with video: http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/story/story04.html

[Sleepless Neko]

Man, That doesn't sound like a foreigner name, thats straight romaji for the katakana.

[Kenji]

Right, it's straight Romanji. The name can't be anything other than "Jiménez."

That was obvious from the moment I saw the kana.

EDIT:
In regards to this new game being more mature than usual, which it seems to be advertising, there is something I want to see without fail. I'll be pleased if the Japanese team can do this well and with insight.

I want to see the personal reactions of a Protestant Christian (Gore), a Catholic (Jiménez), and an atheist (Selenin) to encountering an entire demonic universe. This goes beyond your standard Messian/Gaian "let's make up a strawman religion" and actually looks at our own world and our own people.

That's what I want to see.

(Yes, Selinin could also be Russian Orthodox, but if that happens, you may as well just call the game Shin Megami Tensei: Ecumenical Dispute. Making her an atheist would acknowledge the legacy of the Communist Party)

[Spacial User X]

Found boxart and some more screens

http://www.famitsu.com/image/3222/DH3tnHxdxJc35QAh7eZLuDI31T92yIFc.jpg
http://www.famitsu.com/image/3222/EW27AR1O62i9128252JQt7G9O4M2o8p4.jpg
http://www.famitsu.com/image/3222/Evnx7c99e3rf76e5p87Jlm5ts3np66F1.jpg
http://www.famitsu.com/image/3222/KX76755846Q25Zw51lQ1goWb5C93z1Jc.jpg

http://www.famitsu.com/image/3222/oo2O89oXlZ1r1iR584XDG2C3s6Q8Y6n8.jpg

Amazing *_*

[Enzeru]

In regards to this new game being more mature than usual, which it seems to be advertising, there is something I want to see without fail. I'll be pleased if the Japanese team can do this well and with insight.

I want to see the personal reactions of a Protestant Christian (Gore), a Catholic (Jiménez), and an atheist (Selenin) to encountering an entire demonic universe. This goes beyond your standard Messian/Gaian "let's make up a strawman religion" and actually looks at our own world and our own people.
That would be awesome, but where are you getting the "more mature than usual" vibe from?

[Sleepless Neko]

It feels weird seing how simple the boxart is. But, it still looks pretty cool.

[hickwarrior]

It feels weird seing how simple the boxart is. But, it still looks pretty cool.

Well cool... To me, the helmet looks pretty ridiculous. I'm really bad at explaining it, but it's just that it looks so weird to me. The suit itself is good, just not the helmet.

[Enzeru]

Well cool... To me, the helmet looks pretty ridiculous. I'm really bad at explaining it, but it's just that it looks so weird to me. The suit itself is good, just not the helmet.
You get that feeling too? It's like the head was just pasted on.

[Foobar]

I've never seen a helmet with a topknot on it before.

And, oh crap, the fiends are in this game. We can only wonder what nasty bag of tricks they'll have this time.

Regarding the "strawman religion" thing: I don't see what the problem is with doing that, because even when they do, it tends to be based on very specific religious themes anyway. Like the Tower of Babel story being the backdrop for the beliefs of the Shomanki in Devil Survivor.

I don't mind if they draw from more realistic religious viewpoints, SMT seems to actually give a fair treatment to such viewpoints. Plus, the characters are generally a bit more mature than the usual RPG stock, so I don't expect their viewpoints to degenerate to the level of internet discussions, but be more like the differing views Captain Kirk, Doctor McCoy or Mr. Spock would have.

[Iris]

but be more like the differing views Captain Kirk, Doctor McCoy or Mr. Spock would have.

(Emphasis mine.)

So, they'll fight like an old married couple?

[Zacewing]

Boxart looks kind of dumb, imo.

[Kenji]

That would be awesome, but where are you getting the "more mature than usual" vibe from?
Now that I think about it, I'm not sure. Probably out of my ass. :question: Or, something to do with their touting it as "the masterpiece" in their trailer. Somehow, I just managed to get this impression.

Regarding the "strawman religion" thing: I don't see what the problem is with doing that, because even when they do, it tends to be based on very specific religious themes anyway. Like the Tower of Babel story being the backdrop for the beliefs of the Shomanki in Devil Survivor.

I don't mind if they draw from more realistic religious viewpoints, SMT seems to actually give a fair treatment to such viewpoints. Plus, the characters are generally a bit more mature than the usual RPG stock, so I don't expect their viewpoints to degenerate to the level of internet discussions, but be more like the differing views Captain Kirk, Doctor McCoy or Mr. Spock would have.
To be clear, I don't have a real problem with Messians and Gaians. In an extreme situation where demons are coming out of the walls and there's been a nuclear apocalypse, it'd be foolish to assume that the world religions would maintain a status quo in this kind of situation.

However, the world presented in Strange Journey is (except maybe for a minor extension of the Taisho period :P ) pretty much just like ours. The Messian and especially Gaian cults would be a little out-of-place as major forces affecting world affairs and the opinions of our heroes of Red Sprite One.

And, yeah, by mature discourse, I definitely don't want to see our crew break down into murderous violence the moment something happens. Though I wouldn't necessarily be opposed to murderous violence later on in the story. :P

[Enzeru]

Web Updates:

New Character Page: http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/cast/cast04.html

New Videos: http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/system/system02.html

New Wallpaper: http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/special/index.html

[hickwarrior]

It seems like scanning is a pretty huge part of the game, along with secrets. I hope the latter isn't so convoluted that you just have to guess. alot...

[syl]

Apparently, Play-Asia already has a listing for it. Let's see what the product description has to offer...
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-9g-49-en-15-strange-70-3ja9-43-99.html
Nothing we didn't much already know, but "youth/juvenile culture" seems kinda harsh description for the content of Atlus' recent Megaten titles.
I guess whoever provided the press release for the product info is a tad disenfranchised...

[Kenji]

Well, a majority of the MegaTen games have starred high school students and are steeped in youth culture. Strange Journey would be the first with a cast of elite professionals. So, in this sense, it's a true statement.

I will agree it sounds a little condescending, though... :|

[sfried]

Well, a majority of the MegaTen games have starred high school students and are steeped in youth culture. Strange Journey would be the first with a cast of elite professionals.Perhaps this will be a good entry installment into the series for me instead of the Persona games. I never could get past the whole "Akiba-kei" and otaku wish-fulfillment fantasy crap in those games, plus I identify better with adult protagonists instead of, say, teenagers. (This is also the reason why I still haven't bought The World Ends with You, despite how good they say it is.)

[Enzeru]

(This is also the reason why I still haven't bought The World Ends with You, despite how good they say it is.)
I recommend you not buy The World Ends with You for it's story, lol. It's cookie cutter at best.

Also, there's little doubt this will be another M game based on it's C CERO rating. It's not that I don't agree with that, though. ESRB seems to work like this: If a game is appropriate for, say, a 15 year old, it won't be rated T because it's simply not a 13+ game. It is, however, appropriate for 17+, so it's bumped up to M. That's why I think the ESRB should make an Older Teen rating, like CERO's C or PEGI's 15+/16 rating.

[RobotViking]

So, am I the only one who likes, no, loves the box art? Seriously, I think it's great. I love the old school sci-fi Flash Gordon/Cyberman circa 1970 look to it.

I'm looking forward to seeing how this one turns out. I do like the choice they made to use adult characters and the setting definitely looks interesting. If it comes stateside, this'll definitely be a day one purchase for me.

[DrJonAngus]

Well, I liked Snatcher a ton and I really like SMT, so this naturally makes sense to me: I will buy this game. Just to see what all the talk is about too, I'm going to buy Etrian Odyssey. I'm not really all that used to FPDCs, but I think EO will break that barrier. I tried playing the SMT 1 and 2 on the SNES, but I personally find them unplayable to me due to the translation. I plan on giving them a try again though.

[Sleepless Neko]

So, am I the only one who likes, no, loves the box art? Seriously, I think it's great. I love the old school sci-fi Flash Gordon/Cyberman circa 1970 look to it.

I didn't say I disliked it, I can't think any better boxart aside this either.

[Enzeru]

Updates again:

New Story Page (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/story/story05.html) (is that demon giving me the finger?)

New System Page (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/system/system03.html) (complete with obligatory pixie art)

[OverGAR]

Cool, the negotiation system ^^ Pixie FTW!! XD

About the Story, are they turning into demons?

[hickwarrior]

Someone needs to translate those pages... Anyway, it seems like the battle music is the same tense music over and over... I dunno about that...

[Enzeru]

Someone needs to translate those pages... Anyway, it seems like the battle music is the same tense music over and over... I dunno about that...Devil Survivor had the same problem of boring music. It's a DS game, though, so I can't imagine them using too many long songs. Even the Persona PSP remake uses 500 KB songs.

[Sleepless Neko]

Someone needs to translate those pages... Anyway, it seems like the battle music is the same tense music over and over... I dunno about that...

I'm pretty sure that's the 'negotiation' theme not the actual battle theme.
It's pretty unlikely that Meguro will give us a lame sounding battle BGM.

[hickwarrior]

Someone needs to translate those pages... Anyway, it seems like the battle music is the same tense music over and over... I dunno about that...

I'm pretty sure that's the 'negotiation' theme not the actual battle theme.
It's pretty unlikely that Meguro will give us a lame sounding battle BGM.

Let's hope that's true... But I doubt it, I've seen other vids on that site and they had the same start as the one with the negotiation being shown in it.

[Cactus]

Someone needs to translate those pages... Anyway, it seems like the battle music is the same tense music over and over... I dunno about that...

I'm pretty sure that's the 'negotiation' theme not the actual battle theme.
It's pretty unlikely that Meguro will give us a lame sounding battle BGM.

Let's hope that's true... But I doubt it, I've seen other vids on that site and they had the same start as the one with the negotiation being shown in it.

The only place you can hear the actual battle theme is at the end of this video:

http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/system/system01.html

The negotiation theme will be played every battle, but will revert to the battle theme after the negotiation phase is completed.

[hickwarrior]

The only place you can hear the actual battle theme is at the end of this video:

http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/system/system01.html

The negotiation theme will be played every battle, but will revert to the battle theme after the negotiation phase is completed.

Well, that's a relieve. I also hope that that might hint at multiple battle themes in this game, which would be awesome.

[sfried]

Someone needs to translate those pages... Anyway, it seems like the battle music is the same tense music over and over... I dunno about that...Devil Survivor had the same problem of boring music. It's a DS game, though, so I can't imagine them using too many long songs. Even the Persona PSP remake uses 500 KB songs.The new Level 5 game Ni no Kuni will use 512MB cardspace for the orchestrated music alone. Atlus could be utilizing the higher capacity cards to cram in more stuff.

[OverGAR]

I remember when I played the first Persona, in the boss fight the music was boring when you have to chose the formation or fight but if you choose the "fight" option the battle theme change.

I think, it was like that D:

[Kenji]

The old SMT games had a pre-battle theme and a battle theme. Strange Journey seems to be following this format, especially from what I've heard.

[Enzeru]

Someone needs to translate those pages... Anyway, it seems like the battle music is the same tense music over and over... I dunno about that...Devil Survivor had the same problem of boring music. It's a DS game, though, so I can't imagine them using too many long songs. Even the Persona PSP remake uses 500 KB songs.The new Level 5 game Ni no Kuni will use 512MB cardspace for the orchestrated music alone. Atlus could be utilizing the higher capacity cards to cram in more stuff.
I highly doubt that. Not only does The Another World use it for more than just music (or reasons cited include visuals, of course), but the cart is expensive. Very expensive. Think about it: Would SJ really utilize a 4Gb cart just for this? For a series which is praised for not relying on fancy graphics, which would have to be a reason to use a 4Gb cart, because they are just way too expensive for just better quality music? Not to mention how the older games were praised for using ambient sound as an alternative to BGM overload.

Anyways, the site has been updated. New story page (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/story/story06.html), new system page (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/system/system04.html).

[sfried]

I highly doubt that. Not only does The Another World use it for more than just music (or reasons cited include visuals, of course), but the cart is expensive. Very expensive. Think about it: Would SJ really utilize a 4Gb cart just for this? For a series which is praised for not relying on fancy graphics, which would have to be a reason to use a 4Gb cart, because they are just way too expensive for just better quality music? Not to mention how the older games were praised for using ambient sound as an alternative to BGM overload.

Anyways, the site has been updated. New story page (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/story/story06.html), new system page (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/system/system04.html).I was merely stating that audio space is not a problem for DS, not to mention compression makes it possible to fit high quality music.

Judging by the new videos, it does seem like streaming audio is being utilized.

[Nephlabobo]

Updates again:

New Story Page (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/story/story05.html) (is that demon giving me the finger?)

No, he's giving the demon behind him the finger.

[Crow T. Robot]

Updates again:

New Story Page (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/story/story05.html) (is that demon giving me the finger?)

New System Page (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/system/system03.html) (complete with obligatory pixie art)
haha I always thought pixie's eyes were just ALL red.

Kinda off topic but was there ever a Kazuma Kaneko artbook released?

[Sleepless Neko]

Kinda off topic but was there ever a Kazuma Kaneko artbook released?

As far I remember There are six of them.
kazuma Kaneko works Vol. 1-3 and Pandemonium Vol. 1, 2, and Characters Volume.

[SickleCellAnemia]

^Vol. 3 in particular is awesome.

[Enzeru]

I was merely stating that audio space is not a problem for DS, not to mention compression makes it possible to fit high quality music.

Judging by the new videos, it does seem like streaming audio is being utilized.
Then why did you use the Another World as an example, if it uses a 4Gb cart mainly for music?

[sfried]

Judging by the new videos, it does seem like streaming audio is being utilized.
Then why did you use the Another World as an example, if it uses a 4Gb cart mainly for music?I was merely stating that with the availability of such a capacity available, higher space cards might have gotten cheaper.

That said, there's more than one way to tackle music.

Isn't there also special updates on the mobile site?

[Crow T. Robot]

Kinda off topic but was there ever a Kazuma Kaneko artbook released?

As far I remember There are six of them.
kazuma Kaneko works Vol. 1-3 and Pandemonium Vol. 1, 2, and Characters Volume.
Geez where have I been?

Thanks :}

[sfried]

New Update (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/system/system05.html): Devil Fusion and video.

[Enzeru]

New Update (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/system/system05.html): Devil Fusion and video.Long fusion animation is long.

[Crow T. Robot]

Ohhh Titan, I like Titan.

:}

[Kyuketsukimiyu]

I hope you can skip the fusion animation. The novelty of such sequences wears off fairly quickly. Though I doubt that they wouldn't let you skip it...
Still, that was fairly nifty. Between the trailer and the music this game looks like it might be so epic that it will break my DS.:p I can't wait to play.

[monody]

I don't expect their viewpoints to degenerate to the level of internet discussions, but be more like the differing views Captain Kirk, Doctor McCoy or Mr. Spock would have.

Funny you should make that comparison -- I named the MC, Law Hero, and Chaos Hero in my SMTI game Kirk, Spock, and Bones. ... Though admittedly that was mostly because I read a bit of the Let's Play before starting the game and the fan translation had Chaos Hero saying "good God, man!" at one point.

/tangent

[Emilio Morales]

New scans:

http://nijiko.wordpress.com/files/2009/09/strangejourney00.jpg
http://nijiko.wordpress.com/files/2009/09/strangejourney01.jpg
http://nijiko.wordpress.com/files/2009/09/strangejourney02.jpg
http://nijiko.wordpress.com/files/2009/09/strangejourney03.jpg
http://nijiko.wordpress.com/files/2009/09/strangejourney04.jpg
http://nijiko.wordpress.com/files/2009/09/strangejourney05.jpg
http://nijiko.wordpress.com/files/2009/09/strangejourney06.jpg


Interesting, you will be able to give your friend some demons by sharing a password. 60 different types of extra missions, given by various characters throughout the game. And a blonde girl that looks a lot to Alice seems to be an NPC.

[Spacial User X]

I love Kazuma Kaneko's art *_*

1 month to japanese release and no word by Atlus USA about a localization.

[monody]

1 month to japanese release and no word by Atlus USA about a localization.

Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha 2's localization wasn't announced until months after it came out in Japan, and I wouldn't be surprised if that ended up being the case with this too. It seems like a somewhat unusual game (at least for the SMT franchise) and isn't Persona, so it probably won't be wildly popular, and so they'll probably take their time about it.

[DamageCity]

1 month to japanese release and no word by Atlus USA about a localization.

Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha 2's localization wasn't announced until months after it came out in Japan, and I wouldn't be surprised if that ended up being the case with this too. It seems like a somewhat unusual game (at least for the SMT franchise) and isn't Persona, so it probably won't be wildly popular, and so they'll probably take their time about it.


huh?

Wha?

[unknown]

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x165/arcstuff/facepalm_statue.jpg

[Crow T. Robot]

1 month to japanese release and no word by Atlus USA about a localization.

Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha 2's localization wasn't announced until months after it came out in Japan, and I wouldn't be surprised if that ended up being the case with this too. It seems like a somewhat unusual game (at least for the SMT franchise) and isn't Persona, so it probably won't be wildly popular, and so they'll probably take their time about it.
http://i28.tinypic.com/6sawyo.jpg

[Kenji]

Well, we have at least one angelic character, which is more than consistent with the general plot direction of SMT, especially when combined with a Goetia demon that also has a speaking role.

I'm also fairly interested in who this mysterious girl might be...

[Enzeru]

^Lucifer! :0

[Spacial User X]

Louise Cypher D:

[Sleepless Neko]

Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha 2's localization wasn't announced until months after it came out in Japan, and I wouldn't be surprised if that ended up being the case with this too. It seems like a somewhat unusual game (at least for the SMT franchise) and isn't Persona, so it probably won't be wildly popular, and so they'll probably take their time about it.[/QUOTE]

Wait what?

The blond girl>> Lucifer's daughter/sister?

[Kenji]

Y'know, Lucifer was my first thought, too... but I kinda wanted to dismiss that, since it seems too obvious. :P

Then again, things always get more fun when he takes an active role in the storyline, so I wouldn't complain...

[Enzeru]

Lucifer is *Raidou 2/Nocturne Spoilers?*always blonde. xD It wouldn't surprise me if she was Lucifer, lol.

EDIT: Also, new (?) page and specials on the website.

http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/system/system05.html
http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/special/index.html

Uploaded the pack to PB for easy viewing:
http://s173.photobucket.com/albums/w77/FEDKite/SJPack/

[ShadowYuri]

Some exciting trailer about Strange Journey here! (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&ie=UTF8&langpair=fr|en&u=http://portablerpg.com/index.php/200909131638/News/NDS/Un-trailer-exclusif-pour-Stange-Journey.html) (apparently it won't be out on the official website until tommorow, too!)

I'm getting psyched about this one ^_^

[Enzeru]

Added trailer to Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMSQLzHfT3I

[Kenji]

I love the music in this trailer! :D

On a lesser note, stupid Demonica suit being a forced acronym... reminds me of Gundam SEED (Hint: Both "Gundam" and "SEED" are acronyms, and nobody knows what "SEED" stands for)

[OverGAR]

Added trailer to Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMSQLzHfT3I

Awesome! gao! love the music, way to go Meguro xd

[Spacial User X]

Awesome trailer. Im very excited about this game.

I was looking on the forums, Devul Survivor was released in America 5 months after Japan, but the localization was anouced less than a month after japanese release. I guess Atlus USA will annouce it middle October for a early 2010 release. :D

[Enzeru]

early 2010 release. :D
Not quite...I'm pretty sure they're already done with they're early 2010 list. I'm guessing more of an April/May date.

[cj iwakura]

The new music is creepy.

[syl]

The scenes with the ship's interior reminded me of Event Horizon.
All the elements of Strange Jouney seem to be merging together well, I can't wait for the next update.

[Manic Expressive]

So why hasn't this been announced yet? :p

[Emilio Morales]

Looks awesome! But I didn't see any movement on the first gigantic "boss".

[Raksha]

Meguro switched to orchestra for this one it seems.

[Sleepless Neko]

Meguro switched to orchestra for this one it seems.
Still awesome of course!!

Looking at the trailer... I get more excited!!
Atlus USA needs to localize this one ASAP!

[Manic Expressive]

1 month to japanese release and no word by Atlus USA about a localization.

Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha 2's localization wasn't announced until months after it came out in Japan, and I wouldn't be surprised if that ended up being the case with this too. It seems like a somewhat unusual game (at least for the SMT franchise) and isn't Persona, so it probably won't be wildly popular, and so they'll probably take their time about it.

You obviously have no idea wtf you are talking about, Atlus USA localized Etrian Odyssey 2 within 4 months of it's Japanese release. So I should expect around the same treatment for Strange Journey, I mean it is built from the same engine.

Was Etrian Odyssey as popular as the Persona series? Nope. Does anybody who truly loves good video games even give a damn about something as trivial and pointless as that? Good god, no.

Remember kids, popularity =/= a better game.

Meguro switched to orchestra for this one it seems.
Still awesome of course!!

Looking at the trailer... I get more excited!!
Atlus USA needs to localize this one ASAP!

:3

[Enzeru]

I wonder why the cutscene shown is widescreen, though. xD Seems pretty pointless.

[Euclid]

The website has been updated with a new character called Arthur (which reminds me of HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey) and two new system videos, one showing a full battle and the other one some characters speaking.

Here are the links:
http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/system/system06.html
http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/system/system07.html
http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/cast/cast05.html

I'm really excited about this game, I hope Atlus announces it soon...
(By the way, sorry if I have some grammatical or orthographical errors, English is not my main language)

Edit: there is also an update in the special section which I forgot to mention, here is the link:http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/special/index.html

[m3izero]

oh,japanese,english should be ok to me

[Raksha]

Arthur = SMT R2-D2.

[Enzeru]

Love the music. Very space-age-ish. This is seems to be even more futuristic than other SMTs.

Also, videos on YTube:
Cast 05 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GXu-VFrEzE
System 06 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5UlDW4D0IE&feature=channel
System 07 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqCo3hMUpG8&feature=channel

[hickwarrior]

The soundtrack has this feel of dread around it, and yet turns badass. That is awesome. Also, it seems like if you hit a weakspot, or do something specific, your whole party will be doing a co-op attack. I wonder how that'll work out.

[four_black_hearts]

^When a character or demon exploits an enemy weakness, other party members who share the same "stance" (alignment), will perform a follow up attack!

[Kenji]

I guess that implies (along with the very small damage being inflicted on Morax) that damage values will be low, unless you use the Co-op system. Either this game will be significantly more difficult than usual, or significantly easier than usual. Or, at least, that's how it feels to me.

[four_black_hearts]

Let's hope for the former, I'm really hoping it offers more challenges than Devil Survivor! :yawn:

[Enzeru]

I guess that implies (along with the very small damage being inflicted on Morax) that damage values will be low, unless you use the Co-op system. Either this game will be significantly more difficult than usual, or significantly easier than usual. Or, at least, that's how it feels to me.
Usual as in Nocturne/DDS? I wouldn't mind if it was a little harder...like, Normal = Nocturne's Hard Mode (although I admit I died in the tutorial on Hard Mode, lol).

[illogicaldreamr]

Let's hope for the former, I'm really hoping it offers more challenges than Devil Survivor! :yawn:

You could always give yourself more of a challenge by only putting in one or two people in a battle at a time.

[Kenji]

Usual as in Nocturne/DDS? I wouldn't mind if it was a little harder...like, Normal = Nocturne's Hard Mode (although I admit I died in the tutorial on Hard Mode, lol).
More or less. SMT1 so far isn't proving that terribly difficult (sustainability being the biggest problem) and I haven't played P1 or the early Devil Summoner games yet, so I can't judge those. So yeah, "usual" would be along the Nocturne and DDS2 (Hard) range.

I also wouldn't mind a harder game. :D After all, one of the main things that excites me about P3P (female protag aside) is the Maniacs difficulty.

[four_black_hearts]

You could always give yourself more of a challenge by only putting in one or two people in a battle at a time.
After 3 tours through it, even just one or two characters tend to breeze through most battles... Also, I don't see the ability to self impose handicaps as the same thing as offering a challenge.

[dungeon_man]

You could always give yourself more of a challenge by only putting in one or two people in a battle at a time.
After 3 tours through it, even just one or two characters tend to breeze through most battles... Also, I don't see the ability to self impose handicaps as the same thing as offering a challenge.

Agreed. Self-imposed handicaps don't allow you to fully utilize the game system and available resources. A proper challenge would be one that tests the players when they are fully utilizing everything available.

I'd be happy if Strange Journey's normal difficulty fell somewhere between Nocturne's Normal and Hard as long as it provides Easy and Hard options for people who need or want them.

[illogicaldreamr]

You could always give yourself more of a challenge by only putting in one or two people in a battle at a time.
After 3 tours through it, even just one or two characters tend to breeze through most battles... Also, I don't see the ability to self impose handicaps as the same thing as offering a challenge.

Agreed. Self-imposed handicaps don't allow you to fully utilize the game system and available resources. A proper challenge would be one that tests the players when they are fully utilizing everything available.

I'd be happy if Strange Journey's normal difficulty fell somewhere between Nocturne's Normal and Hard as long as it provides Easy and Hard options for people who need or want them.

I agree, but sometimes the game isn't as challenging as you'd like so you have to find new ways to make it more challenging. A good example is people trying to beat Etrian Odyssey using only a Protector. It's not the proper way to play the game, but it's definitely fun to see if you can do it. Also, some people have a harder time in a game than others. I've seen plenty of help topics for a point in Devil Survivor where I needed no help on.

I am hoping Strange Journey offers a challenge, because I love difficulty in a game.

[Emilio Morales]

New scans!

http://nijiko.wordpress.com/files/2009/09/smt-strangejourney-famitsus.jpg
http://nijiko.wordpress.com/files/2009/09/smt-strangejourney-famitsus2.jpg

[sfried]

New page (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/cast/cast06.html) updates (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/system/system08.html) as well!

[hickwarrior]

^Wait, why does the demo in the 2nd link look like lilim(was lilith or lilim? I don't quite remember)?

[Foobar]

Because it is Lilim per Devil Summoner 2. Between that and the classic Lilim, I like this one better.

[sfried]

New updates Mansemat (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/cast/cast07.html) and "Form" (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/system/system09.html) are up.

[Emilio Morales]

Does Mansemat is some sort of fallen angel? I'm really looking forward to this game! :D

[Crow T. Robot]

New scans!

http://nijiko.wordpress.com/files/2009/09/smt-strangejourney-famitsus.jpg
http://nijiko.wordpress.com/files/2009/09/smt-strangejourney-famitsus2.jpg
Ohhh Baphomet looks awesome as always.

New page (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/cast/cast06.html) updates (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/system/system08.html) as well!
I like that Lilim, very much.

New updates Mansemat (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/cast/cast07.html) and "Form" (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/system/system09.html) are up.
Mansemat does look like some sort of fallen angel, but I can't seem to find any legit info on him.

Alright nevermind, I found something on Mansemat.

Mastema, Mansemat The accusing angel; like Satan, he works for God as tempter and executioner; he is prince of evil, injustice, and condemnation. The Book of Jubilees and The Zádokite Fragments and the Dead Sea Scrolls, cite him as the angel of adversity, ”father of all evil, yet subservant to God.” It was Mastema who tried to kill Moses (Exodus 4:24) and who hardened Pharaoh’s heart (the Midrash Abkir names Uzza here). There is a legend that he appealed to God to spare some of the demons so that he might execute the power of his will on the sons of man. God apparently thought this was a good idea and allowed 1/10th of the demons to remain at large, in the service of Mastema. It is also claimed that he helped the Egyptian sorcerers when Moses and Aaron appeared before Pharaoh to perform their magick.

[Emilio Morales]

Cool! Thanks for the info, really interesting O:

[OverGAR]

Yeah! cool info, thank, I like to know those kind of thing.

[Enzeru]

Youtube!

System 08 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ1DH8lrXvo

Masemat - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqIkYv71EVg

[sfried]

Creator's Voice interview (http://touch-ds.jp/crv/vol14/001.html) with Kaneko (in Japanese).

It's official: This installment really is SMTIV.

[Enzeru]

It's official: This installment really is SMTIV.
SMT permanently on handhelds CONFIRMED?!

[brigadeleader]

According to NeoGAF.

Kaneko says that originally, this was indeed SMT4. It is SMT4 for all intents and purposes as a SMT game. Except, SMT1-3 all took place in Tokyo, and because this takes on a different location and setting, he felt it would be more fitting to just give it a different title. He also mentions why it does not take place in Tokyo. For someone living in Tokyo, the original games will have a strong impact geographically because it's their home city and this is a "what if" situation revolving around that. But for people who live in other countries, far away from Tokyo, it would not have the same impact and they might feel left out. So he decided to create a scenario and setting where everyone can appreciate and feel connected in a more similar way.


It's cool that he's thinking about us overseas people. :D

[hickwarrior]

It's official: This installment really is SMTIV.
SMT permanently on handhelds CONFIRMED?!

Well, it might be logical, seeing how handheld games are usually produced for less than console games. But that's only what I think.

But to me, that statement would be so awesome.

[Tsuko]

This actually looks a lot better than what I was expecting. Too bad it's a DS game.

This. I hate playing on the DS, but I'll do what I must.

this game isnt even out in Japan yet, how can you hate playing it before the release date?

[Enzeru]

Well, it might be logical, seeing how handheld games are usually produced for less than console games. But that's only what I think.

But to me, that statement would be so awesome.
Kind of like how most Sting games are on handhelds, lol.

ALSO:


"So, today's blog post is from Tatsuya Watanabe, the Map & EX Mission planner for Strange Journey. Those who have played Raidou 2 should be happy to know that he's also the Map & Case File Planner for Raidou 2.

In the blog post he talks about his involvement in particular for the EX Missions in Strange Journey. He says that there are certain important factors to consider before implementing a sidequest in the game.

Firstly, he feels a sidequest should add to the worldview and setting, and that they should help explore the nature of the demons existing in the game world, and what they actually do in the world. The nature of their existence in the dimension and the roots of their mythological references are things which can be explored outside of the main scenario, and using EX Missions for them is a good way to expand the worldview.

Secondly, sidequests must have good pace. Pacing is an extremely important aspect of gameplay to Atlus developers, and anything added to the game must complement the game systems and overall flow of the game. He says that he tried to avoid adding EX Missions which are basically glorified fetch quests which are troublesome and annoying for players, instead he tried to focus on creating meaningful quests which involved taking advantage of the Demonica Suit's functions for searching and exploring. His aim is to have missions which have objectives and solutions, as opposed to just a straightforward request.

Finally, he says it is very important that optional missions remain -optional-. By this, he means that they should always remain something that the player can choose to do optionally, but never feel the pressure to complete them within a certain time or something which will interrupt the main scenario of the game just to accomplish before it is no longer available. As such, there will not be any time restricted EX Missions in the game. They will always be available once you find them, and you can do them at your own leisure.

He does warn however, that although there are no time restricted EX Missions in the game, there will be mission which are affected or influenced by [censored word]. There will also be EX Missions which will only become available depending on [censored word]. Since this is a SMT game, I don't think we have to think too hard to figure out what he's saying. Obviously the Stance/Alignment will play a role in limiting or opening up certain optional quests as well.

Overall, today's post was extremely informative as an insight into how a planner at Atlus thinks when he designs for a game, and I found it very interesting. I hope you guys enjoy the information too. This definitely beats yesterday's entry from the dungeon planner who spent most of the post talking about his favorite B-grade Hollywood horror/thriller movies!"

[jeffx]

god damn it Atlus USA, announce this already.

[Enzeru]

According to Famitsu, the game can go into over 100 hours if you focus on fusing, and 70 hours if not... x.x

[Kordero]

This actually looks a lot better than what I was expecting. Too bad it's a DS game.

This. I hate playing on the DS, but I'll do what I must.

Me too... hate DS, I love my PSP and Ps2 :lovefirefox:

[Emilio Morales]

Can someone post a brief translation about this interview (http://touch-ds.jp/crv/vol14/001.html) with Kaneko-sama?

EDIT: In the meantime, reading what makes sense from google traductor.

[sfried]

This actually looks a lot better than what I was expecting. Too bad it's a DS game.

This. I hate playing on the DS, but I'll do what I must.

Me too... hate DS, I love my PSP and Ps2 :lovefirefox:
Oh poor Sony fanboy baby...Feeling a little butthurt? :P

[Emilio Morales]

Ok, the interview is pretty much about the game's mechanics, as far as I could understand from google traductor. :D

[DamageCity]

I just saw the pre-release box in a local shop, listed as 6100 yen.


ouch.

[Enzeru]

I just saw the pre-release box in a local shop, listed as 6100 yen.


ouch.
Isn't that what P3P costs, too? o.0 Weird.

[hickwarrior]

That's expensive for most of the games on an handheld, IMO.

[DamageCity]

I just saw the pre-release box in a local shop, listed as 6100 yen.


ouch.
Isn't that what P3P costs, too? o.0 Weird.

I haven't seen any pre-release displays for P3P but the average NDS game is 4500 yen.

[illogicaldreamr]

god damn it Atlus USA, announce this already.

For real! We absolutely have to have this game. I'm not worried that we won't get it since it was announced in the interview with Kaneko that this is SMTIV. Atlus wouldn't deprieve us of that!

[four_black_hearts]

Hopefully they're still ridden with guilt about depriving us of SMT I & II GBA!:lol:

[Enzeru]

I just saw the pre-release box in a local shop, listed as 6100 yen.


ouch.
Isn't that what P3P costs, too? o.0 Weird.

I haven't seen any pre-release displays for P3P but the average NDS game is 4500 yen.
According to the P3P website P3P is ¥6,279, so that definitely is a very high price for a DS game.

[Crow T. Robot]

This actually looks a lot better than what I was expecting. Too bad it's a DS game.

This. I hate playing on the DS, but I'll do what I must.

Me too... hate DS, I love my PSP and Ps2 :lovefirefox:
I didn't mind the DS to much when I was playing Devil Survivor but it is a bit uncomfortable to me, especially since I have a mild case of arthritis in my hands and wrists. But it's not gonna stop me from getting this game if/when it's localized.

Also Kordero, I've never seen that pic of the P4 main character before.

[sfried]

The latest update is about EX Missions (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/system/system10.html) and a mysterious girl (http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/cast/cast08.html).

I didn't mind the DS to much when I was playing Devil Survivor but it is a bit uncomfortable to me, especially since I have a mild case of arthritis in my hands and wrists. But it's not gonna stop me from getting this game if/when it's localized.
I happen to have a DSi, do I don't suffer from any crampiness whatsoever. And the big screen is nice and clear, not to mention the quality of the audio.

[Crow T. Robot]

Mystery girl looks creepy and she has a hair pin that looks like Louis Cyphre's cane in Nocturne.

[Sleepless Neko]

There's no new info about the blonde Girl here either... Now, I'm really curious about her (aside my random theory that she's a female version of Louis Cyphre).

[Foobar]

Well, she resembles both Lucifer and Alice from Alice in Wonderland. And of course, Alice in Wonderland will bring up author Lewis Carroll. This brings as back to the first half "Lucifer" in "Lewis," which is interchangeable with the previous "Louis."

It should be noted that "Lewis Carroll" was just a pen-name, the author's real name was Charles Lutwigde Dodgson. So this girl could identify herself as Alice and still be Lucifer.

[DamageCity]

I just saw a commercial for SJ on TV.

Awesome.

[Enzeru]

Youtube!

System 10 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hM5vENN-uQ

Mysterious Girl - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlTHYGJJmGA

[Crow T. Robot]

I love the outer space environment ATLUS went with for this one. They should make more of em.

[jeffx]

I just saw a commercial for SJ on TV.

Awesome.

Are you day-one-ing it?

[DamageCity]

I just saw a commercial for SJ on TV.

Awesome.

Are you day-one-ing it?


Yeah I figure I will, I hope I score some surprise loot like with Persona PSP.

[AdrianMorales]

Is anyone importing? I would like to know if the game comes with the soundtrack as well.

[Inzaghi]

Is anyone importing? I would like to know if the game comes with the soundtrack as well.

No, there's already a listing on amazon Japan for the soundtrack sold separately.

[Spacial User X]

Mystery girl looks creepy and she has a hair pin that looks like Louis Cyphre's cane in Nocturne.

:agree:

http://megamisj.atlusnet.jp/cast/cast08.html

http://www.dokuganryu.com/scans/megaten/iii/11.jpg

[DamageCity]

Well I just broke the seal. No extra loot but the price was cheaper than I expected, down to 5625 yen.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/DeadByDawn/IMG_1659.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/DeadByDawn/IMG_1662.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/DeadByDawn/IMG_1663.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/DeadByDawn/IMG_1664.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/DeadByDawn/IMG_1667.jpg

[Emilio Morales]

^How lucky you are! *o* Those screens looks awesome. They just make me want the game even more... but I guess I'll have to buy a DS since I don't think my friend will borrow me his DS again. :S

[sfried]

^How lucky you are! *o* Those screens looks awesome. They just make me want the game even more... but I guess I'll have to buy a DS since I don't think my friend will borrow me his DS again. :SGet a DSi if you want to get the best out of the soundtrack (since the Lite's audio can be a little weak and scratchy at times).

But even so, from those Lite screen, it looks to be definitely up my alley.

[Emilio Morales]

^Thanks for the suggestion, I'll keep it in mind, but I guess I'll have to ask my wallet first. :lol:

[OptimisticPessimist]

Are we going to see a US release for this game?

[sfried]

Speaking of music, anybody want to listen to the random battle music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P144_rhWZKM&fmt=22) and miniboss theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N60YeAiQFw&fmt=22)?

[hickwarrior]

Well, it definitely has epic all over it. It's also kinda atmospheric, which is okay. I guess I only really like the battle themes when it gets to the good parts, though.

[OverGAR]

Did you hear the Boss battle music? It's so epic! Boss Battle Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93IdekuPKV8)

[Zacewing]

I really like the orchestral style they're going for with the soundtrack. It sounds different from a lot of the regular SMT stuff.

[sfried]

Not to derail, but I wonder why people are still posting Persona related stuff here despite having a separate thread for it...

Any progress on the Strange Journey playthrough?

[Inzaghi]

Not to derail, but I wonder why people are still posting Persona related stuff here despite having a separate thread for it...

No one is. It's their signatures.

[Archie55]

Hey... I know that lots of people will hate me for asking this, but i'm new to the entire SMT series- all of it- but is it likely that it will come here to the US???

[Kenji]

Yeah, it's likely. I'd be far more surprised if it somehow didn't come here.

[sfried]

Not to derail, but I wonder why people are still posting Persona related stuff here despite having a separate thread for it...

No one is. It's their signatures.I was refering more to the Persona threads started under the Main series (http://www.atlus.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=20) (non spinoffs) subject threads instead of...the Persona series (http://www.atlus.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=83)?

Anyways, any update on the experience? More (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2UkE2XgIB4) music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2ssvAXf1So) from (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffprNtPVVNI) the (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oHMoUyXfVA) game (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD5DHtA13mo). Battle ~ Chaos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJKtk7yWAc8)/Law (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9IqyhqFeSM)

[Ephidel]

Tbh, they were probably already there before everything was sorted into nice neat specific sections :P

I really like the look of this game from screens I've seen and the impressions post on siliconera. I really hope it does get a release, as if it does it will shoot to the top of my preorder list.

[Archie55]

AWESOME!!!!!! IF IT DOES COME HERE, DAY 1!!!!! But i asked because i can't remember if the other ones did or not, but i didn't think that they did...

[sfried]

I really wish Atlus would let the soundtrack be a pre-order bonus. After all, it fits in one disk, which is convinient.

[unknown]

I personally would prefer an artbook.

[DamageCity]

I doubt we'll get any bonuses which is fine by me.

[sfried]

I personally would prefer an artbook.
Oh ho, why not both? This would be perfect for the spoils program.

[jeffx]

At this point I just want the game... fast.