Atlus announces SMT: Strange Journey for Nintendo DS

[AtlusAram]

ATLUS ANNOUNCES FIRST-PERSON SCIENCE FICTION RPG
SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI®: STRANGE JOURNEY™ FOR NINTENDO DS™
Within our own world, a new frontier awaits...

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

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA -- NOVEMBER 5, 2009 -- Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced Shin Megami Tensei®: Strange Journey™, a first-person science fiction RPG for Nintendo DS™. A startlingly original entry in the award-winning Shin Megami Tensei universe, Strange Journey takes the heralded RPG franchise to exciting new frontiers. The game has already released in Japan to strong demand and critical acclaim, earning a 10/9/9/8 from Famitsu, the highest score the popular magazine has ever awarded a Shin Megami Tensei title.

In the near future, a mysterious, growing, black void appears at the Earth's southern pole. Unable to determine its cause and powerless to stop its deadly encroachment, humanity sends an elite team of explorers into the heart of the phenomenon, just as Strange Journey's look and feel represent a return to the heart of Shin Megami Tensei, bringing to mind the all-time classic Nocturne™. With over 300 demons to bribe, coerce, and negotiate with to gain assistance in battle, Strange Journey is every bit the deep, rewarding RPG experience fans have come to expect from the SMT franchise, yet delivered with a fresh new sci-fi story that taps into mature themes of morality and introspection.

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey for Nintendo DS is currently scheduled for release on March 10, 2010.

For more information, visit the official website: http://www.atlus.com/strangejourney

#####

About SMT: Strange Journey
When the black spot appeared in the Antarctic, mankind became nervous; when it began to spread, that anxiety turned to panic. The Joint Project, convened to discuss how to deal with the expanding anomaly, decided to send in four ships carrying humanity's finest soldiers and most cutting-edge technology. The mission: to investigate what lay on the other side of what had been dubbed the Schwarzwelt and find out if there was a way to stop it from eventually covering the Earth.

You are an elite soldier hand-picked for the Strike Team, outfitted with a Demonica environment suit and posted to the Red Sprite under Commander Gore. Upon entering the Schwarzwelt, the crew finds itself forced to deal with harsh conditions, supernatural interference, and throngs of demons populating the bewildering world. What exactly is the Schwarzwelt? What awaits at the end of this strange journey? It is entirely in your hands to find out...

Key Features

Shin Megami Tensei goes beyond -- Strange Journey's game mechanics represent a return to the proud tradition of the all-time dungeon-crawling classic SMT: Nocturne, while its story takes players into the near future on a mission to save Earth and to understand humanity's position within the larger universe.
A dark turn into science fiction -- Who or what is causing the black hole that is engulfing the Earth? A mission to investigate the cause uncovers a whole world of demons that humans knew nothing about. Do they seek your destruction or will you seek theirs? Will you decide to save Earth or choose another path for humanity?
Team up with demons -- Demons may be friends or foes depending on your ability to negotiate, bribe, and coerce them to join your party. With more than 300 types of demons, you'll have a huge variety of battlefield encounters and an equally large base of options on which to build your party strategy.

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

#####

About Atlus U.S.A., Inc.
Located in Irvine, California and founded in 1991, Atlus U.S.A., Inc. is renowned for its proud tradition of publishing exceptional role-playing games with strong niche appeal. The Atlus library of critically acclaimed video games includes Odin Sphere, the Trauma Center series, and the award-winning Shin Megami Tensei series. For more information, visit http://www.atlus.com.

For breaking news, special promotions, insider info, and more, visit http://www.atlus.com/faithful to join the ranks of the Atlus Faithful!

Twitter: www.twitter.com/AtlusUSA
Facebook Page: www.atlus.com/facebook

©2009 ATLUS SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI, SMT are registered trademarks of Atlus U.S.A., Inc. Licensed to and published by Atlus U.S.A., Inc.

[unknown]

#### YES

My prophecy is coming true

[poiuiu]

Surprise surprise.

And I can actually replay the game without deleting my save file unlike the two EO games.:seesaw:

[Gen Eric Gui]

Sweet. Day one for sure.

[synthfetish]

yes! this game looks amazing

[Olethros]

Purchase Date: Day 1
Actual Play Date: :confused:

(It's going to be a HUGE internal debate between my desire to play this and my over-all aversion to hand-held gaming).

[HelloDentist]

I'm freaking excited for this! I think it's the only SMT game I'd play on my DS.
I mean, of the ones already available.

[Emilio Morales]

This totally make my day! Day one, for me, of course!!! :D

EDIT: This will be my birthday present next year. :lol:

[sdragon21]

It's about time we got a true SMT game. Absolutley can't wait for this.

[deku2106]

Shabadoo

Main character confirmed for Joey Joejoe Junior.

Seriously though, count me in for first day purchase.

[sfried]

I hope it's not too late to make a few minor modifications on the logo. I hear some people complaining about the "Shin Megami Tensei" text. Perhaps if the Roman-numeric alphabet was overlaid on top of the old kanji logo it would be less jarring.

[Sseklebeast]

Thank you, Atlus! Day one for sure. :)

[kat_ears_kahrain]

I hope it's not too late to make a few minor modifications on the logo. I hear some people complaining about the "Shin Megami Tensei" text. Perhaps if the Roman-numeric alphabet was overlaid on top of the old kanji logo it would be less jarring.

I agree. The text is a little jarring, and I want to avert my eyes from it for some reason. Maybe it's the bad color palette?

[AbsyntheDelacroix]

I Came Buckets

[Euclid]

Awesome! I have been waiting for this announcement. First day purchase for me! :D

[SlaughterX]

Amazon link (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VA593A?ie=UTF8&tag=1upcom0f-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002VA593A)... preordered! Now give us DS gamers a preorder bonus for a change!

[Hamel]

Holy #### Yes I Love You Atlus

[Spacial User X]

So, Amazon.ca was right. :D

Thank you Atlus, Day one for sure!

[Eggn0g]

5 days before my Birthday! Not complaining here :p

[kufufu]

Unf. Day 1!

[DirewolfX]

OMG! Big surprise! =P

Okay, now while I go pre-order this, how about you guys see to that P3P announcement? ;-)

[poiuiu]

Main character confirmed for Joey Joejoe Junior.


That's the worst name I've ever heard.

And that's still one of the worst boxarts I've ever seen; good thing I'm printing out my own when it's released.

[Jesse_Dylan]

Great news. :) While I suppose I should begin expecting anything SMT to get the translation treatment, especially after such high Famitsu scores, it's still always a nice surprise. Thanks to Atlus, we've come such a long way from the dark ages of pouring over Japanese screenshots and mourning the lack of Stateside releases.

Thank you, Atlus, for turning things around. It is truly glorious to be able to play Japan's games in my native language.

Maybe one day I'll no longer be surprised at release announcements, but for "old-timers" like me, who got so used to being shafted in the 16- and 32-bit days, it's always a pleasant treat to see another Japanese game headed this way.

[sfried]

Please announce pre-order bonuses. Please!

[cj iwakura]

This game hardly needs one. :P

Great news, though the cover is a little jarring.

And no more mandala?

[sfried]

I agree. The text is a little jarring, and I want to avert my eyes from it for some reason. Maybe it's the bad color palette?It needs a stronger (80's vibe) blood-red tone with some monitor-like interlacing, similar to the kanji.

In italics.

[four_black_hearts]

Pre-ordered the second I got home, though I haven't received my faithful email yet?!?

[Lorinosan]

Like this wasn't coming a mile away. :wink:

I already pre-ordered. I just hope this isn't out the same week as four other games I have coming that month. >.>

Edit: Nevermind, reread the article and I missed the March 10th somehow. Thankfully, it isn't. Wa-hoo!

[raiku]

didnt get the email... :(

i keep emails like this, makes me a happy panda

[kat_ears_kahrain]

I agree. The text is a little jarring, and I want to avert my eyes from it for some reason. Maybe it's the bad color palette?It needs a stronger (80's vibe) blood-red tone with some monitor-like interlacing, similar to the kanji.

In italics.

I looked and looked, and finally know what is wrong. It's the size discrepancy between Shin Megami and Tensei. It should all be equal.

Looks like:
SHIN MEGAMI
TENSEI
STRANGE JOURNEY

[cj iwakura]

I think the cover is a good choice, but a nice minimalist approach would be good for the text.

Like Nocturne, SMT in small letters, SJ in large.

[Zacewing]

I would say Day 1, but I'm not sure if I can forgive Atlus for major P3P trollin'.

[Enzeru]

Shin
MEGAMI TENSEI
Strange Journey

would make more sense. But whatever. Day 1! Gamestop, here I come!

[Terash Cas]

Preordered... so far what 5 games to look forward to next year.

[sfried]

I looked and looked, and finally know what is wrong. It's the size discrepancy between Shin Megami and Tensei. It should all be equal.

Looks like:
SHIN MEGAMI
TENSEI
STRANGE JOURNEYYeah, But I also think the type of red for the (Tensei) text is too pastel. They need to make it as strong as the Demonica's red-eye (not the glint which is of a slightly softer hue. I'm already suspecting the eye-dropper accidentally picked that colour up). They also need to remove the stupid text outline but still keep it embossed (there's a subtle shadow dropped), and add the interlace effect of the original.

But I agree with you, like Devil Survivor, they should keep the Shin Megami Tensei in one line.
Here's the original one for reference:
http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Evy9F2HXL._SL500_.jpg

[Emilio Morales]

I looked and looked, and finally know what is wrong. It's the size discrepancy between Shin Megami and Tensei. It should all be equal.

Looks like:
SHIN MEGAMI
TENSEI
STRANGE JOURNEY

Yeah, It looks wierd! It mos be hard to make it fit the whole text in there. I agree with making it like Nocturne. But other than that, I'm happy we'll get the game.

I will seriously need a DS this time.

[illogicaldreamr]

Best announcement ever!

I was on Facebook and I walked away for a few minutes. I refreshed my browser and there was the SJ boxart staring me in the face with the US announcement from Atlus.I was like "OMG YES!!"

[IceCold_Assassin]

Hell yes! I am so pumped for this game.

[amatyultare]

Well, this art major likes the cover, for whatever that's worth. (nothing?)

I'll end up preordering this if I find out it comes with bonuses. Otherwise I'll wait until the price goes down. I'm perpetually backlogged when it comes to games, so I don't usually feel pressured to purchase right away. :yawn:

[Zachalmighty]

I love you Atlus!

[jeffx]

I don't see the problem with the cover. I love the "Strange Journey" font, but then again I'm a bit of a closet YES fan.

did that make any sense?

[sfried]

I don't see the problem with the cover. I love the "Strange Journey" font, but then again I'm a bit of a closet YES fan.

did that make any sense?I have no qualms about the "Strange Journey" font. It's the Shin Megaten part that looks like it could use some improvement.

Considering the "Strange Journey" part and the rest of the art uses strong primaries (intense reds and blue, some gold), the "SMT" could use a stronger sepia and an interlace effect to remain consistent with the classy vibe they have going on.

I was thinking more of the lines of this. Forgive the shoddy work as I only had the press image to work with, so I can't really alter the font placement:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/sfried/SMTSJ.png
Now if only I had the Megaten font...

Edit: Yeah, I know I'm being picky, but if are trying to stick true to the original box art, might as well go all the way.

[Kain Mare]

Very happy with this news.

[kolaces]

I was starting to think I had been taken off the mailing list, with the recent slowing of emails.

All fears gone, good job ATLUS. Was not expecting to see this today.

[Pibbman]

We all knew this was coming. Sounds good. :)

[syl]

Day 1 for sure.
Spoils would be nice...

[urmean15]

Cool, can't wait for this.

Also, maybe one of these days we'll be able to play SMT 1&2 in proper English. :|

[Uzumakijl]

Interesting.... Thanks ATLUS, I'll be buying this the day it comes out. I hope it comes with some item heh :tongue:

[Crabman]

I like how the forums came crashing to a halt when the announement first hit :P

But yeah, day one!

[Castle Pokemetroid]

I'll be getting this, that's for sure.

[DamageCity]

This game makes me cream in my jeans (and I'm wearing slacks ?!!?)

Can't wait to cream in my jeans all over again!

SHABADOO!!!

[RayFoxSith]

I can't wait. Day one'd for sure.

[Nephlabobo]

Certainly not a surprise, but nice to have confirmation just the same.

[dungeon_man]

No surprise, but great news.

Anyway, who cares about the logo? I won't even be able to see the logo while I'm rubbing this on my balls.

[TheSheepman]

Oh you atlus and your SMT, which are awesome.
So a black hole appears and **** happens?

I'm already digging it.

This will be a good successor to nocturne, II and I~!
Considering it's the highest rated once even more than Nocturne I can't to see what all the ha-bub is about.

Words cannot describe this.

[massaker]

People seem to think this is SMT4. It may technically be the forth SMT but it can't be the sequal to nocturne, the game everyone is waiting for? For the PS3 right??

I would be very dissappointed if this is suppossed to be SMT4 Atlus. A great old style smt sure, but not smt4, right?

RIGHT??

[Inzaghi]

I would be very dissappointed if this is suppossed to be SMT4 Atlus. A great old style smt sure, but not smt4, right?

If it was SMT4, you'd know, because there would be a big 4 in the title.

[Gen Eric Gui]

I remember reading in an interview somewheres that one of the lead designers was considering the game to be SMT4 for all intents and purposes. Dunno if that means anything or not.

[massaker]

Thanks for clearing that up, I was getting smashed by people convinced this was smt4. I didn't really think you guys had just forget to put a 4 on the end... on smt4...

Not that this isn't just as cool, I'll be picking this up. Just thought smt4 would be um, a little bigger or something. :p

[sfried]

Thanks for clearing that up, I was getting smashed by people convinced this was smt4. I didn't really think you guys had just forget to put a 4 on the end... on smt4...

Not that this isn't just as cool, I'll be picking this up. Just thought smt4 would be um, a little bigger or something. :pActually Kaneko mentioned that this was supposed to be SMT4, but dropped the number because it does not take place in Tokyo.

So I'm geussing this installment is pretty much in the same spot as Dragon Quest IX (supposed-to-be-for-console-but-for-handheld-instead).

[Andy]

The email said that this is Nocturne's successor, but either way I'm excited.

All I need is a DS.

[thinkfreemind]

didnt get the email... :(

i keep emails like this, makes me a happy panda

I do too. For some reason I started archiving them a long time ago. I have almost 250 Atlus emails saved now. I really used to like the emails where they added exclusive artwork and stuff, as it was good material to create avatars, wallpapers, etc... The oldest Atlus email I have is from 4/11/07 titled "Atlus Q1-Q2 Newsletter," though I might be missing a few since then somehow by mistake.

Anyways, I am excited for this game and Atlus has another guaranteed purchase from me.

[SlaughterX]

I would jsut like to say that I for one think the cover art kicks ass. I can't believe peopel are nit picking over the text... Anyway I need a high res wallpaper of the cover art stat, is there anything like that ont he JP site?

[Zeta_Nova]

Kuso! That amazon started the wildfire, then this came along XD.

Though, in a good way

[SlaughterX]

Preorder art book please! I would kill for a KK artbook, just give me a target!

[thinkfreemind]

Not that this game needs a bonus, but you know what I'd like to see more of for bonuses?

Stickers!

I love stickers. I still have one of my two Digital Devil Saga stickers on my PS2 controller. It's worn down and coming off in spots, but I love that I have it. Heck, I have a very nice Zelda DS, but if a DS game came with some stickers, I'd plaster them all over the handheld. Besides, stickers make sense as a bonus item for DS games in general due to their small size, low cost and ability to be packaged inside the game case.

Now I'm not asking Atlus for a pre-order item for this game, I don't think I've ever asked for anything extra (except perhaps the Raidou plushie which I was actually willing to pay for separately), but I suppose I figured this to be as good a spot as any on this forum to give my opinion on the topic of bonus items. And this opinion is not directed specifically to Atlus either, rather it's just me wondering aloud why game companies don't do this; though now I realize that this may not indeed be the best place to rant on this subject, as I doubt any other game publishers will see my opinion here.

/rant :P

[sfried]

Preorder art book please!
This. And soundtrack, please. The works just like Knights in the Nightmare!

[pichonCalavera]

Great news. I found out on Joystiq first, but still became excited later on by reading my email.

March 10 is great, gives me time to finish Nocturne first.

[AdrianMorales]

Not a big surprise here seeing how this is part of their own catalog.

[thinkfreemind]

Anyway I need a high res wallpaper of the cover art stat,

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

[DDanny]

Finally a true classic megaten to be released outside of Japan.

[Kyuketsukimiyu]

Awesome~ I cant wait!

[AdrianMorales]

No game is complete without Jack Frost:
http://www.upload.ro/3039/4509/70544f.jpg

[AbsyntheDelacroix]

Demoniho image and stuff

Wow, he's strong.

[kufufu]

Aw, that Demoniho's so cute.

[kat_ears_kahrain]

I would be very dissappointed if this is suppossed to be SMT4 Atlus. A great old style smt sure, but not smt4, right?

If it was SMT4, you'd know, because there would be a big 4 in the title.

So when are we getting 1, 2, and 3? Because I don't see a number on Nocturne, so it must not be a main series title.

Seriously though, when do we get 1 and 2?

[Inzaghi]

So when are we getting 1, 2, and 3? Because I don't see a number on Nocturne, so it must not be a main series title.

No one said a game had to have a number to be a main series title. SJ definitely is a main series title. It's just not numbered.

And of course Nocturne is SMTIII. No one at Atlus USA would say otherwise, whatever the reasons behind us dropping the number for the US release. But by the same token, SJ is definitely not SMTIV, because, well, there's no IV in the title in any region. It's not enough that it's clearly identified as a main series entry? Why's it so important to people that it "really" be SMTIV or not?

[Foobar]

Glad to hear its coming, can't wait.

[Kenji]

1) Thank you, Atlus!!

2) See, I said there was no reason to worry... it's good to be right. :tongue:

3) Day One purchase, assured!

Regarding the issue of numbers, I don't think it's an issue. As I've mentioned before (and will freely mention again), I've started to feel that Nocturne shouldn't have been numbered, since it has about as much to do with the Great Destruction arc as if... and Strange Journey. I'm perfectly fine, living without numbered installments.

Anyway, this is excellent news. :D Glad it's finally out in the open!

[cj iwakura]

I would like to think they're saving IV for when it would make the most impact: as a true next-gen game (PS3!).

[sfried]

I would like to think they're saving IV for when it would make the most impact: as a true next-gen game (PS3!).Veiled system trolls incoming!

[Kakizaki]

Awesome. I'm greedy though, and wish we could be playing this by Xmas. ;)

[Kromat]

I loved SMT : Devil Survivor, gonna love SMT: Strange Journey, as well.

Loving Atlus more and more, with this US release announced, and that Disgaea and others made it on the Playstation Network.

P.S. Jack Frost does kick ass :D, and so does all the mythology that is used in these games.

[paireon]

(to the sound of Yello's old tune - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q7FFjUpVLg) Ooooooooh Yeaahh!... Definitely a preorder on my part. Although, anyone else notice the amusing similarity between the cover character's helmet and the head of a Doctor Who Cyberman?

[Amine Hsu Nekuchan]

I've been so waiting for this. March can't come soon enough.

[DrJonAngus]

Atlus has my money on this one for sure.

[Zacewing]

So when are we getting 1, 2, and 3? Because I don't see a number on Nocturne, so it must not be a main series title.

No one said a game had to have a number to be a main series title. SJ definitely is a main series title. It's just not numbered.

And of course Nocturne is SMTIII. No one at Atlus USA would say otherwise, whatever the reasons behind us dropping the number for the US release. But by the same token, SJ is definitely not SMTIV, because, well, there's no IV in the title in any region. It's not enough that it's clearly identified as a main series entry? Why's it so important to people that it "really" be SMTIV or not?

Well, Kaneko said that it was, for all intents and purposes, SMTIV. They just didn't give it a number because it doesn't take place in Japan.

[Inzaghi]

Well, Kaneko said that it was, for all intents and purposes, SMTIV. They just didn't give it a number because it doesn't take place in Japan.

So there you go. Kaneko himself has explained his reasoning for not calling it SMTIV. Why insist on overruling that?

[sfried]

I hope the complaints addressed to the title text have not gone unheard.


"Now, it is the beginning of a fantastic story! Let us make a journey to the cave of monsters! Good luck!"

[henbayward]

I'm assuming this plays like Etrian Odyssey? First-person and all that? My only SMT experience is P3. Are the enemies animated?

p.s. I can't be the only one seeing a Cyberman on the game cover, can I?

[Foobar]

The enemies are animated somewhat, its not like the stills they are in Devil Surivior.

Don't go in expecting Persona 3, though, this one will be rather different.

[paireon]

I can't be the only one seeing a Cyberman on the game cover, can I?

Heh, no worries, just look at my previous post further up; I noticed it too.:D

[LadyRayna]

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8310/hellsyeah.gif (http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8310/hellsyeah.gif)

Purchase Date: Day 1
Actual Play Date: :confused:

(It's going to be a HUGE internal debate between my desire to play this and my over-all aversion to hand-held gaming).

This, but for a different reason, I have no idea when my copy will arrive.

[Fuyukaze]

Now all I want to know is, what are the spoils going to be? This game looked sweet as hell months ago. I almost ordered the Japanese release I can barely wait so...

[Sseklebeast]

ESRB has given SJ a M rating..very nice!

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/12/02/shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-joins-elite-club-of-m-rated-ds-games/

[Tivor]

ESRB has given SJ a M rating..very nice!

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/12/02/shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-joins-elite-club-of-m-rated-ds-games/


With this and the announcement about the password system, SJ is getting even yummier still!

[sfried]

ESRB has given SJ a M rating..very nice!

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/12/02/shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-joins-elite-club-of-m-rated-ds-games/ It's official: Nintendo isn't for kiddies!

[poiuiu]

Atlus sure isn't, but Nintendo still mainly cater to that market.

[sfried]

Atlus sure isn't, but Nintendo still mainly cater to that market.That is completely false. That's like saying Atlus is kiddy for releasing Jack Bros. and Snowboard Kids.

Nintendo mainly caters to adults, with stuff like Wii Plus, and people who play very old videogames. Even back then, they made stuff that Detective Club games which involved murders. And of course, there's Hotel Dusk.

The entire perception that Nintendo mainly caters to kids is one created by those who have dismissed all of the mature games they have published such as Eternal Darkness. And I'd argue that even their so-called "kiddy games" have a subtle darker side to them that shallow people don't seem to realize.

[Enzeru]

I saw the Law ending on Youtube (not like I could understand what was happening), and there's an ending CG! Awesomeness!

[Sseklebeast]

Nevermind : http://www.atlus.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5644

[Tivor]

Nevermind : http://www.atlus.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5644

*saw the post pre-edit*

Atlus's bout of Triskaidekaphobia must have confused Amazon. ;)

[Valzarro]

Does anybody know whether the game has varying difficulty levels? If so, I certainly hope the hard mode is available without beating the game first (like Nocturne). In general, the game sounds fantastic, like it's building upon all the best aspects of Nocturne!

[Enzeru]

Does anybody know whether the game has varying difficulty levels? If so, I certainly hope the hard mode is available without beating the game first (like Nocturne). In general, the game sounds fantastic, like it's building upon all the best aspects of Nocturne!
Just one mode for this one.

[Onion of Mystery]

Don't mind me. Thought this was a Demon's Souls thread.

[Vyse of Arcadia]

The enemies are animated somewhat, its not like the stills they are in Devil Surivior.


Excellent. I've seen better-animated GBC games than Devil Survivor.

Not that it really matters with excellent SMT gameplay and plots, but still.

[Valzarro]

Thanks for the answer, Enzeru. I'm sure I could've found this out through googling, but I'm always paranoid of plot spoilers or other unwanted information.

[poiuiu]

Nintendo Power (http://nintendopower.com/) posted a two page preview of their interview with Strange Journey direction (http://nintendopower.com/images/NP251_SMT.jpg), Eiji Ishida.

Also in the same issue (http://nintendopower.com/images/NP251_TOC.pdf), but not on the site, a feature profiling Reiko Kodama, whose resume includes Phantasy Star series, Skies of Arcadia and some unknown niche title called 7 dragons.

[baleensavage]

:( Another SMT game for DS? And Atlus saying its the first real successor to Nocturne is just pouring salt in the wounds. As much as I love SMT, I'm not buying a DS to play it. :very_sad:

[elf_boobs]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet, but there's a SJ discussion thread over at Neogaf *SPOILERS*
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=376264&page=6

They don't go into too much detail, and they are discussing the import version, but it might give you an idea of what to expect in terms of gameplay.

[Andy]

My cousin said this got a really good score from Game Informer.

Cannot wait to pick this up.

[frog]

yeah they gave it a 8.75. they also said it's much more approachable than previous entries. that kind of sucks as i wanted or was hoping for something MORE challenging. oh well, the change of atmosphere and wonderful new music direction more than makes up for it. but if it's easier than devil survivor, which im sure it's going to be, will be a little disappointing.

[LordShade]

yeah they gave it a 8.75. they also said it's much more approachable than previous entries. that kind of sucks as i wanted or was hoping for something MORE challenging. oh well, the change of atmosphere and wonderful new music direction more than makes up for it. but if it's easier than devil survivor, which im sure it's going to be, will be a little disappointing.

From what I heard, the difficulty is tougher than Devil Survivor. But, then again, most MT games aren't particularly tough, msinly because they have broken mechanics/abilities. in the first couple games, most battles could be won simply by using Tarukaja, stunning the enemy with Zio/Bufu, then using Auto-battle.

Bassically, the game is more approachable, we heard that way back from Famitsu's reviews, that doesn't mean it's easy, though, the later bosses are pretty tough. You do need to modify your group often, but you can fuse anywhere you want in this game.

Instant death attacks have a higher hit rate than they did in Nocturne Maniacs, so you WILL get cheap-shoted more often, but Nocturne Maniacs toned down the difficulty from the original SMT 3, and it was actually a fairly easy game if you ignore the bosses and occasional instant death spell.

[frog]

Bassically, the game is more approachable, we heard that way back from Famitsu's reviews, that doesn't mean it's easy, though, the later bosses are pretty tough.



well G.I. said the "co-op system allows for dispatching enemies in a much faster and EASIER way than the norm for this series."

does anyone know if the opponent demons will be able to perform co-op attacks as well??? didnt think of this until just last nite. gonna suck if they cant.

[four_black_hearts]

Any time any party member exploits an enemy weakness, the other party members who share the same alignment perform a co-op attack.

[frog]

Any time any party member exploits an enemy weakness, the other party members who share the same alignment perform a co-op attack.

i meant to say opponent demons. my mistake, maria.

[sueisfine]

No, enemy groups don't perform co-op attacks.

[frog]

"that information right there just blew my face off."


lame.

enemies were able to gain extra turns in devil survivor.

i knew this game was going to be a push over. all part of their wanting "to appeal to a larger audience" gimmick.

first kitn is easier than yggdra, and now this.

cant they do it without making the game less hardcore. if anything, they should have made it MORE difficult. who cares about appealing to yuppie next-gen american kids, they're idiots. here in los angeles they are, that's for sure.

cant wait for it, though. four more weeks.

[LordShade]

"that information right there just blew my face off."


lame.

enemies were able to gain extra turns in devil survivor.

i knew this game was going to be a push over. all part of their wanting "to appeal to a larger audience" gimmick.

first kitn is easier than yggdra, and now this.

cant they do it without making the game less hardcore. if anything, they should have made it MORE difficult. who cares about appealing to yuppie next-gen american kids, they're idiots. here in los angeles they are, that's for sure.

cant wait for it, though. four more weeks.

Given that the damage doesn't increase that much, and you AREN'T going to keep everything the same stance all the time. There are certain bosses that can screw you over if you do. By the end of the game, Co-op means little., because it's hard to keep your stances the same, and your going to have enemies don't really have many weaknesses anymore, just like in earlier games.

Being able to take extra turns didn't really mean much in DS, because the system favored you in the long run, since you were likley to be more balanced.

The Co-op system is just to make Allignment matter without being too restrictive, earlier games prohibited you from even using demons of opposite allignment, which is annoying, given how little info your given most of the time.

The game is easier early on, but the challenge picks up later, Co-op is practically pointless late in the game, just like the press turn system, really.

You will also die frequently, due to Hama/Mudo spells, something that wasn't in DS, and the enemies aren't wimps in general, unlike DS.

GI probably didn't play that far, Because CO-Op is useless late it the game, because there are greater drawbacks to having all one stance at that point, and you have more powerful almighty attacks,which are overpowered, like the series standard.

GI is crap, anyway, so don't take them seriously. The game is only easier at the beginning,
it gets harder later.

[four_black_hearts]

This game is difficult and hardcore. Nothing pushover about it.

And the difficulty of Knights in the Nightmare is entirely up to you...