Strange Journey reviews thread

[Inzaghi]

And they're off! Destructoid (http://www.destructoid.com/review-shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-165108.phtml) leads the charge with a 9/10.

As far as Nintendo DS role-playing games go, this is my new favorite, hands down.

Game Informer: 8.75/10 - "Uncovering all the Schwarzwelt's secrets will keep you glued to your DS for hours of intense RPG action. It will be worth all those hours to experience Strange Journey's masterful blend of an intricate, unique storyline with the addictive demon-hunting gameplay for which the SHin Megami Tensei series is known."

GamePro: 3.5/5 - "If you're looking for a thoughtful, challenging RPG experience, this is a Strange Journey worth taking"

RPGamer (http://www.rpgamer.com/games/megten/smtsj/reviews/smtsjstrev1.html): 3.5/5 - "It's a solid game all-around that takes a good-not-great traditional JRPG and replaces the standard third-person dungeons with good-not-great first-person, tile-based ones, binding everything together with a strong apocalyptic story."

Nintendo Power: 8/10 - "For better or for worse, it makes the player the master of his own destiny. As it turns out, that's a heck of a challenge, but the challenge is worth it."

SmashPad (http://blog.gamer20.com/2010/03/review-shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-ds/): 8.8/10 - "Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey takes a lot of cues from the previous Shin Megami Tensei games and spin-offs to make for a great RPG for the DS."

The Hachiko (http://www.thehachiko.com/node/3910): 4.5/5 - "In a time when both Final Fantasy 13 and Dragon Age Origins: Awakenings are currently residing in my PS3 and Xbox 360 (respectively), it's Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey for the little DS that is scratching my RPG itch the most and the one I can't quit playing."

GamerTell (http://www.gamertell.com/gaming/comment/gamertell-review-shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-for-ds/): 98/100 - "It’s a wonderfully deep game with plenty of replay value and ways to keep the player engaged."

Just Push Start (http://www.justpushstart.com/2010/03/21/shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-review/): 4.5/5 - "Fans of the Shin Megami Tensei games will find this game a big addition to the series. Its amazing sci-fi story-telling will make you keep on playing as you will want to find out more about the mystery of the Schwarzwelt."

1UP (http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3178457): A- - "[...]f you've loved the challenges of MegaTen and Etrian Odyssey separately, you'll definitely appreciate their innovative fusion in Strange Journey."

Classic Game Room (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al42ZS5HTkA) (no score)

Worth Playing (http://worthplaying.com/article/2010/3/24/reviews/73245/): 9.3/10 - "If you're an RPG owner with a Nintendo DS, Strange Journey is a must-have and easily one of the best games on the system."

Tech-Gaming (http://tech-gaming.com/2010/03/24/strange-journey.aspx): A- - "Don’t be surprised if you find yourself compelled by the title’s proficient charms; Strange Journey effortlessly ranks among Chrono Trigger and Bowser’s Inside Story as a superlative DS RPG."

RPGFan (http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/Shin_Megami_Tensei_Strange_Journey/index.html): 93% - "Atlus has struck a great balance with Strange Journey, and they've crafted a game that's more than addictive."

Blast Magazine (http://blastmagazine.com/the-magazine/gaming/reviews/ds/2010/03/shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-review/): A- - "There’s an entertaining story, one that’s a little deeper than you would think from a handheld RPG, as well as the joy of fusing and creating new demons–and of course, it’s a challenge to complete, which is welcome news to those who follow the SMT games, or even those who can’t wait for Etrian Odyssey III."

[Enzeru]

Gameinformer gave SJ an 8.75 and handheld game of the month. Still waiting for Nintendo power's review, but I'm sure it will be equally good!

[Silverevilchao]

Interestingly enough, Metacritic doesn't have Destructoid's up at the moment (http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ds/shinmegamitenseistrangejourney), but has GamePro's, which gave the game 3.5/5. Then again, we're also talking about the people who gave Devil Survivor the exact same score.

[jeffx]

BUT BUT BUT I can't play it yet!!!!!!!!!!!!

[unknown]

Then again, we're also talking about the people who gave Devil Survivor the exact same score.

Meh I can understand giving Devil Survivor a 3.5.

Game was average and nothing special.

[Deified Data]

Then again, we're also talking about the people who gave Devil Survivor the exact same score.

Meh I can understand giving Devil Survivor a 3.5.

Game was average and nothing special.
Hah, did you get the Yuzu ending?

Great game. Not my favorite, but I liked it more than DDS.

[AdrianMorales]

Here is another one: http://www.rpgamer.com/games/megten/smtsj/reviews/smtsjstrev1.html

+ Excellent party creation system.
+ Gripping story that's easy to follow.
+ Solid, consistent, well-executed setting.
+ Great balance, and difficulty stays fair.
- Pacing is ruined in the second half.
+/- Includes profanity and blasphemy.

'Many gamers will love the beginning, but take out the cartridge forever when the gameplay stalls in a convoluted hedge maze. And that is a shame, because the final stretch concludes one of the best stories on the DS, complete with multiple paths that shake the foundation of the game world, and Atlus USA wrote some powerful prose to give the game jaw-dropping emotional and philosophical moments.'

I'm both excited and disappointed by this statement. It’s a shame that the producers added this artificial expansion compromised of nothing but frustrating dungeon crawls just before the end of the game. It is a shame especially when you take into consideration the fact that Strange Journey has one of the best stories out there. Then again this is what SMT is all about and you guys will love it. Too bad it is not for everyone to enjoy.

[unknown]

Many gamers will love the beginning, but take out the cartridge forever when the gameplay stalls in a convoluted hedge maze.

Well that's what Gamefaqs is for >_>

[Foobar]

Convoluted mazes came up in the second half of Nocturne, DDS, DDS 2 and the original Persona, among other installments. Dungeon crawling is just part of the package, take it or leave it.

[dungeon_man]

People are sissies. Bring on the hedge maze!

Devil Survivor is the best SRPG on the DS. That seems pretty special to me.

GamePro still exists?

The RPGamer review marking down the combat system worries me.

Anyway, can't wait to play it in a few weeks. Hope to see more opinions in the next few weeks.

[jeffx]

BRING FORTH THE CONVOLUTED MAZES.

Dungeon Man I don't think you have anything to worry about.
You know it'll be a 10/10 game to us people.

[Silverevilchao]

Convoluted mazes came up in the second half of Nocturne, DDS, DDS 2 and the original Persona, among other installments. Dungeon crawling is just part of the package, take it or leave it.

Persona 4, too. Anyone remember Mitsuo's dungeon? Yeah, with the warps and everything.

[Enzeru]

Persona 4, too. Anyone remember Mitsuo's dungeon? Yeah, with the warps and everything.
That? That was nothing...I didn't even have to look up an FAQ for that...But god help me with all of Nocturne's dungeons! Please, please, please ATLUS! Make a strategy guide for this game! I neeeeed it, as I will most definitely NOT be playing this 5 years after release like Nocturne. xD

I definitely am concerned about the second half now, though...I hope I can stick it through. Story is what motivates me to beat games, and if the "end game" is made up of half a game's worth of dungeons, that's not a very good sign.

[Silverevilchao]

Persona 4, too. Anyone remember Mitsuo's dungeon? Yeah, with the warps and everything.
That? That was nothing...I didn't even have to look up an FAQ for that...But god help me with all of Nocturne's dungeons! Please, please, please ATLUS! Make a strategy guide for this game! I neeeeed it, as I will most definitely NOT be playing this 5 years after release like Nocturne. xD

I definitely am concerned about the second half now, though...I hope I can stick it through. Story is what motivates me to beat games, and if the "end game" is made up of half a game's worth of dungeons, that's not a very good sign.

Question: just how bloody hard is Nocturne? I'm too afraid to buy it at the moment...

Back on topic, I myself think I'll be able to stick it out, simply because of the demon fusion and battle systems. And there's always the awesomeness that is GameFAQs, with full color maps and everything, I bet...

[unknown]

You can basically take on anything in Nocturne with the right build and demon line-up.

But yeah, Nocturne dungeons are waaaaaaay harder than Mitsuo's P4 dungeon.

[Heat]

Convoluted mazes came up in the second half of Nocturne, DDS, DDS 2 and the original Persona, among other installments. Dungeon crawling is just part of the package, take it or leave it.

Seriously. If you want to walk in a straight line, then play Final Fantasy XIII.

http://i46.tinypic.com/2vxn24g.gif

[Pantaloons]

Depends how it's done, really. SMT1&2's mazelike areas weren't really good. They were extremely boring with all of the 1 tile wide hallways full of 1 tile room dead ends with nothing in them. It's like they felt they HAD to use up all of the available map space. It made the dungeon crawling awful.

The final SMT1 dungeon was flat out obnoxious with an abundance of one-way doors that would set you up for upwards of 10 minutes of backtrack. SMT2 was less annoying, mostly. Except Kether Castle? (keep? or whatever) which was huge and had no treasure or anything worthwhile and was just a gigantic crawl with teleports, pits and the works.

Nocturne & DDS were managable and had nothing that really made me have any kind of disdain for the games.

From what I've seen of the maps of SJ it looks to be much better designwise for the dungeons than old first person crawler SMT games. Less pointless and boring dead ends at the end of a one tile wide hallways, anyway.

[Heat]

Less pointless and boring dead ends at the end of a one tile wide hallways, anyway.

They do serve a purpose. They're supposed to confuse and challenge you. It would be boring if dungeons required you to do nothing more than walk in a single direction. There needs to be some variety. Completing a dungeon in the early Shin Megami Tensei games was satisfying. Clearly, not for you, but it was for me. The only dungeons I found boring were the ones where all you did was walk up stairs.

Do you even like dungeon crawls? It seems like you don't, so I'm not sure why you play these games.

[Foobar]

Persona 4, too. Anyone remember Mitsuo's dungeon? Yeah, with the warps and everything.

Compared to the stuff in Nocturne and DDS (especially the first DDS), Persona 4's dungeon quirks are pretty tame. We're talking about dungeons with warps and trap doors that will send you several levels back down just to progress upward to the proper part of the dungeon.

That and panels that deal damage, need some kind of light lit to see in them and all that good stuff.

[Pantaloons]

Less pointless and boring dead ends at the end of a one tile wide hallways, anyway.

They do serve a purpose. They're supposed to confuse and challenge you. It would be boring if dungeons required you to do nothing more than walk in a single direction. There needs to be some variety. Completing a dungeon in the early Shin Megami Tensei games was satisfying. Clearly, not for you, but it was for me. The only dungeons I found boring were the ones where all you did was walk up stairs.

Do you even like dungeon crawls? It seems like you don't, so I'm not sure why you play these games.

There's this thing called an automap. It's in both SMT 1 & 2. It's not confusing or challenging because of this. If the game didn't have an automap and it was "part of the challenge" to rote memorize dungeons, you would have a point. The dungeon design was just plain bad. Dead end paths are alright but not when the entire game is designed to be cramped 1 tile hallways full of 1 tile room dead ends with nothing in them.

Of course I enjoy dungeon crawls. Just not when it's poorly designed area after poorly designed area. Other dungeon crawlers of the day that I had played such as Might & Magic IV/V "World of Xeen" certainly didn't do that and were better games because of it.

[7thCircle]

RPGamer reviewer here. Just to be clear, the dungeons in Strange Journey aren't difficult or frustrating aside from one small place where I had to draw a map by hand. My issue was how the gameplay stalls when the dungeons get large and the plot gets minimalized, and how it abruptly changes the feel of the game. If you're posting in Atlus's forum and a fan of SMT or EO games, the crawling in SJ overall is much simpler than it is in other titles. The ending paragraphs and warnings should be taken more seriously by people who don't like or haven't played first person crawlers, because the last third or so of the game mostly drops the plot and becomes a lengthy crawl with little payoff. I was disappointed with how it hurt the story, but the crawling itself was not hard. It wasn't the difficulty that frustrated me; it was the change in pace when the dungeons got huge. I wanted the great story to keep up its fast pace through to the end.

[Kenji]

http://i46.tinypic.com/2vxn24g.gif
...

Is it bad that I know exactly which dungeon this is? :-|

[dungeon_man]

Question: just how bloody hard is Nocturne? I'm too afraid to buy it at the moment...

It's not that hard. I played through it with no guides at all and thought it was of average difficulty on the "Normal" setting. Save points were rather plentiful too.

You know it'll be a 10/10 game to us people.

Yeah, I'm not too worried. I just thought it was going to use Nocturne's combat system (which I love) and the reviewer said it's a downgrade from that. However, that same reviewer said many which suggest his opinion is not relevant to my interests.

I already know it's going to be a 9 to me. I'll have to play it for myself to see whether or not it gets that last point. :)

[frog]

any self-respecting RPGer will stay away from FAQ's. at least until their second run, but even then it is shameful.

im currently playing EO, and im about to battle fenrir the wolf or whoever i guess, since the game just told me i've entered his den. anyway i have had this game for a while but didnt get around to it til just recently. to make the days waiting for sj go by faster. man, ive read so much stuff about how it's "going to hand my ass to me" and whatnot. im not having a hard time with it at all... yet. but all the backtracking to town makes me sleepy. so for all the hardcore hype about EO and im pretty much breezing through it. and strange journey is supposed to be ways down in terms of difficultly. right?

i dont see how sj is going to challenge me at all.

since i read books, and realize nothing in movies or gaming will ever compare to them storytelling wise. i could care less about it's tale. maybe which is why i like EO so much so far. no story just wonderful gameplay.

because like some guy servantofgoth in a forum once said.

"it's called role-playing-game not role-playing-story."

i totally agree. i knew this game was going to be easier, and i hate this whole appealing crap. pffs, whatever.

this thread makes me sick.

[LordShade]

any self-respecting RPGer will stay away from FAQ's. at least until their second run, but even then it is shameful.

im currently playing EO, and im about to battle fenrir the wolf or whoever i guess, since the game just told me i've entered his den. anyway i have had this game for a while but didnt get around to it til just recently. to make the days waiting for sj go by faster. man, ive read so much stuff about how it's "going to hand my ass to me" and whatnot. im not having a hard time with it at all... yet. but all the backtracking to town makes me sleepy. so for all the hardcore hype about EO and im pretty much breezing through it. and strange journey is supposed to be ways down in terms of difficultly. right?

i dont see how sj is going to challenge me at all.

since i read books, and realize nothing in movies or gaming will ever compare to them storytelling wise. i could care less about it's tale. maybe which is why i like EO so much so far. no story just wonderful gameplay.

because like some guy servantofgoth in a forum once said.

"it's called role-playing-game not role-playing-story."

i totally agree. i knew this game was going to be easier, and i hate this whole appealing crap. pffs, whatever.

this thread makes me sick.

The series was never that difficult, anyway, so don't complain!

[frog]

and please "make a strategy guide for sj."

why in the hell would you want that?? please dont even make a FAQ until one year after it's release, or better yet, never. you should not being playing these type of games if you need this kind of help. it's pretty much the reason why so many females are playing these games now, those goddamn guides and emo approach to character design in modern RPG's. and because of that, we now have so many girl power RPG's, it makes me sick.

the male saves and nails the princess, keep it that way.

great:

1. difficult solid gameplay
2. music
3. hand drawn artwork.

these are the things i look for to be above average in a RPG experience. because their what makes it worthwhile in my book. anything else to me is secondary.

i hope the theme of law is included in the bonus disc. it's beautiful.

thank you, ATLUS USA.

three more weeks.

[four_black_hearts]

:confused:

[frog]

The series was never that difficult, anyway, so don't complain!

you dont seem to get that's exactly my point.

which is exactly why they shouldn't bring down the difficulty.

[LordShade]

and please "make a strategy guide for sj."

why in the hell would you want that?? please dont even make a FAQ until one year after it's release, or better yet, never. you should not being playing these type of games if you need this kind of help. it's pretty much the reason why so many females are playing these games now, those goddamn guides and emo approach to character design in modern RPG's. and because of that, we now have so many girl power RPG's, it makes me sick.

the male saves and nails the princess, keep it that way.

great:

1. difficult solid gameplay
2. music
3. hand drawn artwork.

these are the things i look for to be above average in a RPG experience. because their what makes it worthwhile in my book. anything else to me is secondary.

i hope the theme of law is included in the bonus disc. it's beautiful.

thank you, ATLUS USA.

three more weeks.

Are you sexist?

Anyway, I like to have info on all the demons and the like, and I like to actually be able to COMPLETE a game. Are you saying we should go back to unbalanced, user-unfriendly interfaces that only appeal to hardcore nerds? That doesn't make money.

You sound like one of those "Hardk0re" types who claims that anyone who uses a guide for anything is an idiot. Most people have what's called a LIFE and therefore can't afford to play the game all day.

[Rednusander]

it's pretty much the reason why so many females are playing these games now, those goddamn guides and emo approach to character design in modern RPG's. and because of that, we now have so many girl power RPG's, it makes me sick.

Dude, there's so much wrong with this sentence it's making me sick. You're gonna have to chill out. What you're doing here is inciting a flame war on topics that have little to do with the reviews for the game, and we'd appreciate it if you'd relax.

[Silverevilchao]

and please "make a strategy guide for sj."

why in the hell would you want that?? please dont even make a FAQ until one year after it's release, or better yet, never. you should not being playing these type of games if you need this kind of help. it's pretty much the reason why so many females are playing these games now, those goddamn guides and emo approach to character design in modern RPG's. and because of that, we now have so many girl power RPG's, it makes me sick.

the male saves and nails the princess, keep it that way.

great:

1. difficult solid gameplay
2. music
3. hand drawn artwork.

these are the things i look for to be above average in a RPG experience. because their what makes it worthwhile in my book. anything else to me is secondary.

i hope the theme of law is included in the bonus disc. it's beautiful.

thank you, ATLUS USA.

three more weeks.

W...T...F...

Seriously, WTF?

What's wrong with looking at a guide after getting your butt handed to you by Yunalesca for the twentieth time?

And Samus forbid that girls play RPGs, let alone video games. :roll:

[frog]

i dont think there's anything sickening or sexist about not wanting female lead characters. thousands of gamers would agree with me. what should be sickening is well endowed children in games i wont name. last time i checked you have to be 18 to buy this game and we live in a country protected by the first amendment or so i thought. but none of that matters because im sick. ok man, consider me chilled. pffs.

[LordShade]

it's pretty much the reason why so many females are playing these games now, those goddamn guides and emo approach to character design in modern RPG's. and because of that, we now have so many girl power RPG's, it makes me sick.


That isn't sexist, is it:)

Your bassically saying that games are a MAN's terretory, and that girls are too whiny to handle it. You also assume that the ONLY reason females play these games is because of guides or emo characters.

Not sexist at all:confused:

[frog]

That isn't sexist, is it:)

Your bassically saying that games are a MAN's terretory, and that girls are too whiny to handle it. You also assume that the ONLY reason females play these games is because of guides or emo characters.

Not sexist at all:confused:

take it however you want. i just dont like female lead characters is all.

and why do you reply to me so much if you have this so called "life." i and anything i say should be of insignificance to you if that's true.

this is my last reply to you, talk to me when you upload a real photograph of yourself. hiding behind avatars(or in your case, nothing at all) is weird to me. i like to know who im speaking with.

[Rednusander]

I really don't wanna have to lock the reviews thread to have to recreate it again, you guys. Let's drop the subject.

[raiku]

game informer gave it a somewhat good review?

thats... thats madness

i cant wait to see xplays review "its a jrpg, so its bad. a 1 out of 5"

[Silverevilchao]

Just got my latest GameInformer, which happens to have the review to Strange Journey.

Here is a transcription from the issue's review (since, perplexingly, Strange Journey seems to be the only one whose review isn't online; please forgive any typos I made):

Score: 8.75.
Silver's Comment: The ESRB rating listed in this review is MATURE. Holy crap.
Concept: Fight and capture demons in an old-school first-person dungeon crawl with a unique sci-fi plot.
Graphics: Beautiful demon designs make up for muddy dungeon visuals.
Sound: The excellent soundtrack is packed in with the game.
Playability: Hardcore turn-based battles are still more approachable than previous franchise entries.
Entertainment: Finding and fusing new demons is as addictive as hitting the next plot twist.
Replay Value: Moderately high.

Do we control technology or does it control us? In the world of Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey, that question is more important than you realize. The game has numerous troubling means of highlighting the tension between technology and nature.

The protagonist explores an odd Antarctic anomaly known as the Schwarzwelt via the use of the Demonica, a special military-issued suit that allows him to survive alien atmospheres and contain and summon demons. Quests are doled out from a cold, unfeeling computer on board your crashed ship whose primary concern is completing the mission no matter the cost.

On the other hand, players also have plenty of control. Once you you've talked a demon into joining your cause, you have full reign over its abilities. The demon co-op system, which rewards you with bonus attacks to inflict even more damage on enemies, also makes Strange Journey's brand of hardcore RPG combat significantly more approachable than previous Shin Megami Tensei entries. As long as you approach the battles strategically, you'll be able to dispatch enemies much fast than they can kill you off and in a much easier way than the norm for this series.

Since your primary mission is to explore the Schwarzwelt, walking around and investigating each environment takes up a lot of time. Luckily, this isn't just a straightforward dungeon crawl. Even at 40 hours in, the game continues introducing new concepts with each floor of each sector, from booby-trapped titles that make you fall asleep to conveyor belt mazes that briefly take away control over the direction in which you're moving.

Uncovering all the Schwarzwelt's secrets will keep you glued to your DS for hours of intense RPG action. It will be worth all those hours to experience Strange Journey's masterful blend of an intricate, unique storyline with the addictive demon-hunting gameplay for which the Shin Megami Tensei series is known. As for whether or not humans control technology or vice-versa, I'll leave it to you to discover this game's well-developed insights. All I can say is that if Atlus is in charge of the software, then technology has already won.

--Phil Kollar

[Enzeru]

game informer gave it a somewhat good review?

thats... thats madness

i cant wait to see xplays review "its a jrpg, so its bad. a 1 out of 5"
XPlay generally likes SMT games. They gave Persona, DS2, etc. all very good (for them) scores.

[TheDoctor]

game informer gave it a somewhat good review?

thats... thats madness

i cant wait to see xplays review "its a jrpg, so its bad. a 1 out of 5"

Actually to X-Play's credit they have rated most Megaten games high.

-SMT: Nocturne. 5 out 5, won Best RPG 2004.

-Digital Devil Saga. I think got 4 out of 5 (both) and won Best RPG 2005

-Devil Summoner: RKvSA got a 4 out of 5.

I think the only one rated below 4 was Persona 3, which got a 3 out of 5 but Persona 3 FES got a 4 out of 5.

[Silverevilchao]

Metacritic (http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ds/shinmegamitenseistrangejourney) has now added a new score: Nintendo Power's, which is an 80 on Metacritic's scale.

For better or for worse, it makes the player the master of his own destiny. As it turns out, that's a heck of a challenge, but the challenge is worth it. [Apr 2010, p.87]

As a result, Strange Journey's ultimate score is currently at 82.

[Karkarov]

Metacritic (http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ds/shinmegamitenseistrangejourney) has now added a new score: Nintendo Power's, which is an 80 on Metacritic's scale.

For better or for worse, it makes the player the master of his own destiny. As it turns out, that's a heck of a challenge, but the challenge is worth it. [Apr 2010, p.87]

As a result, Strange Journey's ultimate score is currently at 82.

Thats pretty funny considering that the last time I looked that is the exact same metacritic score FFXIII has. So basically this game is just as good, just costs alot less, and probably has a better story. Trade off? Actual challenge and obviously worse graphics.

[blammo]

Metacritic (http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ds/shinmegamitenseistrangejourney) has now added a new score: Nintendo Power's, which is an 80 on Metacritic's scale.

For better or for worse, it makes the player the master of his own destiny. As it turns out, that's a heck of a challenge, but the challenge is worth it. [Apr 2010, p.87]

As a result, Strange Journey's ultimate score is currently at 82.

Thats pretty funny considering that the last time I looked that is the exact same metacritic score FFXIII has. So basically this game is just as good, just costs alot less, and probably has a better story. Trade off? Actual challenge and obviously worse graphics.

Correlating games based on a review score seems silly. They are completely different games and comparing them based on a numbering system is doing both a diservice.

[Silverevilchao]

My problem with comparing the scores of Strange Journey and FFXIII in particular is that the reviews of FFXIII reek of whining about JRPGs.

"OMFG THIS GAME IS LINEAR IT SUCKS!"
"THIS GAME IS TOO DIFFERENT TO BE FINAL FANTASY!!!"

Not to mention the ones that praise the game like crazy and then give it 8s.

Linearity is a feature of MANY JRPGs, and knocking points off for it is like rating Halo badly for having guns. AND, to top it off, NO ONE had any problems with linearity in Final Fantasy X, which they praised to high heaven like it was the best thing since sliced bread.

And then the whining about how it throws out several of the conventions of Final Fantasy? That's stuff I expect from die-hard fanboys who have shrines to Cloud Strife, not professional review critics who would've whined about it if the game didn't change anything (what about those Bioshock 2 reviews complaining about how the game is good, but too similar to the first?).

The battle system is fast-paced and excellent, the graphics are amazing, the story and characters are awesome...I don't get it. Giving a game a 7 because of small flaws and then ignoring everything else good about it is ridiculous - Persona 4 sure as hell wouldn't scored as highly as it did if the critics did that.

[LordShade]

My problem with comparing the scores of Strange Journey and FFXIII in particular is that the reviews of FFXIII reek of whining about JRPGs.

"OMFG THIS GAME IS LINEAR IT SUCKS!"
"THIS GAME IS TOO DIFFERENT TO BE FINAL FANTASY!!!"

Not to mention the ones that praise the game like crazy and then give it 8s.

Linearity is a feature of MANY JRPGs, and knocking points off for it is like rating Halo badly for having guns. AND, to top it off, NO ONE had any problems with linearity in Final Fantasy X, which they praised to high heaven like it was the best thing since sliced bread.

And then the whining about how it throws out several of the conventions of Final Fantasy? That's stuff I expect from die-hard fanboys who have shrines to Cloud Strife, not professional review critics who would've whined about it if the game didn't change anything (what about those Bioshock 2 reviews complaining about how the game is good, but too similar to the first?).

The battle system is fast-paced and excellent, the graphics are amazing, the story and characters are awesome...I don't get it. Giving a game a 7 because of small flaws and then ignoring everything else good about it is ridiculous - Persona 4 sure as hell wouldn't scored as highly as it did if the critics did that.

Since when are 7's and 8's bad scores? Those are VERY good scores, last time I checked, it was 1-10, not 7-10. Do you think anything below an 9 means they think the game sucks?

[Oceanborn]

Since when are 7's and 8's bad scores? Those are VERY good scores, last time I checked, it was 1-10, not 7-10. Do you think anything below an 9 means they think the game sucks?
No well, today it seems it's not 1-10 anymore but 5-10 really. Mediocre games tend to be rated at higher 6s and lower 7s, bad games are 5s or sometimes low 6s.

[raiku]

game informer gave it a somewhat good review?

thats... thats madness

i cant wait to see xplays review "its a jrpg, so its bad. a 1 out of 5"

Actually to X-Play's credit they have rated most Megaten games high.

-SMT: Nocturne. 5 out 5, won Best RPG 2004.

-Digital Devil Saga. I think got 4 out of 5 (both) and won Best RPG 2005

-Devil Summoner: RKvSA got a 4 out of 5.

I think the only one rated below 4 was Persona 3, which got a 3 out of 5 but Persona 3 FES got a 4 out of 5.

that was years ago. nowadays, they cant even review their breakfast properly

[Silverevilchao]

My problem with comparing the scores of Strange Journey and FFXIII in particular is that the reviews of FFXIII reek of whining about JRPGs.

"OMFG THIS GAME IS LINEAR IT SUCKS!"
"THIS GAME IS TOO DIFFERENT TO BE FINAL FANTASY!!!"

Not to mention the ones that praise the game like crazy and then give it 8s.

Linearity is a feature of MANY JRPGs, and knocking points off for it is like rating Halo badly for having guns. AND, to top it off, NO ONE had any problems with linearity in Final Fantasy X, which they praised to high heaven like it was the best thing since sliced bread.

And then the whining about how it throws out several of the conventions of Final Fantasy? That's stuff I expect from die-hard fanboys who have shrines to Cloud Strife, not professional review critics who would've whined about it if the game didn't change anything (what about those Bioshock 2 reviews complaining about how the game is good, but too similar to the first?).

The battle system is fast-paced and excellent, the graphics are amazing, the story and characters are awesome...I don't get it. Giving a game a 7 because of small flaws and then ignoring everything else good about it is ridiculous - Persona 4 sure as hell wouldn't scored as highly as it did if the critics did that.

Since when are 7's and 8's bad scores? Those are VERY good scores, last time I checked, it was 1-10, not 7-10. Do you think anything below an 9 means they think the game sucks?

It's Final Fantasy, considered one of the best JRPG series of all time by the average gamer. X and XII both had averages of 92. While getting 7s is good by itself, in context of the rest of the series, it looks bad.

And like I said, I wouldn't have such a problem with those scores if it wasn't for the fact that the reasons why are completely ridiculous.

[MidiPour]

No one should really give a care for MegaTen reviews when the game is relatively developed for a niche audience.

Judging from my current 25 hours of Final Fantasy XIII, the game has its share of innovations and setbacks. It's a sliced dice, the battle system is addictive and paced, where the game constantly condescends you from beginning to mid-point. The linearity wouldn't have been a problem if the unparalleled, tough bosses didn't require tedious grinding back and forth corridors in order to gain some points and materials. The battles in between aren't much of a challenge, and falter's the potential and fluidity of the actual gameplay.

What we actually have is an innovative game, which loses grounds on account of the casual players. If it weren't anymore obvious, there is no save menu save feature, but rather save points allocated by every 5 minute interval.

Critics are being generous by the accumulated review of 8 / 10. This is an interactive movie, in my opinion, which serves captivating sceneries, seductive models and enemies, with cliche personalities, melodrama, and a cookie cutter plot.

As Lightning said before, "Worst Birthday ever."

I liked Final Fantasy XII, for the record.

[Inzaghi]

Please save your Final Fantasy XIII reviews for the Off-Topic forum. Thanks!

[MidiPour]

I thought I'd refute the hypothetical remarks that were being made, and I think the input is relevant to a 'Strange Journey reviews' thread. This forum's administration is very questionable.

[jeffx]

This forum's administration is very questionable.

This calls for a fist fight in the parking lot (http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/backstage/crisis-of-conformity-lyrics-for-fist-fight/)!

[Enzeru]

No one should really give a care for MegaTen reviews when the game is relatively developed for a niche audience.
I agree. Reviews KILLED Too Human, as everyone was expecting it to be this amazingly mainstream game full of conventional mechanics. But it wasn't. The same would happen to a MegaTen game were it to receive the same attention Too Human had, albeit a bit less as MegaTen is a quite established franchise, even in the US.

[MidiPour]

Nice, or how about the juxtaposition of the Western criticism and the widely Japanese RPG casual?

http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/home/459841.html

Not to say Strange Journey will come across such a scenario, I think this is as polarized as the base will get.

http://www.gamefaqs.com/portable/psp/home/943356.html

Monster Hunter has a niche fanbase, 9.4 to 8.2. Dear Monster Hunter niche, which do you preferably agree with? /rhetoric

[Silverevilchao]

I liked Final Fantasy XII, for the record.

That explains why you disagree with my assertions. :P I liked the FFX gameplay style over the FFXII style, myself... [/off topic]


I'm kind of frustrated that I can't seem to find the full Nintendo Power review for Strange Journey. I want to see their take on it, and judging by their quote, it seems like it'll be different than the other reviews.

I'm also frustrated at the lack of reviews for the game when it comes out next week! Sheesh, people, you can't find ANY time to review this game?

[MidiPour]

I'd want to hear from Nintendo Power for their accessories, posters and the artwork they tend to clump into their magazine. Nintendo Power was always great at fan service.

Example: http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=110463

[Inzaghi]

I added the Nintendo Power review (which I haven't read yet, so the Metacritic quote is the only one I have to use) and a new 8.8/10 from SmashPad (http://blog.gamer20.com/2010/03/review-shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-ds/).

[Inzaghi]

Added a 4.5/5 from The Hachiko (http://www.thehachiko.com/node/3910) to the OP.

[Hitoshura]

Trade off? Actual challenge and obviously worse graphics.

Uh, please actually play FF13 for a significant amount of time before you spout off ignorant comments like this. :|

[Enzeru]

Added a 4.5/5 from The Hachiko (http://www.thehachiko.com/node/3910) to the OP.
Ah, I was looking forward to that. The reviewer was on GameFAQs talking about it and showed off the packaging in a video...I need it. Dx

[Inzaghi]

Added a 98/100 from GamerTell (http://www.gamertell.com/gaming/comment/gamertell-review-shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-for-ds/).

[Karkarov]

I wont reply to the FF fanboi in the thread they are lost causes frankly. However on topic here is a Giantbomb quicklook link, no score but it is still a "review" in the strict sense of the word and has real gameplay footage. It will make an interesting watch regardless haven't checked it out yet myself.

http://www.giantbomb.com/quick-look-shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey/17-2204/

[Hitoshura]

So in other words, you don't actually have anything intelligent and informed to reply with.

Okay. Sounds good.

By the way, if you want to know what I'm actually a "fanboi" of, look no further than my handle. Never knew that pointing out ignorance constituted fanboyism.

[Nephlabobo]

Can you two just get a room and keep it out of the reviews thread?

[blammo]

Another good review:
http://www.gamertell.com/gaming/comment/gamertell-review-shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-for-ds/

[MidiPour]

Just one word of advice - save. Save as often as you can. Even if you feel totally confident in your team and its abilities. Backtrack and constantly and consistently save, perhaps every fifteen minutes or so. It’s very easy to underestimate an enemy, and suddenly find your whole team wiped out. --Gamertell Review: Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey for DS

The vitality of Mamudoon!

[cj iwakura]

Convoluted mazes came up in the second half of Nocturne, DDS, DDS 2 and the original Persona, among other installments. Dungeon crawling is just part of the package, take it or leave it.

Seriously. If you want to walk in a straight line, then play Final Fantasy XIII.

http://i46.tinypic.com/2vxn24g.gif

That's from SMT1, isn't it?

And having almost finished that game in preparation for SJ, I say bring it.

If you want easy dungeons, play Lunar(or what passes for it these days).


Also: Devil Survivor was way better than it had any right to be, especially the story. Shame the art was so mediocre.

[Inzaghi]

Added a 4.5/5 from Just Push Start (http://www.justpushstart.com/2010/03/21/shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-review/) to the OP.

[Archie55]

Convoluted mazes came up in the second half of Nocturne, DDS, DDS 2 and the original Persona, among other installments. Dungeon crawling is just part of the package, take it or leave it.

Seriously. If you want to walk in a straight line, then play Final Fantasy XIII.

http://i46.tinypic.com/2vxn24g.gif

That's from SMT1, isn't it?

And having almost finished that game in preparation for SJ, I say bring it.

If you want easy dungeons, play Lunar(or what passes for it these days).


Also: Devil Survivor was way better than it had any right to be, especially the story. Shame the art was so mediocre.
STRAIGHT LINES ARE FOR LOSERS!! I LIKE CURVY LINES!!! LOL, no. I don't mind the mazes. I think they make the player think a little more, and track their steps more often. Or, just totally ignore their path and end up hitting the same wall every six and a half minutes. I could care less either way. BRING ON TEH MAZES AND HEADACHE MEDICINE!! Oh, wait...

[unknown]

Can't ####ing wait for tomorrow.

[cj iwakura]

That signature is beyond epic.

[jeffx]

Tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[syncognition]

He doesn't score games, but Strange Journey was featured on Classic Game Room today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al42ZS5HTkA

The review is very favorable.

[jeffx]

Similarly, Siliconera posted a scoreless review (http://www.siliconera.com/2010/03/22/shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-into-the-schwarzwelt/).

Now why am I not playing this RIGHT NOW?? Don't tell me this will take an extra week like Shiren.

[unknown]

That signature is beyond epic.

Full version

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x165/arcstuff/1269217393602-1.jpg

Wish it was bigger so I could use it as a wallpaper.

[Karkarov]

He looks sort of pissed off in that picture for some reason.... it is a nice pic though good find.

[Archie55]

It's very sweet!! I used a smaller version for my iPod background.

[Stalwart Harbinger]

It seems the game came out faster in certain regions than it did in others. In NYC, the game arrived at my Gamestop around 12p.m. today. They didn't have the poster for my preorder, but since it wasn't an artbook, I didn't raise hell.

My protagonist's name is Steny Hoyer (for you fans of politics).


[on topic]

I'm surprised that IGN hasn't chimed in with a review score.

[jeffx]

It seems the game came out faster in certain regions than it did in others. In NYC, the game arrived at my Gamestop around 12p.m. today. They didn't have the poster for my preorder, but since it wasn't an artbook, I didn't raise hell.

Look inside the case.

[illogicaldreamr]

RPGfan review:

http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/Shin_Megami_Tensei_Strange_Journey/index.html

[Inzaghi]

Getting hard to keep up with everything now that the game's out. Reviews from Worth Playing (http://worthplaying.com/article/2010/3/24/reviews/73245/), Tech-Gaming (http://tech-gaming.com/2010/03/24/strange-journey.aspx), and RPGFan (http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/Shin_Megami_Tensei_Strange_Journey/index.html) added to the OP.

[Chronoshale]

or even those who can’t wait for Etrian Odyssey III."

/winkwinknudgenudge

[DrJonAngus]

He doesn't score games, but Strange Journey was featured on Classic Game Room today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al42ZS5HTkA

The review is very favorable.

I really like the CGR, but I don't consider what he does as reviews necessarily. He gives the game about an hour of gameplay and then talks about it in a video.

[Stalwart Harbinger]

IGN finally chimed in with an 8.5

http://ds.ign.com/articles/108/1081533p1.html