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Persona / Megami Tensei discussion | Alice: the great equalizer
cj iwakura
The Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
The Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
Aeria 'budget MMOs are us' Games have the rights to publish IMAGINE, the SMT MMO, in the US and the UK, which means it'll be free.
Kotaku confirms Imagine in NA/Europe - here's the whole post from over there...Great news for those MegaTen fans who haven't just sucked it up and learned Japanese by now, Aeria Games has announced that they've acquired Atlus' Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine Online and are prepping it for a North American and European release. Set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo somewhere between Shin Megami Tensei 1 and 2, players choose one of three factions - the order preserving Law, system crashing Chaos, and mercenary Neutrals - and utilize a real-time strategic fighting system to help defeat the demons running rampant throughout the city. It features many of the mainstays of the main series, including Devil Partnership and Devil Fusing to create new breeds, my personal favorite aspect of the franchise. Best of all, it follows the free-to-play, microtransaction model, which means you won't have to shell out big bucks only to discover you hate it.
The announcement didn't come with any sort of time frame, but Aeria has historically been pretty quick from announcement to beta, so I'd keep an eye on them if I were you.
Aeria Games Announces Acquisition of Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine Online for North American and European Release
Santa Clara, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2008) – Aeria Games’ newest acquisition from Cave Co., Ltd., Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine Online, also called “MegaTen,†will soon be released in the European and North American online PC gaming markets in four languages: English, French, German and Spanish.
Shin Megami Tensei is a major intellectual property of the well-known Japanese developer and publisher, Atlus Co., Ltd. The first of many titles in the franchise was released by Atlus in 1992 for the Japanese Super NES and has grown a large and loyal following around the world with additional game titles for consumer consoles and handheld systems. The latest installment brings the brand online.
Originally released in Japan in Q1 2007, Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine Online was Cave’s first massive multiplayer online (MMO) title for PC. MegaTen has become a huge success with a large fan following. Aeria Games plans on bringing that success to the European and North American markets as it has done with its titles Last Chaos and Shaiya.
Set in a fictional post-apocalyptic Tokyo, survivors attempt to restore the city by defeating demons and solving puzzles. Each player acts as a “Devil Buster.†Success relies on forming an alliance with demons or slaying them.
MegaTen offers numerous unique features:
* Strategic Real-time Fighting System - Choose between attacking, parrying and defending in real time.
* Diverse Weaponry – Use a wide array of weapons from medieval swords to modern-day rifles and handguns.
* Devil Partnership – Players negotiate with devils to assist in battle and missions.
* Devil Fusing – Players can combine multiple devils to create new breeds.
* Private Dungeons – In addition to the public battle areas, players can access private dungeons to hunt and collect items with their friends.
More information is available at http://www.aeriagames.com.
So you should probably register and offer up your kidney in support.
If you can't wait, here's some info in the meanwhile:
Story
In the year 199X, Mankind faced the Apocalypse. Mankind’s foolishness unleashed devils from Makai across the face of Japan, and in the chaos military conflict rose between America and Japan as General Gotou attempted to launch a coup-d’etat against the Japanese government utilizing an army of devils. In the end it was a young hero, utilizing the power of a program allowing him to summon devils over his own, who saved the world and bringing forth a balance between the forces of Law and Chaos, rejecting The Thousand Year Kingdom of God and Lucifer, where people would be free to choose their own path.
This story, this adventure, takes place after the Hero’s journey.
In the year 202X, the city of Tokyo was destroyed. Those who survived forged new lives and rebuilt, including the enormous tower, Shinjuku Babel.
An SMT MMO developed by Cave for Atlus, available for free, and only in Japanese.
So how on earth is it playable?
Simple: Lanz and a bunch of others came up with a ridiculously thorough translation guide here.
So if this is your thing, join up and ride out.
Alternatively, you can meet cute pharmacists.
Or a familiar face.
Famitsu released a new Devil Summoner 4 trailer, for those interested.
http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1217332_1124.html
Devil Summoner 4: Raidou Kuzunoha VS the Abaddon King is headed to the PS2, releasing sometime in October(JP).
Judging from the early images, most of the old cast are returning, and there's also multiple endings this time around.
If it's anything like P4, I expect it'll be more of the same from DS3, only made better.
Also, Kazuma Kaneko's involved in this just like he was with the last game.
And there's yet another expansion of Nocturne set to be included with the limited Japanese release, but I wouldn't my breath for a US release of that.
It'll be miracle enough if we get the game itself.
Supposedly DS4'll involve more 'traditional' devil summoning, in that Raidou'll need to be a smooth talker to get them on his side.
http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=200011
Good news for the PAL Megatenists; seems like FES is slated for an October release.
I wager it'll involve less silhouettes.
For those of you who might've missed the chance to partake in cannibalism, SMT style, Digital Devil Saga was recently reprinted and made available via Play-Asia.com.
The price is still a little high, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't worth it.
Don't touch that dial, viewers: the next generation is just around the corner.
December 9th, 2008.
It's a good time to get the hype train rolling.
Yes, whether through some dark pact with Sony, Lucifer, Black Frost, or all of the above,
Persona 4 is still headed to the PS2.
While at the heart, it's basically more of the new-school gameplay that Persona 3 kicked off(womanizing student by day, demon slayer by night[?]), Persona 4's switching things up just enough to keep it interesting.
The protagonist’s senior, Konishi, is found murdered one day. The tragedy is announced at Yasogami High when the main character and his friends remember seeing someone that looked like her appearing on Mayonaka TV the night before.
In an effort to find the murderer, the three friends do some investigating of their own and end up opening the gateway to another world, discovering they can actually put part of their body through the TV when the program is on. After deciding this is the key to solving the murders, the friends decide to find a bigger LCD TV at a shop so that they can go right through.
After Konishi’s murder, the protagonist’s classmate, Yukiko, also appears to go missing for some time.
When the group find her on the program, they begin to worry that she will be the next victim.
Murder mysteries will play a big part in Persona 4, probably due in no small part to Trinity Soul's influence(which P4 takes place before the events of).
The setting, in addition to the abundant television atmosphere, is in more of a 'rural' atmosphere than P3's.
While details are sketchy, the protagonist moved to the countryside recently, and is staying with another family.
Weather will also play a role in P4.
So forecasts won't always be sunny.
The Social Link system will be mostly unchanged, except P4's lead seems to be a bit more open-minded than P3's; he can also befriend the males in the party, rather than focusing strictly on the ladies.
There's also suppoedly the option of keeping a relationship 'just friends' rather than dating every girl on the block, but where's the challenge in that?
Not much is known about the enemies in P4. They're not quite shadowy, but they're definitely freakier.
There's a Rush video floating around that also shows the party with some new tricks up their sleeves; namely being able to help up downed party members.
Still, that's about it for the rumored info.
This is what's known for sure.
Classmates - Version 4
The Protagonist
Persona: Izanagi
Seemingly a transfer student(surprise, surprise) who's come to the new school at his mother's request.
Yousuke Hanamura
Persona: Jiraiya, Magician Arcana
Befriends the protagonist early on. Friendly, outgoing, likes music.
Also something of a klutz, since he often inflicts pain on himself, usually from crashing on his bike.
Chie Satonaka
Persona: Tomoe Gozen, Chariot Arcana
Obsessed with Chinese martial arts. Tends to beat up her enemies(and Yousuke) with this talent.
Yukiko Amagi
Persona: Konohana-Sakuya, Priestess Arcana
She apparently belongs to a very wealthy family and has high standards. Some clips have shown her on TV as a hostess of some kind. According to the US website, her parents run an inn.
Kanji Tatsumi
Persona: Take-Mikazuchi, Emperor Arcana
Considered a deliquent student. He uses brute force in combat, and weapons such as steel chairs. He apparently gets into a lot of fights in the streets. He also attends Yasogami High.
Kuma
Persona: Kintoki-douji, Star Arcana
He serves as outside support in battle, but is later replaced and becomes a party member. When fighting, he uses a spiked-ball mace. He is often used as comic relief. Kuma's head is safely removable, though he seems to be a living being; not a costume.
Rise Kujikawa
Persona: Himeko, Lovers Arcana
Rise provides background and enemy information for the frontlines during and outside of battles. She was one of the most popular idols in the country, but suddenly quit her job and transferred to Yasogami High School as a freshman for reasons unknown.
Naoto Shirogane
Persona: Sukuna-Hikona, Fortune Arcana
A young, serious looking character with dark-blue hair who almost always wears a navy-blue officer's hat, and sometimes, a black officer's uniform along with it. Uses a revolver in combat, and also seems to attend Yasogami High. May or may not be a Kuzunoha*.
*wishful thinking
Igor & Margaret
Here to ensure you preorder(when possible), and fuse with the utmost of safety and financial backing, Igor's back, having used all the money he earned from Persona 3 to buy himself a Velvet Limo(don't ask), and a new assistant(don't want to know).
Elizabeth?...
Not one to get left behind, everyone's favorite Velvet Room Mascot is back, caught up on the newest fashion trend, and out to destroy the woman who stole Igor from her.
...
Okay, not really.
That's about all that's known about P4; at least that I'm aware of.
Until we know more, enjoy [vidurl=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LImlLqB-QE8]the opening[/vidurl].There's also several other interesting clips at the official webpage, though they might be a bit spoilery if you're on media blackout.
As per usual, discussion on any and all of the following games is welcome; we're a random-minded bunch, topics can and will shift at absolute random.
The following are the newest and most 'next-gen' SMTs.
Persona 3: FES
The sequel/expansion to the third game in the Persona series. Includes the complete original Persona 3(sans artbook & OST), with new Social Links, storyline events, and of course, more variety of Personae to kill shadows with; this version is referred to as 'The Journey'.
It also contains an additional chapter, called 'The Answer', which focuses on the aftermath of Persona 3, marketable robot characters, and abundant difficulty.
For $29.99, it's hard to pass up, but I'm skeptical that it'll be easily gotten for much longer.
Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne
The third game in the 'core' SMT series, recently reprinted, if the fact that Play-Asia has it for sale is any indication.
Like the earlier games in the series, which Atlus USA kindly provided some history on here, Nocturne focuses on a single protagonist, whose ideals and setup is entirely determined by the player, as well as the demon posse he recruits to see his goals brought to fruition.
Nocturne's among the most difficult of the SMT games, but it's also the most rewarding if you live through the madness.
Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner
Digital Devil Saga is a more traditional RPG than the likes of SMT III. DDS tells the story of Serph, the leader of a group called the Embryon, who must survive in a land called The Junkyard by slaying rival gangs, and devouring their flesh.
DDS is actually two games, but most consider it one spread out over two discs: the first game tells the tale of the Embryon's quest, and the second(DDS2), is about its aftermath.
It's a dark and difficult tale to see through, as well as a rare find, but it's worth experiencing.
Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha VS The Soulless Army
One of the few Action-RPGs attempted by the SMT team. The protagonist, Raidou Kuzunoha the fourteenth, is freely controllable during battles, and can avoid, slash, and gun down his demonic foes with ease.
He can also (forcefully) recruit his enemies to fight for him, and even get information out of random townspeople.
Probably the cheapest SMT around, since it price-dropped to $19.99 recently. A fun story, and less absurdly difficult than the usual experience.
Some of the info and imagery is from assorted sources, such as Wikipedia, NeoGAF's equally rad MegaTenists and the SMT article at HG101, so you could always pay them a visit if they find info before I do(highly likely).
There's also info on the older games in the series in the older thread, as well as 100+ pages of assorted information and occasional rambling.
So until Atlus USA announces the global simultaneous release of P4...
Also, DarkPrimus will give you his immortal soul* if you buy Nocturne or DDS for him.
*or love you forever, one of the two
cj iwakura on
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I'll be out of SMTs by the August rolls around at this rate.
That depends on how much you want DarkPrimus' love.
XBL: Torn Hoodie
@hoodiethirteen
yes
XBL: Torn Hoodie
@hoodiethirteen
Nocturne: Past the Matador in a New Game+
Digital Devil Saga: Everything but the uber-boss (which is to say done)
Digital Devil Saga 2: Started final dungeon (probably will just knock this one out, as the lack of carryover goodies and an uber-boss behind behind two kinds of inaccessibility doesn't cry "play me forever!" like the others)
Devil Summoner: Had just started, need to give it another shot
Persona 3: Beat the hell out of; saving the uber-boss for a rainy day (Also need to do the Answer)
DemiKids Light and Dark: Yes, I actually have these.
I still need to top off FES with the uber boss but I'm not looking forward to all that fusing.
Well except for that thing on his crotch
Rise would also have been acceptable.
Steam Profile
3DS: 3454-0268-5595 Battle.net: SteelAngel#1772
I'll bite.
Nocturne: finished once, True Demon
DDS1: rushed through on the first run, need to replay
DDS2: did everything but kill the uber-boss
Devil Summoner: just about everything? (There isn't that much)
Persona 3: Almost to the second full moon in Journey, third boss in Answer
DemiKids Light & Dark: probably the first SMTs I ever beat.
I'll leave out Soul Hackers, since who knows when I'll sit down and play that.
The P4 page does have a Kuma banner; I could always rotate it.
I'll keep my eyes open for a Rise one.
I strongly suspect the Social Links in P4 are going to be very high maintenance. No more hang out a few times, and it's instant Level 10. I think they'll be a lot more demanding, and easier to put into reverse.
Makes new cycles a whole lot more worth it if you can't see and do everything in one run. Since it seems you can separate becoming lovers or just remaining friends with the potential romantic links as well as being able to choose unique sports clubs.
I'm at the beginning of the last dungeon of Nocturne, and I need to fuse some new demons. What's a good end game strategy? I've beaten the Labyrinth of Amala, so I will be able to fuse the demons you encounter there. Should I just fuse the two most powerful demons from there? I took the True Demon path, so I know I have one hell of a fight in store for me at the end of the game.
So... I guess they could go either way?
XBL: Torn Hoodie
@hoodiethirteen
God damn, that's totally the P3 main, or Minato Arisato.
My progress list is awful.
DDS: Did everything but the uber-boss.
DDS2: Stopped in the Final Dungeon.
Nocturne: Restarted, just finished Forneus.
Persona 3 FES: In May, on Hard, in The Journey. Haven't touched The Answer.
Nocturne: At the last dungeon.
DDS: Played 5 minutes.
DDS2: Haven't touched it yet, silly.
Devil Summoner: Played 20 minutes.
Persona 3: Beaten.
Persona 3: FES: Imported my final save from P3.
Fusing Focus/Pierce onto your other demons will speed things up, though it's not strictly necessary.
Really, the uber-boss isn't that bad, as long as you can live through the worst of his attacks. He's not the "do it my way, or I'll fuck you in every orifice" kind of difficult that some of the more recent uber-bosses are.
Edit: Some of the late-game enemies Repel Physical, so if your main is physical-oriented, make sure he's at least mildly competent in some magic.
I also neglected to mention the grocery shopping.
Some possible combinations:
High Pixie + Take-Mikazuchi: Power w/Getsu-ei & Auto-Tarukaja
Oberon + Berith + Rakshasa: Power w/Getsu-ei, Auto-Tarukaja, & Survive Dark
With both Getsu-ei and Zan-ei powered up by Auto-Tarukaja you shouldn't have any problems tearing your way through Tartarus on full/new moons.
If you're thinking hard enough about Tartarus that you're noticing the environments are repetitive, you're doing it wrong.
Nocturne: Restarted after realizing I screwed up sacrificing pixie currently stuck on daisoujou(sp).
DDS 1&2: These games are mythical have yet to find in the wild.
Devil Summoner: played about 30 minutes looking forward to playing more.
P3F: Almost done with summer vacation several links nearing lv10. Answer untouched.
Kinda put the smt on hold for a few weeks for the comming of MGS4.
It's hard not to notice that aside from monthly events, you're largely walking through the same boring, unadorned corridors over and over and over.
If I could play P3 without ever setting foot in Tartarus, I would.
In other news, I lost all of my progress through DDS1 and Nocturne when I had my PS3 replaced. Which means I have to start over *again*....I'm just not sure if I have the patience for that.
Aye, aye.
I hope it's harder (or even better, impossible) to max them all. It's heartbreaking to miss Orpheus Telos just cos you forgot to factor in school holidays...
That would suck. I want to see everything the game has to offer without having to play it 2 or 3 times.
Progress list (what a sham):
SMT 1: Neutral path, just entered the Cathedral :P
Persona 3: Stopped playing for SMT 1, late September I think.
FES: Shelf
Nocturne: Shelf
DDS 1&2: Shelf
Devil Summoner: Shelf
Any idea or baseless speculation on when SMT 4 is due? Also, I saw something about unnamed SMT projects for PSP. Anyone have a clue what that's about?
Anyways...
Nocturne/Lucifer's Call: Finished on True Demon quite some time ago
DDS1/2: A little way into, but saving for a rainy day
Devil Summoner: See above
Persona 3: Beaten once, waiting for a FES release or for myself to crack and import it
Demikids Dark: I really ought to go give this a try somepoint. It's waiting.
Steam ID : rwb36, Twitter : Werezompire,
Nocturne: Just beat this a couple days ago, true demon path.
DDS1: Rushed through to beat it, currently on the second dungeon of my NG+ and planning on going for the ultimate boss.
DDS2: Beaten on Hard, planning on playing again with a "complete" save from my DDS1 NG+.
Persona 3: Beat it once, save file corrupted around August on my NG+.
FES: Playing through the Journey, currently on early July. Beat the Answer.
Devil Summoner: Played 5 minutes, loved it, need to get back into it.
Of some note is that this time last year I had never even heard of the SMT series and had only the vaguest knowledge of ATLUS. Now, after buying Persona 3 on a whim last October, I am a full fledged addict.
Chie: Let me tell you about something interesting.
Do you know about Mayonaka TV?
Chie: On a rainy midnight, you can see a vanishing television.
On a rainy midnight, you can see a vanishing television.
Chie: And then, if you stare at the reflection of your face, you'll see someone else.
The urban legend of the rainy night.
The images on this television...
Are of the people who have disappeared from the real world.
The strange world in the TV.
Awaken your power.
A strange world that no one notices.
A drama of teenagers saving missing people. (I can't find a way to translate this without making it sound lame)
The newest entry in the Persona series.
As far as progress goes, I've got a Nocturne game on semi-permanent hiatus, because I'm dead broke, and level-appropriate fights give crap for macca, and I really need to spend a couple hundred thousand fusing demons to make any real progress (and, yes, I already got the money at the end of the hall of pain).
However, I just recently laid the ever loving smack down on DDS1 on a new game+, and am now having a hard time adjusting to the fact that I'm no longer invincible, having moved on to DDS2.
If they go into some ridiculous territory like awesome alternate hats, I may have to boycott this game based on too much wonderfulness.
Obligatory status update:
P3: FES: NG+ on the Journey
DDS1: Infiltrating the Solids' base. Damn those heads.
Nocturne: Haven't played in a while. Last I played I just met Chiaki post conception.
Seems like Atlus is getting on the Portal references bandwagon.
3DS: 1607-3034-6970