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GAMING FEATURE

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Guest appearance? While the majority of characters in the series universe are original, there has been the odd real world inspired cameo. The most famous of these was the appearance of a character named Mr. Thriller in Shin Megami Tensei II . Now “Hoo!” could it be?

As well as the mainline games,

which tend towards darker, more mature themes, there have been several spin off series. These include Last Bible, Devil Summoner, Majin Tensei, and Devil Children, many of which weren’t released outside of Japan. By far the most well-known byproduct of Shin Megami Tensei’s world is the Persona series, which, while keeping some gameplay elements, is generally lighter in tone with its high

Fans of Japanese role-playing games are counting the minutes to the release this month of Shin Megami Tensei V Vengeance . If it’s all new to you, here’s a quick primer to get you at least a little up to speed with the vast Shin MegamiTensei universe. Words Bec Summer In the beginning While it may not have the exposure of series remained at the forefront of the series - as has a focus on atmosphere, and THE ORIGINAL SHIN

schooler setting and incorporation of social simulation elements. It debuted on the original PlayStation back in 1996 and has gone on to appear in various incarnations on most console formats both home based and handheld since, running the gamut from JRPG to brawlers and even a trilogy of rhythm games. The latest outing In what developers Atlus are describing as a “definitive version”, Shin Megami

Sensei V Vengeance takes the much lauded previously available Switch-exclusive game, set in a post apocalyptic Tokyo, brings it to more formats, and adds a whole pile of extra goodies. As well as the original Canon of Creation storyline,

• Shin Megami Tensei V Vengeance is out Jun 14

top musical accompaniment. A whole wide world

such as Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, Megami Tensei games – known as Shin Megami Tensei once they hit the west - kicked off around the same time, back in 1987. The first game, Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei , arrived on Nintendo’s Famicom system, based upon the first in a series of science fiction novels, Digital Devil Story , which was created by Aya Nishitani. It focused on a boy named Akemi Nakajima, who created a program for summoning demons that he uses to exact revenge on school bullies. While the stories

there’s an entire new one to explore in the Canon of Vengeance , which is packed

Over the decades, more than 50 games that fall under the Shin Megami Tensei umbrella have been released across many formats, several as Japanese exclusives. The big point of difference to most other RPGs has been the embracing of modern settings and modern technology that feature through the various stories.

have varied over the years, moral-based decision making that leads to various endings

with new locations, new demons, and new choices – and they’re serious, like fate of all existence serious. There’s also an enhanced battle system and more accessible gameplay. Whichever way we travel, in the series tradition as players we’ll encounter conflicting and tragic choices, that will force us to confront those ideologies that we’re willing to fight for.

DYK?

The first Shin Megami Tensei game to garner a western release was the

Halloween-themed action spin off Jack Bros , for Nintendo’s ill-fated Virtual Boy.

has been a prominent feature, and demons have

40 JUNE 2024

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