This particular game opens up as a sequel to Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzuhoha vs. The Soulless Army. Released in May for North America, this new Devil Summoner game received mostly positive reviews, including a collective ‘Aww’ from fans considering the ‘Raiho’ plush the game comes with (The Shin Megami Tensei mascot, Jack Frost, dressed up in Raidou’s uniform).
As with previous Shin Megami Tensei games, your main character, Raidou, is a man of few words, if any at all. You are summoned once more by your clan in order to save a 1930’s Japan and along with your talking cat friend and mentor, Gouto, you’re off to play detective.
Your first case is to look for a missing persons of sorts- a man by the name of Dahn. Long story short, Dahn takes tradition and superstition way too seriously and ends up biting off more than he can chew in his lust for power in the demon realm. Fighting your way through random encountered demons and masked men alike, you must battle your way through the demon realm and worm your way through the streets of the capital in search of clues to solve your cases.
WHAT YOU’LL LIKE:
Unique Art
As with the first Devil Summoner game before it, Devil Summoner 2 rocks a strange and unique art style not seen in many other games. It looks borderline anime, but still has a nice, smooth 3D roundness. The colors are bright and vibrant in the real world, and oppressive in the demon world. Even your cat partner has a unique look to him. Raidou’s cape even flutters whimsically in the wind while in battle, which is… unique, if not a little flamboyant.
Raidou, cape included, striking a pose alongside his cat friend and mentor, Gouto.
The Battle System
This is one of the redeeming qualities of the game. You fight with your sword, or use your gun for slightly weaker, long-ranged attack. This particular battle system allows you to use up to two demons at once to aid you in battle. Depending on the demon you use and their alignment, being Pagan, Frost, Fire or the like, you can either do critical damage to the enemies, or you might end up healing them. Be careful about this.
Many of the demons you encounter in battle you are actually able to converse with in hopes of gaining their aid in battle, or the usage of the extra abilities, like mind read, outside of battle. Some demons like sweet talk,some want your money- it’s a toss up of who wants what, so be on your feet. If you say or do the wrong thing, the demon you’re talking to might get pretty mad and end up stealing some of your health.
Scenery Art
There really isn’t too much to say about this, other than, well, it’s pretty. No matter where you go, be it city or forested area, the scenery is really detailed and vivid. It’s a nice contrast to the character art.
The backgrounds are surprisingly detailed.
WHAT YOU WON’T LIKE:
Audio
I’m going to be honest- some of the music can be not only repetitious, but downright annoying. It almost fits the time period, but then will take some kind of weird turn and you’re not completely sure what you are listening to. The music for when you’re out on the streets can range, but isn’t too varied, which can be disappointing. The characters aren’t voiced, but the demons in your party make sounds while in battle which, depending on the pitch, can be nerve grating after a while.
The Way the World Turns
The story, when it’s on track, is somewhat interesting. When you’re running through the world and riding the train to and from districts, blowing your hard earned yen, not so much. If you like playing detective, you’re set. If you’re more of the impatient type, you might want to think twice.
A Jack Frost plushie, dressed as Raidou, was included.
RECOMMENDATION:
Honestly, it’s a good game if you’re just looking for play-through ability. Sure, you might have to level up in a few places to take down an upcoming boss or two, but what RPG is worth its salt if you don’t have to do that at least once? Easily a game you can clock twenty plus hours into, if you’re looking for a fun, odd way to waste you’re time.
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon
System: PS2
Developer: Atlus
Publisher: Atlus
Find: Goozex, Amazon, Gamefly
All reviews are based on final retail code unless otherwise noted.
June 18th, 2009 at 8:13 am
The 1920s feel looks like it adds a really cool aesthetic to the game.
June 20th, 2009 at 1:19 am
I enjoyed the first game, though I’m biased because I’m a huge MegaTen fan. I admit I was swayed, though, into purchasing this because of the Raiho plushie.