any games similar to SMT in terms of themes ?

[Irman]

Hi, hope you guys are having a nice day !

the first time I played SMT it made my jaw drop I was so fascinated with the idea of summoning all types of real life mythical creatures taken from real life religions and beliefs, and thankfully so far I only have finished IV and Soul Hackers (and am playing Strange Journey at the moment ) so there are still a lot of titles to experience but this questions keeps on popping up in my mind, are there any other games that actually take use of real life mythical creatures as a main property in it's theme ? I tried searching a little on google and sadly couldn't find any interesting things that catches my eye. so please do share if you guys know any, I really appreciate it.

 

[MemeAlert]

Here

 

[fake-kun]

Here

The OP literally said they googled the question but couldn't find anything that interested them. Can't you read?

 

[Nebulon_Galaxy]

The OP literally said they googled the question but couldn't find anything that interested them. Can't you read?

can't help it, he was born with no literacy

To try and answer, maybe Age of Mythology? They use mythos as units. Game is pretty fun with a great OST.

 

[Stookymalarkey]

They're technically spin-offs of the Shin Megami Tensei series, but you can check out the Last Bible games. You'll be able to find them in the Repo.

 

[Yousef]

Digimon perhaps? I feel cyber sleuth fits the bell perfectly (narrative and gameplay wise I mean, but you do also summon Digimon named after the seven deadly sins and there’s really heavy mythology inspired Digimon)

 

[RustySK]

Plenty of games - especially JRPGs - have at least a selection of enemies based on mythology of course, but it's actually kind of shocking how rare this whole theme of utilizing real world mythological beasts in your games seems to be.
Maybe I'm just blanking really hard right now, but I never thought about it like that.

Maybe devs or publishers are worried about the risk of offending various cultural groups with whatever depiction they'd end up with?
But then again, given how freely and creatively Atlus has been slinging things like Shiva or the Archangels and whatnot around, you'd really assume there would be more attempts at this kind of thing... Odd.

I can really only think of a couple mythologically themed Soulslikes or Action games - Muramasa, Nioh 1/2 or the God of War series would broadly fit the bill, I suppose. Oh and Labyrinth of the Demon King!

 

[Glimbo]

Chaos Rings III (PS Vita) lets you use the power of mythical / legendary beings and historical figures called genes. There's 138 of them.

 

[qw90700]

Yes, the deal of SMT is being a Pokemon-like game by using mythical creatures against mythical creatures therefore it's the only game series regarding topic. Other related games more about being a mythical being yourself or just a human in mythical fiction and stuff, however they are limited to certain mythologies that are not international as the SMT series.

In that regard your options are very limited to these games: God of War series, Witcher series, Okami, Ghostwire: Tokyo, Folklore (PS3 game), League of Legends, Dota 2 and whatnot games.

FYI it would worth to mention just in case that Persona series are part of SMT series as a spin off series that has the core SMT stuff regarding mythical creature collection and fighting with these creatures using your creatures, but these games are more about having a high school setting. Sometimes people ask this very same question regarding "I enjoyed playing Persona games so I wanna play something like this" but sometimes they are not aware of SMT series so I kinda having an opposite deja vu moment here lol.

 

[moonbits]

Titan Quest.. maybe

 

[Irman]

Heyo thanks everyone for the recommendations I'll definitely try to give em' all a shot at least.

maybe Age of Mythology? They use mythos as units. Game is pretty fun with a great OST.

yeah that game does take a good use of mythologies even though they say it's not as diverse and more focused on Greek, Egyptian, and Norse but still that's impressive thanks I'll try it out!

the Last Bible games.

OH YES, You're right I've only once saw the Last Bible Spin-offs on a YouTube Video briefly but it really does look interesting specially that it has a lighter atmosphere compared to most of the SMT franchise, I think I'll love em' thanks a lot !

Digimon perhaps? I feel cyber sleuth fits the bell perfectly (narrative and gameplay wise I mean, but you do also summon Digimon named after the seven deadly sins and there’s really heavy mythology inspired Digimon)

I had no idea about this one. it's art style is also very tempting, got to read more about it ! thanks.

Maybe devs or publishers are worried about the risk of offending various cultural groups with whatever depiction they'd end up with?

Yes, I thought there would be more games in these themes too, but unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case. As for the fear of people getting offended, I totally agree it's possible. Still, it's worth noting that only some religions are strongly concerned with depictions. Indo-European religions as an example (mostly polytheistic and rich in mythology) are a very good source to be inspired by for devs.
So yeah, I also feel like this is a theme that sadly hasn't been and can still be explored and still had lots of potential.

I can really only think of a couple mythologically themed Soulslikes or Action games - Muramasa, Nioh 1/2 or the God of War series would broadly fit the bill, I suppose. Oh and Labyrinth of the Demon King!

I didn't know anything about Muramasa and Labyrinth of the Demon King, thanks a lot they look interesting and I'll go after them.

Chaos Rings III (PS Vita)

the game looks really fun and the aesthetic low key remind me of ps2 era final fantasies, thanks !

Yes, the deal of SMT is being a Pokemon-like game by using mythical creatures against mythical creatures therefore it's the only game series regarding topic.

yes that too might be the reason, thinking about it a game about fighting mythical creatures against each other isn't the most ordinary thing so it makes sense if there's less of it.

In that regard your options are very limited to these games: God of War series, Witcher series, Okami, Ghostwire: Tokyo, Folklore (PS3 game), League of Legends, Dota 2 and whatnot games.

FYI it would worth to mention just in case that Persona series are part of SMT series as a spin off series that has the core SMT stuff regarding mythical creature collection and fighting with these creatures using your creatures, but these games are more about having a high school setting.

Folklore seems like a cool game never heard of it before but it does look beautiful thanks ! oh my bad I should've mentioned sorry, I know about Persona and played the third one for a little. yes even thought it has a specific focus on High-School Simulation (if we can call it that) Persona and most of other SMT Spin-offs all look pretty impressive.

Titan Quest.. maybe

thanks I'll check it out.

 

[Bakuma1997]

Closest i can think is the Fate Series, and those are more like Historical figures

 

[qw90700]

oh my bad I should've mentioned sorry, I know about Persona and played the third one for a little. yes even thought it has a specific focus on High-School Simulation (if we can call it that) Persona and most of other SMT Spin-offs all look pretty impressive.

Nah it's okay. I'm glad you knew about Persona games actually. So then what's left to mention is kinda every Persona games has their own themes therefore they are not so "similar games". It's a benefit for when you dislike a Persona game you may either way find the Persona game you may like.

For example Persona 1 is really close to be a SMT game, so it's serious despite it has the sense of humor and it really has all late 90s has to offer!!!! lol

Persona 2 is less serious, more like an anime.

Persona 3 is kinda like Persona 1 but has the 2000s emo theme.

Persona 4 is similar to Persona 2 but more about murder mystery in "peaceful" village that has heartwarming situations to experience!!!!

Persona 5 gets very different than SMT and Persona games, it's more like Kaitou Kid anime by doing its own thing + Persona stuff.

Oh also what to warn about Persona games is their "different versions". For example Persona 3, 4 and 5 have different versions that expands and add features. Persona 3 also has Persona FES, Persona 4 -> Persona 4 Golden and Persona 5 -> Persona 5 Royal. It means newer versions has new characters and story stuff but I prefer the original of these games due to the way newer versions ruins the game for me.

 

[Kamako]

I know you've mentioned series separate to SMT, but I'd be remiss in rabid fandom if I failed to fervently promote SMT: Digital Devil Saga & Digital Devil Saga 2. The games are steeped in Buddhist and Hindu myth. Such a phenomenal duology.

Outside of SMT, God of War is based upon Greco-Roman religion.

From what I understand, Naruto (both the anime and the games) are heavily inspired by Japanese historical myth. Similarly, Black Myth: Wukong is supposedly based on either Chinese religious themes or one of the earliest Chinese legends (uncertain about this one, but apparently it's very good!)

 

[Cantarella]

Maybe La Mulana and its sequel? Especially its sequel, actually.

The main conceit is that you're exploring a set of ruins that is the cradle of civilization. You see lots and lots of references to different mythologies inside the ruins, both from enemies you encounter to items you pick up to your surroundings.

The sequel dials this aspect up infinitely.

Only caveat is that they're pretty indepth games. Like, it is ill-advised to take an extended break while playing them because you will absolutely forget what you were supposed to be doing. Note-taking type game.

 

[χKai]

All I can think of besides the SMT series is the Persona series.

There's also things like the Glory of Heracles, but if you're looking for something that has that whole 'recruit other mythological entities' thing, you might want to try something else.

Last Bible was mentioned, and I hear good things about that series.

 

[qw90700]

From what I understand, Naruto (both the anime and the games) are heavily inspired by Japanese historical myth.

You are right. Naruto using the most popular Japanese mythology elements that's actually generic but understandable when you know Japanese culture. However what is not generic is how these popular ideas are used in "cool way".

For example chakra is what people get used to from India, yoga and whatever. Normally it's not about performing "magical stuff" lol. FYI Naruto was almost becoming Japanese version of Harry Potter-like fiction but it was decided to be about ninjas instead lol.

Multiple-tailed monsters are one of the most popular monster type in Japanese mythology but they were not actually inside of people or something.

One of the jutsus "izanagi" and "izanami" are actually name of gods that believed to have created Japan's islands and other gods. Japanese religion has many gods but these are very important ones.

The rest of the character dynamics and all are from very popular Japanese mythology situations but let's say they are twisted for the Naruto universe.

 

[gekiganwing]

I learned about LaPlace's Demon thanks to SNES Drunk. Apparently, it started as a Japanese computer game. The video focuses on the Super Famicom version, which is a console RPG. There's a complete fan translation.

 

[SKT]

Well honestly I don’t think any game can capture what Megaten does but I can tell you what Megaten was influenced by.


Devilman

Everything from Demon Invasion to a highschool student was the inspiration for Megaten since the first book in the series.

Chainsaw Man is also heavily inspired by Devilman and that feels more like Megaten then most video games.

 

[PrismRed]

Monster Kingdom: Jewel Summoner on PSP. It's made by Atlus too.
Well okay the mythology is pretty light to almost non-existent, but it has the same occult vibe to it. just give it a try really.

And maybe Toukiden I guess? It's all Japanese themed though.

 

[Irman]

Fate Series

I've heard a lot of good things about Fate series but since it looks like it's a big one that has its own universe and you need to get your hands dirty and invest some time to go through all the entries I kinda scared to start so far. your recommendation though tempted me more to go for it thanks !

For example Persona 1 is really close to be a SMT game, so it's serious despite it has the sense of humor and it really has all late 90s has to offer!!!! lol

Persona 2 is less serious, more like an anime.

thanks for the details !
themes aside, style wise I think these two are the ones for me to start. because I played Persona 3 for a little and I know it's a good game and had some fun playing it but sadly didn't work for me. maybe the more dark colored aesthetics of the first one is a good place to get into

I know you've mentioned series separate to SMT, but I'd be remiss in rabid fandom if I failed to fervently promote SMT: Digital Devil Saga & Digital Devil Saga 2. The games are steeped in Buddhist and Hindu myth. Such a phenomenal duology.

They're definitely on my radar, just waiting for the right time thanks for bolding them though. feared of getting spoiled I haven't gone any deeper than seeing the cover arts so far and they are exactly a type that I think I'd love.

Maybe La Mulana and its sequel? Especially its sequel, actually.

I remember playing the first one and it was very hard but also pretty fun, sadly I didn't paid attention to the story and trace of any mythologies back then but I'll revisit it and play the second game thanks !

There's also things like the Glory of Heracles, but if you're looking for something that has that whole 'recruit other mythological entities' thing, you might want to try something else.

Last Bible was mentioned, and I hear good things about that series.

just checked Glory of Heracles and it's a big franchise ! really like the cover of the 4th game (looks like it's the Fifth in the franchise but has "IV" written in his name Heracles no Eikō IV: Kamigami kara no Okurimono), thanks for introducing it ! I think it I would like it.

even the cover here kinda gives the mythological vibes
​

yes Last Bible is also Lovely !

I learned about LaPlace's Demon thanks to SNES Drunk. Apparently, it started as a Japanese computer game. The video focuses on the Super Famicom version, which is a console RPG. There's a complete fan translation.

wow ! I saw the video, is it me or is the game really underrated ? never heard of that before even though it looks so entertaining ! thanks dude great recommendation

Devilman

I genuinely didn't expect to learn so much, damn ! heard about the controversies surrounded Devilman in the older days for it's mature content, violence and gore but had no idea Megaten has influenced by it. will explore more into this for sure, thanks !

Monster Kingdom: Jewel Summoner on PSP. It's made by Atlus too.
Well okay the mythology is pretty light to almost non-existent, but it has the same occult vibe to it. just give it a try really.

And maybe Toukiden I guess? It's all Japanese themed though.

thanks man checked monster kingdom and like the vibes, I'll go for it no doubt. about Toukiden, just looking at the picture it feel close to Monster hunter somehow and that is also my cup of tea might check this one out in the future too, thanks!

 

[dropsmegamega]

It's such a great concept. I love SMT but I'd really love to see other devs exploring these ideas in different ways, like conspiracies, demon summoning, cults and different alignments and choices, but without teenagers, absurd power levels and the apocalypse for example.

 

[qw90700]

thanks for the details !
themes aside, style wise I think these two are the ones for me to start. because I played Persona 3 for a little and I know it's a good game and had some fun playing it but sadly didn't work for me. maybe the more dark colored aesthetics of the first one is a good place to get into

Then I can imagine why you might didn't like Persona 3 is simply because "how away it's from SMT games" then I can say Persona 1 is actually pretty much the closest Persona game to be a SMT game... well it was the only Persona game to have the name of SMT in its title for a good reason too lol. I think Persona 1 was never meant to be a series of its own, it was just a SMT game but once it was a big hit they turned it into a series.

However after Persona 1 honestly IDK what they wanted to decide for real. For some reason they wanted to make Persona series so away from SMT they intentionally did anything to change the series. In that context Persona 2 is a very different game that's more like an anime that it was more like test run to determine how future of Persona games should be. Then it make you think point of Persona games to make it "SMT for teens".

And then Persona 3 drew boundary of how future of Persona games will be. In this context personally I appreciate the way how Persona 1 is the only Persona game in the series that has the "Persona identity" yet it also has the SMT identity, but then after Persona 1 the rest of the games doesn't have "Persona identity" and "SMT identity". Series turned into "spin off of spin off" situation that every game its own "thing" that's not like how SMT games have different themes but they are still a SMT game. What "Persona" means anymore is school simulator aspect of it that people tend to use it for dating sim, yet the game has "dating aspect" just as a part of relationships you have with people to develop your "self" which is what actually Persona is about, however most people doesn't care about Carl Jung's theories, they use it as high school simulator. Developers are aware of it therefore especially Persona 5 is almost "not a Persona game at all" but has the Persona vibe game. It's more like they wanted to develop Kaitou Kid's game but they were not allowed so they released the game under Persona brand lol. So Persona 5 is what I can say as "spin off of spin off of spin off" lolol.

 

[SKT]

I genuinely didn't expect to learn so much, damn ! heard about the controversies surrounded Devilman in the older days for it's mature content, violence and gore but had no idea Megaten has influenced by it. will explore more into this for sure, thanks !

SMT IF was a giant Devilman Reference in the Akira route. The partner's name was miyamoto akira like Fudo Akira was the MC of Devilman and they both get powers from Amon to turn into something different i would check out the manga if you ever want to view it

 

[Irman]

Then I can imagine why you might didn't like Persona 3 is simply because "how away it's from SMT games" then I can say Persona 1 is actually pretty much the closest Persona game to be a SMT game... well it was the only Persona game to have the name of SMT in its title for a good reason too lol. I think Persona 1 was never meant to be a series of its own, it was just a SMT game but once it was a big hit they turned it into a series.

However after Persona 1 honestly IDK what they wanted to decide for real. For some reason they wanted to make Persona series so away from SMT they intentionally did anything to change the series. In that context Persona 2 is a very different game that's more like an anime that it was more like test run to determine how future of Persona games should be. Then it make you think point of Persona games to make it "SMT for teens".

And then Persona 3 drew boundary of how future of Persona games will be. In this context personally I appreciate the way how Persona 1 is the only Persona game in the series that has the "Persona identity" yet it also has the SMT identity, but then after Persona 1 the rest of the games doesn't have "Persona identity" and "SMT identity". Series turned into "spin off of spin off" situation that every game its own "thing" that's not like how SMT games have different themes but they are still a SMT game. What "Persona" means anymore is school simulator aspect of it that people tend to use it for dating sim, yet the game has "dating aspect" just as a part of relationships you have with people to develop your "self" which is what actually Persona is about, however most people doesn't care about Carl Jung's theories, they use it as high school simulator. Developers are aware of it therefore especially Persona 5 is almost "not a Persona game at all" but has the Persona vibe game. It's more like they wanted to develop Kaitou Kid's game but they were not allowed so they released the game under Persona brand lol. So Persona 5 is what I can say as "spin off of spin off of spin off" lolol.

the philosophy of making the self by who you communicate with and your social status is an interesting one. I didn't caught this when I played persona 3. so correct me if I'm wrong but what I get so far is that the game mechanics is entangled strongly with whom you'll choose to make stronger boundaries with. I guess with this in mind I can get along better with all those "deciding to who to hang out with" options and care more about the social decisions, thanks for the explanation.

about the Persona 5 being a spin-off of spin-off of spin-off I think I get it. I had a Persona-fan friend who loved the games, he always said that "the third one has more gloomy vibes and the forth one is happy" but when it came to the fifth one even though he played it more than those two he always would say "well, this one is a different deal, but I'm not sure how to put it in words. it just has really cool characters" and the way you said they wanted to expand the high-school sim/dating sim aspects of the game makes it clear for me why my friend couldn't just explain the identity of the fifth game like the other two, and mostly talked about how cool the characters are instead.

I guess you are right about it, I'm just kind of more used to the SMT at this point and I need to kinda go looking at persona as a much different concept in some ways to understand it and connect with it, again maybe paying from the first ones helps soothing the transition and also I can see it your way how the game changes into these sub-branches and spin-offs.

Post automatically merged: Yesterday at 11:51 PM

SMT IF was a a giant Devilman Reference in the Akira route. The partner's name was miyamoto akira like Fudo Akira was the MC of Devilman and they both get powers from Amon to turn into something different

gotta check out the Devilman animes at some point then (or maybe read mangas too), it's a shame if there are so many references and influences and the player can't catch em'. I haven't played the if... tho but heard it's a very important title in the series and helped shape Persona too.