If you’ve wanted to try Shin Megami but felt lost

[SkinnyBoi]

Hey all!

I just released a video that helps newcomers figure out where to start with the Shin Megami Tensei series, and I kept it completely spoiler-free.

If you’ve ever been curious about SMT but felt overwhelmed by all the entries, I break down what each recommended game does well, how tough they are, and what kind of experience you can expect. I also cover which titles not to pick as your first game, since some of them are much better once you’ve got a few SMTs under your belt.

I go over core gameplay, demon fusion, the Press Turn system, and the general tone of the series, so even total newcomers can get a feel for what they’re jumping into.

If you want a clear idea of the best entry points, or just want to compare with your own experience, the video is down below :)

(Feel free to share your own starting game or what you’d recommend. Always curious how different people entered the series.)

 

[Not_Red]

I started the series with Devil Survivor on the DS, they are spinoffs but they did an excellent job trying to adapt the press turn system to a tactical RPG.

SMT IV is easily one of the best games to start with, the early game is tough but being able to save at any point really helps when trying to beat the bosses, and then Apocalypse took the gameplay loop and perfected it adding affinities and nerfing certain mechanics from base IV. Not to mention there is something about the spritework on these games that the 3D models of V doesn't have.

 

[SkinnyBoi]

I started the series with Devil Survivor on the DS, they are spinoffs but they did an excellent job trying to adapt the press turn system to a tactical RPG.

SMT IV is easily one of the best games to start with, the early game is tough but being able to save at any point really helps when trying to beat the bosses, and then Apocalypse took the gameplay loop and perfected it adding affinities and nerfing certain mechanics from base IV. Not to mention there is something about the spritework on these games that the 3D models of V doesn't have.

I really love that Devil Survivor actually lines up with the “DS” abbreviation.

About the fourth game, yeah, it really is one of the all-time greats. I went out of my way to buy a physical copy right after beating the Minotaur. Battle B2 is such a great boss theme. Ryota Kozuka absolutely nailed it.

The sprites took some time for me to get used to, though. But after playing two more games in the 3DS lineup, I absolutely adore them. Even high-resolution 3D models don’t hit the same. It kind of reminds me of Pokémon Black and White because sprite work peaked there.

 

[Dyne]

Nice video, thanks for posting this.

I've never played a SMT game and I found this video pretty helpful.
One day when I get around to SMT I'll probably start with V(engeance) or IV.

 

[SkinnyBoi]

Nice video, thanks for posting this.

I've never played a SMT game and I found this video pretty helpful.
One day when I get around to SMT I'll probably start with V(engeance) or IV.

Ey, thanks for watching!

These games can be really tough to get into, but once you’re in, there’s no going back, haha.

On a side note, looking at your profile pic, I’m honestly a little ashamed that I own a Japanese copy of Chrono Trigger for the DS and still haven’t touched it. I might finally give it a try during the winter break. From what I understand, the game isn’t super long, right?

 

[Dyne]

Ey, thanks for watching!

These games can be really tough to get into, but once you’re in, there’s no going back, haha.

On a side note, looking at your profile pic, I’m honestly a little ashamed that I own a Japanese copy of Chrono Trigger for the DS and still haven’t touched it. I might finally give it a try during the winter break. From what I understand, the game isn’t super long, right?

No its not super long at all, by jrpg standards. 20-30 hours if I had to guess.
Chrono Trigger also has some of the best pacing of any jrpg I've ever played, which makes it feel like its going by quickly too.

 

[SkinnyBoi]

No its not super long at all, by jrpg standards. 20-30 hours if I had to guess.
Chrono Trigger also has some of the best pacing of any jrpg I've ever played, which makes it feel like its going by quickly too.

Then I have no excuses, 20-30 hours is very manageable (especially on a handheld)! Going to play through the winter break and who knows, might do mini-review or something.