Shin Megami Tensei

The Good
It takes bold steps to try and further the RPG genre, and Shin Megami Tensei feels like it's done a long hike. This game has a few features that make it stand out from the rest, you wonder why they're rarely implemented (outside of a MegaTen game).

The Story is second to none, taking the traditional JRPG "hero wakes up", and putting it on its head. The game begins as a dream, where you decide your name, and the names of your friends. You can tell this is no simple Good vs Evil tale, which is a theme running through the whole game with many factions adopting aligning either side, both with compelling reasons to join, but also with horrible consequences.

Demons pop-up at random that you may fight, or talk to. It's clear where Pokemon got it's ideas from. But to be able to talk to an enemy is still quite unique. Say the right things, and they may give you items, or even join your party. With a demon of a kind in your party, other demons may pop up, but will not attack you (very handy if you have a few of the common types), and give you gifts and advice.

The world is expansive, and it never feels like you're being lead by the nose. Though it does have a claustrophobic atmosphere at times, reminiscent of System Shock. You're pretty much free to travel from place to place, getting caught up in one political or criminal plot after another.

Combining demons in your party is a great way to gain stronger allies. Tough it's annoying you can only make them in proportion to your current experience level, I'm still impressed the designers would let you see these all-powerful ones, probably to keep you interested (and it works).

The Bad
This game can be difficult. It's fine if you take your time, and level up in time. It's no as bad a grind as 7th Saga, but expect to put some time in.

You'll need to pay attention to the story and dialogue too, and the main map can be tricky - especially since you have to remember where a particular place, because there's no location names.

Whilst the sound and music aren't bad, they aren't great either. I don't regret playing this muted with other music playing, which you can take either way.

The Bottom Line
Demonic Socially-adept Pokemon, 15 years ahead of its time. A deep, dark adventure for those who may be a little fed up of the regular JRPG champ: Final Fantasy.