Shin Megami Tensei Update

July 22nd, 2009, 21:57 Posted By: wraggster

Earlier reports of a new Persona game may not prove to be true, but Atlus does have something potentially bigger on the way. As reported earlier here at IGN, the latest Famitsu is home to first details on Shin Megami Tensei Strange Journey, an all new entry in what could be called the "main" line of the Megaten series. We now have full details.

Strange Journey, the first new Shin Megami Tensei game in five years, puts players in an epic story detailing mankind's struggle for survival as a strange phenomenon that appears over the South Pole and begins rapidly expanding and consuming the planet. You play as a Japanese member of a United Nations investigation force sent out to journey into the phenomenon.

While the main character is meant to be Japanese, Strange Journey has an international cast. Your force is headed up by a man named Gore. While his nationality is not specified, Famitsu does list two other members of your group, Himenes and Zelenin, as respectively American and Russian. Himenes is just a soldier, while Zelenin takes care of the scientific side of the mission.

This force makes use of a tank-like ship called the Red Sprite. It's called a ship rather than a vehicle probably because it's huge -- a person doesn't even stand to half of one of its tires -- and also because it can fly. Three similar vehicles have been sent out to investigate the scene: The Blue Jet, The Alps, and The Gigantic.

When exploring on foot, you dawn special "Demonica Suits" armor. Head gear displays computer readouts as you move about. An arm unit is used to view a variety of data, from maps to other support information.

On the DS, the head unit translates to the top screen. The game is played in the first person, so you can better get the feeling of being the character. The arm unit translates to the bottom screen, displaying your map and giving you other options. Screenshots in Famitsu show options for "Mission Log," "Demonica," "Analyze" and "Icon Help."

As you explore, you'll encounter a Shin Megami Tensei series staple: memorable demons. The game promises the most demons in series history, at over 300. Included are creatures from past Megaten games as well as new ones.

Unfortunately, specifics on the battle system are scarce at present. There does seem to be support for battle parties of up to four. Screenshots show such skills as "Devil Co-Op," although we're going to have to wait for a followup for specifics.

Joining the demon themes of past Megaten games is the ability to make demons into ally characters. You'll be able to use your monsters in battle, and also combine them in various ways to form more powerful demons!

It sounds like Strange Journey has everything Shin Megami Tensei fans would want in a sequel. While Famitsu is a Japan-only publication, the whole world will get a first look at the game as Atlus opens a Japanese official site on Monday, complete with a first trailer. Currently, interested parties can access a teaser version of the site.

http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/100/1006136p1.html

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