Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga

Cannibalism: It’s not just for breakfast anymore!

Tags: Categories: PS2 Reviews, Reviews

Posted by Jake McNeill on May 4th, 2005

Title Players
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga (title page) 1
Developer Publisher Genre Online
Role-Playing No

“Oh my god! Soylent Green… is people!”

“…and?”


You’ve got to hand it to Atlus. While parent-teacher groups band together to denounce the latest videogame iteration of cops ‘n robbers, Atlus has brought us an RPG that teaches us that we can reach Nirvana if we slaughter everyone that stands in our way, using demonic powers to rend the flesh from their bones, and devour their slaughtered corpses to grow stronger. Pass the salt!


While this is certainly not the first time themes of cannibalism have worked their way into videogames, it’s without a doubt the first time it’s been a game’s central theme, and even more to the point, the game is absolutely unapologetic about it. Only one of the game’s main characters shows emotions of remorse and disgust in reaction to this bizarre twist in reality. For everyone else, it just puts a more literal spin on what was already a “dog eat dog” post-apocalyptic world. Most are all too happy to embrace this grotesque way of life.


Being a title in Atlus’ much-lauded Shin Megami Tensei franchise, much of this game should come as little surprise for those who played previous SMT games, like last year’s phenomenal Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne. The highly-mature themes, the focus on death, demons, the occult, and the end of the world. Also par for the course are the outstanding art style, the beautiful character designs (including many of the series’ signature enemies), the generally high quality graphics, and the rock-influenced soundtrack. Those who played Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne last year should feel right at home. Well, provided they don’t mind the shift in the gameplay itself.


The best way I can think to describe Digital Devil Saga’s gameplay is to say that Digital Devil Saga is to Final Fantasy X what Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne was to Pokemon. That is, while Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne took the monster-collecting genre and spun in its own themes and unique features, Digital Devil Saga takes Final Fantasy X’s three-man combat and sphere grid system and warps it with the game’s own original ideas, such as limiting players’ repertoire of moves to a handful at a time, and awarding extra turns to players and enemies that attack anopponent’s weaknesses.


However, it does deserve mention that while much of Digital Devil Saga’s storyline and gameplay retain Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne’s sense of enigmatic mystery, neither seems to have quite the same level of depth. Keep in mind, many would argue this is a good thing, as Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne was often a little too cryptic, and many undoubtedly had a hard time figuring it out. I, however, tend to think that’s one of Shin Megami Tensei’s best qualities, and I think it’s unfortunate that they are subdued here, although it ultimately makes Digital Devil Saga more accessible, which seems to be the point.


Furthermore, even separate from the change in focus, there are a few annoying problems that pop up here and there. The level design is repetitive to a fault, and this is made even more aggravating by the fact that many areas can take hours to work through, in part thanks to a somewhat high encounter rate. In addition, changing a character’s “mantra” (akin to a sphere on FFX’s sphere grid) can only be done at save points, which is annoying if you master one out in the field. Also, there just isn’t enough control over the camera, a damn shame considering how often you want to have a look at the game’s beautiful characters up-close.

Still, Digital Devil Saga is one of the better RPGs on the PS2. It’s fun and original, a must-buy for fans of Final Fantasy X and Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne, and despite not being quite as accessible as the former and not as deep as the latter, the game is still drawing from what are arguably the two best RPGs on the PS2, and if you’re going to draw inspiration, it helps to draw from the best.


If nothing else, Digital Devil Saga makes an excellent introduction to Shin Megami Tensei for those who have never played any titles in the series before, but would rather not jump head-first into the deep end that is Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne. Not only does it give players a taste of what the series is about (pardon the pun), but it’s a wonderful game in its own right, and will certainly have players eagerly awaiting Digital Devil Saga 2 (even if it weren’t for a cliffhanger ending).

What Works Score
+ Extremely original premise
+ Great story
+ Outstanding graphics and character designs
+ Fun gameplay 		8.5
What Doesn't
- Mature themes may be a bit much for some people. Unless the player in question is old enough to know who Hannibal Lechter is, best stay away.
- Repetitive level design
- Arguably too simplified
Under the Shrink-wrap
All the yummy goodness of Final Fantasy X and Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne, but not quite as filling. Still, it's an appetizer that eats like a meal, and will have you drooling for seconds.
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