Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse Review

Return to a demon infested Tokyo.

Various characters join you along the way during Apocalypse, and they take the role of partners during battle, taking a turn after all of your turns have been depleted. Each partner has their own skills and strengths, Asahi for example comes equipped with a ton of healing magic, while Gaston is a physical fighter with combat skills and Navarre gives you status boosts. An Assist Gauge fills up as partners take actions in battle, and once filled it allows all of your current partners to unleash a devastating attack on the enemy at once.

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Partners also factor into the story, as they’ll all be present during story scenes and will send you emails based on what’s going on in the game. Apocalypse’s cast of characters turn out to be surprisingly deep, as they each have their own motivations and reasons for joining you. You’ll learn a lot about each partner throughout the game, and they’re each well-rounded characters that are fascinating to learn more about.

apocalypse

The voice cast does a great job of providing detail and emotion to each role as well, and even minor characters are voiced well. Your character, Nanashi, is voiceless and mostly represents you, the player, being put in the world. Though silent, he has his own fascinating mysteries to uncover.

If there’s one thing that Apocalypse absolutely nails, it’s the tone. You’re living in an apocalyptic world inhabited by demons and angels, and every piece of the game reinforces the desolation of this theme. Tokyo has been obliterated, neon shop signs still glow in the darkness of lifeless streets. Character designs are varied and reflect each individual’s life post-apocalypse. On top of that, the game’s soundtrack is appropriately moody, its dark tones matching the mystery and desperation of the world.

apocalyspe

While the story is fascinating, lengthy dungeon crawling sections on main quests can keep you from seeing the plot progress for long periods of time. There’s nothing wrong with dungeon crawling of course, but sometimes you just want to see more story content as you piece your way through an area. There’s also quite a bit of backtracking, as you’re basically just running around the city of Tokyo the entire time.

Apocalypse is a game that can easily stand on its own, even if you haven’t played the original Shin Megami Tensei IV. Of course, having played the original will give you more context and understanding of the world and its different characters and factions. However, Apocalypse’s brand new story, engaging characters, and deep gameplay systems are more than enough to warrant a playthrough for fans both new and old. If you’re looking for a lengthy, satisfying handheld RPG to play, Apocalypse is a great candidate.

SCORE: 4.5/5- GREAT


PROS

• The setting, music, characters, and more nail the game’s tone.

• Fascinating story about a three way war and the humans caught within it.

• Challenging but satisfying gameplay.

Editor's Choice smallest

CONS

•Lengthy dungeon crawling sequences can drag down the story pacing.

• A lot of backtracking

 

 

 


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Author
Hayes Madsen
A connoisseur of all things RPG related, and always looking for the artistic expression in gaming. His love of Gundam is only matched by his love of Pizza. Playing Games Since: 1991 Favorite Genres: RPGs, JRPGs, Strategy,