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Developer: Atlus
Publisher: Atlus Japan, Inc./Atlus U.S.A., Inc.
Platform: Nintendo DS (only)
Release date: Japan: October 08, 2009. North America: March 23, 2010
Official Website
Atlus' Twitter
Wikipedia
GAF Announcement Thread
GAF Import Thread
Japanese Box-Art:
U.S. Box-Art and Pre-Order Bonus from GameStop: (Soundtrack & Mini Poster)
All of the following information was taken from Atlus' Official Strange Journey site.
"When the black spot appeared in the Antarctic, mankind became nervous; when it began to spread, that anxiety turned to panic. The Joint Project, convened to discuss how to deal with the expanding anomaly, decided to send in four ships carrying humanity's finest soldiers and most cutting-edge technology. The mission: to investigate what lay on the other side of what had been dubbed the Schwarzwelt and find out if there was a way to stop it from eventually covering the Earth.
You are an elite solider hand-picked for the Strike Team, outfitted with a Demonica environment suit and posted to the Red Sprite under Commander Gore. Upon entering the Schwarzwelt, the crew finds itself forced to deal with harsh conditions, supernatural interference, and throngs of demons populating the bewildering world. What exactly is the Schwarzwelt? What awaits at the end of this strange journey? It is entirely in your hands to find out..."
The Schwarzwelt, the land of ruin, appears.
The journey holding mankind's fate begins.
It is the beginning of the 21st century, and Earth's population stands 7 billion
strong, yet mankind faces extinction due to the sudden appearance of a spatial
anomaly in Antarctica.
Dubbing this anomaly the Schwarzwelt, the United Nations discreetly establishes
a counter-organization to deal with the problem without causing a global panic.
But in the face of a phenomenon beyond human understanding, the project is
powerless to act.
With the Schwarzwelt slowly expanding and mankind's clock running, the UN
approves drastic measures to dispatch a manned investigative unit into the void.
Nations put aside their differences to form the Schwarzwelt Investigational Team,
consisting of top scientists and soldiers gathered from countries around the globe
and trained in the world's most advanced technology.
The utmost precautions are developed, including next generation vessels hardened
with plasma shields to grant them access to the Schwarzwelt and the cutting-edge
Demonica combat suits designed to withstand the harshest of conditions inside.
So armed, the Schwarzwelt Investigational Team departs into a world where danger
beyond their imagination awaits, to save mankind's future from utter annihilation.
The Red Sprite, a hardened mobile fortress.
The next-generation battle carrier will be your base of operations.
The Schwarzwelt Investigative Team is made up of four next-generation landing
ships, each equipped according to their purpose. The player is assigned to the
Red Sprite, the mission's flagship, which will become your headquarters and
central hub.
Operating on plasma energy, the next-generation landing vessels are fitted with
impenetrable plasma armor and thrusters to go airborne for brief periods.
Technology isn't your only weapon.
There are various facilities in the Red Sprite, manned by experts in their
respective fields. By borrowing your comrades' expertise, you can make your
missions in the Schwarzwelt go more smoothly. Technology isn't your only ally.
Carry out missions to explore the Schwarwelt.
Keep track of your missions using the Mission Log.
Missions assigned to you are always viewable in the Mission Log. By checking
the mission briefings in the log, you will never lose track of your objectives.
Complete each mission, one at a time.
EX Missions: tasks off the beaten path.
The Main Missions take priority, but don't forget about the EX Missions either.
You may be given these special tasks by other members of the investigative
team or by demons you meet, and your rewards for completing them cannot be
obtained anywhere else. You should try completing as many as you can.
Use Forma to manufacture weapons and items.
Make use of forma you collect in the lab.
"Forma" is the collective term coined for special substances found only in the
Schwarzwelt. Use these materials as a base to develop new weapons, equipment,
Sub Apps, and accessories. There are over 250 types of items you can craft from
forma, so leave no stone unturned and gather as many forma as you can.
You are an elite solider hand-picked for the Strike Team, outfitted with a Demonica environment suit and posted to the Red Sprite under Commander Gore. Upon entering the Schwarzwelt, the crew finds itself forced to deal with harsh conditions, supernatural interference, and throngs of demons populating the bewildering world. What exactly is the Schwarzwelt? What awaits at the end of this strange journey? It is entirely in your hands to find out..."
The Schwarzwelt, the land of ruin, appears.
The journey holding mankind's fate begins.
It is the beginning of the 21st century, and Earth's population stands 7 billion
strong, yet mankind faces extinction due to the sudden appearance of a spatial
anomaly in Antarctica.
Dubbing this anomaly the Schwarzwelt, the United Nations discreetly establishes
a counter-organization to deal with the problem without causing a global panic.
But in the face of a phenomenon beyond human understanding, the project is
powerless to act.
With the Schwarzwelt slowly expanding and mankind's clock running, the UN
approves drastic measures to dispatch a manned investigative unit into the void.
Nations put aside their differences to form the Schwarzwelt Investigational Team,
consisting of top scientists and soldiers gathered from countries around the globe
and trained in the world's most advanced technology.
The utmost precautions are developed, including next generation vessels hardened
with plasma shields to grant them access to the Schwarzwelt and the cutting-edge
Demonica combat suits designed to withstand the harshest of conditions inside.
So armed, the Schwarzwelt Investigational Team departs into a world where danger
beyond their imagination awaits, to save mankind's future from utter annihilation.
The Red Sprite, a hardened mobile fortress.
The next-generation battle carrier will be your base of operations.
The Schwarzwelt Investigative Team is made up of four next-generation landing
ships, each equipped according to their purpose. The player is assigned to the
Red Sprite, the mission's flagship, which will become your headquarters and
central hub.
Operating on plasma energy, the next-generation landing vessels are fitted with
impenetrable plasma armor and thrusters to go airborne for brief periods.
Technology isn't your only weapon.
There are various facilities in the Red Sprite, manned by experts in their
respective fields. By borrowing your comrades' expertise, you can make your
missions in the Schwarzwelt go more smoothly. Technology isn't your only ally.
Carry out missions to explore the Schwarwelt.
Keep track of your missions using the Mission Log.
Missions assigned to you are always viewable in the Mission Log. By checking
the mission briefings in the log, you will never lose track of your objectives.
Complete each mission, one at a time.
EX Missions: tasks off the beaten path.
The Main Missions take priority, but don't forget about the EX Missions either.
You may be given these special tasks by other members of the investigative
team or by demons you meet, and your rewards for completing them cannot be
obtained anywhere else. You should try completing as many as you can.
Use Forma to manufacture weapons and items.
Make use of forma you collect in the lab.
"Forma" is the collective term coined for special substances found only in the
Schwarzwelt. Use these materials as a base to develop new weapons, equipment,
Sub Apps, and accessories. There are over 250 types of items you can craft from
forma, so leave no stone unturned and gather as many forma as you can.
Player: A USMC officer who underwent intense combat and command
training between tours of duty. He was transferred to the Schwarzwelt Investigational
Team by U.N. request. As a member of the Strike Team, his duties include off-ship
missions and providing security for the expedition. He is on the crew roster for ship 1,
the Red Sprite.
Gore: The overall commander of the Schwarzwelt Investigative Team.
He was originally a military officer serving a large country; the leadership
abilities he displayed during his service earned him the top position on the
team that now holds the fate of mankind. He commands the Red Sprite directly
in addition to overseeing operations on the other three ships.
"With all the ships working in tandem, investigating that place is far from impossible."
Jimenez: Another member of the expedition with an American military background,
Jimenez began his career as an enlisted man and is now a private contractor, attracted
to the expedition by the promise of financial gain. He serves on ship 2, the Blue Jet,
as a member of the Strike Team.
"Hey man, you pay me, and I'll do any mission you put me on... Long as it doesn't get me killed."
Zelenin: A Russian scientist recognized for her research on the Schwarzwelt. Her
position as the First Lieutenant of the Monitor Team was one of the first appointments
made. Her chief duty is to research the Schwarzwelt's true nature along with her crewmates
on ship 3, the Elve.
"You may have heard false reports that it is a giant blizzard, but in truth..."
Arthur: The command unit of the Red Sprite, installed with an administrative
psuedopersonality. From his vantage point tied into all the ship's systems, he
extrapolates and processes missions for the team.
"I look forward to the successful completion of your mission."
Bugaboo: Deep inside the Schwarzwelt, the investigative team finds Bugaboo,
a demon that has undergone torture at the hands of other demons. Why are demons
imprisoning their own kind? What research were they performing?
Mastema ???
Strange Girl ???
(Information to be edited as it arrives.)
training between tours of duty. He was transferred to the Schwarzwelt Investigational
Team by U.N. request. As a member of the Strike Team, his duties include off-ship
missions and providing security for the expedition. He is on the crew roster for ship 1,
the Red Sprite.
Gore: The overall commander of the Schwarzwelt Investigative Team.
He was originally a military officer serving a large country; the leadership
abilities he displayed during his service earned him the top position on the
team that now holds the fate of mankind. He commands the Red Sprite directly
in addition to overseeing operations on the other three ships.
"With all the ships working in tandem, investigating that place is far from impossible."
Jimenez: Another member of the expedition with an American military background,
Jimenez began his career as an enlisted man and is now a private contractor, attracted
to the expedition by the promise of financial gain. He serves on ship 2, the Blue Jet,
as a member of the Strike Team.
"Hey man, you pay me, and I'll do any mission you put me on... Long as it doesn't get me killed."
Zelenin: A Russian scientist recognized for her research on the Schwarzwelt. Her
position as the First Lieutenant of the Monitor Team was one of the first appointments
made. Her chief duty is to research the Schwarzwelt's true nature along with her crewmates
on ship 3, the Elve.
"You may have heard false reports that it is a giant blizzard, but in truth..."
Arthur: The command unit of the Red Sprite, installed with an administrative
psuedopersonality. From his vantage point tied into all the ship's systems, he
extrapolates and processes missions for the team.
"I look forward to the successful completion of your mission."
Bugaboo: Deep inside the Schwarzwelt, the investigative team finds Bugaboo,
a demon that has undergone torture at the hands of other demons. Why are demons
imprisoning their own kind? What research were they performing?
Mastema ???
Strange Girl ???
(Information to be edited as it arrives.)
The world's most advanced combat armor.
Super Technology vs. Supernatural
The Demonica (DEMOuntable Next Integrated Capability Armor) is the latest in
U.S. military technology, able to withstand the most extreme conditions.
Furthermore, it is capable of evolving based on it's wearer's performance and
tactics in battle. Armed with this revolutionary technology, you begin your battle
in the supernatural phenomenon called the Schwarzwelt.
Enhancing the Demonica with Applications
By installing new functions and applications in the Demonica, you can increase its capabilities.
Develop new apps to ease various aspects of your investigation, such as exploration, combat,
and demon negotiation. Powering up gives you more options, allowing you to carry out
missions at an advantage.
Expand your Demonica's capabilities and explore the Schwarzwelt.
Many demons and traps lie in wait to hinder your progression through the
Schwarzwelt. Expand your Demonica's capabilities by adding applications that
help deal with these hindrances and complete your mission.
Of the many functions of the Demonica you will use in your exploration, the Gate
Search will be by far the most important. With it, you can scan for doors and
gates that will lead you closer to the heart of the Schwarzwelt, But be careful: the
deeper you go, the more dangerous it gets.
There will also be demons that hide themselves from humans who can be found
with the Enemy Search function. These demons are more likely to carry rare
items, but be warned--it is not fear of humans that causes them to conceal themselves.
The functions listed above are but a fraction of those available. By adding new
capabilities, your effective range in the Schwarzwelt will become wider and wider.
Super Technology vs. Supernatural
The Demonica (DEMOuntable Next Integrated Capability Armor) is the latest in
U.S. military technology, able to withstand the most extreme conditions.
Furthermore, it is capable of evolving based on it's wearer's performance and
tactics in battle. Armed with this revolutionary technology, you begin your battle
in the supernatural phenomenon called the Schwarzwelt.
Enhancing the Demonica with Applications
By installing new functions and applications in the Demonica, you can increase its capabilities.
Develop new apps to ease various aspects of your investigation, such as exploration, combat,
and demon negotiation. Powering up gives you more options, allowing you to carry out
missions at an advantage.
Expand your Demonica's capabilities and explore the Schwarzwelt.
Many demons and traps lie in wait to hinder your progression through the
Schwarzwelt. Expand your Demonica's capabilities by adding applications that
help deal with these hindrances and complete your mission.
Of the many functions of the Demonica you will use in your exploration, the Gate
Search will be by far the most important. With it, you can scan for doors and
gates that will lead you closer to the heart of the Schwarzwelt, But be careful: the
deeper you go, the more dangerous it gets.
There will also be demons that hide themselves from humans who can be found
with the Enemy Search function. These demons are more likely to carry rare
items, but be warned--it is not fear of humans that causes them to conceal themselves.
The functions listed above are but a fraction of those available. By adding new
capabilities, your effective range in the Schwarzwelt will become wider and wider.
The Demon Summoning Program puts demons at your command.
An unknown program holds the fate of the Investigative Team.
The Demon Summoning Program, recieved within the Schwarzelt, is a
program which electronically replicates a demon summoning ritual. It is written
in an unknown language, and everything about its origins is unknown. But in
order to survive this harsh situation, you must not hesitate to use the Demon
Summoning Program. With this program, the team can establish relations with
demons and gain the power to control them.
Summon allied demons to fight your enemy.
The Demon Summoning Program is fully integrated into the Demonica OS, allowing
you to communicate with demons. You can recruit demons as allies by piquing
their interest through conversation and negotiating with them. By summoning
allydemons and placing them in your party, you can stand up to powerful enemies
without fear.
Use Demon Conversion to make demons your allies.
Get on the demon's good side and negotiate.
Talking to demons is an essential tactic when exploring the Schwarwelt. The
number of demons you can convince to become your allies with affect your
chances of survival; your conversational skills will be put to the test in trying
to hold the demons' interest while getting them to accede to your demands.
Conversations don't always go as planned.
Even when you understand a demon's personality and say the right things, other
factors, such as the moon's phase, may make a negotiation impossible. Will you
be able to actually hold a conversation with such eccentric demons... ?
Just remember: as they say, "There's an App for that."
Raise demons and create your own army.
Gain new allies and make them stronger.
Allies you recruit through negotiation will level up as they gain experience in
battle. Properly raised demons can take on the strongest of enemies. When
demons gain levels, their skills may change or they may give you special items,
so never pass up an opportunity to engage the enemy.
Get the skills you want with Demon Sources.
Demon Sources are crystallized skill data you can receive from allied demons
when they level up. If you use one during Demon Fusion, you can manipulate
which skills the new demon will be born with. Through deft application of Demon
Sources, you can create a force of demons whose skills are tailored to your needs.
Create powerful demons using Demon Fusion
The forbidden ritual of creating demons from demons.
Demon Fusion is the process of combining two demons together to form a new
demon. By fusing new demons, you can gain allies with higher levels and more
skills. With over 300 demons, available, the possibilities are endless. Create your
own tailor-made demons!
Toward more powerful demons...
Demon Sources are vital if you seek to create your own ideal demon allies. Using
Demon Sources, which are acquired from demons when they level up, you can
transfer new skills during fusion-- but the process doesn't always goes as planned.
Even in Demon Fusion, accidents can happen...
Watch the Fusion video by clicking "Fusion" under "Story" on the Official Site.
How much of the Compendium can you fill out?
Register your demons to the Demon Compendium.
You can register demons you recruit or fuse to the Demon Compendium, a
database of demons available for you to call up anytime if you have the money.
Re-register the demons you raise to make the Demon Compendium truly your
own. If you're curious about a demon's background, you can also check its
profile in the Compendium to discover information that may prove useful on
certain missions...
Team up with your demons for powerful strikes.
Hit a demon's weakness to initiate Demon Co-Cop attacks.
If you cannot handle yourself in combat with the demons, you will not survive
the Schwarzwelt. Fortunately, you have a sword, guns, and your demon allies
at your disposal. Demons have different elemental attributes and their own
weaknesses, so don't let any opportunity to exploit those weaknesses pass you
by. Take advantage of Demon Co-Op attacks, where the allies of the same
alignment will join together to assault a stunned enemy.
Find weaknesses with Demon Analysis.
Enemies you encounter for the first time are unknown to you. Their
appearance, characteristics, and weaknesses are all a mystery. But no need to
worry: remember that your Demonica suit learns as you go. By defeating the same demon multiple times, the Demon Analysis gauge will rise, revealing more information about the demon.
An unknown program holds the fate of the Investigative Team.
The Demon Summoning Program, recieved within the Schwarzelt, is a
program which electronically replicates a demon summoning ritual. It is written
in an unknown language, and everything about its origins is unknown. But in
order to survive this harsh situation, you must not hesitate to use the Demon
Summoning Program. With this program, the team can establish relations with
demons and gain the power to control them.
Summon allied demons to fight your enemy.
The Demon Summoning Program is fully integrated into the Demonica OS, allowing
you to communicate with demons. You can recruit demons as allies by piquing
their interest through conversation and negotiating with them. By summoning
allydemons and placing them in your party, you can stand up to powerful enemies
without fear.
Use Demon Conversion to make demons your allies.
Get on the demon's good side and negotiate.
Talking to demons is an essential tactic when exploring the Schwarwelt. The
number of demons you can convince to become your allies with affect your
chances of survival; your conversational skills will be put to the test in trying
to hold the demons' interest while getting them to accede to your demands.
Conversations don't always go as planned.
Even when you understand a demon's personality and say the right things, other
factors, such as the moon's phase, may make a negotiation impossible. Will you
be able to actually hold a conversation with such eccentric demons... ?
Just remember: as they say, "There's an App for that."
Raise demons and create your own army.
Gain new allies and make them stronger.
Allies you recruit through negotiation will level up as they gain experience in
battle. Properly raised demons can take on the strongest of enemies. When
demons gain levels, their skills may change or they may give you special items,
so never pass up an opportunity to engage the enemy.
Get the skills you want with Demon Sources.
Demon Sources are crystallized skill data you can receive from allied demons
when they level up. If you use one during Demon Fusion, you can manipulate
which skills the new demon will be born with. Through deft application of Demon
Sources, you can create a force of demons whose skills are tailored to your needs.
Create powerful demons using Demon Fusion
The forbidden ritual of creating demons from demons.
Demon Fusion is the process of combining two demons together to form a new
demon. By fusing new demons, you can gain allies with higher levels and more
skills. With over 300 demons, available, the possibilities are endless. Create your
own tailor-made demons!
Toward more powerful demons...
Demon Sources are vital if you seek to create your own ideal demon allies. Using
Demon Sources, which are acquired from demons when they level up, you can
transfer new skills during fusion-- but the process doesn't always goes as planned.
Even in Demon Fusion, accidents can happen...
Watch the Fusion video by clicking "Fusion" under "Story" on the Official Site.
How much of the Compendium can you fill out?
Register your demons to the Demon Compendium.
You can register demons you recruit or fuse to the Demon Compendium, a
database of demons available for you to call up anytime if you have the money.
Re-register the demons you raise to make the Demon Compendium truly your
own. If you're curious about a demon's background, you can also check its
profile in the Compendium to discover information that may prove useful on
certain missions...
Team up with your demons for powerful strikes.
Hit a demon's weakness to initiate Demon Co-Cop attacks.
If you cannot handle yourself in combat with the demons, you will not survive
the Schwarzwelt. Fortunately, you have a sword, guns, and your demon allies
at your disposal. Demons have different elemental attributes and their own
weaknesses, so don't let any opportunity to exploit those weaknesses pass you
by. Take advantage of Demon Co-Op attacks, where the allies of the same
alignment will join together to assault a stunned enemy.
Find weaknesses with Demon Analysis.
Enemies you encounter for the first time are unknown to you. Their
appearance, characteristics, and weaknesses are all a mystery. But no need to
worry: remember that your Demonica suit learns as you go. By defeating the same demon multiple times, the Demon Analysis gauge will rise, revealing more information about the demon.
Strange Journey has a new feature that will extend your game even further:
demon trading. The amount of demons to fuse and Demon Sources to experiment
with means that no two players' arsenal of demons will be the same. (Over 300 demons)
Now, thanks to the built-in password systems, you can show the pride and joy of your
demon collection to fellow players across the country. By importing demons you would
otherwise be unable to make on your own, the possibilities in Strange Journey grow
even greater.
demon trading. The amount of demons to fuse and Demon Sources to experiment
with means that no two players' arsenal of demons will be the same. (Over 300 demons)
Now, thanks to the built-in password systems, you can show the pride and joy of your
demon collection to fellow players across the country. By importing demons you would
otherwise be unable to make on your own, the possibilities in Strange Journey grow
even greater.
First Trailer
Footage from the Japanese edition
(wallpapers available on the Official Site)
IGN Preview
Gamespot Coverage
Giant Bomb's Coverage / Giant Bomb's Quick Look
Destructoid's Review
9/10
36/40
88/100
70/100
3.5/5
8/10
