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[Perkel]

Thanks to my thread about non mainstream games i somewhat found this game and it picked my interest.

Currently I am after Chapter 1 and holy fuck that game is amazing. I played already Persona 3 and 4 so somewhat those monsters spells etc are known to me but game is just amazing.

I mean it is mix of action game, pokemon and adventure game. If that wasn't crazy enough it is sprinkled with noir souse with world placed in premodern Japan with cars being still rarity.

I love persona games for their stories and "journey" but gameplay aka dungeon roaming gets old fast and too grindy. In Devil Summoner actually fighting is fun ! Summons have character now instead of some one liner (when are created). Most of demons actually give you something other than battle skills like investigation, reading in mind to enrich adventure part of game.

And main character is this fucking dude:

How the hell can someone come up with such an amazing character design ?

Why should you play it ?

You are playing dude who uses katana, summon demons to fight at your side, uses brain to solve problems and uses ice ammo for pistol.

 

[Seda]

Holy crap I just realized Amazon has it at $30, they used to be much higher.
Thanks OP! Too bad the second one is still high priced :/

 

[Aeana]

I think the first one is a neat idea, but the second one plays so much better. Still, they're both pretty unique/neat, and I love the time period and musical style for both.

 

[Soriku]

Haven't played the first but the second one is amazing. My second favorite SMT game. Be sure to pick it up. It's gotten really expensive though. Like $55+ on eBay and $70+ on Amazon. I got it for $25 or so a year and a half ago.

Listen to Adventure.

 

[Aeana]

Haven't played the first but the second one is amazing. Be sure to pick it up. It's gotten really expensive though. Like $55+ on eBay and $70+ on Amazon. I got it for $25 or so a year and a half ago.

Listen to Adventure.

I was going to mention this, with a comment along the lines of "too bad the first one doesn't have a piece of music as great as this!"

However, I do want to mention that I absolutely love the opening for Raidou 1. I think it works so well, the music is synched perfectly too. And the general tone really reminds me of detective shows from the 70s.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHtaqROGDOY

 

[kunonabi]

I really wanted to love it but the endless fetch quests completely turned me off of it.

 

[Perkel]

I think the first one is a neat idea, but the second one plays so much better. Still, they're both pretty unique/neat, and I love the time period and musical style for both.

I don't like start franchises from sequels because playing older games later is most of the time bad experience (especially since sequels tend to be better in mechanics).

I am so happy i started DS1 instead of DS2 because currently game is just so much better than my experience with persona games.

 

[Perfect Blue]

Creepy thread considering I bought the game today lol. Will start it soon.

 

[Aeana]

I don't like start franchises from sequels because playing older games later is most of the time bad experience (especially since sequels tend to be better in mechanics).

I am so happy i started DS1 instead of DS2 because currently game is just so much better than my experience with persona games.

No, it's fine to start with Raidou 1! In fact, I'd say it's a good idea. I just hope you play 2 afterward.

 

[Persona86]

You've sold me.

 

[White Man]

I think the first one is a neat idea, but the second one plays so much better. Still, they're both pretty unique/neat, and I love the time period and musical style for both.

The second one is a full on classic. The first is really cool, too, but I recall the battle system starts feeling pretty limited pretty quickly.

 

[Just take it with you.]

OP, you should play the second Raidou (assuming you can find it). It's better than the first in nearly every way.

 

[randomkid]

With Soul Hackers actually releasing soon I now realize just how hilariously confusing the US titles for these games really were (not trying to start a super boring naming discussion though).

I love both Raidou games so very very much, I wish I could get the chance to replay them but in this year of the RPG (it's actually true this time!) there just isn't enough time.

Music, aesthetics, premise, tone, these games just feel like they were made for me.

 

[Soriku]

I was going to mention this, with a comment along the lines of "too bad the first one doesn't have a piece of music as great as this!"

However, I do want to mention that I absolutely love the opening for Raidou 1. I think it works so well, the music is synched perfectly too. And the general tone really reminds me of detective shows from the 70s.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHtaqROGDOY

It works really well with Raidou 2's opening too. Very catchy theme.

I also love the remix that Meguro did for Tsukudo-Cho as well as the Raidou 2's ending theme. Determination and Tsukigata Village's theme are also great, among others.

Meguro please grant us with another jazz soundtrack in the future.

 

[JaxJag]

My least favorite Shin Megami Tensei game on the PS2.

The Xbox Shin Megami Tensei game might had been better, that's how little I think of it.

 

[White Man]

The titles are badass! Especially the first game. Also, yes, wonderful music in both of them.

 

[Aeana]

Oh yeah, the world map theme is so kickin' rad, too.

My least favorite Shin Megami Tensei game on the PS2.

The Xbox Shin Megami Tensei game might had been better, that's how little I think of it.

Um, not even close. Have you played SMT NINE? Ugh.

 

[tiku]

Started Devil Summoner 1. Loved it at the beginning.., and then appeared many (MANY) bad choices in so many design areas...

I had to quit when I was in the final dungeon. I was suffering the game instead of enjoying it

Btw, those things that the game makes well, are REALLY well done, but there are many incorrect design choices in the game.

Have not tried DS2 yet, I need a couple of years to forget the battle theme

 

[Soriku]

Started Devil Summoner 1. Loved it at the beginning.., and then appeared many (MANY) bad choices in so many design areas...

I had to quit when I was in the final dungeon. I was suffering the game instead of enjoying it

Btw, those things that the game makes well, are REALLY well done, but there are many incorrect design choices in the game.

Have not tried DS2 yet, I need a couple of years to forget the battle theme

Raidou 2 has a new battle theme. A remix of the first game's battle theme does play though.

 

[Aeana]

Started Devil Summoner 1. Loved it at the beginning.., and then appeared many (MANY) bad choices in so many design areas...

I had to quit when I was in the final dungeon. I was suffering the game instead of enjoying it

Btw, those things that the game makes well, are REALLY well done, but there are many incorrect design choices in the game.

Have not tried DS2 yet, I need a couple of years to forget the battle theme

2 doesn't have the same battle theme as 1, so... huh?

2's battle theme is actually awesome.

 

[randomkid]

Oh yeah, the world map theme is so kickin' rad, too.



Um, not even close. Have you played SMT NINE? Ugh.

Haha, what exactly made NINE so horrific anyways? There are like no details anywhere except that HG101 article so I'd love to read your take.

 

[Eusis]

I hate to be THAT kind of fan, but I'm only doing it because I was genuinely mistaking this: I think it'd be better if you put in the full name or at least Raidou 1 or PS2 in the topic. There IS a proper Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner, even with Shin Megami Tensei in the Japanese title unlike most spinoffs, and it even had a vaguely recent PSP release.

Buuut for this game itself? I liked what I played, but never got too far, I think I got lost, or just distracted with other stuff at the time. I definitely want to go back and give it a serious chance again however, it's not supposed to be very long or hard, and I'd rather have the context for Raidou 2.

EDIT: Eh, screw being a hypocrite with the naming, though the rationale (no one will call Soul Hackers "Devil Summoner 2") does stand.

 

[Perkel]

No, it's fine to start with Raidou 1! In fact, I'd say it's a good idea. I just hope you play 2 afterward.

OP, you should play the second Raidou (assuming you can find it). It's better than the first in nearly every way.

Actually my friend is SMT fan and he have almost all SMT games. That non-mainstream thread which i made also suggested Digital Devil Saga which he also have.

Frankly if rest of the game is so good as start of DS1 i am 100% sure this thread will be modified to DS1 and DS2 lttp.


I love this feeling when i am about to eat something delicious. Like reading first pages of fucking good books after 100s of crap books, or watching "Taxi driver" knowing nothing about it.

Game hits all right tones for me. Today gaming for me is like fishing in sea of crap.

Ok time to start Chapter 2.

Chapter1 spoilers:

Spoiler

Loved how that dude changed into fucking mutant ninja with camera perspective from his eyes. That laser from his eyes was just icing on cake in that scene.

Also fuck demons. They are fucking liers (duh) I spared some demon and he attacked me again. Time to act like demon hunter instead of demon summoner,

 

[vocab]

Beat it years ago. It's not a bad game. Sadly it's tough for me to play the second game. A lot of the same music, and same locations show up. Got me burned out super quick. One of these days ill beat it.

Is still the coolest guy in the series.

 

[randomkid]

I also want to give a shout out to the pre-rendered backgrounds.

Bring these back! So evocative.

 

[Soma]

I'm stick kicking myself that I didn't buy this Devil Summoner 2 edition really cheap when I had the chance.

Though I hadn't played 1 at the time either so yeah.

 

[Aeana]

 

[Curufinwe]

I only played the second one, but I loved it. The cut scene involving

Spoiler

Taotie

was too funny. It would make a great PS2 Classic on PSN.

This photo was taken back when it released, but I currently have the Teddie plush from the P4 S.Link Expansion pack sitting inside the box next to Raihou. He just fits.

 

[PowderedToast]

yeah i thought this was for the saturn game, was gonna come in and say "yo nobody played that" heheh

 

[Perkel]

I hate to be THAT kind of fan, but I'm only doing it because I was genuinely mistaking this: I think it'd be better if you put in the full name or at least Raidou 1 or PS2 in the topic. There IS a proper Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner, even with Shin Megami Tensei in the Japanese title unlike most spinoffs, and it even had a vaguely recent PSP release.

Buuut for this game itself? I liked what I played, but never got too far, I think I got lost, or just distracted with other stuff at the time. I definitely want to go back and give it a serious chance again however, it's not supposed to be very long or hard, and I'd rather have the context for Raidou 2.

EDIT: Eh, screw being a hypocrite with the naming, though the rationale (no one will call Soul Hackers "Devil Summoner 2") does stand.

I didn't know that. Maybe year in thread title ? 2006 ? Obviously original title is to long for thread title.

 

[Eusis]

yeah i thought this was for the saturn game, was gonna come in and say "yo nobody played that" heheh

Which IS why I kinda hoped it was about that, would've been interesting to follow someone actively playing that since I doubt I ever will, even if I learned Japanese I doubt I could stomach going through it now.

I didn't know that. Maybe year in thread title ? 2006 ? Obviously original title is to long for thread title.

I think just adding Raidou or PS2 would be enough really, makes it immediately obvious right then and there, plus I've never seen anyone call it Devil Summoner 2006.

Though I love the full title for its absurdity.

EDIT: And hey, the title's been changed! Not that I'm sure many others could've gotten confused, but it's nice to have it clarified.

 

[Soriku]

yeah i thought this was for the saturn game, was gonna come in and say "yo nobody played that" heheh

Everyone will play Soul Hackers in a month and a half! Excite!

 

[Aeana]

Everyone Like five people max will play Soul Hackers in a month and a half! Excite!

Fixed.

 

[tiku]

2 doesn't have the same battle theme as 1, so... huh?

2's battle theme is actually awesome.

It reminds me the first one theme, but it's nice, yes.

I don't know why, but i thought 2's theme was a remix of the first one :?

I'm a little pissed of, because I want to try DS2 but I'm way too saturated of some choices of the first one, like barriers which can be only destroyed with one only kind of demons, a ULTRA HIGH frequency of random battles and moments of not knowing where exactly to go (random battles even in city does not help at all)

I enjoyed many things of the game, but... :\

 

[Perkel]

Too much talking too less playing. I am going to play more sorry GAF.

 

[Eusis]

Fixed.

That's always the damn case, isn't it? Highly demanded game by the fans finally gets released... and no one but those fans even cares. Just look at Growlanser, or how Dracula X Chronicles got more attention for unlocking SotN than playing Dracula X: Rondo of Blood.

 

[Kikujiro]

The pacing of the game is basically perfect, no fillers. Style, charm and humor are top notch, the biggest problem is the battle system, which is way too basic. The second one gameplay-wise is much better.

Oh and the story is crazy in a good way.

 

[Jucksalbe]

I played the game somewhat recently and wrote about my playthrough in the anniversary thread (don't look there now, I posted a huge amount of screenshots, so it'd be a big spoiler).
The setting, characters, music are great and the story has some great "WTF?" moments, but the game also has huge issues, the puzzles being one of the biggest issues.

But don't lose your motivation just because of those. It's worth it to pull through, you wouldn't want to be one of the many that stopped this game midway.

 

[Perkel]

Quickie:

UI is god damn amazing, especially coming after Persona3/4 UI. Quick, responsive and not eyefucking like P3/4. Battle theme rocks in DS1.

 

[Soriku]

Fixed.

Nope, everyone!

It reminds me the first one theme, but it's nice, yes.

I don't know why, but i thought 2's theme was a remix of the first one :?

I'm a little pissed of, because I want to try DS2 but I'm way too saturated of some choices of the first one, like barriers which can be only destroyed with one only kind of demons, a ULTRA HIGH frequency of random battles and moments of not knowing where exactly to go (random battles even in city does not help at all)

I enjoyed many things of the game, but... :\

The barrier thing is still there.

About the random battles: They're not in cities anymore. And the repel item in the game literally brings encounters to 0. Maybe 1 at the most. I'm serious. Otherwise the game has a really bad encounter rate lol. But it's very manageable, thankfully.

I don't really remember if I had much trouble finding out where to go. I'm assuming not really though.

 

[Just take it with you.]

I also want to give a shout out to the pre-rendered backgrounds.

image

Bring these back! So evocative.

Yes, loved those.

 

[Persona86]

Can you play 2 without playing 1, or do you really need to know 1's story first?

 

[Eusis]

Can you play 2 without playing 1, or do you really need to know 1's story first?

It'll give you a quick rundown, so don't worry about it too much.

 

[semiconscious]

. man, i love these friggin' games!...

 

[Persona86]

It'll give you a quick rundown, so don't worry about it too much.

Great, because I've always wanted to try these games, but I have limited time to play. I'm still trying to finish Persona 3 and 4 and SMT: Nocturne after all these years lol.

Too many games not enough time.

 

[Data West]

One of my least favorite SMT games, but here's a cool figure they just announced.
http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail?gcode=FIG-IPN-06059&page=top

It's sold out, but it sounds like it'll show up on Amazon eventually

 

[BLACK AMERICAN PSYCHO]

Kaneko is absolutely amazing

 

[vall03]

fuuuuu looks like the reprint was true! Good thing I didn't went for the game when it was $80-$100. Really glad I saw this thread.

 

[Sera O]

One of my least favorite SMT games, but here's a cool figure they just announced.
http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail?gcode=FIG-IPN-06059&page=top

It's sold out, but it sounds like it'll show up on Amazon eventually

Oh christ, I've never been one to buy figures, but Raidou's such a stylish mofo. . .

Anyway, I remember liking Raidou 1 quite a bit, but it got stale really quickly. I didn't finish it (but apparently got far enough to get the save bonuses in the second game). Moved to Raidou 2, and there were just so many improvements that I pretty much marathoned it.

It's good to hear that Raidou 1 is available again at non-gouging prices for sure. I love the setting of these games.

 

[Perkel]

Killed first 2 red soldiers. Revenge bitches.