MEGAMI TENSEI?

Explore the origins and core concepts of the Megami Tensei series, its occult themes, mythological influences, and dark storytelling, setting the stage for Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster.

Megami Tensei, often shortened to Megaten, is a prominent console RPG series in Japan, rivaled in popularity only by Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy. The name translates to "Goddess Reincarnation," stemming from the first game, "Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei," which was based on a novel by Nishitani Aya. While the first game's title references goddesses, subsequent entries in the series generally do not focus on them. The series typically unfolds in modern-day Japan and is characterized by its "occult" themes. In Japan, "occult" encompasses a subculture deeply interested in world mythology, ghost stories, and alternative religions, differing from Western connotations. The SMT games cater to this subculture with abundant mythological references.

The Megami Tensei franchise boasts numerous titles, with many more if spin-offs like Last Bible and Persona are included. Despite its significant popularity in Japan, Megami Tensei games historically saw limited releases in the West, possibly due to their (often) modest graphics or, more likely, their subject matter. Beyond occult undertones, the series has been known to challenge Western religious sensibilities by portraying the Judeo-Christian God, YHVH, as a tyrannical figure and his adversary, Lucifer, as a noble rebel. The distinctly "Japanese" nature of Megami Tensei titles may have also contributed to their limited Western appeal.

The games are rich with mythological references, featuring demons and gods from various pantheons as standard enemies. Developers meticulously research these figures, with bibliographies for games like Devil Summoner exceeding 500 books, ensuring designs closely align with their mythological counterparts. Kaneko Kazuma, the series' character designer, is highly regarded for his extensive knowledge of world mythology, significantly boosting the series' appeal. Spin-off titles like Akuma Zensho and Akuma Zensho 2 for the Saturn were essentially databases of demons and their mythological backgrounds.

Megami Tensei/Shin Megami Tensei narratives are typically dark and gritty, often centering on humans caught between divine conflicts or struggling against malevolent deities. Many entries feature global destruction, genocide, or nuclear holocaust. The "Shin" series specifically incorporates moral and ethical dilemmas, presenting opposing ideological factions battling for dominance. These factions are rarely purely good or evil, with both admirable and unsavory characters on all sides. Players are tasked with choosing a side or forging their own path, often facing morally ambiguous decisions that require careful consideration. Shin Megami Tensei 3 upholds this tradition of moral complexity.

Gameplay in the Megami Tensei/Shin Megami Tensei series has remained largely consistent across canonical titles, though SMT3 introduces significant changes. Prior to SMT3, games typically featured a Demon Summoner protagonist, a magic-wielding partner, and demonic allies summoned via a computer using Magnetite. Battles and dungeons were presented in first-person perspective, with an overworld map connecting regions. Human allies engaged in combat using both melee weapons and firearms. A moon phase mechanic influenced enemy and sometimes ally behavior. A key feature across games was the "Jakyo Manor," enabling the hero to fuse demonic allies into more powerful demons.

Shin Megami Tensei 3 retains many established traditions while introducing substantial alterations. Some changes enhance the experience, while others may be perceived negatively, but the game remains a notable addition to the series. For series veterans, SMTIII's gameplay feels familiar yet significantly different due to system overhauls, blending elements of classic SMT, Persona, Last Bible, Majin Tensei, and Devil Children.