Shin Megami Tensei if…

Unlike the apocalyptic settings of Shin Megami Tensei I and II, Shin Megami Tensei if… takes place in a more contained, personal story: a high school that gets dragged into the demon-infested Vortex World after a creepy ritual goes wrong. You play as Tamaki Uchida, who along with classmates, gets caught in this nightmare. The plot branches based on your choices, leading to different endings where you either side with angels, demons, forge your own path, or even uncover deeper secrets about the school itself. It’s less about saving the world and more about surviving a twisted microcosm of morality and personal relationships.  

The gameplay sticks to the core SMT formula: first person dungeon crawling, turn based combat, and demon negotiation and recruitment. But if… introduces some neat twists. The alignment system is more nuanced, your actions and dialogue choices affect which route you take, and unlike later games, it’s not just Law/Neutral/Chaos. There’s also a Karma system where your behavior influences how classmates and demons perceive you. Want to be a ruthless jerk? Go ahead, but don’t expect help later.  

Dungeons are brutal, as expected from OG SMTs, but the school setting makes them more interesting. You’ll navigate twisted versions of classrooms, gyms, and even a freaky rooftop. The demon negotiation is as unpredictable as ever, some will join you for a laugh, others will demand your HP or straight up betray you. Fusion is here too, letting you mash demons together to make stronger ones, though it’s simpler than later entries.  

The cast is small but memorable. Your classmates, like the brave Reiko, the mysterious Charlie, or the troubled Yumi, react to your choices, and some can even become party members or enemies depending on your route. The game digs into themes of trauma, guilt, and moral ambiguity, which is wild for a ’90s RPG. It’s not just «angels good, demons bad»; even the «good» endings have a bittersweet tinge. The female protagonist route adds extra layers, with subtle commentary on societal expectations, which was ahead of its time.

The pixel art is classic Megaten: gritty, eerie, and full of creepy demon designs. The school feels claustrophobic, and the soundtrack (composed by Tsukasa Masuko, like the rest of early SMT) slaps with haunting melodies and unsettling dungeon tunes. The writing is sharp, tho the translation can be a little rough.  

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Shin Megami Tensei if… is a fascinating «what if?» experiment that paved the way for Persona (it’s actually Persona 0 in tone). It’s rough around the edges: grindy, punishing, and occasionally cryptic but it’s also one of the most unique and personal entries in the franchise. If you love old school SMTs or want to see where Persona got its darker roots, this is a must-play. Just bring a guide and some patience.

So, the halls of St. Hermelin High aren’t just haunted, they’re a warped reflection of your own sins, a labyrinth where every locker hides a demon and every choice carves another scar into fate. Scan the QR below like scribbling your name in the Devil’s ledger, kid. The second it finishes, the air’s gonna taste like static and regret, the walls will whisper your failures, and that one wrong step? Congrats, you just pissed off a Principality. The Vortex World doesn’t care if you’re ready. Negotiate. Betray. Pray the bell rings before something eats your soul.