Shin Megami Tensei

You're a highschooler in Tokyo and get caught up in some wild demon shenanigans after some events (spoiler-territory) unleash hordes of demons into the city. The world’s gone to hell (literally), and you’re stuck deciding whether to side with the chaos, uphold the law, or just go your own way. With a mix of turn-based combat and moral choices, you’re basically shaping the future of humanity while you’re trying to figure out how to survive.

Alright, let’s get real. SMT isn’t your typical JRPG. It’s darker, grittier, and kinda philosophical. The demon negotiation system is a standout feature, imagine chatting up demons, convincing them to join your squad, or just straight-up kicking their butts if they’re not vibing with you. It’s like Pokémon, but instead of cute critters, you’re dealing with creepy folklore and mythological beasts.

The dungeons are moody and atmospheric, perfectly setting the tone for the bleakness of post-apocalyptic Tokyo. The soundtrack is also a banger, blending eerie tunes that really pull you into the intensity of the game.

Now, the gameplay is challenging. You gotta think about team compositions and strategy, which keeps things fresh. The game doesn’t hold your hand; your decisions impact the ending, making you question your morals and alliances, that’s what makes SMT stand out. It’s not just about battling; it’s about understanding the complexities of good and evil, choice and consequence.

GAME DATASHEET
Name	Shin Megami Tensei
Genre	JRPG
Console	SNES \| GBA \| PlayStation \| Turbo-CD \| Sega CD \| iOS \| Android
Released	1992
Developer	ATLUS
Publisher	ATLUS
Language	Japanese \| English \| Spanish

SNES

The original SNES version of Shin Megami Tensei is where it all began. It introduced players to a dark, post-apocalyptic Tokyo filled with demons and moral dilemmas. The graphics, while limited by the console's capabilities, created an atmosphere that perfectly matched the game’s themes. The music is moody and haunting, enhancing the immersive experience.

It comes with a quick hack that allows players to access the automap using the L/R buttons, streamlining navigation and eliminating the need to open the COMP menu each time you want to check your location. This functionality mirrors the automap feature from Shin Megami Tensei II, making it more user-friendly. Plus, it addresses a bug associated with the Mapper spell when used in conjunction with the new automap buttons, ensuring that players can use both features seamlessly.

It also includes the bugfixes patch for the Aeon Genesis translation of Shin Megami Tensei, dealing with many of the issues in the original translation. It fixes everything from missing line breaks to more critical gameplay bugs. For example, players can now purchase guns in the early parts of the game and can complete all endings without issues. Plus, it updates the names of demons, races, items, spells, and skills to align with official translations from ATLUS. This change enhances familiarity for players accustomed to those translations.

SNES TRANSLATION
Released	2002
Updated	2016
Group	Aeon Genesis

BUGFIXES PATCH
Released	2002
Updated	2016
Author	Orden
Group	Tradusquare

AUTOMAP ENHANCEMENT
Released	2016
Author	Revenant

PlayStation

The PlayStation version is essentially a remake, incorporating numerous QoL improvements that make the gameplay smoother. It features remapped controls, updated graphics, and remastered music and sound effects, which greatly enhance the overall experience. This version also borrows some mechanics from Shin Megami Tensei II. It’s a significant upgrade over the SNES version, making it more accessible while maintaining the series’ darker themes.

PLAYSTATION TRANSLATION
Released	2022
Updated	2023
Author	Fothsid RetroTranslator

GBA

The GBA version is based on the PlayStation one, bringing along many of its best features. It includes new subplots and additional content not found in previous versions, which adds depth to the narrative. However, the music and sound effects took a hit in terms of quality, given the GBA's hardware limitations. Its fantranslation utilizes the official translation made for mobile releases, making it more approachable for English-speaking audiences.

GBA TRANSLATION
Released	2021
Author	gymzatan

Download

Ready to summon demons? Download your chosen version now and activate the Remote Install ritual through your COMP's FBI app. Once the dark pact is sealed, the game will merge with your HOME Menu, waiting for you to enter the world of shadows and unveil your power.

Shin Megami Tensei (SNES)

Shin Megami Tensei (PlayStation)

Shin Megami Tensei (GBA)

3DS Forwarders!

Shin Megami Tensei