Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey DS

I have a love/hate relationship with the SMT series, and Atlus as a whole.

Here's my problem, they make RPGs, really good rpgs, usually jrpgs. But... they're usually really hard. Devil Survivor....basically impossible unless you grind the tutorial level. Persona 3.... 200 levels? A 200 lvl dungeon? Do you hate level progression?

So when they came out with their first SMT DS game (they've made many many Atlus games on DS, just never the SMT series), which was Devil Survivor, it was met with a strong appeal from the audience... but it ...was so damn hard. Most people attempted it, but gave up due to the unforgiving battle system.

Think of a tactics game, like Disgaea or FF: Tactics, but when you go to battle it switches into a first person view, SMT style. You have demons who can join your team, that act basically like pokemon, expect they're basically useless unless you combine them with other demons.

Ok ok, now we have the idea.

SMT:SJ was made as a sort of apology to that. They got rid of the tactics board, opting for a more compatible random-encounter system, they removed the need for demons, although they help a ton, and they added numerous systems to make the game easier.

The demon who encounters you seems too tough? You can run away, you can talk to it and try to bribe it using HP, PP, or items, or you can just buy it to join your group.

This leads to a different kind of problem, sever under-leveling but a quick story progression. Sure there are bosses, and you can avoid all random encounters until the boss, but you'll be very outgunned.

The game plays in a first-person mode, it feels very similar to a Heros of Might and Magic style, the demon management system is basically the same as your own character management. The maps are huge, the music is good, the storyline is bizarre but interesting (I won't go into the details, basically a blackhole eating Antarctica).

Pretty much if you love rpgs, and want something other than pokemon, or you love the first person rpgs from the old pc days, or you've understood anything I said in this review, and you own a DS, this game might be one to try, since let's face it.... RPGs are the only reason you own a DS, that and Mario Kart.... and Scribblenauts.... and Super Mario 64..... and New Super Mario Bros.... and Chrono Trigger.... ok yeah