SMT Nocturne is definitely among one of the best SMT games to date and in my opinion contains most of Kazuma Kaneko's and Shoji Meguro's best works. What makes this game stand out in the SMT series the most is its dark atmosphere and story ( featuring Dante from Devil May Cry doesn't hurt either). Even though this is a turn-based JRPG, Nocturne will pose a challenge and requires the player to strategize and be prepared for the worst of situations. It's not challenging to the point of controller throwing, but you will die a few times and may get stuck at a certain point. If you are someone who does not play JRPGs that much but want to get into the SMT series, I would recommend either the Persona, Digital Devil Saga, or the Devil Survivor games since they are spin-offs and are more accessible (Digital Devil Saga moreso because it has the same combat system as this game).
The main character is free to customize by pouring points into different stats that suits the player's playstyle and can learn various skills through the acquisition of items called Magatama. Each Magatama has its own properties that can give additional stat boosts as well as resistances and weaknesses to different attacks to the player. Combat in the game uses the Press Turn system meaning that whenever an opponent or the player are hit with an attack they are weak to, the attacker's turn is extended. The same applies to critical hits as well. If the attacker misses their target, they lose 2 turns and if the attacker uses a skill their target can nullify or reflect, they lose all their turns.
A main feature this game has along with the other SMT games is the ability to negotiate and fuse demons. Negotiations can be used to recruit demons, obtain items and money, and end battles. You can also fail with negotiations which end up with your opponents attacking your party. Fusing demons is vital since the result often leads to a stronger demon with new abilities with some previous skills inherited.
To make this clear due to the confusion that SMT IV had after its launch, this game does not have Social Links like Persona 3 and 4. There are no support characters that will tell you what an enemies' weakness is. If your character dies, it's game over and you have to reload your last save. There is no easy mode if you want to breeze through the game for the story, only normal and hard (difficulty also cannot be changed mid-game).
Being a game made back in 2002, it has some things that are no longer used and lacks some things that are standard in modern JRPGs. This game does not have full voice acting. Battles have voice acting but it mainly consists of grunting. This game also has random battles with a pretty high encounter rate. There are almost no safe spots in this game, meaning even places that have shops will have random battles. If you are willing to forgive this game for using old RPG mechanics, this game can be fun and keep you interested in its setting and characters (who all dress so stylishly I might add).
Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne
4.7 | 755 ratings
Price: 28.69
Last update: 08-10-2024
About this item
Advanced 3D battle engine brings old-school turn-based combat to a new level
Unique dark atmosphere and enthralling storyline as you try to navigate the fate of two worlds
Negotiate with your enemies and work out a compromise instead of battling every time -- just like in real life
The game choices you make on other side of the Vortex will determine the fate of both worlds - advance the stories of both in all-new ways
Unique dark atmosphere and enthralling storyline as you try to navigate the fate of two worlds
Negotiate with your enemies and work out a compromise instead of battling every time -- just like in real life
The game choices you make on other side of the Vortex will determine the fate of both worlds - advance the stories of both in all-new ways
Product information
| Publication Date | September 13, 2004 |
|---|---|
| Computer Platform | PlayStation 2 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00730865530069 |
| UPC | 730865530069 |
| ASIN | B00024W1U6 |
| Release date | September 13, 2004 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars
755 ratings
4.7 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #10,785 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games) #36 in PlayStation 2 Games |
| Product Dimensions | 0.52 x 5.35 x 7.42 inches; 3.84 ounces |
| Type of item | Video Game |
| Rated | Mature |
| Item model number | 730865530069 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | Yes |
| Item Weight | 3.84 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Atlus U.S.A, Inc |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Date First Available | September 13, 2004 |
Top reviews from the United States
Patrick Gross
A Must Have For SMT Fans
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2014Trebornedrad
10/10
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2024Morgan Hoffman
Better than I expected
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2013