#10
Starting off the top ten with a bang, this a game that I had waited a very long time for. And it ended up never coming out in Europe, imagine that! Still, thanks to the wonder that is PlayAsia, I managed to get one of the few copies for my nameday. My first foray into first-person dungeon crawlers…
SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI: STRANGE JOURNEY
There is a lot to like about this game. But only if you enjoy difficult titles. Strange Journey will kick your ass like there’s no tomorrow. Sure, it starts off innocent enough, but let me just say Sector Eridanus made me remember the name of that constellation for a lifetime.
Level 46? Pshaw, right? WRONG!
But I am getting ahead of myself! Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey, like SMTIV earlier on my list, is part of the main SMT series (unlike, say Persona, DDS, or Devil Survivor, which make up their own series). I heard it was originally conceived as SMTIV, but since instead of advancing the new mechanics found in later games in the series (which the actual SMT IV did) this game returned to the series roots, though with some of its own additions, it didn’t seem like a good fit. That, and it doesn’t take place in Tokyo.
There's still shopping malls, though.
This time, you assume the role of a US Marine who takes part in a dangerous mission to save the world from being engulfed in a huge black hole that’s been expanding from the South Pole, called the Schwartzwelt. You team up from the top scientists and troops from around the world to put an end to this strange anomaly. That’s how you get to know Commander Gore, Zelenin, Jimenez and Arthur, your ship’s AI, all of whom are extremely memorable characters with a strong presence, and they’re one of the reasons why I simply adore this game. While the story does not take place in Tokyo, the themes of the self-destructive nature of humanity, as well as the conflict between complete chaos and absolute order are still very much present. Demons are involved, as usual, but this time things get even more sci-fi. You get equipped with top-of-the-line stuff, like the DEMONICA armor. Not only does it serve to explain a lot of the functions you receive later on in the game, it’s really nicely integrated with the DS, with the top screen letting you see the world through the visor of the armor, while the bottom screen shows whatever is on your wrist. It’s really immersive.
The gameplay is based on traditional, first-person dungeon crawling. The bottom screen shows an automap, which is a huge help when you’re trying to search every nook and cranny. The battle system plays mostly like a traditional turn-based RPG, with an additional all-party attack possible if an enemy’s weakness is exploited. If it sounds simple – it is, but it is also incredibly challenging and surprisingly fun.
The gang is all here.
Presentation-wise, Strange Journey is fairly simplistic. We get 3D dungeons viewed from a first-person perspective, and in battle you get to enjoy pretty detailed demon artwork. Though it’s quite pleasant to look at, the music is where the game really shines. Shoji Meguro went for a completely different style this time, forgoing his usual electronic arrangements in lieu of a more orchestral soundtrack with very nostalgic-sounding melodies. I mean, if even the regular battle theme sends chills down your spine, you know you’re dealing with something awesome. This is hands-down my favorite Meguro soundtrack.
All things considered, I recommend this game to old-school connoisseurs, or people looking for a challenge. The game starts of quite tame, but you really get murdered easily later on. Still, if you have enough patience to make it through, you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful, dark story and unforgettable characters.
