General SMT discussion thread

[Wolf Kanno]

It's interesting, because from what I've played of SMT: IV so far, and knowing general information about 'alignments' and all that, neutrality appears to be the best option, unless I'm mistaken.

Neutral is generally the best option in the early games but starting in Nocturne, the series has found ways to make neutrality less ideal. This has been pretty interesting to the story and themes of the series as it finally gives more weight to actually choosing Law or Chaos as well as giving Neutrality a bit more bite.

[Fynn]

Idk, neutrality is still pretty much the optimal choice in Strange Journey and IV. It may be treated much more realistically and be just more flawed, but it's still usually the best ending.

[Wolf Kanno]

Idk, neutrality is still pretty much the optimal choice in Strange Journey and IV. It may be treated much more realistically and be just more flawed, but it's still usually the best ending.

Not really when you think about it. Neutrality is just basically avoiding the question to take a side but not actually resolving the conflict. Instead pushing the choice and fight to later generations. Major SMT Universe spoilersIt's kind of the theme of SMTIV to be honest and the nature of the SMT universe brought up in Nocturne and Raidou vs. the Souless Army doesn't exactly paint a lovely picture for the series future. Hell even Strange Journey takes the wind out of Neutrality sails when defeating some of the bosses leads them to simply say they'll just do better "next time" meaning your actions are really just delaying some inevitable choice that will seal that world into the hands of Law or Chaos. Hell even the actual neutral ending in Strange Journey hints that the future may not be as hopeful as predicted.

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[Hollycat]

[Fynn]

I'll still argue that, while the games acknowledge what you said, the main message of the neutral routes is that, unlike demons, humans are capable to change, especially in Strange Journey. So even if things go bad again, and they probably will, humans will adjust and learn again. You really can't argue that the neutral endings are the most hopeful of the bunch.

[Wolf Kanno]

I'll still argue that, while the games acknowledge what you said, the main message of the neutral routes is that, unlike demons, humans are capable to change, especially in Strange Journey. So even if things go bad again, and they probably will, humans will adjust and learn again. You really can't argue that the neutral endings are the most hopeful of the bunch.

Sometimes, I feel the nature of SMTIV and what Final is looking to be is starting to question that idea. Another recurring theme in both Nocturne and IV is that the real solution to the overall conflict is a fourth option (technically fifth) but frankly the Neutral endings tend to be just as bittersweet to some degree as the other endings when you read between the lines.