Back to Future Tokyo: Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final

If you’re like me, you didn’t expect much from the tease Atlus suddenly posted on the Japanese Shin Megami Tensei IV website early on Monday, Japan time. Alongside info regarding SMTIV’s budget rerelease was info literally translated as saying “in 15,000 Tweets, a disaster will begin.” While there was a chance for it being something neat, I’ve been let down by these things too many times to possibly fall for what could be an actual disaster as far as people’s expectations were concerned.

Guesses for the tease were predictably all around the place, which included an enhanced port to another platform, a mobile version of the original, a sequel, or even an anime adaptation. After they reached their tweet threshold, merely used as advertising after it became clear they were simply counting down until their midnight (again, Japan time) deadline, it was revealed to be a brand new game taking place in SMTIV’s universe. This was the new title Atlus’ Naoto Hiraoka said would be announced soon at Tokyo Game Show three weeks ago. See? These do deliver sometimes, though we were left with the name Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final and not much else — though Famitsu.com initially came along with a few more details.

Shin Megami Tensei IV was a modest success for the company at 600,000 copies sold, handily making it the best-selling mainline Megaten title worldwide. So it’s understandable that Atlus wanted to continue with another game in this universe with SMTIV Final, a direct sequel that will occur 25 years after the war between the gods, in the year 203X. The character designs seen in the admittedly small scan posted by Famitsu themselves (though larger versions have since been released), which shows humans donning garb in-fitting for a piece of entertainment that will take place in post-apocalyptic and futuristic Tokyo. And it wouldn’t be a mainline title if it didn’t feature a location with oppressive conditions, which will contain humans going hungry and fighting each other over scraps. Not to mention the demons they’ll have to contend with.

The protagonist is the easily identifiable guy in green, with a scar on his lower right cheek. He received the mark during his time as an apprentice for the Outlaw Hunters, after being attacked and killed by a demon. Through death, he forms a pact with a mysterious demon (seen directly behind the protagonist in the main artwork), who grants him a new life and the ability to summon other demons. It’s reminiscent of how Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne’s protagonist, Hitoshura, obtains his powers; the main character here also contains demonic tattoos similar to his.

Also introduced is Asahi, the protagonist’s 15-year-old childhood friend — nearly a prerequisite for most Japanese games these days. Also, it turns out that little green demon actually is Navarre from the first game. His soul couldn’t rest in peace due to the minor way he died, so he possesses the protagonist. That’s exactly something he would do. Other characters are shown in Famitsu magazine’s scans and screens, but they’ll be introduced in the future.

In addition to providing a new experience, Atlus also wants to addresses aspects of SMTIV people had problems with. For instance, the issue with demon negotiation will be addressed, though didn’t clarify precisely how. They had to stumble upon complaints pertaining to how the same demons would respond differently to the same questions and answers when prompted, which showed how their reactions were randomized instead of predetermined like previous Megaten games. Perhaps they’ll be a return to form for Final. They’ll presumably also address how, outside of one, SMTIV’s best dungeons were stuffed in the second half.

You’ll also be able to choose your partner this time around, instead of them randomly being chosen among the three samurai who accompanied you in SMTIV. You should be able to avoid getting a person with powers that match a boss’ strengths, only to attack him with something he’s immune to and have him “Smirk.” Keep in mind there’s currently no confirmation if Smirking will return for this installment.

The aforementioned features with for similar locations, as shown in the screenshots released thus far. One of them shows part of Naraku, while another shows the familiar, bloodstained streets of Tokyo. If they aren’t the same locations, they sure as hell look like them. No one should be surprised at this game’s asset reuse.

You’ll also see this through the demons, of which there will be 450. With that many, there was no way they could switch to a 3D perspective for battles, as it would require far too much work to animate all those models — assuming the 3DS could even handle that amount. The real news here pertains to the demon designs this time around. While Kazuma Kaneko’s old demon designs will still appear, say goodbye to their concept of hiring a number of Kamen Rider monster designers. Instead, in addition to handling the character designs again, Masayuki Doi is also providing the demon designs. He’ll be providing new ones in addition to refining the old designs, both of which can be seen in the scans. We may have to bid Kaneko adieu, but Doi is further resembling a worthy successor.

Kaneko himself is also still credited for the game’s original concept. Other staff will be fulfilling the same roles held for SMTIV, meaning we have another excellent soundtrack from Ryota Koduka to look forward to. The only major change is Kazuyuki Yamai, who’s relinquished the duties of director to Satoshi Oyama, previously responsible for programming and design work in prior installments. Yamai will instead serve as producer, though the interview with him in Famitsu magazine heavily implies that he’s still creatively involved.

Shin Megami Tensei IV was my Game of the Year in 2013, and as you might have realized from the tone of this post, I’m thrilled we’re getting a sequel. It’s funny how this will mark the third mainline Megaten game we’ve received in the last decade, while those who enjoyed Persona 4 are still waiting for Persona 5 to release (though they had a bunch of spinoffs to hold them off). We won’t have to wait long for this one, either, since it will release in Japan on February 10th. Atlus USA should release it here a few months afterward, similar to the previous game.

The full reveal of Final will occur on a NicoNico stream (also imbedded on the official Japanese website) on Monday at 7PM Japan Time, or 6AM ET. In addition to more details, they’ll hopefully also give us a substantial trailer.

P.S. If you enjoyed the artwork in the first game, and are interested in reading about developer comments on the design process, keep in mind Udon is releasing the Shin Megami Tensei IV: Official Artworks book in America next week.