TOKYO 202X
---------------This is the board for topics about the Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei games, their direct spin-offs and sequels. The Megami Tensei games were groundbreaking for their time and provide the basic structure from which all the other games in the franchise are based. Megami Tensei refers to the original Famicom titles by Namcot, whereas Shin Megami Tensei were reimaginings of the original games released in the 16-bit era. Megami Tensei translates as "Goddess Reincarnation," although the word 'tensei' has general meanings associated to certain concepts in Buddhism, where some regard 'Metempsychosis' or 'Transmigration' as a more fitting translation. The character 'shin' means "truth," and is ostensibly a pun on the kanji '新' (new) often used in Japan during the height of the Super Famicom-era, much like how "Super" was used in North America to denote new editions in video game lines. The Megami Tensei series is distinguished for its post-apocalyptic themes and its use of characters and beings from world mythology. They're also known for having incredibly complicated gameplay which differs from most other games in the genre notably because of the 'contact'-system, wherein your enemies can often be coerced or negotiated with into joining your party. All the enemies in Megami Tensei games are referred to as 'devils' or akuma (悪魔) and become 'comrades' or nakama (仲魔) once they join your party. Megami Tensei is also known for its mulitple story paths, often represented by philosophical or moral questions asked of your character as you progress through the game.
list of games
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Digital Devil Monogatari (story) Megami Tensei/デジタル・デビル物語 女神転生 (1987 Namcot, Famicom)
Digital Devil Monogatari (story) Megami Tensei II/デジタル・デビル物語 女神転生II (1990 Namcot, Famicom)
Shin Megami Tensei/真・女神転生 (1992 ATLUS, Super Famicom)
Shin Megami Tensei II/真・女神転生II (1994 ATLUS, Super Famicom)
Shin Megami Tensei if.../真・女神転生if... (1994 ATLUS, Super Famicom)
Kyuuyaku (Old Testament) Megami Tensei/旧約・女神転生 (1995 ATLUS, Super Famicom)
Shin Megami Tensei NINE/真・女神転生NINE (2002 ATLUS, Xbox)
Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne/真・女神転生IIINocturne (2003 ATLUS, Playstation 2)
Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne/真・女神転生IIINocturneマニアクス (2004 ATLUS, Playstation 2)
Currently a translation does not exist of the original Digital Devil Story games or the Super Famicom remake.
English translation patches of the first two Shin Megami Tensei ROMs can be found on the Aeon Genesis website
HERE &
HERE.
Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne was localized by Atlus USA, although only the Japanese expanded edition (dubbed "Maniacs" in that country) and without the III suffix.
Shin Megami Tensei NINE was a spinoff game released in Japan only for the Xbox. A video of gameplay can be found
HERE.