Is the sequel to Devil Summoner everything it should be?

Let’s find out…

The recently released “Shin Megami Tensei Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs King Abaddon” seems to be worth your money so says the internet buzz. Released on May 12th, the sequel to the popular first installment has gathered a rather high number of positive reviews. None of which seem to fall below the 80% mark. A high achievement indeed.

Here are some blurbs dredged from the internet…

RPGFan.com »“…one of the most vastly improved sequels I’ve ever played for an RPG.”
Thunderboltgames.com »“Raidou vs King Abaddon feels like the product of a company that listens to it’s customers.”
Destructoid.com »“Shin Megami Tensei and Devil Summoner series fans, we shouldn’t even need to say it: You need this game.”
1Up.com »“…the total revamp of the battle system makes Devil Summoner 2 more than “more of the same.”

So what is everyone so excited about?! Improved combat, graphics and extra content (not to mention multiple endings and story progression) are just some of the things praised with almost every review also adding that the game is a vast improvement over it’s predecessor in just about every way possible. But don’t take our word for it.

Dans l’un des plus recent mails d’ATLUS, ATLUS USA a annoncé que le remake amelioré de Megami Ibunroku Persona, allait debarquer en Amerique du Nord en Automne de cette année. ATLUS semble s’occuper serieusement de cette Mise a Jour de ce Classique de la Playstation en retravaillant les Cut Scenes, ajustant le Gameplay, et un toute nouvelle bande son incluant la chanteuse de Persona III: Yumi Kawamura.

Cela ne surprendra personne (la serie des Persona a attiré pas mal d’attention et ainsi que de nombreux joueurs vers “the Megaten franchise” ces deux dernieres années), nous, a digitaldevildb.com, ne pouvons plus attendre la localisation du jeux, si seulement nous pouvions y jouer la meme année de sa sortie au Japon.

Plus d’informations seront revelées dans les semaines a venir comprenant, on espere, un date de sortie et les Supers Goodies inclus avec le jeux lors de sa sortie.

Atlus USA announced Megami Ibunroku Devil Survivor will reach North America in June of this year. The game’s release appears identical to its Japanese counterpart. Until now, Atlus USA has made no comment regarding any “extras” to come bundled with the game or any special editions (maybe we can expect a soundtrack or something, of course, if we ever see some goodies for this game) but at least we can prepare ourselves for the wait ahead.

Gamers who’ve played the Majin Tensei series should find this game familiar and entertaining. Similarly Survivor is a fusion between a classic first person RPG and a tactical RPG. I have personally played the Japanese game and is really cool, the music and the gameplay are just fine. One interesting part of this game is the way you collect demons. You buy them at auctions and are able to see new ones every time you defeat them in battle. And of course you will be able to fuse them into ever more powerful allies.

Are you ready to survive?

As you all should know Persona 3’s “release date” is officially tomorrow, August 14th. It’s likely your local retailer won’t see it for another day or so afterward, so just give them a call if you’ve pre-ordered locally. Unlike Devil Summoner and Digital Devil Saga, it appears even retailers like Best Buy will be carrying this game. . . at least on their web sites. If you’ve not pre-ordered already, I would suggest you do so tonight.

If you’re still not sure, I suggest you check out Metacritic. The overall score from all submitted professional reviews puts the game at 88 out of 100 currently, which is quite good.

As for our review, I’ve unfortunately not finished the game yet. I am, however, a good 45 or so hours into it and thus feel safe posting my overall thoughts on it so far. I have no intention of attaching a score, but it might be a good read if you want some more input on the game. To keep it short: I really like it.

You can check that out here, if you so desire. Expect the Persona 3 section to expand more in the coming weeks as I (and others) progress through the game. The character and Persona sections will be revamped (hopefully to provide indepth info to those who want it, without spoiling every one else), just to give an example.

Thanks!

Gamespot’s product listing for Persona 3 now includes a very small image of the final package you will receive when you pick up the game. Looks pretty nice when it’s all together.

Thanks to NotMSRP for posting this image on NeoGAF.

Continuing our last reviews post, a friend informs me that EGM has reviewed Persona 3 and given it the “Game of the Month Award”. The magazine uses a three score system, netting the game an 8.5, 9.5 and 9.5. Very nice.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on a review copy for Digital Devil Database just before the delay. If there’s anything else you’d personally like to know about the game, feel free to ask in the forums. It also looks like our interview with Atlus for the title will be made available closer to the game’s new release date.

Thanks to Charles for the information.