For an action-RPG, “Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2” builds extremely well on “Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner.” Newcomers will the find interesting characters and the diverse gameplay fans have come to appreciate.
“Devil Summoner 2” continues following renowned devil summoner Raidou Kuzunoha as he is charged with protecting Japan’s capital during the Taisho era. Kuzunoha is placed in the Narumi Detective Agency to give him an alibi while protecting the capital. The game is split between bustling cities of people and the dark world full of demons, but most of Kuzunoha’s detective work occurs in the cities. Players must use clues from talking with people to advance the story. “Devil Summoner 2” does a great job balancing detective game play with fighting and action. When Kuzunoha is unable to recieve answers from people, it's often time to use demons.
The diversity of demons in “Devil Summoner 2” is where the game shines. The more than 200 demons to fight and recruit have their own personalities and dialogue choices, and the different personalities amongst familiar “Shin Megami Tensei” demons is welcomed in the saturated selection of RPG’s on the PlayStation 2. Two demons can enter battle with Kuzunoha after being recruited.
Battles occur randomly while walking around the map. At the beginning of battle, barring an ambush or preemptive strike, players can choose to negotiate with demons or fight. During battle, Kuzunoha enters a separate map in which his demons, enemies and himself can move freely and attack. Demons can be leveled up to become stronger, fused to pass on traits and create other demons, or used in investigations to help Kuzunoha. Demons can also learn various skills to complement their inherent strengths and weaknesses, so players must monitor their demons to receive the most out of battle.
Kuzunoha's four basic actions within battle are attacking with his sword, gun, demon skills or dodging and blocking. An interesting feature in “Devil Summoner 2” is the ability to fuse new swords allowing Kuzunoha to use basic or special sword attacks. Sword souls fall into either the sword, lance, or ax class, and special attacks change depending on the soul fused into the sword. The gun can be used to stun faster enemies, but it's a small attack. Blocking and dodging allow Kuzunoha to minimize damage while keeping his demons immune to damage, but it must be used sparingly because some demons disagree to being yanked to his side in the midst of battle.
All special attacks use Kuzunoha’s MAG. MAG is a critical combat element and is accumulated when a demon is defeated or when an enemy is stunned by its weakness. Over using MAG leaves Kuzunoha vulnerable, while not using MAG bars using stronger special attacks, healing, and support skills.
“Devil Summoner 2” has exceptional presentation, but the lack of voice acting is disappointing since “Shin Megami Tensei” games often have excellent voice acting. It also misses cinematic moments by having the screen fade to black, describe what happened in text and fade back with the scene resolved. The series has proven it's ability to handle scenes more artfully, and the lack of cut-scenes to support scenes is disappointing. The soundtrack, composed by the talented Shoji Meguro, is perfect. Comical detective, battle and dramatic music set the mood for critical moments.
“Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2” addresses many of the first game's issues while adding it's own style and flair to the experience. After completing the game, recruited demons and items can be carried over to a new game plus mode. It offers plenty of replay value with multiple endings, hundreds of demons and extra bosses to defeat. “Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2” is an excellent game and definitely worth picking up.
Rating: A-
System: PlayStation 2
Price: $39.99
ESRB: M for Mature
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