Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked
Developer: Atlus
Platform: 3DS
I admit: Persona 3 is the only other game in the Shin Megami Tensei series that I’ve played before Devil Survivor Overclocked. I bought Persona 3 when the game was re-released, and loved the relationship-sim qualities. So at least I had an idea about what I was getting into. Devil Survivor Overclocked is a re-release on the 3DS, but I don’t know how it compares to the original release. I bought the game from the recommendation of fellow staff members at Operation Rainfall, so it’s almost like I’m stepping into new territory.
To be honest, I was a bit disappointed at first. Persona 3 had a certain quality and charm about it that isn’t quite as apparent in this game (at first). However, after about an hour, that feeling completely washed away. The game is very situational in that it throws you (and all the main characters) into a desperate situation (set in Japan) and you follow along as your group makes way through the mess. Along your journey you will meet up with others who are forced into the same situation, and the characters are interesting and enjoyable. This game is great for anyone who’s an Otaku, or at least a fan of Atlus’ style of characters and plot. It seems like Atlus is the only developer that knows how to put interesting characters in crazy situations (like summoning demons from computers), and make it actually work. What’s interesting is that you get to name the main character (I named him ‘Rein Wadda.’ Get it?) and you will be making choices through the game that seem to have some effect on conversations and choices that you make with other characters. If I were a completionist, I’d be going crazy right now.
The battle system is the real meat of this game. It plays pretty much like any other tactical RPG (think Final Fantasy Tactics and Tactics Ogre) in that you have a certain number of characters that move in turn on a grid against enemy units. This system allows for tons of depth and strategy, as placement is very important. Each character can have several demons that have submitted to service through defeat or from purchase in the devil auction.
It’s very easy to spend a lot of time trying to learn new skills for your party, buying new demons, and later, fusing them together to make them even stronger. If played on ‘normal’ difficulty, the game presents itself with quite a bit of challenge, which can be frustrating, but definitely in the good sort of way (SRPGs are known for being challenging, after all).
The characters have grown on me and I can’t wait to see what situation they are forced into next. Unfortunately, I’m stuck on this crazy battle where the game has the nerve to make me lose when cilivians die- and it most certainly seems to happen in the first few turns. Looks like I need to get back to some grinding.
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked can be had on Amazon
