Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse (2016)

For fans of the series and newcomers alike, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is a quintessential JRPG experience, and one that only has some very minor issues.

Really, all this means is that SMT: 4A is a fine game with a major problem – it is a sequel. If SMT: IV didn’t exist, SMT: 4A would feel like a fresher game. It does bring some major improvements to the previous game but balances them out with some major regressions. In the end what’s left is a game that does enough to be enjoyable but not enough to be great. The story is more engaging, the gameplay on the whole is better, but the loss of atmosphere and overall addition of monotony makes this a game mostly for those who were a fan of the first. Since it’s a sequel, I suppose it succeeds in what it set out to do by finishing up the story, but in some cases, it does not really feel like a necessary continuation. There is not enough new content for a standalone game, making this feel more like “disc two” than an actual new title. A tricky business, indeed.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse took everything the best from the series and corrected mistakes of SMTIV, making the game relatively beginners-friendly and generally more engrossing. This is an excellent present for all Nintendo 3DS owners and fans of the Japanese role playing games genre, which is definitely must not be skipped. Especially because it is still several month left before a release of the long awaited Persona 5, and Tokyo Mirage Sessions has long been completed.

A notable improvement on the original, although most of the changes are still just doodling in the margins – as the series waits for a more substantial overhaul.

A fantastic game that stands amongst the greatest on the system’s expansive library.