Summary

Release Year: 1997
Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: PlayStation, Sega Saturn
Developers: Atlus
Publishers: Atlus, NIS America

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner – Soul Hackers (1997)

A Cyberpunk Gothic Masterpiece

Released in 1997 for the Sega Saturn, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner – Soul Hackers is a first-person dungeon-crawling RPG that blends cyberpunk futurism and gothic horror to create a unique and unforgettable experience. The game tells the story of a group of hackers who take on a centuries-old mystic society in a battle for control over humanity’s fate.

Story

The game is set in the year 20XX, in the futuristic city of Amami City. Amami City is a neon-drenched metropolis where technology and otherworldly forces coexist in an uneasy alliance. The city is home to a secret society known as the Phantom Society, which has been manipulating humanity’s destiny for centuries.

The player takes on the role of a hacker named Nemissa, who is recruited by a group of fellow hackers to investigate the Phantom Society. Nemissa and her companions soon discover that the Phantom Society is planning to use a powerful computer virus to take control of the world.

Nemissa and her friends must race against time to stop the Phantom Society and save humanity. Along the way, they will encounter a cast of colorful characters, including demons, angels, and other supernatural beings.

Gameplay

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner – Soul Hackers is a first-person dungeon-crawling RPG. The game’s dungeons are procedurally generated, which means that they are different every time you play. This keeps the game fresh and challenging, even after multiple playthroughs.

The game’s combat system is turn-based. Players can attack enemies with physical attacks, magic spells, or by summoning demons to fight for them. Demons can be recruited by talking to them in dungeons or by fusing them together.

Fusion is a key part of the game’s combat system. By fusing demons, players can create new and more powerful demons. Fusion is also used to learn new skills and abilities.

Setting

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner – Soul Hackers is set in a unique and memorable world. The game’s cyberpunk setting is blended with gothic horror to create a truly unique atmosphere.

The game’s world is filled with neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and advanced technology. However, there is also a dark and sinister underbelly to the city. The Phantom Society lurks in the shadows, manipulating humanity’s destiny.

Characters

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner – Soul Hackers features a cast of memorable characters. The player takes on the role of Nemissa, a skilled hacker who is determined to stop the Phantom Society.

Nemissa is joined by a group of fellow hackers, including Hitomi, a brilliant programmer; Kagiyama, a skilled swordsman; and Mary, a mysterious young woman with psychic powers.

Themes

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner – Soul Hackers explores a number of complex themes, including the nature of good and evil, the power of technology, and the importance of free will.

The game’s cyberpunk setting is used to explore the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. The Phantom Society uses technology to manipulate humanity and control their destiny.

The game also explores the nature of good and evil. The Phantom Society believes that they are doing what is best for humanity, even if their methods are questionable. Nemissa and her friends must decide for themselves what they believe is right and wrong.

Legacy

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner – Soul Hackers is a classic RPG that has been praised for its unique setting, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay. The game has been ported to multiple platforms, including the PlayStation, Nintendo 3DS, and PC.

In 2022, a remastered version of the game was released for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The remastered version features updated graphics, sound, and gameplay.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner – Soul Hackers is a must-play for fans of RPGs, cyberpunk, and gothic horror. The game’s unique setting, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay make it a truly unforgettable experience.