Summary

Release Year: 2002
Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: Xbox
Developers: Nex Entertainment
Publishers: Atlus

Shin Megami Tensei: Nine (2002) – A Hidden Gem on the Xbox

Released exclusively in Japan on the Xbox in 2002, Shin Megami Tensei: Nine is an often overlooked gem in the Megami Tensei series. Despite its title, it is actually the eighth game in the series, and takes place in the period of time between Shin Megami Tensei and its sequel.

The game’s story is set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, where the survivors of the city’s destruction have taken shelter in underground bunkers. The player takes on the role of a debugger, who is tasked with navigating the Idea Space virtual world set up by the survivors. However, the Idea Space has come under attack by demonic beings called “noise”.

The gameplay of Shin Megami Tensei: Nine is a mix of action and RPG elements. The player controls a customized avatar in third-person through the virtual world of Tokyo, battling enemies using a real-time command-based battle system. The game also features a number of puzzles and exploration elements.

One of the unique features of Shin Megami Tensei: Nine is its morality system. The player’s choices throughout the game will affect their alignment, which in turn will affect the ending of the game. There are nine possible alignments in the game, and each one has its own unique ending.

Shin Megami Tensei: Nine was praised for its innovative gameplay, engaging story, and excellent graphics. However, it was also criticized for its high difficulty level and lack of a localization outside of Japan.

Despite its flaws, Shin Megami Tensei: Nine is a worthwhile experience for fans of JRPGs and the Megami Tensei series. Its unique setting, engaging gameplay, and multiple endings make it a game that is sure to stay with you long after you finish playing it.

Gameplay

Shin Megami Tensei: Nine is an action RPG that blends real-time combat with exploration and puzzle-solving. The player controls a customized avatar in third-person through the virtual world of Tokyo. The game’s world is divided into a number of different areas, each with its own unique enemies and puzzles.

The player’s avatar can be customized with a variety of weapons, armor, and accessories. Each piece of equipment has its own unique stats and abilities, so the player can tailor their avatar to their own playstyle.

The game’s combat system is real-time and command-based. The player can issue commands to their avatar in real time, but the commands will not be executed until the player’s turn. This gives the player time to plan their strategy and react to the enemy’s attacks.

In addition to combat, the player will also need to solve puzzles and explore the game’s world. The puzzles are typically environmental puzzles, and require the player to use their wits to find the solution.

Story

The story of Shin Megami Tensei: Nine takes place in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo. The city has been destroyed by a nuclear war, and the survivors have taken shelter in underground bunkers. The player takes on the role of a debugger, who is tasked with navigating the Idea Space virtual world set up by the survivors.

The Idea Space is a virtual recreation of Tokyo, and it is here that the survivors are trying to rebuild their lives. However, the Idea Space has come under attack by demonic beings called “noise”. The noise are trying to destroy the Idea Space and the survivors who live there.

The player must team up with other debuggers to defeat the noise and save the Idea Space. Along the way, the player will learn more about the history of the nuclear war and the nature of the noise.

Characters

The player character in Shin Megami Tensei: Nine is a silent protagonist. The player can choose the protagonist’s gender and appearance, but they will not have any dialogue.

The player will meet a number of other characters throughout the game, including:

Arashi – A debugger who is the player’s partner.
Hibiki – A debugger who is a skilled swordsman.
Isamu – A debugger who is a skilled hacker.
Rei – A debugger who is a skilled healer.
Yuzu – A debugger who is a skilled engineer.

Setting

Shin Megami Tensei: Nine is set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo. The city has been destroyed by a nuclear war, and the survivors have taken shelter in underground bunkers. The player will explore the Idea Space, a virtual recreation of Tokyo that has been created by the survivors.

The Idea Space is a vast and complex world, with a variety of different environments to explore. The player will visit everything from lush forests to barren wastelands.

Themes

Shin Megami Tensei: Nine explores a number of different themes, including:

The nature of reality – The game’s setting is a virtual world, and the player is constantly questioning what is real and what is not.
The consequences of war – The game’s story is set in a post-apocalyptic world, and the player sees the devastating effects of war firsthand.
The power of hope – Despite the bleak setting, the game’s story is ultimately one of hope. The survivors of the nuclear war are determined to rebuild their lives, and the player must help them achieve their goal.

Conclusion

Shin Megami Tensei: Nine is a thought-provoking and challenging JRPG that is sure to stay with you long after you finish playing it. Its unique setting, engaging story, and multiple endings make it a game that is well worth experiencing.