Just picked this up.

raum215 · 01-26-2009, 06:34 AM

I wanted to play this a long time ago, but had work priorities, and knew that (in my library) the games with the SMT logo on them, tend to last MUCH longer and stand up to time far better. So, I knew this would be one I could find later.

And I never saw it new, so by time I finally get it - it is only 9 dollars for a "gut copy" which is the closest to new I could ever find after a gameless hiatus for a bit. I would feel bad, except with all the money of mine ATLUS gets, they should have my name on a plaque in the breakroom next to the gold plated foos-ball table.

Anyhoo-

After Persona 4, Should I play this next, or finish Digital Devil Saga 1?

jeffx · 01-26-2009, 08:59 AM

This, in preparation of its sequel's eventual release.
How far are you in DDS1? How long has it been since putting it on hold?

Kenji · 01-26-2009, 10:59 AM

I'd say it depends on what you're looking for. Neither of them are terribly long games (unless you go chasing optional bosses), so I guess it really depends on what mood you're looking for, right after you finish P4. Neither DDS nor DS are dark games, so I guess it's whether you want a story about camaraderie with a Press Turn battle system or an action-RPG about a badass solving a mystery.

NekoShogun · 02-03-2009, 02:14 PM

I appreciated the detective aspect of P4 a lot more because of Devil Summoner RK vs SA.

So, I would actually suggest beating Devil Summoer after P4 and then go back to DDS1.
DDSaga's story is awesome but those dungeons sure are long. I don't think you can go wrong either way. Play to your heart's content.

Quig · 02-04-2009, 04:37 PM

I'm envious! I had to pull some strings to get the guy at Gamestop to order me a copy of DS. He looked at me like I was crazy since it is a $9 game, but then again he still hasn't played any of the Persona series...

TotallyEpic · 02-18-2009, 08:02 PM

Going to order this game 2mro. Cannot wait.

I'm new (about a week) to the SMT series after playing Persona 3 FES for 3 hours at a friends, found it amazing. Went home and ordered the games in my sig.

TotallyEpic · 02-19-2009, 07:22 PM

Ordered it today.

€26 sealed...which I'm delighted about. Can't wait to get it

Completed my SMT PS2 collection too

Carrot · 02-19-2009, 09:18 PM

My vote is for DDS - most original story I've ever seen in an RPG. Also the best localized voice acting.

I didn't realize the new DS was out - thought it wasn't coming till June, somehow.

I have the first but haven't had a chance to play it - ah. So many games. Not enough time to play one, even, these days.

Teclo · 02-23-2009, 04:08 AM

I'm really impressed with this game so far. I love the visual style - it helps that I'm a big fan of pre-rendered backgrounds (Resi 1-3, Final Fantasy VII-IX and Onimusha 1-2, Baldur's Gate 1-2 and Planescape: Torment are not only some of my favourite games of all time but also some of the games that, in their day, totally blew me away graphically). It's not just the graphical nature of the game but the actual design sensibilities too. Visual things aside, the gameplay is interesting, addictive and nicely paced (usually) although I do wish there was more actual detective work. Most of the so-called detective work is nothing more than thinly disguised fetch quests. I was expecting something more like an occult Ace Attorney - with demon battles thrown in for good measure.

FangzV · 02-23-2009, 12:09 PM

I just got this game on Friday. I've absolutely fallen in love with it. It's very fun and the story is interesting. Also lovin' how they have moving character models for portraits. My first Shin Megami Tensei games were P3 and P4, so this is a nice, refreshing change for me.

However, it's getting old really quickly how I get an enemy encounter so often and can't control it. I can only see the little glowing symbol on the bottom right to know they're coming or I can use a Repulse Water which I can't get many of.
The zombies are also getting extremely annoying.

And money is another issue. I'm running out way too fast and I cannot buy back any demons whatsoever, or afford any bullets.

Then there's how few demons you can hold at a time and how long it takes to get any more tubes. And when you do get tubes, you only get two.

My final problem is the weaknesses. Why is everything weak against fire? I'm sick of pulling out my Pyro demons every battle to the point where [Pyro] Pyro Jack is my strongest demon.

But don't get me wrong. As I've said, I love this game. It's amazing. Despite all of these, it's one of my most favorite games right now.

And then I got to episode 7. That damn curse is pissing me off.

Sharkboyyy! · 02-25-2009, 10:20 AM

In response to the original question, I'd suggest going for Devil Summoner before finishing DDS1. Then again, maybe that's because I've been playing Devil Summoner to complete it before the release of the sequel, but it seems like a good enough idea, as the sequel looks like it's going to be INTENSE.
Besides, the game is pretty short. I'm three quarters of the way in and with a bit of grinding and demon stuff mixed in, I still have yet to hit the 20 hour mark.

Quig · 02-25-2009, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quig

I'm envious! I had to pull some strings to get the guy at Gamestop to order me a copy of DS. He looked at me like I was crazy since it is a $9 game, but then again he still hasn't played any of the Persona series...

To bad that dude was not able to come through for me. I had to order it off of eBay and I payed $30 for what appeared to the game with all the packaging. When I got it, it was gutted, just the disc. I'm so pissed that!

mordaki987 · 05-13-2009, 03:19 PM

just picked this up myself, and since i can't post a new thread in the forums quite yet i wanted to ask about something if i may? The Raiho(Jack Frost in a policemans uniform) is he one of the demons you can summon/fuse? If this is anything similar to the persona games and i know it's not but since it was an exclusive collectors item that came with a pre-order i'm wondering if he's also one of the demons you can summon or use in the game?

unknown · 05-13-2009, 03:26 PM

Raiho is usable in both games.

Also Rasputin is so awesome in this game, only Atlus would make him a TERMINATOR FROM SKYNET

thealchemistoftime · 05-13-2009, 07:32 PM

yes rasputin is awesome

Samarecarm · 05-13-2009, 10:13 PM

This is a tough one. I'm a few hours into this game, but I've yet to become addicted. I bought the second one and part of me wants to start it since you've all said that the previous game's completion isn't required. I could also imagine possibly beating the second game, then going back to the first game and not giving it another chance because it's supposedly bland in comparison. Or, I should stop thinking too much. Is there anybody in a similar situation?

Pibbman · 05-13-2009, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samarecarm

This is a tough one. I'm a few hours into this game, but I've yet to become addicted. I bought the second one and part of me wants to start it since you've all said that the previous game's completion isn't required. I could also imagine possibly beating the second game, then going back to the first game and not giving it another chance because it's supposedly bland in comparison. Or, I should stop thinking too much. Is there anybody in a similar situation?

Well there is more to it than that, a lot of people think the only bonus is getting that item in the beginning of the game. Any demons you've had in the first one will join up with you right away in the second one. There are other bonuses beyond that too I believe.

Personally I think you should keep your focus on the first one. You'll definitely appreciate the second one more so if you do. If you played the second one first, you might end up just becoming annoyed with the first one since you couldn't use the awesome new update/features then.

Samarecarm · 05-14-2009, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pibbman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samarecarm

This is a tough one. I'm a few hours into this game, but I've yet to become addicted. I bought the second one and part of me wants to start it since you've all said that the previous game's completion isn't required. I could also imagine possibly beating the second game, then going back to the first game and not giving it another chance because it's supposedly bland in comparison. Or, I should stop thinking too much. Is there anybody in a similar situation?

Well there is more to it than that, a lot of people think the only bonus is getting that item in the beginning of the game. Any demons you've had in the first one will join up with you right away in the second one. There are other bonuses beyond that too I believe.

Personally I think you should keep your focus on the first one. You'll definitely appreciate the second one more so if you do. If you played the second one first, you might end up just becoming annoyed with the first one since you couldn't use the awesome new update/features then.

I'll take your word for it. I was never one to rush into a sequel, though I almost did with Persona 2: IS to EP (took me 19 hours to commit to IS!). I recall how deeply satisfying it was to play Digital Devil Saga 2 immediately after beating the first, though I wouldn't expect the same with Devil Summoner: Raidou. I will give the game one or two weekends, and if I'm still not convinced, I will certainly open the DS2 box.