Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga
Encyclopedia
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga, known in Japan as , is a PlayStation 2
role-playing game developed by Atlus
and first released in Japan
on July 15, 2004. It is a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei
series of video games; the main difference between Digital Devil Saga and the main series is the focus on specific characters rather than summoning demon
s to fight alongside your party. The story to Digital Devil Saga is continued with its direct sequel Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2
.
Notable features of the game include the ability to shapeshift between demon
and human forms in battle, and a return of the "press turn" battle system from Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
. A large difference between Nocturne and Digital Devil Saga is the ability to change equipped skills at will, instead of at level up. Unlike in Nocturne, unlearned skills are not lost forever, which allows for much greater character customization. The game features a "Mantra
" system where Macca gained after battle can be used to download new Mantras at a saving terminal. Atma, gained by devouring enemies in battle, then allows the characters to Master these mantras, imparting new abilities.
". While the protagonist can assign stat
points at will, the other main characters each have certain specializations. Each player can learn skills from one of four categories: Physical, Magic, Shield and Auto. These skills are gained by first buying "Mantra
s" using Macca currency, then mastering them by gaining "AP" (Atma Points) from defeated enemies. The maximum number of skills that can be equipped are 8. If two or more players equip a certain skill, they can perform a combo - a stronger version of the skill. While battle is focused around strengthening characters' demon forms, they can also fight in their human forms using conventional weapons, and can equip ammunition
. A human character can perform a combo with one in demon form.
The "press turn" battle system gives each character a symbol to represent a turn. The character can forfeit a turn to allow the next character an action; turns cannot be passed more than once. If an enemy's weakness is exploited, an extra turn is gained up to three times; if an enemy resists an attack, a turn is lost.
Digital Devil Saga mostly follows the magic
system used in previous Megami Tensei games. Nine magic attributes are present in the game. Ice and Lightning magic have a chance of causing the "freeze" and "stun" status, while Expel magic reduces an enemy's hit points by a certain percentage, and Death magic causes an instant kill. Status magic can inflict status effect
s on enemies. Other attributes present in the game are physical and "Devour" attacks, which are not classified under magic. If an enemy is killed by a Devour skill, the character gains a far greater amount of AP; overeating causes a status ailment that can only be prevented using a certain skill.
"Small Karma
Terminals" scattered throughout the world allow the player to save their game, while "Life Terminals" restore the player's health and magic points for Macca. The player can teleport to "Large Karma Terminals", which also function as Life Terminals, but cannot teleport back to their smaller counterparts. "Vendors" allow the player to purchase and sell goods, including valuable "Cells", for Macca.
"Solar Noise", displayed in the upper-left of the screen, affects the price of Cells and other variables in battle.
ing. All residents of the Junkyard adhere to elements of Hinduism
, and seem to be reincarnated
when they die, aware of their past lives. Six main tribes, the Embryon, Vanguards, Maribel, Solids, Brutes, and Wolves, fight to destroy each other and earn passage into Nirvana
.
region of the Junkyard. Although small, this Tribe has established their turf, and are recognized by the other Tribes. They are in direct competition with the Vanguards. Their Tribe color is orange. Serph is the leader of the Embryon, a silent, largely emotionless protagonist
and the main character of the game. The "Water Crown" Atma on Serph’s cheek allows him to transform into "Varna" (actually Varuna
), which is featured on the front cover of the game. Heat, Serph's unofficial second in command, uses the "Fireball" Atma, which allows him to transform into Agni
. Heat wrestles with violent tendencies and a sexual urge towards Sera. Argilla is the Embryon’s master sniper and can change into Prithivi, as shown by the "Seismic Wave" Atma on her chest. Manifesting emotions of kindness, she immediately rejects the idea of devouring others, but realizes it’s a necessary evil if she’s to protect Sera and return to normal. Gale's computer-like calculations and analysis serve him well as the strategist for the Embryon. The "Twister" Atma on his leg signifies his metamorphosis into Vayu
. Gale has a recurring vision after the awakening, but labels it illogical and continues on as normal. Cielo, another key member of the Embryon, uses the "Rainbow Arch" Atma to transform into Dyaus. He is cheerful, and tends to act foolishly, which eases tensions among the group. After Gale went on a rampage and almost cornered Cielo, Sera calmed him by singing. As such, Cielo wishes to protect her for saving him. Sera, discovered by the Embryon, stands out from other citizens of the Junkyard because of her black hair, her lack of a tag ring, and her strange singing. The Karma Temple’s decree states that to reach Nirvana, one must bring Sera. Her song has the power to suppress the demonic instincts of the Junkyard inhabitants. She shares a mysterious bond with Serph, and this connection becomes clearer as the story progresses and also into the sequel.
s inside of people, much to the shock of the other.
In the Junkyard, Serph and his lieutenants battle the Vanguards over a strange pod. Both sides believe it to have been placed by the other as a weapon. Explosions cause the pod to open, branding everyone with a mark of their atma, and causing the Embryon to devour the Vanguards. After Serph suddenly dreams of a clear blue sky, he wakes up and sees that the pod is gone and that a crater was left in its wake. Inside, an unconscious, naked girl is surrounded by white light. The Embryon take the mysterious, yet seemingly familiar girl and return to headquarters.
Unaware of what truly happened after the pod's opening, the Embryon decide to question Harley and his Vanguards about what transpired. Serph, Argilla, and Heat travel to the Vanguards' base, finding a deeply shaken Harley. He claims that the Embryon devoured his men and flees in terror when the Embryon once more transform into demons, and exhibit signs of emotion
. They defeat Harley after he transforms himself into Hayagriva
, gaining the tribe's land in the process. Back at the Embryon base, Cielo is being chased by Vayu
; Gale in demon form. The girl, claiming to be named Sera, sings, soothing Gale and allowing him to turn back into a human. Gale soon questions her about her power, but she remembers nothing except that she was sent to "help".
The leaders of each tribe are ordered to the neutral Karma Temple in order to receive instructions. However, a mysterious, female being calling itself "Angel
" orders them to use their powers to defeat all other tribes and ascend to Nirvana
along with Sera, who has the power to quell the demons' ever-present hunger. Angel seems to recognize Serph, and is seemingly angered by his presence.
After allying themselves with the Maribel tribe, the Embyron invade the citadel of the Solids tribe, but are too late to stop its leader, Mick, from causing the Maribel's leader, Jinana, to go berserk, eventually leading to her emotional death. The Solids attack the Maribel base as a diversion, then capture Sera from the Embryon and bring her to Coordinate 136, a large castle in an abandoned amusement park
. Inside, an old recording tells a fairy tale
of two princes, resembling the conflict between Serph and Heat over the "princess", Sera. At the top of the castle, Bat, who has betrayed the Maribel, causes Heat to fight Serph; the player can decide whether to fight back. Cielo arrives and takes back Sera from Bat, and Mick is killed by the Embryon.
The Embryon plan to weaken the Brutes by trapping them in a beached cruise ship
rigged with bombs. It is revealed that Varin Omega, now calling himself "Colonel Beck" and Sera a "cyber shaman", claimed to know Angel's secrets and wanted to leave the Junkyard. Angel refused, saying that he ordered the world to be locked, though she offered to help him. Their plan succeeds, and Bat is killed, but Varin is still alive. The Brutes destroy the Wolves, making them the last remaining tribe for the Embryon to defeat. After Lupa, leader of the Wolves, also goes berserk and is killed, Gale is spurred to action.
As the residents of the Junkyard begin to experience strange memories of life in the contemporary era, the group arrives at the Brutes' base, a shape-shifting mansion
unlike any building in the Junkyard. After defeating Varin, he claims that Serph had devoured Argilla, and that the entire party had already died in "Nirvana", calling Sera the devil. Sera runs away to the Karma Temple, exercising control over it, as the Embryon follow. At the top of the temple, Angel appears in human form, revealing a computer virus
and threatening to delete the entire Junkyard if Sera does not return with her. However, the Embryon arrive, and, breaking free of Angel's control, manage to destroy her ultimate form, Harihara
, and the virus itself. The Junkyard, a virtual world
, disappears completely and all the characters are thrown into a void. The game's ending reveals that they have arrived in the "real world".
The game uses the demon designs of Kazuma Kaneko
.
provided "Danger", the introductory song for the U.S. version of the game, and Houko Kuwashima
provided "Pray", the introductory song for the Japanese and European version of the game.
The Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner Soundtrack was released September 24, 2004 by Frontier Works
. It mainly composed by Shōji Meguro
, and includes five compositions by Kenichi Tsuchiya and the US version's opening song. It was released on its own and within copies of the North American game. The complete soundtrack was released as discs 1&2 of the 4-disc set DIGITAL DEVIL SAGA ~Avatar Tuner~ 1 & 2 Original Sound Track: Integral on December 22, 2005 by Five Records.
's Bethany Massimilla also praised the battle system and the game's "intriguing" world, but crititicized the high random encounter
rate which "can border on the ridiculous" and the game's cliffhanger
ending.
The Digital Devil Saga series received G4TV's "X-Play
's Best Role Playing Game of 2005" award. In 2010, Digital Devil Saga and its sequel Digital Devil Saga 2
ended up topping RPGFan's "Top 20 RPGs of the Last Decade" list.
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
role-playing game developed by Atlus
Atlus
is a Japanese computer and video game developer, publisher, and distributor based in Tokyo, Japan, best known for developing the console role-playing game franchise Megami Tensei. The first Megami Tensei was a Nintendo Entertainment System video game published by Namco based on a trilogy of...
and first released in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
on July 15, 2004. It is a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei
Shin Megami Tensei
is a console role-playing video game from Atlus that was originally released on October 30, 1992 and later on several platforms, although no installment was released outside of Japan. It was originally released on the Super Famicom and was later ported to the PC Engine Super CD-Rom and Mega-CD...
series of video games; the main difference between Digital Devil Saga and the main series is the focus on specific characters rather than summoning demon
Demon
call - 1347 531 7769 for more infoIn Ancient Near Eastern religions as well as in the Abrahamic traditions, including ancient and medieval Christian demonology, a demon is considered an "unclean spirit" which may cause demonic possession, to be addressed with an act of exorcism...
s to fight alongside your party. The story to Digital Devil Saga is continued with its direct sequel Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2, known in Japan as , is a direct sequel to the video game Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga, directly continuing the story where it left off. The game marks as the final chapter in the series and answers certain questions left from the open-ended prequel...
.
Notable features of the game include the ability to shapeshift between demon
Demon
call - 1347 531 7769 for more infoIn Ancient Near Eastern religions as well as in the Abrahamic traditions, including ancient and medieval Christian demonology, a demon is considered an "unclean spirit" which may cause demonic possession, to be addressed with an act of exorcism...
and human forms in battle, and a return of the "press turn" battle system from Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
is a role-playing game for the PlayStation 2. It is the third main game in the Megami Tensei series. Shin Megami Tensei III was released nine years after Shin Megami Tensei II, and was the first Megami Tensei game in the series to be released into the United States using the "Megami Tensei" name...
. A large difference between Nocturne and Digital Devil Saga is the ability to change equipped skills at will, instead of at level up. Unlike in Nocturne, unlearned skills are not lost forever, which allows for much greater character customization. The game features a "Mantra
Mantra
A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation"...
" system where Macca gained after battle can be used to download new Mantras at a saving terminal. Atma, gained by devouring enemies in battle, then allows the characters to Master these mantras, imparting new abilities.
Gameplay
Digital Devil Sagas characters, rather than summoning demons to fight for them, are able to transform into a single demon representative of their "AtmaĀtman (Hinduism)
Ātman is a Sanskrit word that means 'self'. In Hindu philosophy, especially in the Vedanta school of Hinduism it refers to one's true self beyond identification with phenomena...
". While the protagonist can assign stat
Statistic
A statistic is a single measure of some attribute of a sample . It is calculated by applying a function to the values of the items comprising the sample which are known together as a set of data.More formally, statistical theory defines a statistic as a function of a sample where the function...
points at will, the other main characters each have certain specializations. Each player can learn skills from one of four categories: Physical, Magic, Shield and Auto. These skills are gained by first buying "Mantra
Mantra
A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation"...
s" using Macca currency, then mastering them by gaining "AP" (Atma Points) from defeated enemies. The maximum number of skills that can be equipped are 8. If two or more players equip a certain skill, they can perform a combo - a stronger version of the skill. While battle is focused around strengthening characters' demon forms, they can also fight in their human forms using conventional weapons, and can equip ammunition
Ammunition
Ammunition is a generic term derived from the French language la munition which embraced all material used for war , but which in time came to refer specifically to gunpowder and artillery. The collective term for all types of ammunition is munitions...
. A human character can perform a combo with one in demon form.
The "press turn" battle system gives each character a symbol to represent a turn. The character can forfeit a turn to allow the next character an action; turns cannot be passed more than once. If an enemy's weakness is exploited, an extra turn is gained up to three times; if an enemy resists an attack, a turn is lost.
Digital Devil Saga mostly follows the magic
Magic (gaming)
Some role-playing games or game systems can include a set of rules that are used to portray magic in the paranormal sense. These rules simulate the effects that magic would have within the game context, according to how the game designer intended the magic to be portrayed...
system used in previous Megami Tensei games. Nine magic attributes are present in the game. Ice and Lightning magic have a chance of causing the "freeze" and "stun" status, while Expel magic reduces an enemy's hit points by a certain percentage, and Death magic causes an instant kill. Status magic can inflict status effect
Status effect
In role-playing games, a status effect is a temporary modification to a game character’s original set of stats that usually comes into play when special powers and abilities are used, often during combat. It appears in numerous computer and video games of many genres, most commonly in role-playing...
s on enemies. Other attributes present in the game are physical and "Devour" attacks, which are not classified under magic. If an enemy is killed by a Devour skill, the character gains a far greater amount of AP; overeating causes a status ailment that can only be prevented using a certain skill.
"Small Karma
Karma
Karma in Indian religions is the concept of "action" or "deed", understood as that which causes the entire cycle of cause and effect originating in ancient India and treated in Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh philosophies....
Terminals" scattered throughout the world allow the player to save their game, while "Life Terminals" restore the player's health and magic points for Macca. The player can teleport to "Large Karma Terminals", which also function as Life Terminals, but cannot teleport back to their smaller counterparts. "Vendors" allow the player to purchase and sell goods, including valuable "Cells", for Macca.
"Solar Noise", displayed in the upper-left of the screen, affects the price of Cells and other variables in battle.
Setting
Digital Devil Saga is set in the Junkyard, a vast, post-apocalyptic wasteland in which it is constantly rainRain
Rain is liquid precipitation, as opposed to non-liquid kinds of precipitation such as snow, hail and sleet. Rain requires the presence of a thick layer of the atmosphere to have temperatures above the melting point of water near and above the Earth's surface...
ing. All residents of the Junkyard adhere to elements of Hinduism
Hinduism
Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
, and seem to be reincarnated
Reincarnation
Reincarnation best describes the concept where the soul or spirit, after the death of the body, is believed to return to live in a new human body, or, in some traditions, either as a human being, animal or plant...
when they die, aware of their past lives. Six main tribes, the Embryon, Vanguards, Maribel, Solids, Brutes, and Wolves, fight to destroy each other and earn passage into Nirvana
Nirvana
Nirvāṇa ; ) is a central concept in Indian religions. In sramanic thought, it is the state of being free from suffering. In Hindu philosophy, it is the union with the Supreme being through moksha...
.
Characters
The Embryon tribe is based in the MuladharaMuladhara
Muladhara is one of the seven primary chakras according to Hindu tantrism. It may be represented by the color red, although its root square form is usually yellow.-Location:...
region of the Junkyard. Although small, this Tribe has established their turf, and are recognized by the other Tribes. They are in direct competition with the Vanguards. Their Tribe color is orange. Serph is the leader of the Embryon, a silent, largely emotionless protagonist
Protagonist
A protagonist is the main character of a literary, theatrical, cinematic, or musical narrative, around whom the events of the narrative's plot revolve and with whom the audience is intended to most identify...
and the main character of the game. The "Water Crown" Atma on Serph’s cheek allows him to transform into "Varna" (actually Varuna
Varuna
In Vedic religion, Varuna is a god of the sky, of water and of the celestial ocean, as well as a god of law and of the underworld...
), which is featured on the front cover of the game. Heat, Serph's unofficial second in command, uses the "Fireball" Atma, which allows him to transform into Agni
Agni
Agni is a Hindu deity, one of the most important of the Vedic gods. He is the god of fire and the acceptor of sacrifices. The sacrifices made to Agni go to the deities because Agni is a messenger from and to the other gods...
. Heat wrestles with violent tendencies and a sexual urge towards Sera. Argilla is the Embryon’s master sniper and can change into Prithivi, as shown by the "Seismic Wave" Atma on her chest. Manifesting emotions of kindness, she immediately rejects the idea of devouring others, but realizes it’s a necessary evil if she’s to protect Sera and return to normal. Gale's computer-like calculations and analysis serve him well as the strategist for the Embryon. The "Twister" Atma on his leg signifies his metamorphosis into Vayu
Vayu
Vāyu is a primary Hindu deity, the Lord of the winds, the father of Bhima and the spiritual father of Lord Hanuman...
. Gale has a recurring vision after the awakening, but labels it illogical and continues on as normal. Cielo, another key member of the Embryon, uses the "Rainbow Arch" Atma to transform into Dyaus. He is cheerful, and tends to act foolishly, which eases tensions among the group. After Gale went on a rampage and almost cornered Cielo, Sera calmed him by singing. As such, Cielo wishes to protect her for saving him. Sera, discovered by the Embryon, stands out from other citizens of the Junkyard because of her black hair, her lack of a tag ring, and her strange singing. The Karma Temple’s decree states that to reach Nirvana, one must bring Sera. Her song has the power to suppress the demonic instincts of the Junkyard inhabitants. She shares a mysterious bond with Serph, and this connection becomes clearer as the story progresses and also into the sequel.
Story
The game begins with a conversation between two unknown entities. One claims to be about to release the power of the demonDemon
call - 1347 531 7769 for more infoIn Ancient Near Eastern religions as well as in the Abrahamic traditions, including ancient and medieval Christian demonology, a demon is considered an "unclean spirit" which may cause demonic possession, to be addressed with an act of exorcism...
s inside of people, much to the shock of the other.
In the Junkyard, Serph and his lieutenants battle the Vanguards over a strange pod. Both sides believe it to have been placed by the other as a weapon. Explosions cause the pod to open, branding everyone with a mark of their atma, and causing the Embryon to devour the Vanguards. After Serph suddenly dreams of a clear blue sky, he wakes up and sees that the pod is gone and that a crater was left in its wake. Inside, an unconscious, naked girl is surrounded by white light. The Embryon take the mysterious, yet seemingly familiar girl and return to headquarters.
Unaware of what truly happened after the pod's opening, the Embryon decide to question Harley and his Vanguards about what transpired. Serph, Argilla, and Heat travel to the Vanguards' base, finding a deeply shaken Harley. He claims that the Embryon devoured his men and flees in terror when the Embryon once more transform into demons, and exhibit signs of emotion
Emotion
Emotion is a complex psychophysiological experience of an individual's state of mind as interacting with biochemical and environmental influences. In humans, emotion fundamentally involves "physiological arousal, expressive behaviors, and conscious experience." Emotion is associated with mood,...
. They defeat Harley after he transforms himself into Hayagriva
Hayagriva
Hayagriva is a horse-headed deity that appears in both Hinduism and Buddhism.-Hinduism:...
, gaining the tribe's land in the process. Back at the Embryon base, Cielo is being chased by Vayu
Vayu
Vāyu is a primary Hindu deity, the Lord of the winds, the father of Bhima and the spiritual father of Lord Hanuman...
; Gale in demon form. The girl, claiming to be named Sera, sings, soothing Gale and allowing him to turn back into a human. Gale soon questions her about her power, but she remembers nothing except that she was sent to "help".
The leaders of each tribe are ordered to the neutral Karma Temple in order to receive instructions. However, a mysterious, female being calling itself "Angel
Angel
Angels are mythical beings often depicted as messengers of God in the Hebrew and Christian Bibles along with the Quran. The English word angel is derived from the Greek ἄγγελος, a translation of in the Hebrew Bible ; a similar term, ملائكة , is used in the Qur'an...
" orders them to use their powers to defeat all other tribes and ascend to Nirvana
Nirvana
Nirvāṇa ; ) is a central concept in Indian religions. In sramanic thought, it is the state of being free from suffering. In Hindu philosophy, it is the union with the Supreme being through moksha...
along with Sera, who has the power to quell the demons' ever-present hunger. Angel seems to recognize Serph, and is seemingly angered by his presence.
After allying themselves with the Maribel tribe, the Embyron invade the citadel of the Solids tribe, but are too late to stop its leader, Mick, from causing the Maribel's leader, Jinana, to go berserk, eventually leading to her emotional death. The Solids attack the Maribel base as a diversion, then capture Sera from the Embryon and bring her to Coordinate 136, a large castle in an abandoned amusement park
Amusement park
thumb|Cinderella Castle in [[Magic Kingdom]], [[Disney World]]Amusement and theme parks are terms for a group of entertainment attractions and rides and other events in a location for the enjoyment of large numbers of people...
. Inside, an old recording tells a fairy tale
Fairy tale
A fairy tale is a type of short story that typically features such folkloric characters, such as fairies, goblins, elves, trolls, dwarves, giants or gnomes, and usually magic or enchantments. However, only a small number of the stories refer to fairies...
of two princes, resembling the conflict between Serph and Heat over the "princess", Sera. At the top of the castle, Bat, who has betrayed the Maribel, causes Heat to fight Serph; the player can decide whether to fight back. Cielo arrives and takes back Sera from Bat, and Mick is killed by the Embryon.
The Embryon plan to weaken the Brutes by trapping them in a beached cruise ship
Cruise ship
A cruise ship or cruise liner is a passenger ship used for pleasure voyages, where the voyage itself and the ship's amenities are part of the experience, as well as the different destinations along the way...
rigged with bombs. It is revealed that Varin Omega, now calling himself "Colonel Beck" and Sera a "cyber shaman", claimed to know Angel's secrets and wanted to leave the Junkyard. Angel refused, saying that he ordered the world to be locked, though she offered to help him. Their plan succeeds, and Bat is killed, but Varin is still alive. The Brutes destroy the Wolves, making them the last remaining tribe for the Embryon to defeat. After Lupa, leader of the Wolves, also goes berserk and is killed, Gale is spurred to action.
As the residents of the Junkyard begin to experience strange memories of life in the contemporary era, the group arrives at the Brutes' base, a shape-shifting mansion
Mansion
A mansion is a very large dwelling house. U.S. real estate brokers define a mansion as a dwelling of over . A traditional European mansion was defined as a house which contained a ballroom and tens of bedrooms...
unlike any building in the Junkyard. After defeating Varin, he claims that Serph had devoured Argilla, and that the entire party had already died in "Nirvana", calling Sera the devil. Sera runs away to the Karma Temple, exercising control over it, as the Embryon follow. At the top of the temple, Angel appears in human form, revealing a computer virus
Computer virus
A computer virus is a computer program that can replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. The term "virus" is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types of malware, including but not limited to adware and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability...
and threatening to delete the entire Junkyard if Sera does not return with her. However, the Embryon arrive, and, breaking free of Angel's control, manage to destroy her ultimate form, Harihara
Harihara
Harihara is the name of a combined deity form of both Vishnu and Shiva from the Hindu tradition. Also known as Shankaranarayana , Harihara is thus worshipped by both Vaishnavites and Shaivities as a form of the Supreme God, as well as being a figure of worship for other Hindu traditions in general...
, and the virus itself. The Junkyard, a virtual world
Virtual world
A virtual world is an online community that takes the form of a computer-based simulated environment through which users can interact with one another and use and create objects. The term has become largely synonymous with interactive 3D virtual environments, where the users take the form of...
, disappears completely and all the characters are thrown into a void. The game's ending reveals that they have arrived in the "real world".
Development
Digital Devil Saga was created in part to make the Megami Tensei series accessible to a broader audience "while staying true to its roots." The game had a high production value due to its well-known voice actors and detailed cutscenes, while extra care was taken to sync dialogue to mouth movement. The battle mechanics were also made more forgiving than in Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne.The game uses the demon designs of Kazuma Kaneko
Kazuma Kaneko
is a Japanese game designer and employee of Atlus. While working for the same company, he has also done work for Capcom and Konami, designing characters for the video games Devil May Cry 3 and Zone of the Enders 2, respectively. He is best known for his work in the Megami Tensei series of video...
.
Music
The band Etro AnimeEtro Anime
Etro Anime is an electronic band from New York City formed in 1998. Musical genres used by the band include drum and bass, deep house, trip hop, and breakbeat. The name "Etro Anime" means "to be infinite in spirit."...
provided "Danger", the introductory song for the U.S. version of the game, and Houko Kuwashima
Houko Kuwashima
is a Japanese voice actress and singer. She is capable of playing a variety of roles, ranging from young boys to feminine women. Kuwashima is currently affiliated with Aoni Production. Her given name, , is sometimes misread as Noriko, even in Japan...
provided "Pray", the introductory song for the Japanese and European version of the game.
The Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner Soundtrack was released September 24, 2004 by Frontier Works
Frontier Works
is a Japanese company specializing in the creation and distribution of media related to anime, such as producing OVAs, radio dramas, drama CDs, anime soundtracks, or other related products...
. It mainly composed by Shōji Meguro
Shoji Meguro
is a Japanese video game composer and director who joined Atlus in 1996 and has composed music for many of their games, mainly those in the Megami Tensei series.-Biography:...
, and includes five compositions by Kenichi Tsuchiya and the US version's opening song. It was released on its own and within copies of the North American game. The complete soundtrack was released as discs 1&2 of the 4-disc set DIGITAL DEVIL SAGA ~Avatar Tuner~ 1 & 2 Original Sound Track: Integral on December 22, 2005 by Five Records.
Japanese
- Kenji NojimaKenji Nojimais a Japanese seiyū who was born in Tokyo. He is employed by Japanese voice talent agency Aoni Production. He is the son of veteran seiyū Akio Nojima and is the younger brother of seiyū Hirofumi Nojima...
as Serph - Hikaru MidorikawaHikaru Midorikawais a Japanese voice actor from Otawara, Tochigi who is represented by Aoni Production.He is most known for the roles of Softon in Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, Tamahome in Fushigi Yugi, Seiran Shi in Saiunkoku Monogatari, Heero Yuy in Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, Kaede Rukawa in Slam Dunk, Zelgadis Greywords in...
as Heat - Houko KuwashimaHouko Kuwashimais a Japanese voice actress and singer. She is capable of playing a variety of roles, ranging from young boys to feminine women. Kuwashima is currently affiliated with Aoni Production. Her given name, , is sometimes misread as Noriko, even in Japan...
as Sera - Yumi Touma as Argilla
- Hori Hideyuki as Gale
- Hiroaki Miura as Cielo
- Masaya OnosakaMasaya OnosakaMasaya Onosaka , born October 13, 1964 in Osaka) is a seiyū who works for Aoni Production. In 2010 he won the "Best Personality" Seiyu Award.-TV Anime:*Agent Aika *Angelic Layer '...
as Harley - Kazue IkuraKazue Ikurais a Japanese voice actress who works for Aoni Production. She worked under the name from 1991 to 1995. She was previously affiliated with theater groups/production companies 劇舎燐, 俳協, Production Baobab and NABEYA....
as Jinana - Ryotaro OkiayuRyotaro Okiayuis a Japanese voice actor, who was born in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, and raised in Osaka, Osaka Prefecture. He has been active since 1989, and is currently affiliated with Aoni Production....
as Bat - Hisao EgawaHisao Egawais a Japanese voice actor from Tokyo who works for Aoni Production. Egawa is most known for the roles of Shin'ichi Maki in Slam Dunk, Geki Kuroiwa in Brave Command Dagwon, Geki Hyūma and Goldymarg in The King of Braves GaoGaiGar, Killer Bee in Naruto Shippuden, and Falco Lombardi in the Star Fox...
as Mick The Slug - Hideo IshikawaHideo Ishikawais a male Japanese voice actor born in Hyōgo, Japan. His nicknames are "Hide" and "Hide-chan" and he works for Aoni Production. He is married and has two children....
as Lupa - Banjo GingaBanjo Ginga, sometimes credited as his real name , is a Japanese voice actor who was born in Kofu, Yamanashi. Ginga is currently affiliated with Aoni Production...
as Varin Omega - Michie TomizawaMichie Tomizawais a Japanese voice actress born in Nagano and raised in Takasaki, Gunma. Her real name is .She is most known for the roles of Matsuzaka-Sensei , Linna Yamazaki , Rei Hino/Sailor Mars , Sumire Kanzaki , and Emi Ogasawara .Tomizawa retired from voice acting before getting married in 2002...
as Angel
English
- Yuri LowenthalYuri LowenthalYuri Lowenthal is a voice actor that has voiced several anime and video game characters. He also voiced Kamal for the alternate reality game I Love Bees....
as Serph - Crispin FreemanCrispin FreemanCrispin McDougal Freeman is an American voice actor, and Mythology scholar. His roles have included Alucard from Hellsing, Kyon from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Karasu from Noein, Togusa from Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, as Holland Novak from Eureka Seven, Touga Kiriyu in...
as Heat - Wendee LeeWendee LeeWendee Lee is an American voice actress. While she has done voice work for many video games as well as several episodes in the Power Rangers franchise, she is particularly prolific in the dubbing of anime. As of April 2009, with 223 credits to her name, she has more credits in this medium than any...
as Sera - Amanda Winn Lee as Argilla
- Steven Jay Blum as Gale
- Dave WittenbergDave WittenbergDavid Richard Paul "Dave" Wittenberg is a prolific South African-born American video game and anime voice actor with nearly one hundred titles to his credit. While Wittenberg was born in a hospital in South Africa, he was primarily raised in Boston...
as Cielo - Lex LangLex LangWalter Alexis "Lex" Lang is a two-time Emmy Award–winning American voice actor, producer and entrepreneur. He is the cofounder of The Love Planet Foundation, a non-profit organization which creates educational materials for children on the importance of recycling, world water awareness, and the...
as Harley - Mary Elizabeth McGlynnMary Elizabeth McGlynnMary Elizabeth McGlynn is an American voice actress, ADR director, writer, and singer best known for her extensive English-language dubbing of various anime, and her singing in multiple games from the Silent Hill series, as well as the movie adaptation and Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME. She has...
as Jinana and Angel - Bob Pappenbrook as Varin Omega
Reception
Digital Devil Saga received generally positive reviews from critics. Gaming Age's Travis Dwyer called the story "memorable" and "a much-needed, mature change of pace" from other RPGs, while noting the "proven" battle system. GameSpotGameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
's Bethany Massimilla also praised the battle system and the game's "intriguing" world, but crititicized the high random encounter
Random encounter
A random encounter is a feature commonly used in various role-playing games whereby encounters with non-player character enemies or other dangers occur sporadically and at random...
rate which "can border on the ridiculous" and the game's cliffhanger
Cliffhanger
A cliffhanger or cliffhanger ending is a plot device in fiction which features a main character in a precarious or difficult dilemma, or confronted with a shocking revelation at the end of an episode of serialized fiction...
ending.
The Digital Devil Saga series received G4TV's "X-Play
X-Play
X-Play is a TV program about video games, known for its reviews and comedy skits...
's Best Role Playing Game of 2005" award. In 2010, Digital Devil Saga and its sequel Digital Devil Saga 2
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2, known in Japan as , is a direct sequel to the video game Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga, directly continuing the story where it left off. The game marks as the final chapter in the series and answers certain questions left from the open-ended prequel...
ended up topping RPGFan's "Top 20 RPGs of the Last Decade" list.
External links
- General Megaten website with DDS and DDS2 sections
- Megaten wiki A wiki devoted to Shin Megami Tensei games and spin offs.