Our Top 5 Atlus Games

Let's just get this out of the way: Atlus makes some really great games. Most folks will know the name from the insanely popular Persona series. But Atlus has many, many other series and games in their portfolio, spanning so many different genres and decades.

Quite a few of us here in SuperPod Network really enjoy Atlus games - new and old. Let's take a look at 5 Atlus favorites from a few different SuperPod Network members.

Aaron

5. Unicorn Overlord (Switch, PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S)

Unicorn Overlord is my first ever Vanillaware game and now I'm strongly considering checking out the rest of their games. The 2D art style is so incredibly detailed and vibrant. I never want to stop looking at this game.

Unicorn Overlord is a strategy RPG where you control Alain and his allies as they liberate the land of Feverith from the evil Zenoiran Empire. Most of your time is spent running around the field map and interacting with NPC's, towns, and collecting materials to upgrade towns. You can also visit barracks to enhance your characters, units, or even to recruit new characters.

Characters come in all sorts of interesting classes that each have their own unique active and passive abilities. It's so fun to experiment with different combinations of classes to see what works and what you need to improve. Each class has their own strengths and weaknesses as well. So you'll likely spend a ton of time staring at your screen, trying to piece together the perfect unit to counteract certain enemy types. As your characters level-up, they'll learn new abilities and attacks. There's also a neat "tactics" system, kind of like the "gambits" from Final Fantasy XII. Essentially you'll set triggers for certain attacks or abilities in order to fine-tune combat.

Speaking of combat, it's very meaty. Instead of selecting individual characters - like in Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy Tactics, or even Shining Force - you'll select a "unit", which is a group of characters. Once you select a unit, they'll advance in real time to their destination until they collide with an enemy, are struck by a ranged attack, or run into some other obstacle. Once combat starts, HOO-BOY. Combat consists of your unit and the enemy unit. Characters will attack automatically in turns, depending on their speed.

It's an incredible game, but I almost wish the story was better. Everything else about the game is fantastic and it definitely deserves your money.

4. Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE Encore (Switch)

Announced as a fusion of the Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem series, I was immediately hooked. I'll admit, I had no idea that this existed on Wii-U until the enhanced port on Switch was announced. This game dug its claws deep into me and wouldn't let go for a good 70 hours.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions is essentially a Persona game, minus the darker elements that you would usually see in a Persona game and the high school sim mechanics. Instead, each character works for a talent agency called "Fortuna Entertainment", with each character being either a pop idol, an actor of some sort, a cooking show hostess, a musician, or a model. This comes more into play as you build and strengthen the bonds between your teammates, allowing them to perform even in their careers and unlocking new abilities, attacks, and new weapons.

The combat is incredibly addictive. On the outside, it's just a turn-based battle system. But as you progress the game and build stronger bonds with teammates, you'll start digging deeper and deeper into the many other layers that it has to offer. For example, striking an enemy's weakness will trigger a Session Attack, which is when your ally automatically jumps in and attacks an enemy. If that attack hits an enemy's weakness, you can keep chaining Session Attacks to do as much damage as possible in just one turn. On top of that, you can randomly trigger Ad-Lib Performances which have all sorts of cool effects, Duo Attacks, which can reset the combo and allow for another chain of attacks, and then Performance attacks which are larger attacks that can hit multiple times. The higher your combo count, the more money, items, and other benefits you'll get at the end of the battle.

Just like Persona, each character has a unique entity that grants them their power, called a Mirage. Each Mirage is based off a Fire Emblem character - like Chrom, Tharja, and Virion (Awakening) and Cain, Caeda, and Draug (Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light). Each mirage has a different class, like swordsman, cavalier, mage, archer, and more.

Most people will see this game as a lesser Persona clone, but it's so much more than that. It's excellent.

3. Etrian Odyssey Nexus (3DS)

You're going to start seeing a pattern with these last three games. I ADORE the 3DS and the game library that it had to offer. I have spent countless hours on that mighty handheld device, with a good majority of those hours on this game. I have somewhere around 200-250 ours logged in this game.

Etrian Odyssey as a whole is a dungeon-crawling RPG series that has you drawing a map of each dungeon floor on the bottom screen as you navigate the dungeon in first-person on the top screen. The dungeons are gigantic mazes with differing gimmicks and enemies to discover as you crawl deeper and deeper into each floor.

Let's talk about that goddamn addictive gameplay loop. As you crawl those dungeons, you'll find different enemies as you get deeper down. As you defeat enemies in battle, they'll drop materials. You'll take those materials back to town to sell and unlock newer, better gear. In doing so, you can now fight stronger enemies which then allows you to get even better gear, and so on. So your loop is:

Step 1: Rest and save at inn

Step 2: Head into dungeon

Step 3: Dip out

Step 4: Sell and buy at the store

Step 5: Repeat steps 1-4

Now we get to the combat, baby. Your party and the enemy party consist of two rows, with a maximum of 5 members; the front having 3 slots, and the back row having 2 slots. The back row cannot be targeted by melee attacks - only by spells and ranged attacks. So you'll want to build your front row with characters that can absorb damage, block attacks, or dodge attacks. Your back row is normally where your healers, archers, or mages live.

Speaking of characters, let's talk about the sweet classes in this game. Here's my favorite lineup of classes:

Front row:

Hero (melee swordsman that uses Mirages to attack multiple times or for other effects)
Harbinger (scythe-wielding class that focuses on inflicting ailments on enemies and shrouding themselves in Miasma Armor)
Ninja (speedy, agile, and can use various ninja abilities to inflict status ailments, buff themselves, debuff enemies, and more)

Back Row:

Soverign (can apply healing or buffs to an entire row in one turn)
Zodiac (elemental mage that counter attacks or spells of certain elements)

As characters level-up, they'll get boosts to their stats and gain skill points that can be allocated to their massive skill trees. Later in the game you can subclass, making each class even more versatile and efficient in combat. On top of that, each class also has a Force Boost and Break. Boosts are a gigantic buff that affects the entire party for a few turns, with the buff depending on the class that used it. Break is a special attack that can only be used after a Force Boost. The attack varies depending on class, but immediately ends the Force Boost and you will be unable to use another Force Break until you rest at an inn.

With so many different dungeons to explore, you'll absolutely sink a crazy amount of hours into this game. Just like me!

2. Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux (3DS)

Another 3DS BANGER. Bonus points for being a first-person dungeon crawler! The original game on DS is pretty good, but the Redux on 3DS is where it's at. This version added a lot of QOA fixes, additional demons, story content, dungeons, and even more.

Despite not being a numbered entry, Strange Journey is still considered part of the main Shin Megami Tensei series. Designed to be a mix of the first-person dungeon crawling of earlier Shin Megami Tensei games with revamped combat and enhanced demon fusion. The game takes place in Antarctica, in this slowly growing black mass called "Schwarzwelt". The United Nations has sent a team of operatives inside of the mass to attempt to destroy it before it engulfs the Earth. The setting and story were heavily influenced by John Carpenter's "The Thing".

Most of the gameplay will have you scouring mazelike dungeons, solving puzzles, and attempting to explore further into each dungeon until you finally find the boss and destroy them. Along the way, you'll upgrade your suit, called a "Demonica", allowing you to get even further into dungeons and granting different passive abilities in combat. At the end of battles, enemies drop materials that you can turn-in on your ship and use to craft new swords and guns.

Just like other Shin Megami Tensei battle systems that reward you for attacking enemy weaknesses, Strange Journey uses the Demon Co-op Combat system. When you strike an enemy's weakness, all allied demons of the same alignment will perform an unblockable follow-up attack.

This game is definitely the best way to play it, but the original isn't so bad.

1. Shin Megami Tensei IV (3DS)

Here we goooooooo. Not only one of my favorite RPG's of all time, but my favorite 3DS game and favorite Atlus game of all time.

In Shin Megami Tensei IV, you play as a newly-fledged samurai named Flynn as you cruise through post-apocalyptic Tokyo battling and recruiting demons. Without spoiling anything, Flynn finds himself caught in the middle of a power struggle between two big groups that control parts of Tokyo. As the story unwraps, you'll discover all sorts of conspiracies and twists.

The soundtrack to this game is the very best in the series. Lots of chunky, heavy guitar riffs and wails, and eerie 80's-style synth keep you feeling on-edge as you struggle to survive against demonic foes. The main boss battle track and the track that plays as you fight Lucifer absolutely demolishes any hope you have to win.

While SMT IV: Apocalypse improves upon the original SMT IV in a lot of ways, the feel of the original version is unmatched. You felt like you were uncovering all of these mysteries alongside Flynn and his friends.

Bill

Out of all the developers out there Atlus may be one of the most interesting in the history of gaming. Originally founded back in 1986 Atlus spent most of its existence as the little studio that could do a lot with so little. Almost always under the threat of bankruptcy Atlus’s future was finally secured in 2013 when Sega acquired the company leading to a new life for the company with there flagship Shin Megami Tensei and Persona franchises flourishing in the new era of JRPGs.

So what are some of my favorite Atlus games?

5: Radiant Historia

One of Atlus’s deeper cuts from the 7th generation of gaming, Radiant Historia was released in 2011 (2010 in Japan) for the Nintendo DS as a collaborative effort between Atlus and Headlock and would be a Turn Based JRPG with some twists. Set in the fantasy world of Vainqueur, Radiant Historia would notably feature a unique branching progression system that makes use of a time travel mechanic giving the game a very open ended feeling. With the games ending being directly tied to the choices you make during your playthrough, leading to a large degree of replayability.

Another big aspect of the game is its battle system which takes the games traditional turn based system and incorporates tactical grid based mechanics, with enemy encounters being visible on the world map. Now what ties everything together in this overall experience is the games excellent sprite graphics and art direction that makes the game stand out among other Atlus titles, alongside an excellent soundtrack composed by Yoko Shimomura.

In all honesty Radiant Historia is just an excellent time for any fans of JRPGs, and while the DS version might not be as he most common game these days, the title would see a rerelease for the Nintendo 3DS in 2018 under the name Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology, featuring expanded content and updated graphics and sound.

4: Soul Hackers 2

Definitely the newest game to be featured on my list, Soul Hackers 2 would see a release in 2022 for modern platforms. With the game notably being a sequel to the 1997 Sega Saturn game Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers (Not released outside of Japan until 2012), and a part of Atlus’s flagship Shin Megami Tensei series.

Now as for the game itself Soul Hackers 2 kinda came out of nowhere when it released in 2022. With the game borrowing a lot of stylistic elements from recent Atlus titles like Persona 5, while also retaining the SMT series iconic gameplay featuring demon recruitment and customization along with challenging turn based combat and dungeon exploration.

So while I can’t say Soul Hackers 2 is the most groundbreaking or interesting Atlus game, the game was just what I needed during a somewhat lackluster period of gaming. In all honesty the game was just fun, and featuring a cool story and awesome music composed by studio Monaca.

3: Trauma Team

What’s this a non RPG entry on this list?

Trauma Team is the most recent entry in Atlus’s Trauma center series of surgical simulation/Visual Novel games, released in 2010 for the Nintendo Wii. Notable for there difficultly on par with many Atlus games along with there wacky story’s that take a number of different terms almost as if it’s an affectionate parody of hospital dramas.

Now what makes Trauma Team stand out among the other entries in the Trauma Center is its heavy expanded gameplay. Moving beyond the series trademark surgery simulation, now expanding to multiple different forms of medical procedures each set around a different playable character. With the games story interestingly taking an approach similar to Sonic Adventure, featuring a storyline for each playable character with everything tying together at the end.

Unfortunately Trauma Team as of 2024 is still the most recent entry in the series, and thanks to the gradual move away from motion control in recent gaming the future of the series looks somewhat in doubt. But thankfully we had the chance to enjoy it while it was here!

2: Etrian Odyssey Untold

So picking an entry for the Etrian Odyssey was definitely more challenging then I anticipated, but when I really thought about it the one game that came to mind was definitely Etrian Odyssey Untold:

The Millennium Girl. Released in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS the game is a full reimagining of the original Etrian Odyssey, featuring updated graphics and gameplay, along with a new character driven story mode along side the original more open ended customizable progression system.

Honestly what makes Etrian Odyssey Untold such a blast is its unique gameplay featuring puzzle based dungeon crawler exploration and turn based battle mechanics. With everything tied together by a super fun map drawing system that absolutely changes the dynamic of the dungeon experience. And I have to say the new story may make this my preferred way to experience the original adventure, alongside that epic soundtrack by Yuzo Koshiro.

1: Persona 4 Golden

Now what can I say, not only is Persona 4: Golden my favorite Atlus game, but it is also my favorite game of all time. Originally released in 2012 for the PlayStation Vita (as an expanded rerelease of the original 2008 game for the PlayStation 2), the game would be one of the handhelds killer apps during its short lifespan.

Honestly I could go on for days about why I absolutely adore Persona 4: Golden, but if I put it simply it’s the combination of its amazing gameplay loop mixing turn based combat RPG elements with social sim mechanics. With your gameplay choices during sim gameplay greatly enhancing P4G’s already amazing story full of wonderful characters.

Persona 4: Golden is honestly just that one game that never gets old to me, and I still give it a yearly playthrough, despite the game being almost 100 hours long. With another huge plus being the game’s soundtrack by Shoji Meguro featuring upbeat songs to go along with the games upbeat story.

This may be the happiest murder mystery you ever experience!

Adam

5. Trauma Centre : Under the Knife

Trauma Center: Under the Knife - A Surgical Success on the Nintendo DS

Trauma Center: Under the Knife for the Nintendo DS is an exceptional example of how to harness the unique capabilities of the handheld console to deliver an engaging and innovative gaming experience. From its captivating storyline to its intuitive gameplay, Trauma Center stands out as a must-play title for fans of the medical and simulation genres.

One of the most notable strengths of game is how it fully leverages the DS's touch screen and stylus. The gameplay revolves around performing various medical procedures, from suturing wounds to extracting foreign objects and treating infections. The stylus acts as your surgical tool, making the player feel directly involved in the intricate operations.
The dual screens of the DS are utilized to great effect. The top screen often displays vital information, patient vitals, and story elements, while the bottom screen serves as your operational field. This setup allows for a seamless and efficient way to manage your tasks without overwhelming the player with too much information on a single screen.

The game follows Dr. Derek Stiles, a young surgeon who discovers he has a special ability known as the "Healing Touch." This power adds a fantastical element to the otherwise realistic medical procedures, blending drama and science fiction in a way that keeps players invested. The characters are well-developed, and their personal stories add depth to the overall experience.

However, the game is not without its flaws. The high difficulty level, while rewarding, can sometimes feel punishing, especially for newcomers. Some procedures require pinpoint precision, and even a small mistake can lead to failure, which may frustrate players who are not as dexterous with the stylus.

Another area where the game falls short is in its repetitive nature. Despite the variety of medical cases, the core gameplay mechanics do not evolve significantly as the game progresses. This can lead to a feeling of monotony after extended play sessions.

Despite these minor shortcomings, Trauma Center: Under the Knife is a stellar example of innovative gameplay on the Nintendo DS. Its creative use of the touch screen and stylus, combined with a compelling narrative and challenging mechanics, make it a standout title in the DS library. For those willing to embrace the challenge, it offers a uniquely immersive and rewarding experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

4. Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse

Rising from the Ashes: Nanashi's Divine Gamble in SMT IV: Apocalypse

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalyps" (SMT IV: Apocalypse), developed by Atlus for the Nintendo 3DS, serves as an intriguing narrative bridge between the apocalyptic and mythological elements typical of the Shin Megami Tensei (SMT) series. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, a direct continuation of "Shin Megami Tensei IV," yet it stands as an independent experience. The protagonist, Nanashi, a young hunter, is killed early in the game but revived by the lesser god Dagda, who offers him a second chance at life in exchange for servitude.

The narrative delves into themes of free will, the cyclical nature of death and rebirth, and the complex interplay of divine and human agendas. Unlike its predecessor, Apocalypse places a greater emphasis on character development and interpersonal relationships, especially through the bonds Nanashi forms with his companions. This shift provides a more relatable and emotionally resonant storyline, while still retaining the series' signature philosophical depth.

Gameplay retains the series' core mechanics while introducing refinements that enhance the overall experience. The turn-based combat system, featuring the Press Turn mechanic, remains central. This system rewards players for exploiting enemy weaknesses, encouraging strategic thinking and planning. The addition of Partner characters who assist in battles adds a new layer of tactical depth.

The game also introduces the Smirk system, where both players and enemies can gain an advantage through critical hits or exploiting weaknesses, leading to temporary boosts in power and evasion. Demon negotiation and fusion, staple features of the SMT series, are as robust as ever, allowing for deep customization and a sense of progression as players collect and merge demons to create powerful allies.

Exploration in the overworld and dungeons is well-designed, with a variety of environments that are both visually distinct and challenging to navigate. The game strikes a balance between guided progression and open exploration, rewarding curiosity with hidden items and side quests.

The graphical environments, though constrained by the 3DS's capabilities, are well-crafted and atmospheric. The post-apocalyptic Tokyo is depicted with a sense of decay and despair, punctuated by moments of surreal beauty. The use of 3D effects is subtle but effective, adding depth to scenes without overwhelming the player.

The sound design in SMT IV: Apocalypse is another highlight. The soundtrack, composed by Ryota Kozuka and Kenichi Tsuchiya, features a mix of haunting melodies, intense battle themes, and ambient tracks that enhance the game's mood and tension. Voice acting is strong, with performances that bring characters to life and add emotional weight to the story.

SMT IV: Apocalypse leverages the unique features of the 3DS effectively. The dual-screen setup is used to display maps, demon stats, and battle information, streamlining the gameplay experience. The touchscreen functionality facilitates easy navigation of menus and quick access to important information, enhancing the game's accessibility.

StreetPass and SpotPass features are also integrated, allowing players to share data and receive special items from other players, adding a social dimension to the game.

In conclusion, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is a standout title on the 3DS that blends compelling storytelling, strategic gameplay, and atmospheric design. It holds a significant place within the SMT series and has strong potential for a successful port to modern systems.

3. Shin Megami Tensei : IF

Shin Megami Tensei If...: The Hidden Gem That Sparked a Legacy

Playing Shin Megami Tensei If... in its fan-translated glory was a remarkable experience, not just for its historical significance but for its unique gameplay and narrative depth. As the progenitor to the Persona series, this game holds a special place in the hearts of many JRPG enthusiasts.

Set in the familiar yet eerie environment of Karukozaka High School, the narrative kicks off with a mysterious event that transports the entire school into a demon-infested realm. You play as a student who must navigate this new, perilous world, forging alliances with demons and classmates alike to survive and uncover the truth behind the chaos.

The story's branching paths and multiple endings were particularly engaging. Depending on your choices and interactions, the game offers different perspectives and outcomes, which adds a layer of replayability. This non-linear approach to storytelling was quite innovative for its time and laid the groundwork for future entries in the series.

The mechanics of Shin Megami Tensei If... are quintessentially SMT, featuring the series' signature demon negotiation and fusion systems. The fan translation did an excellent job of retaining the game's complex mechanics, making it accessible to those who do not speak Japanese. Negotiating with demons to recruit them to your team and then fusing them to create stronger allies was as satisfying as ever.

The dungeon-crawling aspect is intense and rewarding, with various puzzles and traps that keep you on your toes. The turn-based combat system is challenging, requiring strategic thinking and careful management of your resources. The addition of Guardian Spirits, which influence your stats and abilities based on how you die, was a unique twist that added depth to character customization.

Given the age of the game, the controls are surprisingly smooth. Navigating the menus and executing commands in battle felt intuitive, and the fan translation ensured that the instructions and prompts were clear and easy to understand. The game was originally released on the Super Famicom, so the controls are simple but effective, contributing to an overall enjoyable gameplay experience.

The music is hauntingly atmospheric, perfectly complementing the dark and mysterious tone of the game. From the tense, foreboding dungeon themes to the more serene tracks that play in safe areas, the soundtrack enhances the immersion and emotional impact of the story. The fan-translated version preserves the original score, allowing players to fully appreciate the game's musical artistry.

All in all this solidified my love of the overall SMT series and the bits of Persona that I do enjoy!

2. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore

Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE: A Dazzling Fusion of SMT and Fire Emblem Magic

Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE is an intriguing fusion of the Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem series, creating a unique JRPG experience. Despite featuring characters and elements from Fire Emblem, the game leans heavily on the Shin Megami Tensei side, making it an excellent introductory title for those new to the series.

Set in modern-day Tokyo, the game follows a group of young entertainers who discover they possess the ability to summon Mirages, spiritual entities from another dimension. These Mirages, inspired by Fire Emblem characters, aid the protagonists in combating malevolent forces known as Mirages that feed on creative energy.

The narrative blends the glamour of the entertainment industry with the dark, supernatural themes typical of Shin Megami Tensei. The storyline is engaging, filled with twists, and character-driven, with each protagonist having their unique arcs and developments. The game's approach to storytelling is accessible, making it easy for newcomers to get immersed without prior knowledge of either franchise.

The gameplay mechanics are where Shin Megami Tensei's influence shines the brightest. The turn-based combat system emphasizes exploiting enemy weaknesses, a hallmark of the SMT series. The Session Attacks, where party members chain attacks together for massive damage, add a strategic layer to battles.

Dungeons, known as Idolaspheres, are intricate and puzzle-filled, requiring players to think critically and explore thoroughly. The weapon and skill progression system, involving the fusion and enhancement of Mirages, adds depth and customization to character development.

The soundtrack is a vibrant mix of J-Pop and orchestral pieces, reflecting the game's entertainment industry setting. Each character has their own theme song, performed by Japanese idols, which adds to the authenticity and immersion. The battle music and atmospheric tracks maintain a high-energy, engaging vibe that complements the game's dynamic aesthetic.

Visually, the game is a colorful and stylish treat. The character designs, done by Fire Emblem artist Yusuke Kozaki, are striking and memorable. The vibrant Tokyo setting, infused with magical and supernatural elements, creates a visually stunning world. The use of bright colors and flashy special effects in battles and performances makes the game visually appealing and exciting.

Pros:

Unique Blend: The fusion of Shin Megami Tensei's dark themes and mechanics with Fire Emblem's characters and lore creates a fresh and unique experience.
Accessible Entry Point: The game's straightforward mechanics and engaging story make it an excellent introduction to the Shin Megami Tensei series.
Strong Presentation: The vibrant visuals, catchy soundtrack, and well-designed characters make for an immersive and enjoyable experience.

Cons:

Expectations: Fans expecting a traditional Fire Emblem experience might be disappointed by the heavier focus on Shin Megami Tensei mechanics and themes.
Story Depth: While engaging, the story can feel somewhat lighter and less complex compared to other Shin Megami Tensei or Fire Emblem titles.
Repetitiveness: Some dungeons and battles can feel repetitive over time, which might affect long-term engagement.

1. Shin Megami Tensei Strange Journey : Redux

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux is a remastered and expanded version of the original "Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey," bringing the dark and complex narrative of the 2009 DS classic to the Nintendo 3DS with enhanced visuals, additional content, and new gameplay features.

Set in the not-too-distant future, Redux follows an international team of soldiers and scientists sent to investigate the Schwarzwelt, a mysterious and rapidly expanding anomaly in Antarctica. Within this deadly environment, the team encounters a world filled with demons and bizarre phenomena, uncovering a plot that threatens the entire world. The narrative is intense and thought-provoking, touching on themes of survival, morality, and the nature of humanity. The addition of a new character, Alex, and multiple new endings enriches the storyline, providing players with deeper insights and alternative paths.

The gameplay remains faithful to the core elements of the Shin Megami Tensei series, featuring first-person dungeon crawling, demon negotiation, and fusion. However, Redux introduces quality-of-life improvements that enhance the overall experience.

Demon Co-op Attacks: New cooperative attacks that allow your demons to unleash powerful combo moves.
AUTO Mode: An auto-battle option that speeds up combat for encounters with weaker enemies.
Expanded Demon Compendium: The game features an expanded roster of demons to negotiate with, fuse, and summon.
New Sub-Quests: Additional side missions provide extra challenges and rewards, adding depth to the gameplay.

The game benefits from the enhanced graphical capabilities of the 3DS. The character and demon designs are more detailed, and the environments within the Schwarzwelt are more visually striking. The game's dark and atmospheric art style is preserved, effectively conveying the eerie and oppressive nature of the anomaly.

The 3DS's dual-screen setup is utilized effectively in "Strange Journey Redux." The bottom screen serves as the map and interface for managing your party and demons, while the top screen displays the game world and battles. This setup allows for a smoother and more immersive gameplay experience, as players can easily navigate and manage their resources without interrupting the action.

The game introduces several significant changes and additions to the original game:

New Character and Storyline: The inclusion of Alex, a mysterious new character, and her storyline provides additional depth and multiple new endings.
Quality-of-Life Improvements: Enhanced user interface, easier demon negotiation, and the AUTO mode streamline the gameplay.
Additional Content: New dungeons, side quests, and demons expand the game's content and replayability.
Voice Acting: The addition of voice acting for key characters adds an extra layer of immersion and narrative depth.

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux successfully revitalizes a classic title with meaningful improvements and additions. Its compelling narrative, refined gameplay mechanics, and effective use of the 3DS's features make it a must-play for both series veterans and newcomers. The enhancements and new content provide a fresh coat of paint with experiences while maintaining the challenging and immersive qualities that fans of the Shin Megami Tensei series have come to love.

That's it for us. We'd love to know your favorite Atlus games in the comments!