Shin Megami Tensei IV

Also known as: N/A

Developer: Atlus

Shin Megami Tensei IV starts out unlike any other game in the main series. Seemingly taking place in medieval times, and moving from place to place via menus rather than moving a cone-shaped cursor around a map…it initially seems like a strange new take on the franchise. I wasn’t really sure what to make of it at first, honestly. Eventually, though, it all comes together and players are given a more familiar setting to go along with what may be the most unique story in the main series…The story is so unique and generally well-liked that it led to a direct sequel to the story of this game, Shin Megami Tensei: Apocalypse, continuing on with everything found here. This is also probably the easiest game in the main series, or at least it can be the easiest, based on the settings that you choose. It can also be more difficult if you desire, as well. The ability to adjust the difficulty specifically to your needs makes it a good place for newcomers to start if they’re interested in trying the main Shin Megami Tensei games out, but also a solid game for series veterans looking for a challenge. I prefer Nocturne to this game, for reasons that I can’t really explain (maybe nostalgia?) but Shin Megami Tensei IV is still one of my favorite games on the 3DS, and a very solid entry into one of my favorite franchises in all of video games. I still play it bi-annually to this day.

Review added: 08/06/2020

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse

Also known as: Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final (Japan)

Developer: Atlus

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is why I like to go out of my way to NOT learn about upcoming games – when I purchased this game, I thought it was simply a re-release of Shin Megami Tensei IV, with extra features, which as a fan of SMT IV, I was perfectly fine with...After popping the game in my 3DS, I received a wonderful surprise to find that this was actually a completely new game taking place after the events of Shin Megami Tensei IV, with you controlling a new protagonist…who I believe gets his haircuts done at a blind barber. Anyway, I would have been happy if Atlus had cloned the gameplay and tossed in a new story, but Apocalypse improves on just about every aspect of Shin Megami Tensei IV, so if you were a fan of that game, you don’t just get to enjoy more content from that game world, but you get plenty of tweaks and such to make the overall experience a little nicer. If you play the games back-to-back, the changes become very noticeable and appreciated. Anyway, if you liked Shin Megami Tensei IV, there's plenty to like here as well, with nods to the previous game, and a continuation of the story found there...If you've never played Shin Megami Tensei IV, that's okay too. The game's story stands enough on its own where the knowledge of events in SMT IV isn't necessarily required…though it does enhance the story a bit if you know what everyone is talking about. Anyway, if you're looking for a solid, portable RPG for your 3DS, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse, in my opinion, is either near or at the top of that list.

Review added: 08/06/2020

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Soul Hackers

Also known as: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers (Japan)

Developer: Atlus

The Megami Tensei franchise may be my favorite franchise in video games. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment on the original Playstation was my introduction to the franchise and I never looked back after that. That being said, as much as I enjoy the Shin Megami Tensei games, and as much as I enjoy Soul Hackers, I can’t realistically give this a higher score than I’ve given it. As I mentioned, I do like this game, however, if you’re a fan of more modern Shin Megami Tensei games, you may not like Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers. Although the familiar demon summoning and fusion is here, the battle system is very different from what modern fans of the Megami Tensei series are used to, and it can take a little time to get used to it for some. Instead of exploiting weaknesses, the combat is more about improving your relationship with your demon allies so you can give orders in battle and they’ll listen. This can be done over time, by selecting actions that the demons like, or it can be done faster by bribing your demons with items. It’s a neat concept, but some folks may not have the patience for it. The game’s higher difficulty may also turn some people away. If you stick with it, though, you’ll find a decent story full of plenty of demons for you to summon – several of which you won’t find in any of the other Megami Tensei games released in North America. It’s high difficulty also gives you a little more satisfaction when you finally see those credits roll. Soul Hackers is not the best game in the series by any means, but it’s decent…and Megami Tensei fanatics like myself will probably adore it anyway.

Review added: 08/06/2020

Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS

Also known as: N/A

Developer: Nintendo

Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS is a Mario Maker game for the Nintendo 3DS. Good enough of a description, let’s move on to the next game. Oh, I need to say more? Well, okay…I thought the descriptive title of the game said it all. Basically, the appeal of Super Mario Maker is to create your own Mario levels (which I would have LOVED as a kid, since I used to draw my own levels in a notebook) and share them with others. Or you can decide to not make a single thing and just download the genius levels that others have created and spend your time playing them. If you don’t care about either of those things...well, then you shouldn’t get the game, honestly. But if you’re going to get it anyway just out of spite, there are pre-made levels and challenges for you to complete pre-loaded on the game card. So, you don’t technically have to download a level that someone created or spend hours perfecting a level of your own, if you still want to see what this game is about. Completing those levels and challenges will unlock more parts for you to use when making levels, if creating levels is something that interests you. Overall, Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS is a pretty solid game on its own...but add in all of the level creation and level downloading, and you’ve basically got a game that platformer junkies can be hooked on until the servers go down or users stop making content for the game.

Review added: 01/04/2021

Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition

Also known as: N/A

Developer: Capcom

Back when it initially released, I really, really enjoyed Street Fighter IV…as well as the two re-vamped versions of it that followed. With Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition, I get much of the fun from one of those re-vamped versions, Super Street Fighter IV, but I get to play it while riding on an airplane or sitting on a hotel toilet. It's good, enjoyable Street Fighter combat that you can enjoy anywhere. If I was a fan of online gameplay, I probably would have rated this game higher…it seemed to be pretty reliable when battling folks via WiFi back when it was released. However, since I've never been much of an online player, I found myself running out of things to do after a while. Sure, you can play through the arcade mode as everyone and see their endings, which is fine…but when this game was released, folks were kind of expecting a bit more from their fighting games in terms of modes. A lack of modes doesn't take away from the solid combat that you get once you start fighting, but it does result in you setting this game aside for something else much quicker than you probably otherwise would. Still, while I would personally have preferred more modes for hermits like myself, Super Street Fighter II 3D Edition is still an excellent fighting game and it's well worth tracking down a copy if you've got a 3DS and are itching to throw some fireballs and uppercuts on the go.

Review added: 09/28/2025