Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse Media
Critic Reviews for Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
One of the best pure RPGs available for the 3DS. Any fan of turn-based battles and creating the ultimate combination of evolutions will have a blast
Shin Megami Tensei 4: Apocalypse is a familiar, yet enjoyable journey
This all-new adventure in the Shin Megami Tensei IV universe ranks among the best games for the 3DS.
Though more of an expansion than a standalone release in spirit, Apocalypse's narrative superfluity is made up for by the considerable refinements it contains over its direct predecessor. Whether or not you'll enjoy its plot and its emphasis on partner characters comes down to personal taste, but on the whole it's an engrossing and addictive role-playing experience... even if it can feel a little familiar at times.
As an RPG sequel, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is just about perfect. It lets players revisit a familiar world from a new perspective, keeps what made the original so special, and adds in several small but significant mechanical improvements that make for a smoother, better game throughout. We recommend playing through SMTIV first if possible, both to get the most out of Apocalypse and to experience one of the 3DS' finest JRPGs, but however you arrive at it, this is a game that begs to be played. It's a delightfully dark adventure that's dripping with dystopian charm, and between the personable demons, deeply satisfying combat and killer aesthetic, we couldn't get enough — the end times have never been so good.
This is the pinnacle of the franchise in almost every way and a worthy successor to Shin Megami Tensei with fantastic combat, exploration, and story.
The various gameplay components combine to make this into a satisfyingly addictive title that you can and will sink dozens of hours into. Whether it was witnessing the dark and compelling story and events, devastating enemies with my unique demon and skill combinations, exploring the varied dystopian setting, fusing better demons, completing side quests or customizing my character’s apps, skills and appearance, I was always engaged while playing this game. It doesn’t improve on SMTIV in many fundamental ways but it doesn’t need to; Atlus is wise enough to not try to fix what isn’t broken. This one is sure to please series fans.
A notable improvement on the original, although most of the changes are still just doodling in the margins – as the series waits for a more substantial overhaul.
