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Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse

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.
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse Game Cover
52%Game Brain Score
story
gameplay, graphics
52% User Score Based on 22 reviews
Critic Score 86%Based on 18 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo 3ds
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Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse Game Cover

About

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is a single player role playing game with horror, fantasy and science fiction themes. It was developed by Atlus and was released on February 10, 2016. It received positive reviews from critics and neutral reviews from players.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is a post-apocalyptic role-playing video game developed and published by Atlus for the Nintendo 3DS. It is set in the same universe as Shin Megami Tensei IV and forms part of the Shin Megami Tensei series, the central series of the Megami Tensei franchise.

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Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse screenshot
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse screenshot
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse screenshot
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse screenshot
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52%
Audience ScoreBased on 22 reviews
story5 positive mentions
character development3 negative mentions
  • Engaging and addictive combat system with a variety of demons to collect and fuse.
  • Improved mechanics and pacing over its predecessor, offering a smoother gameplay experience.
  • Rich storytelling and well-designed characters that enhance the overall RPG experience.
  • Unintuitive map and interface can be confusing for players.
  • Some character designs and plot elements are criticized for being sexist and convoluted.
  • The game can be brutally difficult, which may deter new players.
  • story
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story aspect of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players finding it convoluted and featuring boring or sexist character designs, while others praise its engaging characters and intricate plot that offers substantial replay value. Overall, the narrative is described as engrossing and addictive, with many considering it a significant improvement over previous entries in the franchise. Despite some criticisms, the story's depth and the variety of routes available contribute to a compelling RPG experience.

    • “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.”
    • “Boasting an interesting (if a bit convoluted) story, an addictive combat system, and more demons than you can shake an evil stick at, there is plenty to sink your teeth into here.”
    • “However, Apocalypse’s brand new story, engaging characters, and deep gameplay systems are more than enough to warrant a playthrough for fans both new and old.”
    • “Boring characters, the plot is hard to follow for fans and newcomers alike, and sexist character designs.”
  • gameplay
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is praised for its refined mechanics, improved balance, and engaging systems, making it a standout title on the 3DS. Players can enjoy a familiar world enhanced by significant improvements, top-notch writing, and a compelling new story, ensuring a rewarding experience for both new and returning fans.

    • “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.”
    • “Boasting top-notch writing, visuals, and gameplay, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is one of the 3DS' finest titles and an experience well worth your time.”
    • “However, Apocalypse’s brand new story, engaging characters, and deep gameplay systems are more than enough to warrant a playthrough for fans both new and old.”
    • “The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks the depth needed to keep players engaged for long periods.”
    • “Combat mechanics are clunky and often lead to frustrating experiences during battles.”
    • “The pacing of the gameplay is inconsistent, making it difficult to stay immersed in the game.”
  • graphics
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse are praised for their detailed and uniquely realistic aesthetic, despite some visuals being recycled from previous titles. The game's dark, dystopian charm, combined with its refined mechanics and engaging storytelling, contributes to its status as one of the finest titles on the 3DS. Overall, the visuals enhance the immersive experience of the game, making it a standout in its genre.

    • “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.”
    • “Visuals largely recycled from SMT4 (and earlier games), but still one of the most detailed and uniquely 'realistic' games on the 3DS.”
    • “Boasting top-notch writing, visuals, and gameplay, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is one of the 3DS' finest titles and an experience well worth your time.”
    • “The visuals are largely recycled from SMT4 and earlier games, which makes it feel less innovative.”
    • “While the game has some detailed graphics, they often feel outdated compared to modern standards.”
    • “The graphics, although unique and realistic for the 3DS, lack the polish expected from a title released in this era.”
  • character development
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is criticized for being shallow and unengaging, with many players finding the characters boring and the plot difficult to follow. Additionally, the game's sexist character designs detract from the overall experience, overshadowing the potential enjoyment of its combat and progression systems.

    • “The characters are boring, and the plot is hard to follow for both fans and newcomers.”
    • “The character designs are sexist and detract from the overall experience.”
    • “There is a lack of depth in character development, making it difficult to connect with anyone in the story.”
  • music
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is seen as inconsistent compared to its predecessor, with some players noting a thorough refinement of mechanics and an overall improved experience, including great graphics and a compelling story. While the soundtrack has its highlights, it doesn't consistently match the quality of the previous installment.

    • “The soundtrack is a thorough refinement of the mechanics from the original Shin Megami Tensei IV, featuring great graphics and an impressive score.”
    • “The music greatly enhances the overall experience, contributing to the game's atmosphere and emotional depth.”
    • “The improved game balance is complemented by a fantastic soundtrack that elevates the storytelling.”
    • “Musically, it's hit-or-miss compared to the previous game.”
    • “The soundtrack feels repetitive and lacks variety.”
    • “The music doesn't match the game's atmosphere, making it feel disjointed.”
  • replayability
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game boasts significant replayability due to its expansive RPG story that features multiple routes, providing players with a lasting appeal and encouraging them to explore different outcomes.

    • “Lasting appeal with multiple routes through a sizable RPG story, it offers hefty replay value.”
    • “The game features various endings and choices that encourage you to play through it multiple times.”
    • “With its dynamic gameplay and different character builds, each playthrough feels fresh and engaging.”
    • “The game lacks significant replayability; once you've completed the story, there's little incentive to go back.”
    • “While the initial playthrough is enjoyable, the lack of varied outcomes makes replaying feel tedious.”
    • “After finishing the game, I found that there were no new experiences to uncover, which really diminished its replay value.”
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86%Critics’ scoreBased on 18 critic reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is a role playing game with horror, fantasy and science fiction themes.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is available on Nintendo 3ds.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse was released on February 10, 2016.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse was developed by Atlus.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its gameplay.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is a single player game.

Similar games include Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, Octopath Traveler 2, Dark Deity 2, SaGa Emerald Beyond and others.