Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne review

Few games dare venture to the other side of the fence, and this is what makes Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne so refreshing. All too often, RPGs rely upon the status quo and send players hurtling off from that point. In Nocturne, you'll witness and survive the destruction of Tokyo; one of the few human survivors, you'll find yourself integrated amongst gods - a new world order of demons. Yet your subsequent travels will shed light on the hardships and politics of this demonic infrastructure (not to mention following your own secret agenda).Very few games from Atlus ever reach Europe, and those that do (Maken X) tend to have the unsavoury elements removed. Nocturne is a typically dark and risqu offering, which does form part of its appeal in a genre saturated by lacklustre characters and storylines. There is a real sense of isolation and being lost in another realm: items and buildings that should provide comfort through recognition are warped and slightly disjointed, thereby unsettling the player. Such tactics are rarely employed outside of Silent Hill, never mind their appearance in an RPG. Speaking of other games, Nocturne also features Dante from Devil May Cry, in what is arguably his best outing to date.With no training mode or helpful pointers to speak of, Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne expects you to work for even the smallest reward or tiptoe of progress. Occasionally, wayward spirits might offer a hint, but the emphasis is placed firmly on exploration, backtracking (thankfully marginalised by the inclusion of a bizarre transportation device and an excellent mapping system) and considering your options - because the story isn't thrust under your nose; you have to work at extracting its development. The sense of isolation isn't diminished by your group (which consists of demons you have met on your travels). Friendships are sorely lacking in Nocturne; inhabitants may join and work with you, but little else. However, the group dynamic is compelling, as new members can be enticed by talking with demons. If they do agree to join (for a limited time, by the way) then you'll become responsible for their health and magic points - but not their evolution. Any experience upgrades are dished out automatically, although you can still cater to yourself in this regard. During battle, your 'colleagues' will follow your instructions, but you are the only one capable of dispensing items. Outside of any battles, demons cast aside may move on or simply exist on a menu, waiting to be summoned into your onscreen party.More opportunities present themselves courtesy of the Cathedral of Shadows. These extremists specialise in demon fusion and sacrifice; by experimenting you can dramatically enhance the power and abilities of your group. Such an option can only be exhumed at one of their temples - and provides welcome relief from constant levelling up. By comparison, the combat system is average, but will nevertheless provide a decent challenge for seasoned RPG players. This is a sizeable offering from Atlus, as it contains numerous sub-quests (which for a change are well worth experiencing). Nocturne even offers immense replay value, thanks to a twist in the storyline that is governed by your selections. When the moment arrives you'll know it, and it's therefore advisable to keep your previous save separate. Visually, the game is reminiscent of Digital Devil Saga - which Gamestyle has been dipping into and out of since its Japanese release. Atlus has used cel-shading to great effect, but has not resorted to the extreme colours of Wild Arms or Sly Raccoon. Here the presentation is far more subtle, with a washed-out palette that heightens the sense of supernatural phenomena. It's not the most intricate or lavish-looking production, but the cut-scenes do acquit themselves with aplomb (and the musical score is yet another treat for the audiophile). So, on face value alone, perhaps Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne isn't that accessible to the masses - but there are more immediate problems. Least of which is the camera; perched just behind your onscreen character it can be rigid and uncompromising, oftentimes failing to react to quick (and occasionally badly-animated) movements. Thankfully, it is only during brief interludes where the camera becomes unwieldy. Quibbles aside, Gamestyle would be hard-pressed to name a better RPG it has experienced on the current crop of consoles. It is ultimately disappointing that no one has yet picked this up for localisation in Europe, however given its content - and political sensibilities that turn like the weather - it's not that surprising upon reflection