Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Soul Hackers

 3DS
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Apr 16, 2013
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 46
  3. Negative: 1 out of 46
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  1. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    Nov 2, 2013
    71
    Wait for Shin Megami Tensei 4. [Nov 2013, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. games(TM)
    Nov 14, 2013
    70
    There is a steep learning curve within Soul Hackers. [Issue#141, p.111]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. The Digital Fix
    Nov 11, 2013
    70
    Fans of retro JRPGs will find a lot to like in a game that at its core is quite traditional despite the unusual atmosphere and complex gameplay mechanics.
  5. Eurogamer Portugal
    Oct 29, 2013
    70
    This return to the nineties is not only made of successes, there are also barriers. While the narrative rhythm can drag in some dialogues and the progression within the dungeons can be somewhat slow by virtue of random battles, there is also dated graphics.
  6. Eurogamer Italy
    Oct 4, 2013
    70
    For many people Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner Soul Hackers could be a cult classic, but for the rest is just a game that didn't age so well.
  7. DarkZero
    Oct 1, 2013
    70
    Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers is a solid taster into sampling a blast from the past. It’s obviously aged a bit, which is clearly seen in this port, but the story is good and the rewarding, deep combat mechanics survive the test of time to make this a solid, satisfying RPG to play in 2013.
  8. Multiplayer.it
    Sep 24, 2013
    70
    Soul Hackers was definitely born in the '90s and it shows at times. Although the narrative is good as usual and the RPG features are kinda interesting, the clumsy interface and the archaic visuals make it less appealing than it was on its early release.
  9. Gamestyle
    Sep 20, 2013
    70
    The first appearance of Soul Hackers outside of Japan is a most welcome one. It may not have had the graphical update some would’ve hoped for, but the story and characters are interesting enough that it will grab you till the end.
  10. God is a Geek
    Sep 20, 2013
    70
    Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers is a long, convoluted name for a confounding, deceptive, mischievous, compelling game.
  11. RPGamer
    Apr 21, 2013
    70
    Soul Hackers is definitely a creation of the mid 90s, but hardly a relic that is resistant to attempts in the present to play it. Shin Megami Tensei aficianados will already be interested, but anyone looking for a compelling 3DS title should at least give it consideration.
  12. GameSpot
    Apr 20, 2013
    70
    This first-ever English release of Soul Hackers shows its age, but the patient player will find a deep and rewarding experience.
  13. Cubed3
    Apr 15, 2013
    70
    Soul Hackers is not a bad game, by any means. Shin Megami Tensei fans are going to find a lot here to enjoy. Dungeon crawler fanatics may enjoy themselves, as well. However, those unused to the genre or the series may find it an intimidating, difficult experience, and a dated one at that.
  14. Cheat Code Central
    Apr 16, 2013
    62
    It feels more like a port than a genuine remake. Although the incredible gameplay depth remains from the original, so too does the antiquated design. Since it feels so old, it should be a digital title available on the eShop, not sold at stores for the maximum 3DS price.
  15. GameOver.gr
    Oct 7, 2013
    60
    Soul Hackers may have been a great game when it was originally released on the SEGA Saturn, but this 3DS port cannot live up to modern gaming standards and will only appeal to old-school jrpg fans.
  16. Gameblog.fr
    Sep 18, 2013
    60
    Soul Hackers is a good old school RPG that gamers from the 90's will love, but modern gamers will probably hate its never-ending dialogues, old-fashion menus and gameplay... On which side will you be?
  17. DarkStation
    Jun 3, 2013
    60
    Even when armed only with its age and a modern translation, though, Soul Hackers’ great storytelling and infectious dark spirit make it a forty-hour-plus proposition that long-time JRPG fans should consider.
  18. XGN
    Nov 15, 2013
    50
    Quite a difficult game, but it still has it charms. However, it feels outdated – it came out in Japan in 1997 – and it can overcome that fact. The voice acting is really magnificent in this game, but that’s one of those spare pros.
  19. Metro GameCentral
    May 1, 2013
    50
    It may have been cutting edge in 1997 but the Shin Megami Tensei series, and Japanese role-players in general, have moved on a lot since then and this entry is really only for completists.
  20. GamesRadar+
    Apr 16, 2013
    50
    Time has moved past this style of game, and if you don’t miss JRPGs like this one, you’ll end up wishing this vision of the future stayed in the ’90s.

Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Best 3DS Game of 2013
22
#22 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2013
19
#19 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
5.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 276 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 117 out of 276
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 276
  3. Negative: 136 out of 276
  1. criticguy22
    Apr 17, 2013
    8
    A great game that has almost everything going for it. I would highly recommend this to RPG lovers. I was excited when they releasedA great game that has almost everything going for it. I would highly recommend this to RPG lovers. I was excited when they released information about a Shin Megami Tensei with full 3D visuals. The 3D really makes the locations stand out and look more like a piece of art than just a building. This game is excellent. With a few shorthands now and then, the game is still quite impressive.… Full Review »
  2. Sir_Pantyson
    Feb 1, 2015
    10
    I've beaten this game three times. Got 100% of demons in the compendium. Beat the extra dungeon three times. Fulfilled every trade request inI've beaten this game three times. Got 100% of demons in the compendium. Beat the extra dungeon three times. Fulfilled every trade request in the Nemechi shop thing, and I still feel like replaying it again.… Full Review »
  3. smasherwolf
    Jul 20, 2013
    8
    Fun, and also a very challenging game. Its super satisfaying to kill that pesky boss using some strategic moves.
    It does feel a bit outdated    Fun, and also a very challenging game. Its super satisfaying to kill that pesky boss using some strategic moves.
    It does feel a bit outdated since its a "re-release" of an old Megaten game, and its a bit fast at the beggining (kinda makes you go WTF), but overall its a really good game, worth every $

    I give it an 8.5. (I cant give that score actually T_T)

    Also, it comes with a little OST CD, so its even better!    … Full Review »
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