Shin Megami Tensei IV

 3DS
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Jul 16, 2013
User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 626 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 434 out of 626
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 626
  3. Negative: 158 out of 626
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  1. KomaKuga
    Jul 8, 2023
    10
    One of the best JRPGs ever. This score is completely **** people mad it wasn't nocturne. One of the best stories i've seen in a JRPG, beautiful subversion of expectations, VERY clean gameplay, deep characters put in a deep dilemma, three (four) endings that all offer a different take on morality, and very very replayable. Incredible how it can be compacted into a 3DS game not gonna lie.
  2. Kalphazzo2010
    Jun 16, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Shin Megami Tensei is one of the best mainline SMT games and a great starting point to the series for beginners. The game follows an interesting story about gods, demons, and lets you take a path of your own with 4 different endings each with differing outcomes.

    Pros: The game's story is great with interesting characters, events, and setting. The main characters eventually all diverge down their own path and it is up to you to decide who you agree with and support the most (My favourite is definitely Walter)

    The gameplay is very unique to other JRPGS, it uses the press turn system which rewards you for exploiting the enemies weaknesses and using your actions wisely, it punishes you for going guns blazing into battle and provides a unique charm to the game

    The world of SMT4 is expansive with many places to go, the land of Mikado is a beautiful and peaceful place with a hidden darkness underneath. While the environment of post apocalyptic Tokyo immerses you into the environment and give the people a sense of realism.

    This game, unlike most SMT games does not have too many dungeons. Instead it thrives on the open world nature of Tokyo with countless areas to explore

    While going down the main story you get many different side quests to go down. Almost all are optional but they give good rewards and can give you insight into the world

    The bosses of SMT4 are highlights of the game, from the Minotaur to Lucifer and Merkabah every boss has a unique Moveset, dialogue, and cool designs included

    Finally the soundtrack to this game is amazing giving every place it's own feel, brooding techno to melancholy harps the music has it's own style which is intensely memorable

    Cons: The game is now 10 years old and some cracks have shown in it, the graphics are good for a 2013 3ds game but they are a bit messy, the developers definitely did make the best out of the hardware constraints but there are still some things that can't be fixed

    The game's difficulty can be quite intense for people new to the Megami Tensei franchise, especially during the beginning of the game. Personally I never saw much issue with it but somehow the tutorial can be harder than the rest of the game

    The gameplay is amazing but some cracks show, mainly how the smirking system is unfair. Smirking is a status effect which can be gained from landing a super effective attack or a crit. Smirking makes the users next hit an automatic crit which in turn gives the party a press turn. Smirking is good to use by the party but the enemies use it as well, meaning if you get hit with an enemy smirk it's very hard to bounce back

    Lastly the alignment system is a bit quirky, the alignments are not really created equal because the neutral path is the canon ending with the most content. But for some reason they made the neutral path almost impossible to get, you have to go down a strict alignment guide to get to it which is a pain in the ass for most people


    Overall, SMT4 is definitely one of the best and most unique JRPGS for the 3ds. It's story and characters stand out to other SMT games and it's gameplay is one of the most refined in the series. If you're interested in Shin megami tensei but you don't know where to start, this is one of the best games to go with.    … Expand
  3. Heraldrick
    Apr 22, 2023
    7
    When I think back on my experience with SMT 4 I tend to think of the orgasmically good combat and a few standout moments of the story in a setting I never clicked with. The Press-Turn system alongside the "Smirk" mechanic is a fantastic foundation for any game to build off of. SMT 4 goes above and beyond that though, this is the game that made it so when I get absolutely destroyed an enemyWhen I think back on my experience with SMT 4 I tend to think of the orgasmically good combat and a few standout moments of the story in a setting I never clicked with. The Press-Turn system alongside the "Smirk" mechanic is a fantastic foundation for any game to build off of. SMT 4 goes above and beyond that though, this is the game that made it so when I get absolutely destroyed an enemy in a turn-based game I just go "ah, feels like home." Because I know that I will soon go from being the one getting abused to turning that enemy/boss into a wimp screaming for mercy when they hear MY boss music after some prep. This game is worthy of many dozens of hours of play if only to experience this combat and go from being a boss's b"tch to making the boss your b"tch.

    Where I think this game falls short is in the traversal and branching story. I generally prefer character-driven stories with settings among the more fantastical rather than apocalyptic. Unfortunately, this game embodies some of the reasons why. Traversing the overworld was a nightmare, just to find my way to the next story beat I often had to pull up a fan-made map on my computer screen and trace the needed route with my finger because everything looks the same in the apocalypse. And while this game is more character-heavy than other SMT titles it doesn't really center much of the conflict around them, they are just outlets for the writers to ask broader questions from the player. Though I should note it was just good enough with the combat so amazing that I played it all the way to the end.

    Some advice for those thrillseeking through this title:
    Learn to buff
    Love to fuse
    Walter will not "end it thus"    … Expand
  4. Untung_Kasarung
    Apr 16, 2023
    9
    My current favorite SMT game as well as 3DS game. I thought it was gonna be a generic jrpg set in medieval Japan with European twist but the twist inside the Naraku was jaw dropping. This game has quite a complex story and morality as well as interesting characters with their own character arcs. My only complaint is probably its bias towards neutral ending, treating it as the "definitive"My current favorite SMT game as well as 3DS game. I thought it was gonna be a generic jrpg set in medieval Japan with European twist but the twist inside the Naraku was jaw dropping. This game has quite a complex story and morality as well as interesting characters with their own character arcs. My only complaint is probably its bias towards neutral ending, treating it as the "definitive" or the "canon" ending.… Expand
  5. Naked_Snakee
    Apr 7, 2023
    8
    Just text (crutch) to save the game to the list. Such things. Maybe I'll do a review later.
  6. Heretoir
    Feb 9, 2023
    10
    This is my favorite game, it has some flaws but the gameplay is great and it looks amazing for a 3DS game, this is your starting point if you want to get into shin megami tensei.
  7. dhgcousin1
    Jan 17, 2023
    8
    With the amount of improvements added to the game's combat since SMT III, an impressive world to experience, burroughs making the game easier and more fun to enjoy and the return of the chaos, law, & neutral endings from way older entries in the series, SMT IV is a must play 3DS turn based rpg. My main problems with the game is it's simplistic story that I don't mind too much, the use ofWith the amount of improvements added to the game's combat since SMT III, an impressive world to experience, burroughs making the game easier and more fun to enjoy and the return of the chaos, law, & neutral endings from way older entries in the series, SMT IV is a must play 3DS turn based rpg. My main problems with the game is it's simplistic story that I don't mind too much, the use of sprites instead of models but it makes it comparable to SMT I & II, some of the dungeon designs (they sometimes feel like just hallways), & other minor problems with the game. Although the game has obvious problems, the game also features one of the best soundtracks of all of Megami Tensei and the pacing of the game is relatively alright. The game is still fun at the end of the game and has a good amount of replay value due to the multiple endings & however way you like to make your character (magic build is the best build in the game btw).

    8/10    … Expand
  8. k1t3
    Dec 14, 2022
    10
    A masterpiece, perhaps greatest game on the 3ds. Shin Megami Tensei IV has it all: an exciting story with multiple paths and memorable characters, the most captivating cast of monsters this side of Kanto, fun, engaging combat, and a whole heap of style. Any RPG fan up for a dark adventure will have a blast here; you don't need any background in the MegaTen series to enjoy it, and theA masterpiece, perhaps greatest game on the 3ds. Shin Megami Tensei IV has it all: an exciting story with multiple paths and memorable characters, the most captivating cast of monsters this side of Kanto, fun, engaging combat, and a whole heap of style. Any RPG fan up for a dark adventure will have a blast here; you don't need any background in the MegaTen series to enjoy it, and the well-balanced Easy mode means anyone can get in on the action. If you're looking for a 3DS game to sink your teeth, claws, and time into, this is as good as it gets.… Expand
  9. jacktwelve
    May 29, 2022
    9
    why is the score so low. This is a fantasic game with a legit good story, strong sense of atmosphere, fun but challenging combat system, and tons of replay value
  10. Diugo
    Mar 18, 2022
    9
    One of the most interesting jrpg's out there. The game tackles very heavy topics and makes you really think about the situation the world is in. Story is very captivating especially when you have to make chooses that influence the story. Gameplay is amazing and super fun. Some aspects could have been better, especially regarding the UI.

    Ignore the bad reviews, they are bots. If you are    One of the most interesting jrpg's out there. The game tackles very heavy topics and makes you really think about the situation the world is in. Story is very captivating especially when you have to make chooses that influence the story. Gameplay is amazing and super fun. Some aspects could have been better, especially regarding the UI.

    Ignore the bad reviews, they are bots. If you are slightly interested in this game try it out, beginning can be a little slow but after the game opens up more it becomes amazing.    … Expand
  11. jjjj2367904
    Jan 18, 2022
    9
    I one-hundred percents the game, and absolutely loved it. That’s all I can say. The story is very well made with some hiccups here and there. The gameplay is amazing and is well made but can broken at times. The music is just beautiful very and well made. The graphics look great for the 3DS, especially in 2013, and still holds up well. The characters are very well wrote. This is personallyI one-hundred percents the game, and absolutely loved it. That’s all I can say. The story is very well made with some hiccups here and there. The gameplay is amazing and is well made but can broken at times. The music is just beautiful very and well made. The graphics look great for the 3DS, especially in 2013, and still holds up well. The characters are very well wrote. This is personally in my opinion the best 3DS game and also my favorite Shin Megami Tensei mainline game.… Expand
  12. lidwang
    Jan 8, 2022
    8
    A fantastic game. Not only the battle and fusion mechanichs are top notch, but the envoiroment and structure of the world is amazing, realsitic and cruel against the player, which makes sense in the context of the game. also the story and characters and philosophical themes are really well explored.
  13. Caseron
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    One of the Best RPG on 3DS
    Music is fantastic 12/10
    Gameplay is addicting 10/10
    Really hope Eastern Kingdom of Mikado is fully 3D tough but Tokyo is Amazing
    But the overworld map need some improvements
  14. GSD
    Nov 10, 2021
    10
    why the hell does this have a 6.8. this is the best smt game though I haven't played V yet so idk but yeah this game is the awesome
  15. SMT_Enthusiast
    Nov 4, 2021
    10
    Shin Megami Tensei: IV is a masterpiece, from beginning to end.
    Best RPG on the 3DS system, maybe even best game period.
    -Interesting themes
    -Great setting and atmosphere
    -Excellent soundtrack
    -Great combat system

    SMT at its best, up there with Digital Devil Saga.
  16. SaiyanPride89
    Nov 4, 2021
    10
    This is my favorite game of all time. The soundtrack is absolute fire, combat is great and addicting, my favorite story in the mainline smt(so far), it needs to be ported in HD like nocturne. This game changed my life. Play it.
  17. mtkf
    Oct 30, 2021
    9
    Bought this game on a whim when it was on sale, and it has since made me a huge fan of the franchise. Since then I've finished it's sequel Apocalypse, then SMT3, and have just started Devil Survivor Overclocked. SMT4 is a fantastic JRPG, not just on the 3ds, but in general. It's like a dark pokemon with more vulgar themes and mature content. Cannot wait for for SMT5.
  18. Akashdeep
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. **** persona!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… Expand
  19. Foolkner
    Jul 24, 2021
    9
    Truly one of the best 3DS games you can get. Has great music, characters and a really great story.
    Probably my favourite SMT game from Atlus. Highly recommend!
  20. todi
    Jul 22, 2021
    10
    Easily the best 3DS game in my eyes, any fan of ATLUS or JRPGs in general should pick this up. The different ways to play between character builds/demon party composition, on top of choosing between law, chaos, or a neutral route is awe-inspiring. Combine this with a gripping story and exciting, challenging battles makes this a game for the ages. The game is quite difficult (especially atEasily the best 3DS game in my eyes, any fan of ATLUS or JRPGs in general should pick this up. The different ways to play between character builds/demon party composition, on top of choosing between law, chaos, or a neutral route is awe-inspiring. Combine this with a gripping story and exciting, challenging battles makes this a game for the ages. The game is quite difficult (especially at the beginning), but becomes much easier and is so worth the grind to make it.… Expand
  21. TruthfulGamer67
    May 21, 2021
    9
    One of the best games on the 3ds a must-play/Own for any 3ds owner

    It's really hard it's really fun the OST is really good just play it for god's sake
  22. Gwalunir
    Apr 13, 2021
    9
    This was my first Megaten game, and my introduction to the franchise, and it was worth my time, for sure. Even eight years after its launch, it still holds up as an amazing entry to an amazing series. First of all, I want to point out the aspect that most enchanted me: the combat. The press turn system is simply one of the best combat systems I've ever seen in a game, be it an action orThis was my first Megaten game, and my introduction to the franchise, and it was worth my time, for sure. Even eight years after its launch, it still holds up as an amazing entry to an amazing series. First of all, I want to point out the aspect that most enchanted me: the combat. The press turn system is simply one of the best combat systems I've ever seen in a game, be it an action or turn-based RPG (those are the two genres that I play the most and can really talk about). Exploiting enemy's weakness to gain more turns really hooked me in, and the need - you don't really have a choice, honestly - to use stat buffs and debuffs just made it more strategic and engaging. The story is ok, not bad, not great, and the characters are a bit one-sided. But that doesn't really take away anything from the experience. Moreover, the music, be it ambient or battle are simply put fantastic, I could listen to them for days on end and not feel it has become repetitive. The songs really make you feel the atmosphere of the game, and the demon designs and negotiation system also deserve a lot of credit, as they are very well done (though you will surely get frustrated at the beginning as you get used to what the demons want). I do have to say I didn't finish the game completely, having only done one out of the four possible endings, although were I to pursue them in the future, I am certain I would have as much fun as I had the first time through. All in all, it's an amazing game, and even more worth the price nowadays. Definitely one of the best RPGs on the 3DS (and also of all time).… Expand
  23. guiletheguiles
    Mar 18, 2021
    7
    While definitely not perfect, Shin Megami Tensei IV is probably one of the most addictive jrpgs I've ever played.

    The art style alone made me immerse myself into this bleak world of demons and play the game for about 60 hours. Chracters might not be well developed, but they're unquestionably well-designed. The same can be said about the demons, but on a much bigger scale. Each demon is    While definitely not perfect, Shin Megami Tensei IV is probably one of the most addictive jrpgs I've ever played.

    The art style alone made me immerse myself into this bleak world of demons and play the game for about 60 hours. Chracters might not be well developed, but they're unquestionably well-designed. The same can be said about the demons, but on a much bigger scale. Each demon is unique and intriguing enough so you'll never get enough of collecting and fusing them. I've wasted countless hours checking their stats, playing with the fusion network, reading their descriptions. I couldn't get tired of it.
    One other thing that kept me glued to the game was the combat. The famous SMT press turn system is incredible. Finding enemies' weaknesses feels rewarding as hell and making sure that your character and demons are well-protected and well-prepared doesn't feel at all like a chore, it's actually entertaining. Part of why the battles work so well is likely due to how fast-paced, fun and challenging they are.
    As for the story, well... It's good. Its semi-minimalistic approach does handle well the ending for each route. It's just not AMAZING. But it does carry an intense and dense atmosphere, touching on some interesting themes and expanding the post-apocalyptic world more and more as it progresses. It's just sad that main and supporting characters are somewhat forgettable.

    As for the icing on the cake, it has to be the soundtrack. It's simply nostalgic and astonishing. Completely matching the game's mood, hyping some exciting (or gloomy) moments and providing some bonafide tracks. If Shin Megami Tensei IV were an album only, no game included, I'd still love it.

    But SMTIV isn't without its shortcomings. I've encountered BIG issues here.

    First and foremost: Every map in this game sucks!
    Traversing through Tokyo is the worst part in the game. The overworld map is weird, slow confusing and extremely unintuitive. The same goes for the dungeons. They're repetitive, wonky and lazy. Thank god for the art direction, because the environments and directions presented are horrible. The entire game, no matter which route you choose, screams AIMLESS. And that's a huge problem! It's such a huge design flaw that it ended up hindering a chunk of my experience with the story and my progression, in general.
    Another extreme nuisance for me was the negotiation system. Again: Aimless!
    It's purely luck-based and let me tell you that luck isn't at your side at all in this game. One pure example for this is the vastly exaggerated difficulty right at beginning. It's brutal! And yes, it does get easier after you take down the Minotaur, but why the **** make the TUTORIAL area so unbearable? Makes no sense...
    The last problem lies in the Challenge Quests. They're just... boring. While some of the challenges actually matter, most of them are useless and unrewarding. And if you're somehow stuck in the neutral route, boy... Good luck getting the 1st place in the hunter board. It's a slog!

    All in all, Shin Megami Tensei IV is an underrated gem on the 3DS. An addictive experience, with an interesting story and an amazing battle system.
    The game's mistakes are undeniably ruthless and irritating, but if you manage to get through them, you'll find a very good jrpg to play for a long while.    … Expand
  24. cukertarlson
    Jan 24, 2021
    10
    walter is very thicc naice ass 10/10 best game ever ligma balls pee pee doodie im tucker calrason.
  25. Shin_megami
    Jan 5, 2021
    10
    Probably one of the best games on the 3ds open world great setting cool character designs literally everything you do or say affects the story for law chaos neutral and some others which I won’t say because they are spoilers great gameplay storyline ost boss fights are great
  26. BasilZero
    Dec 30, 2020
    10
    Game: Shin Megami Tensei IV
    Genre: RPG
    Developer: Atlus Publisher: Atlus System: Nintendo 3DS (3DS) Year of Release: 2013 Length of Playthrough: 63 Hours Total Score: 95/100 Value Score: 9.5/10 • Story: 9/10 • Characters: 9/10 • GamePlay: 10/10 • Graphics: 8/10 • Sound: 10/10 • Music: 10/10 • Length: 10/10 • Replay Value: 10/10 • Player Value: 9/10 Pros +High    Game: Shin Megami Tensei IV
    Genre: RPG
    Developer: Atlus
    Publisher: Atlus
    System: Nintendo 3DS (3DS)
    Year of Release: 2013
    Length of Playthrough: 63 Hours

    Total Score: 95/100
    Value Score: 9.5/10

    • Story: 9/10
    • Characters: 9/10
    • GamePlay: 10/10
    • Graphics: 8/10
    • Sound: 10/10
    • Music: 10/10
    • Length: 10/10
    • Replay Value: 10/10
    • Player Value: 9/10

    Pros
    +High replay value such as New Game Plus and multiple Endings
    +Great story, cast of characters and gameplay
    +Great OST and voice acting
    +Choice of multiple difficulty modes
    +Great engaging and customizable gameplay

    Cons
    -Map areas can be confusing at times
    -High difficulty even for normal battles
    -Animated cutscenes are stills most of the time
    -Visuals look outdated compared to other games from the same universe (due to the system it was released on)

    ----

    Series wise score comparison sake

    Shin Megami Tensei IV (3DS): 95
    Shin Megami Tensei Persona 1 Portable (PSP): 88
    Shin Megami Tensei Persona 2 Innocent Sin (PSP): 85
    Shin Megami Tensei Persona 3 Portable (PSP): 95
    Shin Megami Tensei Persona 4 (PS2): 97    … Expand
  27. SOLID_SNAKE_kw
    Dec 15, 2020
    10
    Just perfect Great addictive gameplay with awesome story I don’t why user rate is very low
  28. Brender
    Sep 30, 2020
    9
    The best RPG. Sure it has some flaws, but most can be ignored or don't matter. Or i'm just stupid.
  29. SMT4_fan
    Sep 29, 2020
    10
    This is the best game ever made. The story is interesting and the turn based battles are challenging but fair. Would recommend this game to all Jrpg fans.
  30. supermalik987
    Sep 5, 2020
    8
    its a fun nice return to a SMT game is locking to kick you in the balls when you **** up . As a SMT fan is always fine to kill the demon with your gun and the one keep killing you . I do wins my play throw i got the neutral rt but got chaos which its also cool . Dont spent on any stupid crap in the game you would end up getting better armor with quest . the few thing i didnt like about theits a fun nice return to a SMT game is locking to kick you in the balls when you **** up . As a SMT fan is always fine to kill the demon with your gun and the one keep killing you . I do wins my play throw i got the neutral rt but got chaos which its also cool . Dont spent on any stupid crap in the game you would end up getting better armor with quest . the few thing i didnt like about the is . The map, quest / main story doesn't tell you where to go if unless you remember where to go or if you print a map out to make easy for you . But to far its kinda fun when you find out what to do , But for the players that can be hard . and make sure you stock up on play coins when you died in the game .… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best 3DS Game of 2013
8
#8 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2013
5
#5 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 48 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 48
  3. Negative: 0 out of 48
  1. Hobby Consolas
    Jan 23, 2015
    90
    The combat system, character development and demons are a great evolution from previous games, but graphics needs some improvement.
    Read full review
  2. games(TM)
    Jan 8, 2015
    90
    An incredibly in-depth RPG that should result in no two players having a similar run-through. [Issue#156, p.122]
    Read full review
  3. FNintendo
    Jan 4, 2015
    80
    It keeps some of the best aspects of the series, while adding new and always welcome content. The game's pace keeps the player interested non-stop and its overall quality redeems Shin Megami Tensei IV from the late European release.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »