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. 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    -Visuals look outdated compared to other games from the same universe (due to the system it was released on)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
  2. DSouls_guy
    Oct 21, 2013
    10
    Once again another great Jrpg on Nintendo's AWESOME handheld. I just got done giving a great review to Pokemon X, but I decided to give Shin Megami Tensei IV also a my review. in a few short words all I can say is this game is also another winner in my book. I've been a huge SMT fan for awhile now, but so far I haven't seen many great jrpg's until this and just a few other titles. AtlusOnce again another great Jrpg on Nintendo's AWESOME handheld. I just got done giving a great review to Pokemon X, but I decided to give Shin Megami Tensei IV also a my review. in a few short words all I can say is this game is also another winner in my book. I've been a huge SMT fan for awhile now, but so far I haven't seen many great jrpg's until this and just a few other titles. Atlus Rocks it out again with a Stellar title.… Expand
  3. Royspaceghost
    Jul 21, 2013
    10
    At first, looking at videos and coverage from various websites, I was a little put off by the demon animations being that they look almost like gifs, but oh boy how wrong was I when I started playing it and in 3D. The backgrounds are totally tri dimensional, the world is perfectly designed, and it has this grim, dark vibe attached to it. The music is incredible, it gives this almost horrorAt first, looking at videos and coverage from various websites, I was a little put off by the demon animations being that they look almost like gifs, but oh boy how wrong was I when I started playing it and in 3D. The backgrounds are totally tri dimensional, the world is perfectly designed, and it has this grim, dark vibe attached to it. The music is incredible, it gives this almost horror like feeling with a retro touch to it (if you played previous old school SMT, you'll know what I mean). It also houses more than 400 demons, 400!! Which upscales the replayability of the title by a lot, not to mention the 4 endings, cheap priced DLC and almost 40-50 hours of gameplay already included. It is a must have for RPG fans, especially Megaten fans. I really can't stop playing it, go buy it NOW.… Expand
  4. Carlitoxic
    May 15, 2015
    10
    Shin Megami Tensei IV is a greatifull surprise like one of the best RPG of the year. Very interesting and darkness story and characters, great combat system and beautiful graphics and designs. I see this game like the most favourite of the Nintendo 3DS. First Persona 4, now SMT IV, I can say that I discover one treasure in Atlus games.
  5. Zerilos
    Jul 27, 2013
    10
    I can't even being to explain how much I love this game! I bought the 3DS XL just for this game (also got Fire Emblem which I haven't even started yet). Even though I consider the 3DS a pile of dung (OMG the battery life is stupid bad); regardless, it was worth every dime just to play this game! If you like Nocturne or any of the SMT games...then this is a must have. Can't stop playing.I can't even being to explain how much I love this game! I bought the 3DS XL just for this game (also got Fire Emblem which I haven't even started yet). Even though I consider the 3DS a pile of dung (OMG the battery life is stupid bad); regardless, it was worth every dime just to play this game! If you like Nocturne or any of the SMT games...then this is a must have. Can't stop playing.

    Warning: it is very difficult at first, but gets way easier when you get going...don't give up.    … Expand
  6. dark001001
    Jul 17, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm a big fan of Shin Megami Tensei series and I think SMT 4 is awesome .Though the dungeon map looks a little simple and crude .The demons are good as always and the control are comfortable .So I give 10 for it … Expand
  7. Gilgamesh
    Aug 16, 2013
    10
    The value in this game is impressive. If you like RPG games, your 3ds, and thought Fire Emblem was good (compared to this it's boring) you should go buy this.
  8. tech101
    Jul 18, 2013
    10
    this is by no means an easy game. you will die often in the beginning till you can recruit a team of at least 3 demons. those that can get pass that part are in for a treat as this game had production value written all over it. demons look great and the story thus far is interesting to say the least. if you are new to jrpgs you might want to stay clear of this one as the learning curvethis is by no means an easy game. you will die often in the beginning till you can recruit a team of at least 3 demons. those that can get pass that part are in for a treat as this game had production value written all over it. demons look great and the story thus far is interesting to say the least. if you are new to jrpgs you might want to stay clear of this one as the learning curve is pretty high however the game does do a great jop of explaining everything.… Expand
  9. bansheespartan
    Jul 21, 2013
    10
    Amazing 4th installment of the SMT series. Kinda upset to see such strange comparisons and laughable ones as well such as; "This game is the Dark Souls of Persona" or "this isn't a waifu simulator I'm disapointed." What makes this game shine is it's dark vibe, intense difficulty, old school dungeon crawling, fantastic graphics and beautiful sprites, a fantastic soundtrack, as well as anAmazing 4th installment of the SMT series. Kinda upset to see such strange comparisons and laughable ones as well such as; "This game is the Dark Souls of Persona" or "this isn't a waifu simulator I'm disapointed." What makes this game shine is it's dark vibe, intense difficulty, old school dungeon crawling, fantastic graphics and beautiful sprites, a fantastic soundtrack, as well as an engrossing surreal apocalyptic story.

    I highly recommend this game to anyone who is a fan of old school JRPG's or anyone who is up for a challenge in general.

    Graphics: 8/10 great spritework and excellent third person exploring. More sprite animation would be nice though.

    gameplay: 10/10 old school JRPG goodness

    audio: 9/10 fantastic soundtrack, and great voice acting.

    lasting appeal: 10/10 seriously I see myself losing at least over a hundred hours to this game just trying to unlock everything.

    Do yourself a favor and buy this game.    … Expand
  10. TIGER-COOL
    Jul 19, 2013
    10
    I've had this game for a couple of days when I saved I was absolutely amazed to see my playtime has already clocked in at about 11 hours. I can't remember the last time I was this absorbed in a game. The fighting system is one of the most enjoyable, in depth, and intricate I've come across in some time. It's getting knocked big time by some reviewers for the somewhat weak story. It isn'tI've had this game for a couple of days when I saved I was absolutely amazed to see my playtime has already clocked in at about 11 hours. I can't remember the last time I was this absorbed in a game. The fighting system is one of the most enjoyable, in depth, and intricate I've come across in some time. It's getting knocked big time by some reviewers for the somewhat weak story. It isn't terrible, just fairly minimalist. It's a portable game, so keep that in perspective. In any case, if I'm having this much fun playing a game, it's doing its job. Trust me, if you have a 3DS and you're up for a challenge, you want this.… Expand
  11. konsole
    Jul 30, 2013
    10
    I have played this game for nearly 50 hours. The game is somewhat repetitive and there are some annoying parts of the game, like the way enemies rush at you while you are trying to read a map that is not available in a paused state. This is my favorite game available on the 3DS platform at this time. This is a huge upgrade over Strange Journey, and (from what I have been told) there areI have played this game for nearly 50 hours. The game is somewhat repetitive and there are some annoying parts of the game, like the way enemies rush at you while you are trying to read a map that is not available in a paused state. This is my favorite game available on the 3DS platform at this time. This is a huge upgrade over Strange Journey, and (from what I have been told) there are significant refinements since Nocturne that have stream-lined gameplay for the better. All I know is that this game is super-addictive. I did not finish Strange Journey (or any other SMT game), but I am looking forward to completing this and probably more than once for the multiple endings. Behold, my demons!… Expand
  12. ZackKarpel
    Aug 6, 2013
    10
    cant say anything bad about a game this good! I absolutely loved it! loved it! it was fun and engrossing. i still cant put my stylus down without thinking- hm i hope Charon isn't going to overcharge me again! haha.
  13. buleaaah
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    Worth every money I spent in this game, its very addictive, long time game play, and whats important its replayable. I got the limited edition and the book very good. This a must have game for every RPG lover.
  14. TheDavyStar
    Dec 31, 2015
    10
    For the first few hours, Shin Megami Tensei IV is a slog, a total disservice to the fans it has gained since Nocturne. It's been stripped of Nocturne's 3D cutscenes and battles, and you can only help but feel as though corners have been cut elsewhere. Its modest budget is painfully obvious.

    Ten hours in, you find yourself exploring a whole new world residing underground and marvel at    For the first few hours, Shin Megami Tensei IV is a slog, a total disservice to the fans it has gained since Nocturne. It's been stripped of Nocturne's 3D cutscenes and battles, and you can only help but feel as though corners have been cut elsewhere. Its modest budget is painfully obvious.

    Ten hours in, you find yourself exploring a whole new world residing underground and marvel at its style, substance and populace.

    Twenty hours in, you're searching for a masked killer while acting the mediator in a gang war over a land forsaken by God.

    Thirty hours in, it's the best mainline MegaTen game yet, with its integration of an interface that's totally at home on 3DS, and how it crosses out everything you hated about RPGs before - the infuriatingly rigid save points for one, as SMT IV lets you save anywhere you like.

    Forty hours in, it's the best handheld JRPG of all time.    … Expand
  15. MistyFalls
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    This is one of the most engaging game I ever played. The game's plot is also greatly developed. I find myself confused on who to align with as I loved all the characters. But the area where this game shines the most is the demon collecting and fusion. Great game and for someone who hasn't played any Shin Megami Tensei game before, this game is totally a great game for the newbies as anThis is one of the most engaging game I ever played. The game's plot is also greatly developed. I find myself confused on who to align with as I loved all the characters. But the area where this game shines the most is the demon collecting and fusion. Great game and for someone who hasn't played any Shin Megami Tensei game before, this game is totally a great game for the newbies as an introductory game. The difficulty may overwhelm you but that's just a classic trademark of SMT games.… Expand
  16. Axlyss
    Sep 1, 2015
    10
    Its a good game baseline SMT games have never been about the story but about philosophy. Each character is based on a philosophy which is why they never really change. Some choices are hard to make some things are not as the appear play the damn game. My only gripe is the characters do not react to certain things when its opposes his or hers alignment, Can't really get into to much detailIts a good game baseline SMT games have never been about the story but about philosophy. Each character is based on a philosophy which is why they never really change. Some choices are hard to make some things are not as the appear play the damn game. My only gripe is the characters do not react to certain things when its opposes his or hers alignment, Can't really get into to much detail without spoiling. .… Expand
  17. VincentStoker
    Feb 9, 2015
    10
    This is without doubt one of the shining moments for the 3DS. This game is very well presented and crafted by a team who really do know what they are doing. Anyone familiar with the Persona games will be right at home here as a number of the spells and Demons are found here. SMT4 has a wonderful level of detail and presentation. I have seen a number of professional reviews state that theThis is without doubt one of the shining moments for the 3DS. This game is very well presented and crafted by a team who really do know what they are doing. Anyone familiar with the Persona games will be right at home here as a number of the spells and Demons are found here. SMT4 has a wonderful level of detail and presentation. I have seen a number of professional reviews state that the game suffers from shoddy characters and writing but I am just over 20 hours in at the time of writing this and I am loving the story and diverse mix if characters, yes some of them are the stereotypical characters you expect in this kind of RPG but that really is not a bad thing. The difficulty curve in this game is consistently steady and providing you save frequently you should have no problems, just allow a little extra "grinding" from time to time rather than heading from quest to quest. Overall, I can't fault this game. It's worth owning a 3DS for this and a couple of other titles as you will get a large amount of play time from this title.… Expand
  18. MarcosDead
    May 26, 2015
    10
    I honestly don't see why this game isn't rated higher, it is one of the best games I have played from Atlus. The story is interesting, and it pushes people to think about what they're doing and how they would handle such a situation and the questions they're answering. I adore this game, It brings back fond memories of Nocturne and the Digital Devil games. I adore the battle concepts (TheI honestly don't see why this game isn't rated higher, it is one of the best games I have played from Atlus. The story is interesting, and it pushes people to think about what they're doing and how they would handle such a situation and the questions they're answering. I adore this game, It brings back fond memories of Nocturne and the Digital Devil games. I adore the battle concepts (The free ability to move around, unlike in previous titles offered by Atlus for the 3DS, which ultimately hinder the overall gameplay experience). I hope that the next time they make a game for the 3DS they look at what they did for this one, I honestly regretted many of the decisions I had to make, and loved all the opportunities to talk to different people throughout the game. It also wasn't completely linear, which I came to enjoy, one got to decide on different things to do, instead of just one ultimate goal. I absolutely adored this game.… Expand
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. Lyxnn
    Nov 16, 2018
    10
    El mejor juego de 3ds de lejos, de verdad, tanto la historia, como la ambientación, como los personajes y sobre todo el gameplay, todo el mundo debería de jugar a SMT
  22. 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.
  23. Shinsou
    Aug 26, 2019
    10
    What path will you choose? A world of freedom but chaos ruled by the strong and demons? A peaceful but oppresive world of law ruled by God commands? A neutral but uncertain path trusting in humankind? None of them?

    This game is absolutely not for everyone but it should be played by everyone. It's a little hard to write a review with so much things to say because Shin Megami Tensei IV    What path will you choose? A world of freedom but chaos ruled by the strong and demons? A peaceful but oppresive world of law ruled by God commands? A neutral but uncertain path trusting in humankind? None of them?

    This game is absolutely not for everyone but it should be played by everyone. It's a little hard to write a review with so much things to say because Shin Megami Tensei IV not only turned into my favorite game in life but it was my initiation to one of the best videogame series I've ever played.

    Being as objective as a human can be. While some aspects are improvable, they're relatively insignificant compared to the good points. Everything touches the excellence.

    The plot is not only interesting and entertaining, but it's meaningful and deep, because Shin Megami Tensei games are more than only rpgs with a story to follow, they're more an introspective experience to live. Characters are there to teach you different points of view. Every decision you take it has to be thought following your own ideas, because all of them will take you to one route or another, and at the end you'll know yourself a little better. While this is a gimmick you can see in other games, the dark atmosphere and mystery of the SMT setting is unique.

    Gameplay-wise SMT4 is addictive, exploring dungeons and buildings in a complete 3d world trying to get advantage of the enemies by pressing the A button is just the beginning. Turn-based battle system has its own challenging but fair rules that forces you to pay attention to every move. More than once the game will defeat you, but with a good strategy and perseverance everything will go onward. The demon fusion functionality is easy to use but it'll take a lot of your time, nonetheless it'll be absolutely worthy. Finally, all you need to do is read, think carefully your answers when they ask you for them, be smart and always gain more power. Everything is about power, and the wisdom to use it.

    Graphics tops the 3DS capacities, and the music... the music rocks everytime. Because it's perfect for almost every situation and place.

    If you're interested on esotericism, occultism, sci-fi, demons,post-apocalyptic settings, human nature, or simply the experience of a very unique JRPG, Shin Megami Tensei IV is for you.    … Expand
  24. matrakci
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    This is a great game even for people who have never experienced this kind of jrpg game.
  25. Detestedsea687
    Feb 13, 2020
    10
    Really fun game that is unforgiving in almost every way, no hand holding which makes the games experience even better and accomplishing. Great story and characters that keep you wanting more.
  26. Akashdeep
    Sep 10, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. **** persona!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… Expand
  27. Leliel66
    Jun 19, 2020
    10
    De los mejores juegos desarrollados por atlus, una historia profunda en donde tus decisiones importan, 10/10.
  28. Tallflipkick
    Jul 21, 2020
    10
    The game so far is amazing and really has a great story and characters. The fusions are easier and the apps system is also good
  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. 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
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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 »