Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor

 DS
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Jun 23, 2009
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
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  1. Worth Playing
    93
    Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor is easily one of the best strategy-RPGs on the Nintendo DS and may even be one of the better strategy RPGs ever made.
  2. 1UP
    91
    A tough but rewarding game, a welcome addition to DS despite the system's RPG glut.
  3. The A.V. Club
    91
    The combination of monster-collecting, tactics, and disturbing plot are sure to keep players’ heads in the game.
  5. Gamer 2.0
    91
    It’s vintage Shin Megami Tensei, and that’s all anybody can ask for with the series’ debut on Nintendo’s handheld powerhouse.
  6. Destructoid
    90
    If you've got the strategy chops and don't mind a bit of a challenge, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor is a fantastic role-playing experience on the DS. Its time-based, branching story and clever blend of both strategy and turn-based game play styles make for a highly original title.
  7. GameSpot
    90
    This fantastic hybrid role-playing game will pull you in with its thrilling story and keep you coming back for more.
  8. GamesRadar+
    90
    With its quick battles and focus and short conversations to tell the story, Devil Survivor works great for the DS. On top of that it is so refreshing to play an RPG on the system that isn’t steeped in fantasy and/or is a remake.
  9. Cheat Code Central
    90
    SMT: Devil Survivor is an intense game that has branching paths that allow for an endless amount of plot twists and ending possibilities, so replay is not just recommended, it’s a must.
  10. Nintendojo
    90
    Overall, Devil Survivor hits all the marks of a great Shin Megami Tensei title: the story has a mature tone with plenty of twists and multiple endings, the setting and characters defy the genre’s norms, and the gameplay mechanics offer some unique twists to well established formulas while demanding the player to think strategically.
  11. GamingTrend
    90
    If you can stick with Devil Survivor through the steep learning curve and occasional frustrating bits, you’ll experience one of the better RPGs – and better overall games – the DS has to offer.
  12. Play Magazine
    90
    A stylish and sinister strategy RPG that is indeed worthy of the Shin Megami Tensei monicker.
    All this publication's reviews
  13. Thunderbolt
    90
    To those looking for a great portable Shin Megami Tensei experience, this is it, and any fan of tactical turn based games should pick it up as well.
  14. IGN
    87
    Devil Survivor blends a gripping story with fresh gameplay concepts and a whole lot of depth, all of which fuse together to create one of the best RPGs of the year thus far.
  15. SpazioGames
    87
    Quotation forthcoming.
  16. RPG Fan
    85
    Negatives aside, Devil Survivor is a great success.
  17. GamerNode
    85
    One of the best DS entries you can find in the RPG realm, especially if you enjoy pleasing tactical battles and the charm of the MegaTen series.
  18. Everyeye.it
    85
    A perfect spin-off, that mix up the classic gameplay of Megaten saga with tactical elements.
  19. Nintendo Gamer
    84
    A deep, dark role-playing title with an unusually excellent story. [Oct 2009, p.65]
    All this publication's reviews
  20. Game Informer
    80
    A clever blend of tactics and RPG conventions. [July 2009, p.90]
  21. RPGamer
    80
    Fans of tactical RPGs will enjoy the game's solid and original combat, which will also appeal to those that have grown tired of playing the same old thing. Even those RPGamers who are generally turned off by tactical RPGs might find this new hybrid combat system enough to offset the things that normally turn them off from the subgenre.
  22. GameZone
    80
    A solid blend of RPG and tactics combined with the series’ trademark atmosphere and bizarre story elements, Devil Survivor should not disappoint hardcore fans of the franchise.
  23. GameCritics
    80
    The writing is strong, its unconventional take on the standard SRPG formula shows creativity, and there's just no denying the fact that this series keeps putting out top-quality game after top-quality game.
  24. Nintendo Power
    80
    The plot is thoroughly engrossing. [Aug 2009, p.90]
    All this publication's reviews
  25. Metro GameCentral
    80
    The best ever portable Shin Megami Tensei, with an interesting spin on the tactical role-playing genre.
  26. Edge Magazine
    80
    Atlus succeeds in creating another idiosyncratic concoction of narrative and play, one that twists convention as often as it builds upon it. [Sept 2009, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  27. GameShark
    75
    With such basic visuals and a story that is heavy on dialogue and light on exploration, Devil Survivor doesn’t strain to appeal to a new audience.
  28. Game Revolution
    75
    Without question, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor is a solid reworking of the themes of the Shin Megami Tensei series on the handheld, yet has a spirit and style of its own.
  29. GamePro
    70
    Still, aficionados of the Megami Tensei universe will undoubtedly get a kick out of the game's intriguing story and colorful cast while fans of turn-based combat might just find an addicting and innovative adventure - just don't expect an RPG that'll re-invent the wheel.

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best DS Game of 2009
19
#19 Most Discussed DS Game of 2009
15
#15 Most Shared DS Game of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
5.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 286 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 141 out of 286
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 286
  3. Negative: 140 out of 286
  1. seieko_pherdo
    Mar 16, 2012
    6
    We have a sorting hat problem here. How to rate this game has proven to be difficult. For starters the story is fantastic and so are theWe have a sorting hat problem here. How to rate this game has proven to be difficult. For starters the story is fantastic and so are the people in it. The atmosphere created by trying to survive in an awful situation that only gets worse is stellar and if we could see it on say the Playstation 2 that would be absolutely fabulous. And while at first the choices you make don't seem to matter much near the climax those choices of yours will decide which of the many endings you will receive though and the game can be very vague about which choices decide which outcomes. But the game has a big problem being the combat system is too grind-tastic. It doesn't help that unlike many other games there is no demon compendium which means getting the right demons for the sudden situations you'll be thrown into takes far longer than it should, which in turn slows down the pace of the story.… Full Review »
  2. Treima
    Sep 23, 2010
    6
    What little this game offers for innovation (and the truly fascinating story) is stifled by enemies who rely less on tactics and more on cheapWhat little this game offers for innovation (and the truly fascinating story) is stifled by enemies who rely less on tactics and more on cheap abilities to win. What could have been a handheld tour de force is instead just another dime-a-dozen JRPG.… Full Review »
  3. Setsuna86
    Mar 2, 2012
    10
    If you like Atlus RPG games of the Shin Megami Tensei serie, you will love this one. The game mechanics are a DS-tactical adaptation of theIf you like Atlus RPG games of the Shin Megami Tensei serie, you will love this one. The game mechanics are a DS-tactical adaptation of the old SMT PS2 games, but what really shines is the story: very deep, with the typical japanese style. You can finish the game in a wide variety of ways (i.e. different endings) and you'll have quite a bit of hard battles in the end, depending on your choices. Definitely a 10 for me, and now I just ordered the sequel, Devil Survivor 2, which looks to be even BETTER than this one!… Full Review »
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