Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor

 DS
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Jun 23, 2009
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
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  1. BoyMcBoy
    Sep 10, 2009
    9
    The story is quite compelling and unique, and, while the majority of the story is fixed, your choices can affect the survival of your allies, and the final outcome. The core of the game is the combat system, which is a combination of tactical grid based movement, and old school 3 on 3 attack/magic/defend combat. I was worried the grid based part of combat would be extraneous, but it turns The story is quite compelling and unique, and, while the majority of the story is fixed, your choices can affect the survival of your allies, and the final outcome. The core of the game is the combat system, which is a combination of tactical grid based movement, and old school 3 on 3 attack/magic/defend combat. I was worried the grid based part of combat would be extraneous, but it turns out to be important in some battles, and in no way detracts from the gameplay. The 3 on 3 combat is solid. Your choice of parties and equipped magic can be very important (although usually pretty obvious). In the few cases where the combat starts to seem a bit monotonous, the ridiculously lively music/graphics/fast paced combat keep things going. You have a good amount of control over the parties you bring into combat, but there is some room for improvement in this regard - i.e. a better skill / leveling system.… Expand
  2. patrickcrosby
    Sep 1, 2009
    10
    Man what can i say about this game. This is my first inition into Shin Megami Tensei and all i can say is where has my life gone without an RPG thats challenging with a well laid plot. The only flaws that i can conjure is the lack of a world map similar to TWEWY and some anime character archetypes but all in all, each character is unique. If you're sceptical about buying this game,Man what can i say about this game. This is my first inition into Shin Megami Tensei and all i can say is where has my life gone without an RPG thats challenging with a well laid plot. The only flaws that i can conjure is the lack of a world map similar to TWEWY and some anime character archetypes but all in all, each character is unique. If you're sceptical about buying this game, all i can say is ignore reviewers that labeled this game with an 8 . sumthin, if you're a legit RPGist, this game is a beautiful concoction of fire emblem and dragon quest that sheds its familiarity with these games and births an epic of its own.… Expand
  3. neokarny
    Nov 18, 2012
    9
    The story is absolutely amazing and the characters are great. This was the first game of this calibur I played on the DS, and I'm still struck by it a couple years later. This was my first game in the SMT world, and it opened them up to me. The demon system is really fun, and the combat system is pretty smooth and refined. The only complaint I have is that it can be pretty rage and grindThe story is absolutely amazing and the characters are great. This was the first game of this calibur I played on the DS, and I'm still struck by it a couple years later. This was my first game in the SMT world, and it opened them up to me. The demon system is really fun, and the combat system is pretty smooth and refined. The only complaint I have is that it can be pretty rage and grind inducing at times - when you don't have the right demons and right strength for a certain boss, for example, and lose several times before you go and grind for an hour. I'm not a fan of grinding, but I can tolerate it and this game certainly pushed that at times. Regardless of any frustration on that front, it was all worth it with how great of a story and cast of characters this game had. Hands down this easily competes to be the best DS game, and is definitely the best DS RPG, on the market.… Expand
  4. 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 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 yourIf 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!… Expand
  5. 6xdandangp
    Dec 31, 2012
    10
    Amazing story, gameplay, and characters. Multiple endings add a ton of replay value and this game truly does the series justice. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a great SRPG.
  6. Guy_McDude
    Sep 25, 2020
    10
    Pitch perfect tone, interesting characters and a branching repayable storyline. Really one of the best offerings on the handheld.
  7. Estepan
    Sep 10, 2020
    10
    This game is just too good, and is about a decade old, and still hold very highly with today's games.
  8. H3NTAI_LOVER
    Jun 14, 2020
    10
    Another masterpiece by atlus, the art syle is gorgeous, the combat is fast paced and fun and the story and dialogue are interesting all the way through. It can be challenging at times, but it is so worth it to keep playing
  9. Pasifull
    Oct 11, 2022
    8
    Absolutely superb battle system, atmosphere and story. Let down slightly by how 2D some of the characters are and how grindy the end-game is. Well worth your time
  10. Savo
    Jan 30, 2022
    10
    Amazing game. The soundtrack is memorable, gameplay nearly addictive and story incredible. Definitely recommend if you're already a megaten fan or gas already played the fire emblem emblem games. Sad so many people put such low ratings for no reason.

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. Game Informer
    80
    A clever blend of tactics and RPG conventions. [July 2009, p.90]
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  2. 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.
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  3. 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.
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