Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey

 DS
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Mar 23, 2010
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
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  1. RPG Fan
    93
    While the aesthetic elements of Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey are only slightly above-average, the incredibly strong gameplay elements make the game so addictive that this doesn't matter.
  2. Worth Playing
    93
    The Shin Megami Tensei series has proven itself as one of the most consistently well-made RPG franchises in recent memory, and SMT: Strange Journey is no exception. There are few dungeon exploration games that are as solidly well put-together and interesting.
  3. 1UP
    91
    The core of Strange Journey is classically engrossing MegaTen and Etrian Odyssey.
  5. GameShark
    91
    The combination of a compelling and ideological narrative with complex combat, not to forget the outright fun of collecting demons, makes Strange Journey an incredible addition to the series.
  6. Destructoid
    90
    As far as Nintendo DS role-playing games go, this is my new favorite, hands down. But then again, I'm a huge fan of both dungeon crawling and Atlus' Shin Megami Tensei series games.
  7. Cheat Code Central
    90
    Many worlds to explore, tons of demons to fight, recruit, and fuse, hundreds of team combinations to try out, an alignment system that allows for varying playthroughs, and lots of weapons, armor, and accessories to create via item drop combinations.
  8. Thunderbolt
    90
    Strange Journey does its own thing, but boy, does it do it well. If you're looking for an interesting challenge that will keep you rapt from start to finish, this is one adventure you won't want to miss.
  9. Gamervision
    90
    Strange Journey is easily one of the best RPGs to come out this year, which should come as no surprise to the SMT faithful.
  10. PALGN
    90
    Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey is one of the most dense, addictive and compelling role playing games you can find on the Nintendo DS.
  11. Game Informer
    88
    Uncovering all the Schwarzwelt's secrets will keep you glued to your DS for hours of intense RPG action. [Issue#203, p.96]
  12. Gamer 2.0
    88
    An excellent DS RPG that feels like many of the best parts of previous games in the series and its spin-offs that have been streamlined greatly. There are some faults here and there that keep it from being perfect, but DS owners looking for a great RPG to get invested in will find a lot to like here.
  13. GamingTrend
    86
    It has a tough, old-school feeling to it, but it does feel more accessible compared to other Shin Megami Tensei games.
  14. IGN
    85
    There's also a surprising amount of personality in the game, as dialogue sequences develop the characters, bosses, and quests to an impressive degree. It's not without a few bumps here and there, but Strange Journey's depth and wealth of options for customization make it a trip worth taking.
  15. The A.V. Club
    83
    It's a familiar taste, but it's comforting rather than stale.
  16. Gaming Nexus
    83
    If you're looking for a long, deep and engrossing RPG, take this Strange Journey on your DS.
  17. Nintendo Power
    80
    For better or for worse, it makes the player the master of his own destiny. As it turns out, that's a heck of a challenge, but the challenge is worth it. [Apr 2010, p.87]
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  18. Metro GameCentral
    80
    A typically assured mix of standard Japanese role-playing and MegaTen's more provocative ideas.
  19. Eurogamer
    80
    In many ways it feels like an adult-themed Pokemon, complete with a cast of demons that, though not as adorable as Pikachu and company, nonetheless have their own dark charms. So, atrocious US boxart aside, this is one import worth the extra shipping.
  20. Nintendo Gamer
    80
    For fans of Atlus' other RPGs, this is a real must-have. It might prove too slow or horrifically doom-laden for less seasoned role-playing fans, however. [May 2010, p.60]
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  21. The Escapist
    80
    Unless you're absolutely sick of Shin Megami Tensei's core mechanics or can't push past a few tutorial-heavy opening hours, Strange Journey's a fantastic RPG - portable or not.
  22. games(TM)
    80
    About as hardcore and old-fashioned an RPG as you're likely to play. [Issue#96, p.101]
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  23. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    80
    Satisfactory difficult RPG belongs to the best pieces of its genre – there are only a few other games for your touch-screen handheld with the same complexity and strong battle system. [Issue#192]
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  24. GamePro
    70
    If you're looking for a thoughtful, challenging RPG experience, this is a Strange Journey worth taking; those who take issue with the thematic elements, however, might want to go adventuring elsewhere. [March 2010, p.91]
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  25. RPGamer
    70
    It's a solid game all-around that takes a good-not-great traditional JRPG and replaces the standard third-person dungeons with good-not-great first-person, tile-based ones, binding everything together with a strong apocalyptic story.
  26. GameSpot
    60
    Sci-fi trappings don't make the repetitive gameplay in this dungeon crawler feel any less dated.
  27. GameCritics
    30
    As a dungeon crawler, Strange Journey is abominable. As an SMT, it's unforgivable.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best DS Game of 2010
14
#14 Most Discussed DS Game of 2010
8
#8 Most Shared DS Game of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
5.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 284 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 143 out of 284
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 284
  3. Negative: 133 out of 284
  1. midipon
    Feb 16, 2015
    10
    This game is really just an amazing ride. It's beautifully executed and wonderfully challenging. The demon negotiation system is at anThis game is really just an amazing ride. It's beautifully executed and wonderfully challenging. The demon negotiation system is at an all-time high for the series, being both as complex and simple as it has to be. Demon alignments play a large role in the gameplay, but don't limit you regardless of what path you take.

    The characters and story are splendid. They'll make you seriously consider the situation and can change the way you view the world. Atlus' portrait of humanity's downfall, the stress of keeping calm during the mission, and how your crew mates slip away from themselves are a testament to what a video game can achieve. I think this game will serve as an amazing game-changer for people for years to come. It does not hold back in any respect, so players have to be prepared to bite back when picking up this gem.    … Full Review »
  2. ironzombi
    Nov 5, 2017
    10
    As a fan of JRPG's and Dungeon Crawlers, Shin Megami Tensei:Strange Journey hooked me from the start, but be aware this is not for theAs a fan of JRPG's and Dungeon Crawlers, Shin Megami Tensei:Strange Journey hooked me from the start, but be aware this is not for the "casual" fan of RPG's. Strange Journey is a hard, long and deep game that rewards strategy and learning the ins and outs of the game, the difficulty can be brutal but the pay off is satisfying with a dark story typical of SMT although with a fresh setting for the series.
    This is one of the most memorable games I have played and represents some of the best of the DS.    … Full Review »
  3. MikeDanger1990
    Sep 5, 2017
    9
    Short review: This game is incredible.

    Long review: This game has probably the best soundtrack I have ever heard in a video game, the boss    Short review: This game is incredible.

    Long review: This game has probably the best soundtrack I have ever heard in a video game, the boss fights are hard, brutal, nearly impossible but they're satisfying to defeat thanks to their strategic battle mechanics, their awesome sprite, their moral message and above all the boss fight theme song.

    It is not an easy game by no means, thanks to the dungeon design, the boss battles, the demon fusion and alignment but its a satisfying game, on the DS you can't get any deeper than this.    … Full Review »
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