Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
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  1. GameSpy
    70
    Most of the gameplay aspects are solid, the graphics are beautiful, and the quest is long. However, the relative lack of narrative elements prevented me from truly enjoying the wonderfully bizarre world Atlus has created.
  2. Edge Magazine
    70
    It’s an introspective RPG not just in theme, but in the outlay of time and thought it asks of the player to make sense of what’s otherwise a cosmetically unfair challenge. It’s a work of art, but one on such a dauntingly high pillar that only the most dedicated will appreciate it to the full. [Christmas 2004, p.87]
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  3. Total Video Games
    70
    It may not win too many original gameplay awards but the combination of distinctive visuals and interesting narrative makes Shin Megami Tensei stand out.
  5. games(TM)
    70
    The new features ensure an involving - not to mention time-consuming - experience and the darker, more mature theme is a welcome change from the Technicolor characters that most games in the genre spew forth. [Aug 2005, p.102]
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  6. Pelaaja (Finland)
    60
    Because of the game’s slowly advancing but interesting storyline, creative visuals and fun combat, you try to forgive the incredibly unfair difficulty curve. [July 2005, p.67]
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  7. Computer and Video Games
    50
    It's still boring though. [PSW]

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best PS2 Game of 2004
17
#17 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
8
#8 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 399 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 252 out of 399
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 399
  3. Negative: 135 out of 399
  1. PlutoniumTiger
    Aug 25, 2010
    10
    Completely unrivaled in story, depth, replayability and totally original. Absolutely amazing - there still hasn't been anything quite like itCompletely unrivaled in story, depth, replayability and totally original. Absolutely amazing - there still hasn't been anything quite like it in over half a Decade.… Full Review »
  2. funtimezone
    Oct 28, 2016
    7
    Shin megami tensei nocturne is a fantastic game!This RPG introduced the oh so amazing press turn system.The press turn system is when yourShin megami tensei nocturne is a fantastic game!This RPG introduced the oh so amazing press turn system.The press turn system is when your party or the enemy exposes a weakness and gains a extra turn,
    But if you or the enemy missed,blocks,repels,or absorbs a attack then you lose two turns.Remember this because it will save your life.Demon collecting is crucial to your survival since your character can only do so much.To get demons you negotiate with them to join you or you can fuse demons to get more.There is plenty of demons to go around and you most likely won't be getting them all on the first play through.The dungeons are challenging but there is one problem.While the environment looks great areas can sometimes look bland
    Repeating textures over and over again.This can sometimes get you lost thankfully there is a map.I also can't fully recommend the game to new comers of this series.The game is very difficult requiring a lot of level grinding,and while I don't mind grinding for levels the demons in the game can sometimes wipe out your party in a single turn.What I'm saying is you have to have a lot of patients to enjoy the game.If you are new to the series then I would do more research and maybe play through a couple games in the series before playing this one.Trust me this game can make seriously angry.If you are a Rpg champion then yes play it.    … Full Review »
  3. SnowDay
    Jan 20, 2015
    10
    I don't always review a game with a perfect score, but when I do I love to submerge myself in the sinister atmosphere of Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne.
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