Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster

 Switch
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 62 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 62
  3. Negative: 8 out of 62
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  1. ShreyaGola
    May 31, 2021
    7
    Very fun game, love JRPG.One of the best games I have ever played.

    Play it.
  2. TheGuitarGamer
    Apr 12, 2022
    3
    Great RPG but weak port. The game runs great in PS2 but it has a lot of lag in Switch. And it's expensive for a old game
  3. Astonh02
    May 28, 2021
    9
    Excellent game, decent port. If they had put more time into porting the game into HD properly (like updating the FMVs) this definitely would be a 10. However this is still a fantastic game.
  4. Megaclaw56
    May 27, 2021
    9
    Well, Nocturne is one of the best RPGs of all time, and deserves a 10, but because the remaster changed Pyro Jack's name to "jack-o-lantern" I am giving it a 9. Other than that, the remaster is going to be as good of a experience as the original.
  5. vodkaffee
    May 27, 2021
    9
    was kind of conflicted with the score. originally i gave it a 9 on the ps2.
    and taking into account the pros and cons of the remaster i think i will keep that score.
    my only complain is the use of the denuvo system and the frame drops that do not affects gameplay. but common. the switch can run doom eternal with 0 frame drops. in any case. this is the best and version of the game you    was kind of conflicted with the score. originally i gave it a 9 on the ps2.
    and taking into account the pros and cons of the remaster i think i will keep that score.
    my only complain is the use of the denuvo system and the frame drops that do not affects gameplay. but common. the switch can run doom eternal with 0 frame drops.

    in any case. this is the best and version of the game you to play. the game seems to play better on handheld
    i think the quality of the port may have suffered because unnecesary work on localization (seriously what italian/brasilian/portuguese into hardcore jrpgs doesnt know english)
    buuut, this is the first SMT in spanish and i love it    … Expand
  6. Reed618
    Jun 9, 2021
    0
    70 dollars for the version with dante... I know it's a cult classic but this is a ps2 game. I know they added voice acting, easy mode, improved lighting and textures and widescreen support but come on.... 70 dollars for a ps2 game?! Day 1 dlc is pretty bad in general but this is one of the worst examples I've ever seen.
  7. ZoRDoK
    Jan 5, 2022
    5
    Too old for me: high level of grind and surprisingly lack of story (but great atmosphere), and story itself is a bit unbeliveable. I like personas (from 2 to 4) and now have some hope for smt 5. But Nocturne did not live up my expectations.
  8. KittyTeam
    Aug 5, 2021
    9
    Fantastic game! I describe this game to friends as adult Pokemon! I would highly recommend this game.
  9. Phuz
    Feb 9, 2023
    3
    Slow, repetitive and clunky. Not quite sure what the hype is with these guys. I didn't like P5 and I don't like this.
  10. Garlands
    Jul 25, 2021
    6
    Un jeu compliqué à apprécier en raison de la complexité totalement absurde et démoralisante des donjons , même avec la soluce c'est un calvaire ...
  11. Plushjavi
    May 30, 2021
    9
    Un juego que te atrapa sin poder evitarlo, gran conversión aun que algo pobre en algunos aspectos, eso si no es para todo el mundo
  12. rafaeliras
    May 31, 2021
    8
    Sigue siendo un gran videojuego, pero está versión HD Remaster tiene un par de fallos. El primero es que algunas cinemáticas no han sido remasterizadas, el segundo no incluye algunos DLCs, entre ellos el de Dante de Devil May Cry, cuando en su anterior versión en Occidente salió con estos incluidos, aunque se pueden comprar en la eShop. Por lo demás, una historia poco usual que enganchaSigue siendo un gran videojuego, pero está versión HD Remaster tiene un par de fallos. El primero es que algunas cinemáticas no han sido remasterizadas, el segundo no incluye algunos DLCs, entre ellos el de Dante de Devil May Cry, cuando en su anterior versión en Occidente salió con estos incluidos, aunque se pueden comprar en la eShop. Por lo demás, una historia poco usual que engancha desde primer momento. Está edición contiene un DLC gratuito, el modo de dificultad piadoso (fácil), para las personas que tienen poco tiempo o que quieran centrarse en la historia.… Expand
  13. RafaTamer
    Nov 12, 2021
    10
    Um dos melhores rpgs já feitos, seria melhor um remake e não remaster pois ficou com cara de datado, por ter um apego ao jogo essa é a minha nota!
  14. Yazaa
    Jul 6, 2021
    10
    The following paragraph is a post I made for Reddit, so it isn't necessarily a review, but more so a list of things that might be a deciding factor for whether you buy this HD Remaster. in summary it covers topics such as SMT 3 HD vs the original PS2 release, the Dante as paid DLC controversy being not that big of a deal, the uncompressed OST mod for the Switch and PS4 versions, and theThe following paragraph is a post I made for Reddit, so it isn't necessarily a review, but more so a list of things that might be a deciding factor for whether you buy this HD Remaster. in summary it covers topics such as SMT 3 HD vs the original PS2 release, the Dante as paid DLC controversy being not that big of a deal, the uncompressed OST mod for the Switch and PS4 versions, and the Base $50 version vs the Deluxe $70 version . Without further ado, here is the post I made on Reddit:

    Since SMT 3 HD is a lot more expensive than the ps2 version, getting SMT 3 HD over SMT 3 PS2 really comes down to how much worth you value voice acting (that can be set to English, Japanese, or turned off), a suspend save feature, merciful (easy-mode) difficulty, and the optional manual skill inheritance. If you don't know what manual skill inheritance means, it is a quality of life feature exclusive to this HD Remaster that allows you to manually choose which skills a demon that resulted from fusion gets from the demons used as fusion materials. In the PS2 release of SMT 3 the skills were determined randomly with no input from the player. Another thing that may influence your decision to buy the HD Remaster is that they updated the localization for SMT 3 HD to be more accurate and readable in certain places; however, in very specific dialogue lines it adds questionable modern slang. Though, I need to stress that this questionable modern slang is very few and far between, and it may not be that big of a deal to you. Also, something worth noting is the PC and Switch versions of SMT 3 HD have a uncompressed soundtrack mod that is currently in development. You can find this uncompressed soundtrack mod here: https://gamebanana.com/wips/56149 (If the link doesn't work just go to https://gamebanana.com/games/10084 and search for the mod titled "HD Audio for HD Ears").

    Graphically speaking, not much has changed beside a few textures being more HD'er and lighting changes. One interesting thing that doesn't get enough attention is that if you were to play on PCSX2 with a 16:9 patch, the UI elements get stretched (so things like circles become ovals), whereas with SMT 3 HD they redid the UI for the 16:9 aspect ratio.

    If you decide to buy SMT 3 HD, don't buy the $70 deluxe version. The deluxe version is a complete rip-off. It adds 2 grind dungeons that are completely pointless since SMT 3 isn't even that much of a grindy game, and even if you do want to grind, you can just download the free easy-mode DLC and change to that since difficulty can be changed at any point. The deluxe version also adds 2 tracks from SMT 1, SMT 2, SMT 4, and SMT 4 Apocalypse, respectively. This is seriously not worth it if your playing SMT 3 for the first time. On top of that, it is only 2 tracks at a time. The only semi-worth it paid DLC that comes with the deluxe edition is the Dante from the Devil May Cry series DLC, but that doesn't even matter that much because he is replaced by Raidou from Devil Summoner (the protagonist from another game from the MegaTen franchise). Raidou and Dante move-set wise are identical; the only difference that they have is the cutscenes, which doesn't even matter since you can just look up online. It's also worth noting that you can't use both Raidou and Dante on the same save file, without making a NEW GAME. Also, you can just buy the Dante DLC separately if you really want him.

    One more thing, I need to talk about in regards to SMT 3 HD is the fact that the PC version, and only the PC version, allows you to play the original 2003 (previously Japan-exclusive) version of SMT 3 HD. You can view the changes made here. Note that the Maniax version was the version that was released outside of Japan, so basically everything added by the Maniax re-release, the vanilla version doesn't have. Maniax Chronicle was a late 2008 re-release that has all the inclusions of Maniax, but replaced Dante with Raidou. If you are playing on PC and you want all the inclusions that the Maniax Chronicles version has, (which is basically everything Maniax added, but with Raidou instead of Dante) you have to download the free Chronicles DLC, and choose NEW GAME: CHRONICLE when starting the game for the first time. If you don't do this you lose out on all of the Maniax additions and Raidou. Alternatively, you can buy the $10 Dante DLC, which adds the same Maniax additions, but with Dante instead of Raidou. Note that you don't have to do this if you buy the PS4 or Switch version. The Switch and PS4 version automatically has the free Chronicles DLC, and all you have to do is choose NEW GAME.

    Overall, I think SMT 3 HD is the better version, but it really isn't super worth it if you already played the PS2 version. Again, it comes down to how much you value voice acting and manual skill inheritance relative to the price you are paying for the HD Remaster.    … Expand
  15. SmokeRose-182
    Sep 17, 2021
    10
    One of the best JRPG's of ALL TIME
    Seriously, without spoiling too much this has to be one of the best JRPG's ever made, from its immersing and dark post-apocalyptic atmosphere, to the way the story presents its themes upon you
    Mashed together with one of the most addictive turn based combat systems i've ever played A memorable soundtrack packed with compositions that give me chills by    One of the best JRPG's of ALL TIME
    Seriously, without spoiling too much this has to be one of the best JRPG's ever made, from its immersing and dark post-apocalyptic atmosphere, to the way the story presents its themes upon you
    Mashed together with one of the most addictive turn based combat systems i've ever played
    A memorable soundtrack packed with compositions that give me chills by every second, added to a high skill ceiling that makes every battle rewarding once you get the hang of it
    Buy it, play it, It's a **** Masterpiece    … Expand
  16. carhigh
    Jun 11, 2022
    8
    Never played the PS2 version so I won't talk about it as a port rather it's own game.

    The game is one of the best ever made, it has excellent combat and themes throughout the narrative. Really fun dungeon crawling and amazing bosses and demon designs,

    However the framerate for switch isn't the best so be aware when you buy it :)
  17. WindlessNight
    Jan 31, 2023
    9
    Easily one of the greatest games I’ve played. The combat is frustrating with enemies that have annoying moves sets. But once you get those enemies on your team and you abuse the game mechanics, it becomes really fun (going for a physical build makes it easier). Spamming buffs back at enemies, draining their SP, it’s really fun to laugh back at the enemies. It can be very grindy at timesEasily one of the greatest games I’ve played. The combat is frustrating with enemies that have annoying moves sets. But once you get those enemies on your team and you abuse the game mechanics, it becomes really fun (going for a physical build makes it easier). Spamming buffs back at enemies, draining their SP, it’s really fun to laugh back at the enemies. It can be very grindy at times (especially with the TDE) but never felt too unreasonable. Many puzzles were annoying and pick-a-paths so a guide for the entire game is very much recommended. The graphics looked nice in the context of a PS2 game, I never noticed frame drops. The story was interesting, with characters you don’t get to know well, but the game doesn’t want you to care about them anyways. Going for the True Demon Ending lead me to find Raidou, one of my favorite characters, whose role is acknowledged with a cute end credits message. A great game for fans of mainline SMT and those who don’t mind grinding too much.… Expand
  18. seltzermots
    Apr 15, 2023
    7
    Created this account solely to warn others that in the first 6 hours the game has crashed twice already. Crashes aside, it’s been a wonderful experience so far. Incredible atmosphere, great visuals, great gameplay. No excuse for these crashes tho! I’m not complaining about the save system, I love it and it adds to the game. But I don’t wanna have to worry constantly about saving due toCreated this account solely to warn others that in the first 6 hours the game has crashed twice already. Crashes aside, it’s been a wonderful experience so far. Incredible atmosphere, great visuals, great gameplay. No excuse for these crashes tho! I’m not complaining about the save system, I love it and it adds to the game. But I don’t wanna have to worry constantly about saving due to crashes less I lose an hour or more of progress. So yeah, buyer beware, and def buy this on sale bc these crashes are unacceptable given the type game SMT III is. Otherwise love it tho!… Expand

Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. CD-Action
    Dec 7, 2021
    75
    Storywise, this classic jRPG is more relevant today than it was in 2003, as its tale of global apocalypse turned out to be a quite fitting metaphor for what we have all experienced in the last 12 months. Nocturne’s age is obviously noticeable, but for a game this huge the quality of the remaster is acceptable, even if Atlus’ enormous work only managed to turn the clock back by a couple of years. [07/2021, p.36]
  2. Ninty Fresh Magazine
    Dec 3, 2021
    60
    Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne is rereleased as a HD Remaster in all but name. It is still the same great-but- niche JRPG from the past, though. (Issue #4, p.60]
  3. Games.cz
    Jun 28, 2021
    70
    Shin Megami Tensei is back on modern hardware and modern players will have their fair share of problems with it. I’d recommend this only to very patient, challenge-hungry JRPG veterans.
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