I came to Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse with some trepidation. I really loved the previous game, Shin Megami Tensei IV, and was concerned about how returning to that world one more time would turn out. Well, I needn't have worried, as Apocalypse's reinterpretation of the original game is superb and has a lot of improvements that make it a superior experience in some ways. 

The standout feature of this game is the superb combat system. Making turn-based combat thrilling is a difficult thing, but Apocalypse, even above the previous game, has maybe the best combat of any turn-based RPG I have played. Each member of your team does something, and then it is the enemy's turn, but if you do a critical strike or hit a weakness, you can attack again and have the possibility to smirk, which temporarily increases your stats and do extra damage. It is a dynamic and masterfully designed system that really makes you consider each moment. When you first meet a demon, you know nothing about their resistances or weaknesses, so it is up to you to either work it out during the combat or find enough of them to uncover the stats. It can lead to some harsh moments where you attack a demon only to find out it blocks, reflects, or nullifies it. If this happens, you forfeit the rest of your turns, and it is your enemy's turn. If that happens, there is a high likelihood that they'll be smirking and will unleash some serious damage. It is this risk-reward design that makes every encounter a mini-puzzle, even if you already know the demon's weaknesses. It feels fantastic whenever you make a critical strike or go into a smirking state, but equally, you are hit with a tsunami of dread whenever an enemy does the same. Apocalypse is an exceedingly difficult game. You can mitigate that with buffs and some particularly strong spells, but with one bad spell from you, a seemingly innocuous fight can quickly fall apart as the enemy smirks and then does a very powerful critical hit. The bosses present a unique challenge, with many requiring multiple attempts to defeat them. While moments of frustration may arise from the occasional stroke of misfortune, such instances are rare. The superbly crafted combat system ensures that the difficulty remains ‘tough but fair,’ striking a balance that keeps the experience engaging.

The RPG elements in Apocalypse retain that SMT IV style. You still collect demons by trying to convince them to join your team; you still combine them to create new demons and even evolve them at times. Something I love about these two games is the focus on sacrifice. You’re constantly faced with challenging decisions regarding the abilities you and your demons acquire, a mechanic that adds significant depth to each level. To share a personal experience, I had an accident fusing demons early on, resulting in a formidable ally that evolved and accompanied me throughout the game. It was awesome. There is a lot of flavour to the RPG mechanics. Each ability is an 'app'; the demons have a dash of personality, the place you visit to combine demons is called the Cathedral of Shadows and is hosted by some pixelated entity called Mido and all the menus are in your smartphone. It really adds to the overall atmosphere of the game and makes up for some lacklustre graphics.

While it may seem unjust to critique the graphics of an older title on a dated handheld console, certain design aspects appear to be lacking. The exploration of the world and dungeons, set against the backdrop of a modern Tokyo, often feels uninspired. The couple of exceptions are the later game dungeons, which can get very psychedelic. The overworld map suffers from the same issue. The NPC designs, excluding the main cast, are unfortunately lacklustre and overly repetitive. However, the game truly excels in the design of the demons and the main characters. I love the former a great deal; there are so many iconic designs here that I think are better than SMT 4. Mara is a particular highlight, being a massive penis monster attached to a chariot, as is Frosty Jack (and the variations within that archetype). The main cast is fine; I especially like Hallejuah and Dagda, but the real achievement is the boss design. Each boss is meticulously detailed, conveying a divine presence befitting their status. The character design carries the visual experience, showcasing Atlus’ strategy paid off.

Describing the plot of Apocalypse conjures images of both awe and madness. You are slain and subsequently resurrected by the deity Dagda, who charges you with the daunting task of vanquishing other gods. The ultimate goal? To amalgamate all human souls into a singular energy sphere, liberating them from the shackles of mortality. The antagonists, renowned deities with designs to dominate humanity, present formidable challenges. Your journey is a tapestry of mythic encounters: wielding Excalibur against a colossal dragon, shattering a soul-draining egg that preys upon Tokyo’s inhabitants, battling celestial beings in the heavens, and even confronting Krishna. All that sounds exceedingly cool, and it is, but the stuff between isn't that engaging. There is only so much love triangle drama one can handle and the resolution to the Dagda plot was rather flaccid. It’s here that Apocalypse falls short of its predecessor, SMT IV, which weaved a narrative rich in coherence and detail, punctuated by moments of grandeur.

So yeah, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is a superb game. There were multiple times, mainly after defeating a particularly difficult boss, where I was literally celebrating like I had scored a goal. It surpasses its predecessor, Shin Megami Tensei IV, in nearly every aspect, narrative aside. However, that’s hardly a drawback, as the game presents a coherent story that skilfully sets the stage for remarkable encounters. Looking ahead, I’m keen to delve into more Shin Megami Tensei games to discover the diverse interpretations of the franchise’s signature style.