When I first heard about it, I thought it was gonna be a good game that wouldn't leave that much of an impact, something really good maybe, but not that impactful.
I was far more excited to play Nocturne and the Raidou games.
I played it first because Nocturne didn't click much and seemed people prefered this over Raidou.
By the time I was done with this game, I didn't know what to say or even think, even being the first part of a story, this game left such an impact on what was building, and what it achieved at that point, between its combat, dungeon exploration, customization, characters, story, atmosphere, looks, OST, everything just came in to make what is the first half of my favorite game of all time, and a work of art that helped me so much at one of the worst points of my life.
Serph, Argilla, Heat, Gale, Cielo and Sera are all an incredible cast with so much development and amazing dynamics, even with the low amount of time they have for cutscenes, they make the most out of it, and flesh them out so well.
The antagonists all do their job so well, be it characters like Harley who just serve to introduce the conflict, Bat, Mik and Varin who are very antagonistic, and Jinana & Lupa who are tragic in contrast, every character is treated so well and do their job superbly, even with not that much screentime.
The set up of the mysteries of this game are superb, a lot of stuff sticks, and I love how its only on the halfway point here where it starts to really set in just how much is off on it, and the hooks for DDS2 show (specially with Angel).
This is a PS2 game, and it has aged incredibly well.
Out of all the PS2 atlus games, this one is the best looking one, and its not even close, SPECIALLY on the animation and direction of the cutscenes, they nailed it so well with the motion and direction, its absolutely insane.
Shoji Meguro brought his SSS game for the composition of this game, seriously, alongside DDS 2, this is my favorite OST for any game ever.
The dungeon design is masterful, so many great gimmicks and no dungeon is annoying or frustrating, every single one has memorable moments and compelling puzzles when they do.
And omg the combat.
3 party members that have the abilities of the protag AND ALL NEED TO DIE FOR A GAME OVER is SO good I love it.
It adds tension while also feeling fair, and imo reduces chances of bullshit killing you.
The mantra system allows for so much customization as long as you have money.
Literally slap any skill on any character however you want, its top tier.
And the difficulty is just right, its not too hard, but you gotta think to get through it.
This is pure gushing cause this game means so much to me.
It is a complete masterpiece and nothing has impacted me so much like this and its sequel.
Absolutely masterful experience, and deserves to be experienced at least once.
Trust me, this game goes a lot of places, and does so many incredible things.
Its a must play.
I was far more excited to play Nocturne and the Raidou games.
I played it first because Nocturne didn't click much and seemed people prefered this over Raidou.
By the time I was done with this game, I didn't know what to say or even think, even being the first part of a story, this game left such an impact on what was building, and what it achieved at that point, between its combat, dungeon exploration, customization, characters, story, atmosphere, looks, OST, everything just came in to make what is the first half of my favorite game of all time, and a work of art that helped me so much at one of the worst points of my life.
Serph, Argilla, Heat, Gale, Cielo and Sera are all an incredible cast with so much development and amazing dynamics, even with the low amount of time they have for cutscenes, they make the most out of it, and flesh them out so well.
The antagonists all do their job so well, be it characters like Harley who just serve to introduce the conflict, Bat, Mik and Varin who are very antagonistic, and Jinana & Lupa who are tragic in contrast, every character is treated so well and do their job superbly, even with not that much screentime.
The set up of the mysteries of this game are superb, a lot of stuff sticks, and I love how its only on the halfway point here where it starts to really set in just how much is off on it, and the hooks for DDS2 show (specially with Angel).
This is a PS2 game, and it has aged incredibly well.
Out of all the PS2 atlus games, this one is the best looking one, and its not even close, SPECIALLY on the animation and direction of the cutscenes, they nailed it so well with the motion and direction, its absolutely insane.
Shoji Meguro brought his SSS game for the composition of this game, seriously, alongside DDS 2, this is my favorite OST for any game ever.
The dungeon design is masterful, so many great gimmicks and no dungeon is annoying or frustrating, every single one has memorable moments and compelling puzzles when they do.
And omg the combat.
3 party members that have the abilities of the protag AND ALL NEED TO DIE FOR A GAME OVER is SO good I love it.
It adds tension while also feeling fair, and imo reduces chances of bullshit killing you.
The mantra system allows for so much customization as long as you have money.
Literally slap any skill on any character however you want, its top tier.
And the difficulty is just right, its not too hard, but you gotta think to get through it.
This is pure gushing cause this game means so much to me.
It is a complete masterpiece and nothing has impacted me so much like this and its sequel.
Absolutely masterful experience, and deserves to be experienced at least once.
Trust me, this game goes a lot of places, and does so many incredible things.
Its a must play.