Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is lastly right here! Branded by developer ATLUS because the “definitive” model of the sport, it guarantees to increase on the unique with iterated mechanics, new characters, and a brand new storyline that revolves across the Qadištu faction; which consists of demonic girls who, relying on who you ask, are both evil or are wrongfully scorned by society. This recreation appears to be an growth in any respect prices, although, as ATLUS is delisting the unique Shin Megami Tensei V from the Nintendo eShop on June thirteenth. This has left many questioning ATLUS’s penchant for releasing enhanced variations of their video games and in the event that they’re at all times ok to benefit the smooth erasure of the unique model of the sport.
That’s why this text goes to dig into each enhanced model of a recreation in ATLUS’s discography, and type them from worst to finest for some added enjoyable. ATLUS has an extended historical past of releasing video games this fashion, and there have been each missteps and again steps in crafting rereleases that actually enhance upon the bottom recreation. By what’s labored and what hasn’t, it’ll grow to be simpler to consider Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance as a brand new tackle the unique, moderately than assume it’s the brand new and improved model of the unique title.
As a clerical observe earlier than kicking this record off, ports from one platform to one other don’t depend as an enhanced version and won’t be included on this record. There has to be a major materials change past the machine the sport runs on for a recreation to meet the “enhanced” standards. So the likes of the Etrian Odyssey Origins Assortment is not going to be included right here, however the reimaginings of the primary two Etrian Odyssey video games for the Nintendo 3DS can be mentioned.
19. Growlanser (remake)
The Growlanser collection of video games are a consequence of the Profession Delicate division of Mayasa Video games cut up away from the Mayasa model, and partnered with ATLUS to create a religious successor to the nonetheless ongoing Langrisser franchise. They’re tactical RPGs with a distinctly shojo visible fashion, and the whole franchise is considered as a little bit of a cult basic by people who find themselves, each, method into anime and ways video games.
The Growlanser enhanced remake for the PSP is on the backside of this record, although, as a result of it BIZARRELY was by no means launched outdoors of Japan. Growlanser 2, 3, and 4 have been all localized however, despite their combined to favorable reception, the Growlanswer enhanced remake remained a Japan-only title. As there’s no professional method to play this title outdoors of Japan, it may’t be mentioned additional or evaluated larger.
18. Persona 2: Harmless Sin and Everlasting Punishment for the PSP
The Persona 2 duology (handled right here as a single entry as that is already a fairly lengthy record) has at all times been a little bit of a black sheep within the Persona collection. Whereas segments of the older fanbase like it for its queer themes, catching artwork route, and distinct setting; the video games by no means actually received
a good shake outdoors of Japan.
The unique model of the primary recreation, Harmless Sin, was by no means launched outdoors of Japan; making the second recreation, Everlasting Punishment, the worldwide entry level. This was flipped for the PSP enhanced remakes, although, the place the upgraded model of Harmless Sin was accessible globally however not Everlasting Punishment. Actually, these video games are in determined want of Persona 3: Reload fashion remakes, and hopefully this decrease rating will encourage that type of up to date launch.
17. Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight
The Etrian Odyssey collection is made up of a number of the finest video games round for dungeon crawling sickos. In the same vein to Sq. Enix’s Dungeon Encounters, the Etrian Odyssey video games closely prioritize gameplay loops like exploring and mapping dungeons, flip based mostly fight, and managing the economic system of operating a guild over any type of narrative. Which is why it’s unusual that the improved version of Etrian Odyssey 2 tacks on story mode that detracts from the main target of the unique title.
There’s a cause that ATLUS determined to use the bottom variations of the primary two Etrian Odyssey video games for the latest Etrian Odyssey Origins Assortment, and it is as a result of the “enhanced” a part of Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight feels extra like an ancillary add-on than one thing that builds upon the sport’s robust factors.
16. Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Lady
The whole lot in regards to the enhanced model of Etrian Odyssey 2 is relevant for the improved model of Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Lady, which additionally focuses on story content material. So, go re-read that first paragraph and a half in order for you a fast rundown of why this title can also be pretty low on this record.
The Millennium Lady beatus out The Fafnir Knight, although, as a result of this 3DS enhanced version truly scored just a few Metacritic factors larger than its unique model. Whether or not this can be a statistical quirk or a sign of real enchancment is unclear, however that’s sufficient of a cause to rank The Millennium Lady one slot larger than its sequel.
15. Catherine: Full Body
The Catherine collection is a little bit of a minefield. On the one hand, it’s action-puzzler gameplay, grownup solid of characters, and supernatural homicide thriller plot make it really feel prefer it was tailor made for older Persona 4 followers. Then again, many objected to the informal bigotry levied in direction of trans characters within the unique launch, and trans and gender nonconforming characters within the Full Body enhanced version.
In equity, loads of individuals did discover the gender expression of the marginalized characters in each variations of Catherine to be inspiring too. Nevertheless, this recreation can also be a chief instance of ATLUS’s on-again, off-again, “extra is best” enhanced version philosophy; the place over-encumbering a recreation with extra story and ranges is handled as a superior expertise. Greater, after all, doesn’t at all times equate to higher and this added materials detracts from the tighter expertise of the unique Catherine.
14. Tokyo Mirage Periods ♯FE Encore
As a crossover between Fireplace Emblem and Shin Megami Tensei video games with a concentrate on idol tradition, Tokyo Mirage Periods ♯FE is a recreation made for very particular section of the gaming viewers. Tokyo Mirage Periods ♯FE Encore does a strong job constructing upon the unique, even when piled on characters and story content material can really feel prefer it’s placing a hat on prime of a hat.
The US and Japanese launch of this recreation have been mired in a little bit of controversy, although, which knocks it down just a few ranks on this record. Tokyo Mirage Periods is the supply of the notorious “vagina bones” meme, which is each hilarious out of context and nonetheless potent shorthand for localization adjustments across the sexualization of characters. Moreover, all variations of Encore have been based mostly on the Western model of the unique recreation, that means that the extra risque content material of the Japanese model of the unique didn’t seem in any model of the improved version.
Whereas that content material is unquestionably a bizarre factor to be left on the chopping room ground, eradicating materials entire material undoubtedly works towards the thought of an “enhanced” version of a recreation.
13. Shin Megami Tensei: Satan Survivor Overclocked
Shin Megami Tensei: Satan Survivor is a ways based mostly spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise for the Nintendo DS. Assume Persona 5 Tactica, however with an unique solid of characters. Shin Megami Tensei: Satan Survivor Overclocked is an enhanced port for the Nintendo 3DS, that provides the compendium mechanic featured in most mainline video games, and even provides voice appearing!
Whereas these extra deliberate and mechanically targeted add ons are within the spirit of what make enhanced variations of video games worthwhile, they don’t fairly work cohesively in Shin Megami Tensei: Satan Survivor Overclocked. In truth, the improved model of this title truly has an mixture evaluate rating that’s just a few factors decrease than the unique model of the sport, so it falls to the underside half of this record.
12. Shin Megami Tensei: Satan Survivor 2 Report Breaker
The sequel to Satan Survivor, aptly named Satan Survivor 2, additionally received an enhanced version within the type of Shin Megami Tensei: Satan Survivor 2 Report Breaker. Whereas this 3DS enhanced version did principally boil down to further content material after the unique recreation’s ending, this enhanced version was reviewed extra favorably than its base model. Between this larger crucial reception, and the truth that characters from the Durarara!! anime inexplicably appeared as DLC characters within the enhanced version, Report Breaker narrowly beats out Overclocked on this record.
11. Persona 5: Royal
For as a lot as Persona 5: Royal is seen because the definitive model of the sport that introduced mainstream acclaim to the lengthy operating collection, it truly exacerbates a number of the unique’s largest points. Whereas it’s nice to spend extra time with Akechi after he outs himself as a lil freak, and Sumire’s storyline is definitely transferring; Royal tacks on a minimum of fifteen hours of gameplay to a title that already bridged right into a triple digit runtime.
Whereas each Persona 5 and Royal are nice video games, the pacing and repetitive writing are low factors and Royal’s tacked on third semester could make the sport really feel like much more of a slog. Whereas extra of a terrific online game sounds splendid on paper, it’s not as interesting when many of the further content material doesn’t deal with underlying points. I’ve stated it earlier than, however when it comes to Shin Megami Tensei video games, there’s a distinction between “extra” and “enhanced” and that’s why Royal is in the course of the pack on this rating.
10. Shin Megami Tensei: Unusual Journey Redux
Shin Megami Tensei: Unusual Journey Redux is a fairly commonplace enhanced version so far as ATLUS video games go. There are some new demons, high quality of life adjustments, an extra dungeon, and a brand new character that additionally brings some new endings. What makes Redux a greater than common ATLUS enhanced version is the timing of its launch greater than its content material, although.
SMT: Unusual Journey Redux got here to the 3DS a bit of over a 12 months after the unique model of Persona 5, and about seven months after the discharge of the Nintendo Change. So not solely did it capitalize on the rising curiosity within the broader SMT franchise, but it surely additionally breathed a final little bit of life right into a sunsetting console. It’s vital to keep in mind that “enhanced editions” of video games are, on some stage, advertising and marketing ways; and Redux deserves props for releasing as curiosity was peaking and on a ubiquitous piece of {hardware} about to fall into irrelevancy.
9. Maken Shao: Demon Sword
Maken X is a hack and slash recreation for the Dreamcast and was additionally the directorial debut of Katsura Hashino, who would go on to direct Persona 3, 4, and 5. The sport additionally acquired a manga adaptation by Q Hayashida, the famed mangaka behind collection like Dorohedoro and Dai Darkish.
Whereas Maken X acquired a combined at finest reception, the Maken Shao: Demon Sword enhanced version earns the next spot on this record by remodeling the primary individual motion recreation into a 3rd individual motion recreation. Whereas the improved version doesn’t fairly come collectively cohesively, this variation had to be a large endeavor and provides the type of refreshed expertise that makes enhanced editions worthwhile.
8. Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne Maniax
Do you know that the model of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne that most individuals outdoors of Japan are conversant in is definitely an enhanced model of the sport? Dubbed the Maniax version and sometimes referred to as a Director’s Lower, and included the famed cameo of Dante from the Satan Might Cry collection. This model of the sport additionally featured the improved issue that the title, and future SMT video games, would grow to be recognized for.
Is it a bit of bizarre to embrace an enhanced version that most individuals know because the default model of the sport so excessive up on this record? Sure, but in addition Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne Maniax received the ball rolling for the slowing rising reputation of the SMT and Persona franchises, so Maniax deserves this recognition and reward.
7. Persona 3: FES
Persona 3: FES is the primary enhanced version of Persona 3, and is the primary time a Persona title received this type of improve. At this time it may kind of be considered because the template from which later enhanced editions of their video games would draw upon. FES provides story content material past the ending of the unique recreation, and cleans up quite a lot of backend technical points.
Whereas FES is a rock strong basis from which ATLUS has developed their enhanced recreation identification, there are higher variations of Persona 3 you could play proper now and subsequently this recreation falls a bit wanting the highest 5 on this record.
6. Persona 3: Reload
Persona 3: Reload has sufficient graphical adjustments and high quality of life enhancements to make it as a lot of an enhanced version as it’s a remake of the unique recreation. Additionally, with ‘The Reply’ content material from FES on the horizon as DLC, it’s beginning to really feel extra like a refresh of the improved version than only a remake of the unique recreation. This model of Persona 3 is much and away the simplest method for followers to expertise the title that may affect the franchise for greater than a decade to come.
That being stated, a number of the adjustments in Reload work towards the intent of the unique recreation. Reload debtors the peppier visuals of Persona 5, which undermine the melancholic tone and themes of the unique recreation. This enhanced model makes the sport extra approachable, however much less distinct, and an enhanced model of a recreation ought to construct a title up moderately than squeeze it into a preferred mildew.
5. Radiant Historia: Excellent Chronology
Radiant Historia was a rock strong flip based mostly function enjoying recreation that had the misfortune of releasing internationally in 2011, when international curiosity in these sorts of video games was at an all time low. Which means that, regardless of resoundingly optimistic opinions, not many performed the title; making it a chief candidate for an enhanced version that might give it one other probability to shine.
Excellent Chronology for the 3DS does simply that whereas additionally including animation from the famed A-1 Footage studio, voice appearing, and high quality of life adjustments that sped up gameplay. Certain, the brand new story content material felt a bit tacked on, but it surely’s tough to choose up on that should you aren’t conversant in the unique launch. Finally, Excellent Chronology does precisely what an enhanced model of a recreation ought to; which is to additional polish what labored within the unique and construct upon the momentum of the earlier launch to take a title to even higher heights.
4. Persona 4: Golden
Persona 4: Golden is without doubt one of the finest enhanced editions of a recreation ATLUS has ever made as a result of I can’t consider a single cause why somebody ought to play the bottom model over this version. Does the added story content material pad out the runtime? Sure, however the recreation can nonetheless be crushed in round 80 hours, which is the candy spot for these sorts of sprawling RPGs. Golden additionally provides new cutscenes and character interactions, which is greater than welcome for a recreation that thrives on the standard of its character writing.
Likelihood is, although, that you just already knew that Persona 4: Golden was among the finest enhanced video games in ATLUS’s catalog. Even because the Persona 5 video games have grow to be the brand new hotness and many individuals’s gateway into the franchise, Golden stays the gold commonplace wherein all different ATLUS video games are measured.
3. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona for the PSP
The PSP remake of the unique Persona recreation, titled Revelations: Persona on the PS1, is unquestionably an odd choose for one in every of ATLUS’s finest enhanced editions, but it surely’s right here for good cause. Do you know that solely half of the unique Persona recreation was ever launched within the US? No, this isn’t a Persona 2 state of affairs the place a sequel/prequel was left unlocalized; half of the story within the first Persona recreation was eliminated within the Western launch!
Dubbed the Snow Queen route, this storyline leans into the city legends components that may go on to make the Persona franchise so endearing. With this content material restored within the PSP enhanced version of Persona, the sport is made full and turns into much more of a gem that new followers ought to take a look at. The sport’s extra grounded, biblical apocalypse setting nonetheless feels novel right now and this model of the sport enhances the bottom recreation greater than another title on this record.
2. Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir
What occurs when among the finest video games made by ATLUS and Vanillawear will get an enhanced version? It turns into arguably the most effective recreation to come out of both studio. Odin Sphere was a cult basic that was deeply influential to all who performed it, as evident by American people band sensation The Mountain Goat’s hidden monitor, “Enoch 18:14” on The Lifetime of the World to Come album. Leifthrasir introduced the motion RPG to a broader viewers as the most effective model of itself.
In a departure from most different enhanced editions on this record, Leifthrasir makes no story adjustments to the bottom recreation and as an alternative focuses on graphical enhancements and refining gameplay techniques. In completely recognizing what labored and the bottom recreation and what may very well be refined, Leifthrasir is the best of what an enhanced version of a recreation must be, and is simply by an enhanced version that goes effectively above and past what is cheap for this type of launch.
1. Persona 3: Transportable
(*5*)
Persona 3: Transportable enables you to play as a lady and date the male solid characters current within the recreation. Whereas that may sound like a small change, it’s truly a pretty big endeavor from a writing and coding perspective and might be the rationale enhanced editions of later Persona video games haven’t had that function. Nevertheless, this variation signifies that the crew behind it knew precisely what was interesting in regards to the unique Persona 3, and enhances that have with none type of detraction.
The primary attraction of Persona 3, or any of the fashionable Persona titles, are the characters. In enjoying the sport you get to expertise a number of the finest character writing within the video games medium, and also you’re left wanting extra time and new experiences with these characters by the tip of it. P3P does simply that, as giving the participant the choice to play the sport with a personality of a special gender identification, enables you to see new sides of established characters and join to them in numerous methods.
Between this sensible recontextualization of the sport and a few battle mechanic updates to make it play extra equally to Particular person 4, Persona 3 Transportable is the most effective enhanced version that ATLUS has ever put out. Whereas it could be an exceptional endeavor for ATLUS to iterate upon different video games to this diploma for future enhanced editions, no recreation higher encapsulates all the pieces related to that type of launch than Persona 3 Transportable.
Make certain to take a look at IGN’s evaluate of Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance for our tackle the newest Atlus expanded re-release. We’ll embrace it on this record as soon as we determine the place it belongs in Atlus’ pantheon of re-releases.
Lucas DeRuyter is a contract author for IGN.
Picture Credit: Atlus, Sega, Nintendo.