Make a pact, start negotiating, and check out your ranking of the best Shin Megami Tensei games on Switch and Nintendo systems. We start at the bottom...
Once you’ve got the hang of it, Jack Bros. is a short game and it’s a shame that there aren’t more puzzles on offer. However, multiple characters and two difficulty settings extend the life of a game that is a lot of fun to play already.
It features great music and looks good, too, though it doesn’t really gain anything from being on the Virtual Boy. Overall, the game’s strengths help to make up for any weaknesses, making it an essential VB purchase.
If you already own or played Devil Survivor on DS, then Overclocked may not be the new version you were hoping for. For those coming to the title fresh, however, prepare to be impressed.
Even though the game doesn't offer up much of an overhaul, it remains a stellar, stylish RPG that handily melds strategy and turn-based battle. It's definitely one of the heftier 3DS games out there, too, with multiple endings and tons of content to explore.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is roughly 85% Shin Megami Tensei, and 15% Fire Emblem, but somehow ends up feeling like something completely separate from both. It strikes a middle ground and boasts an energetic and dynamic combat system wrapped in a setting that takes J-Pop cheesiness to astral heights. There's a remarkably lengthy and enjoyable experience to be found here for anyone who doesn't already have stage fright from its relatively niche proposition.
The Switch 'Encore' port makes it easy to catch up with these days, but just as so many quirky (and excellent!) games did, it was originally part of Wii U's wonderfully diverse and underrated library.
For Shin Megami Tensei or Persona fans, this is a no-brainer - Soul Hackers is a fantastic entry in the series and you won't be disappointed. Even better, it's an excellent place for newcomers to jump in, with a relatively smooth difficulty curve and user-friendly hacks to help you out of tight spots.
If you're a hardened SMT fan, then you might find the dungeons a little bland, but if you're looking for a good place to start, or are a fan of deep, dark, story-driven dungeon crawlers with soul, the Spookies await your call.
With fun, strategic battles, a roller-coaster narrative that never lets up, and a fantastic sense of upbeat, apocalyptic style, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 is a full-on blast of strategy RPG goodness from start to finish.
Even with the 3DS port, which comes with extra bells and whistles, the original is still an excellent way to play if you're a Shin Megami Tensei or SRPG fan.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is one of the most colourful, approachable, and downright endearing RPGs you’ll find on the Switch. Its new story chapter, music tracks, and character assists improve on the original to an extent, but not enough to affect its overall quality. Thankfully, what was there was already fantastic, meaning those who missed out on it the first time around really have no reason not to get stuck in now.
On balance, this RPG is significantly more Shin Megami Tensei than Fire Emblem, so Fire Emblem fans take note. But it's a great time nonetheless, so if you missed this on the Wii U, snap up this one on Switch.
With fun, strategic battles, a roller-coaster narrative that never lets up, and a fantastic sense of upbeat, apocalyptic style, Devil Survivor 2 is a full-on blast from start to finish. If you missed out on the original release, you're in for a treat, and the Triangulum scenario adds another immediately accessible full-length adventure to the experience.
It's a more lighthearted experience than most other games in the series, too. Whether you're a longtime MegaTen fan or just enjoy deep, strategic RPGs, summon up your courage and sign in to Nicaea; you won't regret it.
From its demon collecting and killer combat to its sci-fi South Pole setting, Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey is a fantastically engrossing adventure.
This MegaTen title also received an updated 3DS 'Redux' edition which, while more accessible, is usually considered the weaker version. Strange Journey, however, is beloved by fans, and if you've got access to a DS and can find a copy of this, you're in for a treat.
