Author: RPG_Master44
Date: (PT)
Subject: Introductions Here
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Hello all and welcome to the forum. I am your resident Section Mod, RPG_Master44 *aka The RPG Info Man*. Be sure to see me around here.
Author: Gatsu
Date: (PT)
Subject: re: Introductions Here
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Hello Master, and by the way what game is this supposed to be related to.
Author: RPG_Master44
Date: (PT)
Subject: re: Introductions Here
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Check the info thread
Shin Megami Tensai is a very popular series in Japan. Welcome to the forum BTW 
Author: little master
Date: (PT)
Subject: re: Introductions Here
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is this game "persona" in the U.S.?:confused Is it being released in the U.S.?
Author: Kudzuka
Date: (PT)
Subject: re: Introductions Here
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Hello. I want to get this game because DANTE is in it, and looks like pretty awesome rpg with grimm reaper dudes.
Author: Furyion
Date: (PT)
Subject: re: Introductions Here
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Figured I'd say hello since this game looks freakin awesome.
Author: hanzo
Date: (PT)
Subject: re: Introductions Here
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hi all. i thought this is an intro thread where people should intro themselves or something? Hmm.... watever, about the Dante thingie. he is useless. i mean, he fights n everything is useless n u can't get rid of him. sad eh?
Author: Darth Elric
Date: (PT)
Subject: re: Introductions Here
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Hellow and thanks for the welcome!
I must say this game is feekin' awesome! The cell shaded graphics are jaw dropping. I can't wait to finish this one! *the seat is lefted empty and spinning*
Author: EvilMog9999
Date: (PT)
Subject: re: Introductions Here
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Wow, it is a shame beyond belief that the Nocturne forum is so small!
I don't know if anyone will ever read this post, but if anyone does... This is a post dedicated to explaining how good this game is. Everyone who likes RPGs should get this game. Even those who do not would enjoy this particular RPG if they used a guide. My girlfriend does not like RPGs, but she loved playing this game as well as I do.
I think Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne is one of the best RPG games ever made. I know many people say that about many games, but this one is special. If played on Hard mode, known as Maniacs mode in Japan, it is one of the most challenging, but satisfyingly challenging, RPGs there are. The graphics are not photo-realistic, but they aren't supposed to be. The are stylized beautifully. The subject matter in the story and originality in gameplay mechanics and abilities are both beyond compare.
This game follows a set storyline, but there are multiple endings, and not just a half dozen set characters, but hundreds of character combinations with literally millions of permutations of character abilities in your party. It is the ultimate party and character customization game. It has a very high replay value and a "new game plus" style feature called "cycle 2" in which you can obtain abilities that make it easier to beat the game repeatedly for alternate endings much quicker than the first playthrough if you did things right in the first playthrough.
The game is paced very well, and you never feel like you are "stuck" doing one thing. You almost never need to farm experience because the battles are constantly available while exploring. However, so much is accomplished aside from merely fighting during battles that they don't seem an interruption to walking around, but a welcome event. Even if you want to sit arround and "farm" experience and macca (money in this game) it doesn't feel like you are stagnating. The battles are always exciting.
The battles are very fast paced for a turn based RPG because of the "press turn" system rather than having an ATB gauge. This system is superior to the infinite turn length system of Final Fantasy X as well. Your choice of attack and its outcome determine the effectiveness of your use of turn length in Nocturne. There is no "haste" spell, but instead, if you do something "good" based on your circumstance, you are rewarded with turn dominance, if you do something "bad" or miss, you may lose turns, and the same goes for the computer side.
The character design for the playable characters and the storyline characters are fantastic. They draw off of real mythology and religion, but add their own flavor. *SPOILER* Dante makes an appearance in this game, and is truly "bad-ass" and scary as an opponent and a foriddable ally for a good portion of the later game *END SPOILER* Other characters are equally daunting and intriguing.
As you progress you choose the fate of the entire universe by your words and deeds. *SPOILER* Will you make a world of order and stillness? A world of solitude and imagination? A world of power and chaos? Or will you destroy existence itself? *END SPOILER*
In any case, this is a fantastic game. It was never hyped in the united states, and there weren't many copies available. I am a long time Final Fantasy, Chrono Series, Xenosaga, Zelda, D and D, and other such games fan. I would say that Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne ranks as good as the best games in these series and better. I was surprised to see this game topple my old favorites list and reach my number one.
It is not for the faint of heart, both philosophically and regarding gameplay difficulty. However, if it really is too hard, there are good guides online, or you could buy the strategy guide off of an internet auction site. I can answer anyone's questions regarding this game as well. I am an expert at this game. Go get this game.