The game also allows players to individually take a demon and walk about the city in “solo” mode. This mode is useful if Raidou is not permitted to access certain areas. Taking a demon into a restricted area is very helpful in uncovering elements of the plot or gaining insight on other characters or events. When in the demon solo mode, players can still get into battle, however only the demon will be playable. Each demon also has special abilities that can be exploited during battle, whether with Raidou or in solo-mode. Some demons have elemental abilities while others have state-affecting skills that can freeze, paralyze, or confuse enemies. During the actual battle, though, players don’t control summoned demons. But rather, players can command the demon using a pull-down menu with the R1 button. Like Bahamut Lagoon or Star Ocean games, players can dictate what sort of actions the demon can take while in a fight, whether it’s to conserve MP or to use a specific attack.
Demons can also be “fused” to make various other demons. Megami Tensei allows players to “create” their own monster demons (big or small) by getting their loyalty up. This is done by protecting and fighting alongside a demon for a number of battles. The higher up a demon’s loyalty, the more willing they are to fuse with other demons. Like Monster Rancher, depending on the demon’s level and characteristics will determine what sort of hybrid demon will come out of the mixture. There’s also level-restricted demons that can only be summoned or fused when the player reaches a certain level.
Leveling is also something that is standard-fare for an RPG. Players can increase Raidou’s strength, magic, luck, and vitality. The more player’s venture through the city and beyond the outskirts of town, the harder the monsters become. However, when starting off only certain parts of the city is accessible. As players make progress through the game, more parts of the map will become available for players to venture to, to further the story. There’s quite a bit of locations to visit, while uncovering the mystery of the young girl’s disappearance, including the dark realm which is equivalent to the spirit-realm in Legacy of Kain games.
Overall, the game seems to offer quite a bit when it comes to the extensive demon summoning skills, and magic abilities. The control scheme seems to work well, and the battle system offers an easy pick-up-and-play mechanic that should make it easy for most gamers to get into. Fans of the Megami Tensei series, and RPG gamers alike, can look for this game to hit store shelves on October 10th for the PS2.
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