In just one week since its release in Japan, Shin Megami Tensei IV has exploded at the top of the charts, with sales of nearly 190,000 copies. The game is known for its intensity and maturity—and it didn’t happen by accident.
In speaking with NicoNico News , game director Kazuyuki Yamai explained that the team’s motivation behind the game’s maturity was to prove that games don’t need to be “childish.” Rather, the deep concept gameplay came out of the team’s sincere desire to change some of the general population’s perception that casual social gaming is “good enough.”
Yamai wanted Shin Megami Tensei IV to be “something that can move people. Something that can give some sort of hint to those who are living hard lives, and perhaps even provide an unforgettable feeling of shock. This title isn’t only for younger people. It’s also a bitter and serious drama we’ve accomplished, that even adults can play and say ‘I see.’
“During the game, there are various scenes where the player will be faced with necessary decisions. For example, you may agree or disagree with one of your allies. Sometimes you’ll have to decide between finishing off a dying enemy or letting them live. Such choices will have a large impact on the story’s development.”
We’ll be seeing this title in North America on July 16th. Limited edition boxed sets include a Strategy and Design book, a Shin Megami Tensei Music Collection CD, and Collectible Slipcase packaging.
