DemiKids: Dark Version

"A Shin Megami Tensei Classic"

I got this game a while ago, thinking it would be good after I read a review from Game Informer. I saw on the top of the box “Shin Megami Tensei” and wondered what the heck that was. Later I actually played the game, loved it, and got a sudden interest in the Shin Megami Tensei games. I got Persona from a local GameStop, then Soul Hackers, Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne, Shin Megami Tensei II, Devil Summoner, and Persona II: Eternal Punishment. So, this game has brought me joy not only from the game itself.

Entertainment- 9/10

Yes, it is a lot like Pokemon, but in Pokemon, the monsters aren't demons, and those monsters don't have personalities. You talk with demons to join your party, not use Pokeballs, which in doing so can make some battles feel like dating sims, oddly enough. The battles aren't that unique though, it's the traditional turn-based type, you use magic and skills, magic uses MP, skills use HP, nothing special. You can fuse demons together too.

Graphics- 8/10

This game has descent graphics, for the GameBoy Advance. The battle animations are great, they really lighten the mood, making this game a lot less dark the the other Shin Megami Tensei games. Well the graphics aren't much different than the rest of the GameBoy Advance RPG games, but oh well, I don't like you people who think good graphics are essential.

Story- 10/10

I couldn't have asked for a better storyline. It is different in its certain ways. Yes, you, Akira, are sent to another world, but with a guardian, Gale, and a gun-like demon summoning computer… Thing, a Demiloc, given to you by a new class mate, Amy, whom is captured by a demon, thus you being sent to another world, Valhalla, to save her and destroy these evil demons creating “Time space rifts” in Valhalla? There is much more to the story than that, but find out for yourself.

Sound 7/10

Blah, some of the tunes get annoying; some of them are somewhat catchy. They're okay, not nearly enough to destroy your ears.

Replay 8/10

I never replayed this game, though I still want to. I have too many games already to play. You can beat the game and start over with your current stats and beat some side quest and try to get all the demons, by connecting with the Light version of the game (where you play as Jin, Akira's friend). I'm not sure if there are side quests though… Find out for yourself!

Overall 9/10

This is a great game, that's sound pushed it away from a 10. If you ever find it for a cheap price, I'd go for it. It's a great buy that will defiantly be rare some day… OR MAYBE IT ALREADY IS! *ahem* Oh yeah, and thank Atlus's Research and Development 1 for first creating the Shin Megami Tensei series, and to Atlus for letting us all forget about RONDE, if you get to buying this.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/04/05