Topic: Atlus announces Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon w/ Raidho

[Flames_of_chaos]

<-- Raidho is this plushie a Raidou version of Jack Frost, Atlus' mascot.

ATLUS ANNOUNCES SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI: DEVIL SUMMONER 2: RAIDOU KUZUNOHA vs. KING ABADDON FOR PlayStation®2 COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM; RELEASE TO BE EXTREMELY LIMITED IN QUANTITY; FREE RAIHO PLUSHIE TO BE INCLUDED WITH EACH AND EVERY LAUNCH COPY

The longer the title, the better the game

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 27, 2009 - Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced that Shin Megami Tensei®: Devil Summoner 2™: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon, a new chapter in the stunningly original action RPG series for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, is making its way to North America on May 12th. Improved over its predecessor in every way, Devil Summoner 2 is an action RPG breath of fresh air, with a deep, easy-to-control combat system, nearly two hundred demons to negotiate with, collect, and fuse, and a variety of strategies to employ and master. Experience a 1920's Tokyo bustling with cases to solve, criminals to bring to justice, and the threat of the mysterious King Abaddon looming on the horizon.

For a limited time, and out of an exceptionally small fixed number of units, North American gamers will have even more reason to pick up the game that raced to the top of the Japanese game sales charts upon its release. Each and every launch copy of Devil Summoner 2 will feature a rare Raiho plushie doll (not available for sale separately). Only a small amount of these rare bundles will be assembled, and each package will be numbered to ensure its rarity and collectible value. Should there be future print runs of the game, they will ship without the Raiho collectible. Act before they're gone!

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon is scheduled to negotiate its way into retailers on May 12, 2009 with an MSRP of $39.99. Each and every copy of the game's limited quantity launch will ship with a rare Raiho collectible plushie.

Click here to download the latest screens for this game
About Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha versus King Abaddon:
A new threat to Japan's Capital calls for the return of its case-solving, tube-slinging Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha the 14th. When a woman walks into the Narumi Detective Agency and asks to find a man, Raidou's boss is reluctant to accept, but soon it's clear there's more to the case than it seems on the surface. It isn't long before Raidou is on the trail of crooked gamblers, masked ninja, and strange insects... a trail leading him inexorably to the mysterious King Abaddon.

Key Features

* Massively upgraded battle system - Advancements to the battle mechanics include a MAG balancing system, dodge and hide abilities, and the ability to command two demons in combat. Use the retooled Weapon Alchemy system to create new swords with unique special attacks.
* Deeper demon integration - Demon negotiation returns with more than twice the number of demons to attempt to recruit to your side. Create more powerful demons through fusion and skill transfer. Control two demons in battle and choose from more tactical options.
* Phenomenal creative team - The rich environment of this Taisho-era Japan comes to life with the character designs of Kazuma Kaneko and the musical score of Shoji Meguro.Over 500 character possibilities - 10 races, 2 genders, 3 alignments, and 15 majors add up to incredible opportunity to customize your party! Change majors for further customization at higher levels.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha versus King Abaddon has not yet been rated by the ESRB.
About Atlus U.S.A., Inc.
Located in Irvine, California and founded in 1991, Atlus U.S.A., Inc. is renowned for its proud tradition of publishing exceptional role-playing games with strong niche appeal. The Atlus library of critically acclaimed video games includes Odin Sphere, Trauma Center series, and the award-winning Shin Megami Tensei series. For more information, visit http://www.atlus.com.



I AM HAPPY and I want Raidho!

[Nick DiMola]

I want that plushie HARD FUCKING CORE.

Also, I really want this game. I was just bitching to flames recently how badly I wanted it to be localized.

[KDR_11k]

It's Godot!

Duno, I've seen tons of Shin Megami Tensei games on the PS2 but wasn't interested enough to pick any of them up.

[Nick DiMola]

Preordered via Amazon!

[Flames_of_chaos]

Preordered via Amazon!

I pre-ordered as well.

[Flames_of_chaos]

Look what I got! Best 40 dollars ever. (well in my case best 31 dollars ever, Amazon is awesome)
Front with Teddie plushie


Back:

[broodwars]

I picked up the game last night and honestly it's not all that great.  I enjoyed it, but it can't even hold the wax dribblings of a candle to the magnificent Persona games.  It's also ugly as sin and has next to no production values.  Plus, it's kind of eerie how the characters are designed with those wide-open eyes and creepy grins.  You look at the characters and there's just no soul there.  The battle system's quite fun, though.  The battles could definitely use a moveable camera, however.

And yes, that Raidou Black Frost doll is adorable, and he's currently on duty guarding my GCN/PS2/PS3 collection.

[SirSniffy]

do you only get to control one character in this? I always wanted to check these games out, but was always scared. I like Persona games, would I like this?

[broodwars]

do you only get to control one character in this? I always wanted to check these games out, but was always scared. I like Persona games, would I like this?

Well, I haven't gotten very far, but from what I gather you can control many characters but only one in battle.  I believe in battle you can only control Raidou, using a menu to issue orders to your Demons as needed.  However, when you're running around the town areas and whatnot, there are points where you can summon your demons to conduct their own investigations in areas that Raidou can't access in a sort of Metroid-style design.

It's hard to say whether you'd like this game if you liked the Persona games.  While they share some similar traits, the Persona games are much more polished and much more accessible (and more fun) than this game, not to mention very different types of RPGs (the Persona series are turn-based RPGs, the Devil Summoner games Action RPGs).  I think a Shin Megami Tensei game that would be more up your alley (though it will feel fairly primitive) would be the Digital Devil Saga games on the PS2, or perhaps the upcoming Devil Survivor DS Strategy game.  This game might be a little too different for your tastes.

[Nick DiMola]

Yeah if you are a big fan of Persona, DDS, and Nocturne are much closer parallels. While I enjoy Devil Summoner, it isn't nearly as polished as any of the other SMT games. However, from what I understand, the second game is far improved.

I'm on the verge of finishing the first one, and from my experience, it is a game definitely needing of improvement.