Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is lastly right here! Branded by developer ATLUS because the “definitive” model of the sport, it guarantees to broaden on the unique with iterated mechanics, new characters, and a brand new storyline that revolves across the Qadištu faction; which consists of demonic ladies who, relying on who you ask, are both evil or are wrongfully scorned by society. This sport appears to be an enlargement in any respect prices, although, as ATLUS is delisting the unique Shin Megami Tensei V from the Nintendo eShop on June thirteenth. This has left many questioning ATLUS’s penchant for releasing enhanced variations of their video games and in the event that they’re at all times adequate to benefit the comfortable erasure of the unique model of the sport.
That’s why this text goes to dig into each enhanced model of a sport in ATLUS’s discography, and kind them from worst to greatest for some added enjoyable. ATLUS has a protracted historical past of releasing video games this fashion, and there have been each missteps and again steps in crafting rereleases that actually enhance upon the bottom sport. By taking a look at what’s labored and what hasn’t, it’ll change into simpler to guage Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance as a brand new tackle the unique, fairly than assume it’s the brand new and improved model of the unique title.
As a clerical notice earlier than kicking this checklist off, ports from one platform to a different don’t rely as an enhanced version and won’t be included on this checklist. There must be a big materials change past the gadget the sport runs on for a sport to satisfy the “enhanced” standards. So the likes of the Etrian Odyssey Origins Assortment won’t be included right here, however the reimaginings of the primary two Etrian Odyssey video games for the Nintendo 3DS will probably be mentioned.
19. Growlanser (remake)
The Growlanser sequence of video games are a consequence of the Profession Comfortable division of Mayasa Video games cut up away from the Mayasa model, and partnered with ATLUS to create a non secular successor to the nonetheless ongoing Langrisser franchise. They’re tactical RPGs with a distinctly shojo visible model, and your complete franchise is considered as a little bit of a cult basic by people who find themselves, each, approach into anime and techniques video games.
The Growlanser enhanced remake for the PSP is on the backside of this checklist, although, as a result of it BIZARRELY was by no means launched outdoors of Japan. Growlanser 2, 3, and 4 have been all localized however, regardless of their blended to favorable reception, the Growlanswer enhanced remake remained a Japan-only title. As there’s no respectable option to play this title outdoors of Japan, it may possibly’t be mentioned additional or evaluated greater.
18. Persona 2: Harmless Sin and Everlasting Punishment for the PSP
The Persona 2 duology (handled right here as a single entry as that is already a reasonably lengthy checklist) has at all times been a little bit of a black sheep within the Persona sequence. Whereas segments of the older fanbase find it irresistible for its queer themes, catching artwork route, and distinct setting; the video games by no means actually bought
a good shake outdoors of Japan.
The unique model of the primary sport, Harmless Sin, was by no means launched outdoors of Japan; making the second sport, Everlasting Punishment, the worldwide entry level. This was flipped for the PSP enhanced remakes, although, the place the upgraded model of Harmless Sin was accessible globally however not Everlasting Punishment. Actually, these video games are in determined want of Persona 3: Reload model remakes, and hopefully this decrease rating will encourage that form of up to date launch.
17. Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight
The Etrian Odyssey sequence is made up of a number of the greatest video games round for dungeon crawling sickos. In an analogous vein to Sq. Enix’s Dungeon Encounters, the Etrian Odyssey video games closely prioritize gameplay loops like exploring and mapping dungeons, flip based mostly fight, and managing the economic system of operating a guild over any form of narrative. Which is why it’s unusual that the improved version of Etrian Odyssey 2 tacks on story mode that detracts from the main target of the unique title.
There’s a purpose that ATLUS determined to make use of the bottom variations of the primary two Etrian Odyssey video games for the current Etrian Odyssey Origins Assortment, and it is as a result of the “enhanced” a part of Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight feels extra like an ancillary add-on than one thing that builds upon the sport’s robust factors.
16. Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Woman
Every thing concerning the enhanced model of Etrian Odyssey 2 is relevant for the improved model of Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Woman, which additionally focuses on story content material. So, go re-read that first paragraph and a half if you’d like a fast rundown of why this title can be pretty low on this checklist.
The Millennium Woman beatus out The Fafnir Knight, although, as a result of this 3DS enhanced version really scored just a few Metacritic factors greater than its unique model. Whether or not it is a statistical quirk or a sign of real enchancment is unclear, however that’s sufficient of a purpose to rank The Millennium Woman one slot greater than its sequel.
15. Catherine: Full Physique
The Catherine sequence is a little bit of a minefield. On the one hand, it’s action-puzzler gameplay, grownup forged of characters, and supernatural homicide thriller plot make it really feel prefer it was tailor made for older Persona 4 followers. However, many objected to the informal bigotry levied in direction of trans characters within the unique launch, and trans and gender nonconforming characters within the Full Physique enhanced version.
In equity, loads of folks did discover the gender expression of the marginalized characters in each variations of Catherine to be inspiring too. Nevertheless, this sport can be a major instance of ATLUS’s on-again, off-again, “extra is best” enhanced version philosophy; the place over-encumbering a sport with extra story and ranges is handled as a superior expertise. Greater, in fact, doesn’t at all times equate to raised and this added materials detracts from the tighter expertise of the unique Catherine.
14. Tokyo Mirage Periods ♯FE Encore
As a crossover between Fireplace Emblem and Shin Megami Tensei video games with a give attention to idol tradition, Tokyo Mirage Periods ♯FE is a sport made for very particular section of the gaming viewers. Tokyo Mirage Periods ♯FE Encore does a strong job constructing upon the unique, even when piled on characters and story content material can really feel prefer it’s placing a hat on prime of a hat.
The US and Japanese launch of this sport have been mired in a little bit of controversy, although, which knocks it down just a few ranks on this checklist. Tokyo Mirage Periods is the supply of the notorious “vagina bones” meme, which is each hilarious out of context and nonetheless potent shorthand for localization adjustments across the sexualization of characters. Moreover, all variations of Encore have been based mostly on the Western model of the unique sport, that means that the extra risque content material of the Japanese model of the unique didn’t seem in any model of the improved version.
Whereas that content material is unquestionably a bizarre factor to be left on the slicing room flooring, eradicating materials complete fabric positively works in opposition to the thought of an “enhanced” version of a sport.
13. Shin Megami Tensei: Satan Survivor Overclocked
Shin Megami Tensei: Satan Survivor is a techniques based mostly spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise for the Nintendo DS. Suppose Persona 5 Tactica, however with an unique forged of characters. Shin Megami Tensei: Satan Survivor Overclocked is an enhanced port for the Nintendo 3DS, that provides the compendium mechanic featured in most mainline video games, and even provides voice appearing!
Whereas these extra deliberate and mechanically centered add ons are within the spirit of what make enhanced variations of video games worthwhile, they don’t fairly work cohesively in Shin Megami Tensei: Satan Survivor Overclocked. In actual fact, the improved model of this title really has an combination assessment rating that’s just a few factors decrease than the unique model of the sport, so it falls to the underside half of this checklist.
12. Shin Megami Tensei: Satan Survivor 2 Document Breaker
The sequel to Satan Survivor, aptly named Satan Survivor 2, additionally bought an enhanced version within the type of Shin Megami Tensei: Satan Survivor 2 Document Breaker. Whereas this 3DS enhanced version did largely boil right down to extra content material after the unique sport’s ending, this enhanced version was reviewed extra favorably than its base model. Between this greater vital reception, and the truth that characters from the Durarara!! anime inexplicably appeared as DLC characters within the enhanced version, Document Breaker narrowly beats out Overclocked on this checklist.
11. Persona 5: Royal
For as a lot as Persona 5: Royal is seen because the definitive model of the sport that introduced mainstream acclaim to the lengthy operating sequence, it really exacerbates a number of the unique’s greatest points. Whereas it’s nice to spend extra time with Akechi after he outs himself as a lil freak, and Sumire’s storyline is actually shifting; Royal tacks on at the very least fifteen hours of gameplay to a title that already bridged right into a triple digit runtime.
Whereas each Persona 5 and Royal are nice video games, the pacing and repetitive writing are low factors and Royal’s tacked on third semester could make the sport really feel like much more of a slog. Whereas extra of an awesome online game sounds ultimate on paper, it’s not as interesting when a lot of the extra content material doesn’t handle underlying points. I’ve mentioned it earlier than, however in terms of Shin Megami Tensei video games, there’s a distinction between “extra” and “enhanced” and that’s why Royal is in the course of the pack on this rating.
10. Shin Megami Tensei: Unusual Journey Redux
Shin Megami Tensei: Unusual Journey Redux is a reasonably customary enhanced version so far as ATLUS video games go. There are some new demons, high quality of life adjustments, a further dungeon, and a brand new character that additionally brings some new endings. What makes Redux a greater than common ATLUS enhanced version is the timing of its launch greater than its content material, although.
SMT: Unusual Journey Redux got here to the 3DS a bit over a 12 months after the unique model of Persona 5, and about seven months after the discharge of the Nintendo Swap. So not solely did it capitalize on the rising curiosity within the broader SMT franchise, nevertheless it additionally breathed a final little bit of life right into a sunsetting console. It’s necessary to do not forget that “enhanced editions” of video games are, on some stage, advertising and marketing techniques; and Redux deserves props for releasing as curiosity was peaking and on a ubiquitous piece of {hardware} about to fall into irrelevancy.
9. Maken Shao: Demon Sword
Maken X is a hack and slash sport for the Dreamcast and was additionally the directorial debut of Katsura Hashino, who would go on to direct Persona 3, 4, and 5. The sport additionally acquired a manga adaptation by Q Hayashida, the famed mangaka behind sequence like Dorohedoro and Dai Darkish.
Whereas Maken X acquired a blended at greatest reception, the Maken Shao: Demon Sword enhanced version earns a better spot on this checklist by reworking the primary particular person motion sport into a 3rd particular person motion sport. Whereas the improved version doesn’t fairly come collectively cohesively, this variation needed to be an enormous enterprise and gives the form of refreshed expertise that makes enhanced editions worthwhile.
8. Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne Maniax
Do you know that the model of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne that most individuals outdoors of Japan are acquainted with is definitely an enhanced model of the sport? Dubbed the Maniax version and sometimes called a Director’s Reduce, and included the famed cameo of Dante from the Satan Might Cry sequence. This model of the sport additionally featured the improved issue that the title, and future SMT video games, would change into recognized for.
Is it a bit bizarre to incorporate an enhanced version that most individuals know because the default model of the sport so excessive up on this checklist? Sure, but additionally Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne Maniax bought the ball rolling for the slowing rising reputation of the SMT and Persona franchises, so Maniax deserves this recognition and reward.
7. Persona 3: FES
Persona 3: FES is the primary enhanced version of Persona 3, and is the primary time a Persona title bought this type of improve. Right this moment it may possibly roughly be considered because the template from which later enhanced editions of their video games would draw upon. FES provides story content material past the ending of the unique sport, and cleans up a variety of backend technical points.
Whereas FES is a rock strong basis from which ATLUS has developed their enhanced sport identification, there are higher variations of Persona 3 which you could play proper now and subsequently this sport falls a bit in need of the highest 5 on this checklist.
6. Persona 3: Reload
Persona 3: Reload has sufficient graphical adjustments and high quality of life enhancements to make it as a lot of an enhanced version as it’s a remake of the unique sport. Additionally, with ‘The Reply’ content material from FES on the horizon as DLC, it’s beginning to really feel extra like a refresh of the improved version than only a remake of the unique sport. This model of Persona 3 is way and away the simplest approach for followers to expertise the title that will affect the franchise for greater than a decade to return.
That being mentioned, a number of the adjustments in Reload work in opposition to the intent of the unique sport. Reload debtors the peppier visuals of Persona 5, which undermine the melancholic tone and themes of the unique sport. This enhanced model makes the sport extra approachable, however much less distinct, and an enhanced model of a sport ought to construct a title up fairly than squeeze it into a preferred mould.
5. Radiant Historia: Excellent Chronology
Radiant Historia was a rock strong flip based mostly position enjoying sport that had the misfortune of releasing internationally in 2011, when world curiosity in these sorts of video games was at an all time low. Because of this, regardless of resoundingly constructive critiques, not many performed the title; making it a major candidate for an enhanced version that would give it one other probability to shine.
Excellent Chronology for the 3DS does simply that whereas additionally including animation from the famed A-1 Photos studio, voice appearing, and high quality of life adjustments that sped up gameplay. Positive, the brand new story content material felt a bit tacked on, nevertheless it’s tough to choose up on that should you aren’t acquainted with the unique launch. In the end, Excellent Chronology does precisely what an enhanced model of a sport ought to; which is to additional polish what labored within the unique and construct upon the momentum of the earlier launch to take a title to even better heights.
4. Persona 4: Golden
Persona 4: Golden is likely one of the greatest enhanced editions of a sport ATLUS has ever made as a result of I can’t consider a single purpose why somebody ought to play the bottom model over this version. Does the added story content material pad out the runtime? Sure, however the sport can nonetheless be crushed in round 80 hours, which is the candy spot for these sorts of sprawling RPGs. Golden additionally provides new cutscenes and character interactions, which is greater than welcome for a sport that thrives on the standard of its character writing.
Chances are high, although, that you just already knew that Persona 4: Golden was the most effective enhanced video games in ATLUS’s catalog. Even because the Persona 5 video games have change into the brand new hotness and many individuals’s gateway into the franchise, Golden stays the gold customary by which all different ATLUS video games are measured.
3. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona for the PSP
The PSP remake of the unique Persona sport, titled Revelations: Persona on the PS1, is unquestionably a wierd decide for certainly one of ATLUS’s greatest enhanced editions, nevertheless it’s right here for good purpose. Do you know that solely half of the unique Persona sport was ever launched within the US? No, this isn’t a Persona 2 state of affairs the place a sequel/prequel was left unlocalized; half of the story within the first Persona sport was eliminated within the Western launch!
Dubbed the Snow Queen route, this storyline leans into the city legends parts that will go on to make the Persona franchise so endearing. With this content material restored within the PSP enhanced version of Persona, the sport is made full and turns into much more of a gem that new followers ought to take a look at. The sport’s extra grounded, biblical apocalypse setting nonetheless feels novel at present and this model of the sport enhances the bottom sport greater than every other title on this checklist.
2. Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir
What occurs when the most effective video games made by ATLUS and Vanillawear will get an enhanced version? It turns into arguably the perfect sport to return out of both studio. Odin Sphere was a cult basic that was deeply influential to all who performed it, as evident by American folks band sensation The Mountain Goat’s hidden observe, “Enoch 18:14” on The Lifetime of the World to Come album. Leifthrasir introduced the motion RPG to a broader viewers as the perfect model of itself.
In a departure from most different enhanced editions on this checklist, Leifthrasir makes no story adjustments to the bottom sport and as a substitute focuses on graphical enhancements and refining gameplay techniques. In completely recognizing what labored and the bottom sport and what could possibly be refined, Leifthrasir is the perfect of what an enhanced version of a sport must be, and is barely by an enhanced version that goes effectively above and past what is affordable for this type of launch.
1. Persona 3: Transportable
Persona 3: Transportable enables you to play as a lady and date the male forged characters current within the sport. Whereas that may sound like a small change, it’s really a reasonably large enterprise from a writing and coding perspective and might be the explanation enhanced editions of later Persona video games haven’t had that function. Nevertheless, this variation signifies that the staff behind it knew precisely what was interesting concerning the unique Persona 3, and enhances that have with none type of detraction.
The principle attraction of Persona 3, or any of the fashionable Persona titles, are the characters. In enjoying the sport you get to expertise a number of the greatest character writing within the video games medium, and also you’re left wanting extra time and new experiences with these characters by the tip of it. P3P does simply that, as giving the participant the choice to play the sport with a personality of a unique gender identification, enables you to see new sides of established characters and hook up with them in several methods.
Between this sensible recontextualization of the sport and a few battle mechanic updates to make it play extra equally to Particular person 4, Persona 3 Transportable is the perfect enhanced version that ATLUS has ever put out. Whereas it could be an outstanding enterprise for ATLUS to iterate upon different video games to this diploma for future enhanced editions, no sport higher encapsulates the whole lot related to that form of launch than Persona 3 Transportable.
Make sure to take a look at IGN’s assessment of Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance for our tackle the latest Atlus expanded re-release. We’ll embrace it on this checklist as soon as we work out the place it belongs in Atlus’ pantheon of re-releases.
Lucas DeRuyter is a contract author for IGN.
Picture Credit: Atlus, Sega, Nintendo.
