Part 1: In the Beginning...

Opening

I do like that our first shot of a demon doesn't look anything remotely like what's in this game. Mid-90s FMVs ahoy!


BGM: Title

The music in this game was done by Masuko Tsukasa (who worked on the original Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei games) and Toshiko Tasaki (who worked on both of the Persona 2 games). Both of them also went on to compose for Devil Summoner's sequel, Soul Hackers.

MUSIC: Song of Death

In addition to the game's BGM, I'll also be posting arranged versions from the official soundtrack, as well as arrangements done for the special CD "Devil Summoner Sound Collection." The soundtrack arrangements were edited to sound like they were performed in front of a live audience, and many of the songs include vocals.

Fun fact about SMTDS's title music: a remixed version was used in Soul Hackers for the epilogue.

Introduction




TV: Now for the next news item.
Last night, eyewitnesses throughout the city witnessed several mysterious creatures, and there is a growing anxiety among local residents. According to eyewitness accounts, these creatures resemble demons from Western mythology; investigations are currently underway.


TV: Along with these events, police are also investigating a serial murder case that occurred the same evening which may or may not be related to the reports.


TV: We advise all residents to remain vigilant.


DDS-NET: Welcome to DDS-Net. Please fill out the membership form. We apologize for any inconvenience.

BGM: Conduct Record



Due to the game's usage of only Japanese characters in the naming process, I decided to go ahead and name our protagonist. The name I chose is Naoto Shibata after one of my favorite Japanese musicians.



We move onto the protagonist's "code name," which is basically his internet handle. Real-life Naoto Shibata used the nickname "Magnum" when he was in the band Black Hole, so I'll be taking that for myself.



Next we name the protagonist's home city and district. I left in the default names of Asahi and Hirasaka.



Lastly is our occupation. I chose the occupation that seemed to fit this forum: unemployed. In order, the other occupations are: office worker, civil servant, self-employed, student, and part-timer.

All done with registration.



DDS-Net: Magnum, you have one new message.

What a friendly place, getting a message immediately after registering.

: Hello, Magnum. Nice to meet you - I am Redman.
: Where are you living now, Magnum? ... The Asahi District in Hirasaka City, huh. Hirasaka is a nice place. I believe Asahi is on the eastern side. There's a lot of greenery, and it's right next to the ocean. Plus there's a nice park, huge library, and a museum. It's a great place, isn't it?
: It's a got a surprising amount of history behind it. ...There used to be a yakuza boss living there. Well... not that it matters. Until we meet again on the NET.

-Logged off of DDS-Net-

BGM: Home



MOM'S VOICE: Yes, this is the Shibata residence. Hatano... Ah, you're Kumiko.
Naoto? Let me get him for you.
Naoto! Phone for you!


>Go downstairs?

I choose Yes and head downstairs. No need to be a dick this early on.



MOM'S VOICE: He's coming down now.



MOM: Here, it's Kumiko.
KUMIKO: Hello, Naoto? It's me. What's up? We're meeting at Seaside Park today, right? Near that scantily-clad dancer statue, as usual...
: Let's go to a cafe. I heard that the Afro Cafe is good. It's the small shop with an orange roof on the north side of the park. Well, see you then.



DAD: Oh, so you're going on a date today?



: Go on, and take care of yourself.

BGM: 2D Field



Here's our view of the district. I can rotate my view and can look either from the side or at a bird's eye view. It can be a bit annoying since there's nothing indicating what each building actually is.



And here's our view of the whole city.



Seaside Park. A bit nicer than our district. Like Redman mentioned, it's got a library and a museum here.

BGM: Afro Tea House
MUSIC: Moon Light and Eyes



BARTENDER: Welcome. Are you Shibata Naoto?
: Hatano called and said she'll be a little late. Feel free to take a seat and watch some TV while you wait.



TV: ... Next is sports. In a match between the Hirasaki Waves and the Tokyo Sparrows, the Waves won 5-0. It was at 0-0 for the first 7 innings, but Jennings hit a decisive strike against the Sparrows with a home run with 2 outs and the bases loaded. This marks the Waves' third consecutive win this season.



: Would you like anything to drink?

Like a few other MegaTen games, your initial stats are determined by how you answer questions during the game's intro. I'll be picking all of the answers to get my desired set-up, but I'll translate all of the other answers in another update.

Plain coffee
Blue Mountain
America
>Mohican



: Huh? What? I'm sorry sir, could you repeat that?

I'll just have an American
>Insist on a Mohican

: Um, you mean a mocha?
WOMAN'S VOICE: Yes, a mocha. Don't bother him with such silly requests.
: Alright, one mocha then.



: Hey Naoto, were you waiting long? Sorry for being late.



: Order me something, okay?

Why're you asking me?
>You want orange juice?

: Why do I get orange juice when you're having coffee?



: Are you trying to say something?

>So, coffee then?
I didn't mean anything by it

: Oh, it's fine. You're just looking out for me, aren't you?
: H-Hey, look at the news...



TV: ...In a regular session, the Hirasaki Municipal Government has approved the redevelopment program, which is said to hopefully promote the core of the city. Councilor Yamashiro issued a statement saying he believed the project would "advance Hirasaki City's growth and development."



: I'm against this redevelopment plan. I mean, you do have to break down older buildings and build new ones from time to time, but I don't think it's just about that.
: What do you think, Naoto?



>I support it
I oppose it
Give a different opinion
....

: It's just tearing down perfectly good buildings and calling it "redevelopment." What about after it's finished?
: More importantly, putting expansion first isn't always the right thing to do.
: Oh yeah, I want to go to the library. I have to work on a report, but I still need a certain book. I need to go check it out.



: Okay?

Sure
Where?
>Let's go somewhere else

: Sorry, I really need to get this book before the end of the day.



: Come on, please?

>I guess I have to
I don't want to

: Thanks. Sorry for being so selfish.

And we're off.



BGM: Safety Zone



Like most early MegaTen titles, the dungeon exploring will be done in first-person. Unfortunately there's no strafing, so dungeon exploration can sometimes get sorta slow.



LIBRARIAN: Welcome to Hirasaki Central Library, can I help you?

Kumiko is searching through the shelves in the very back of the library.



: Ah, found it. It's this one: "A Discussion of Ancient Japanese Civilization." I can finally write my report with this.



: Have you ever read it?

Of course
>Who wrote it?
I don't think I have
I'm not interested

: A professor named Azuma from one of my seminars wrote it.



: You know what it's about?

The story of Yamatai-koku
>No idea

: Thought so. It's not something a normal person would read.
: The title sounds fine, but the actual content is terrible. It claims that ancient Japan was a civilization governed by the use of magic. Professor Azuma stirred up a lot of controversy in the academic community with this book, so it's not exactly trustworthy.

Yamatai-koku is a real thing. It was a country in ancient Japan ruled by the shaman queen Himiko, which might not be too interesting except for the fact that its exact location is still a matter of debate.

We head back to the front.



: Alright, I'll be checking this out.
: ...Ah, I forgot my library card.



: What should I do?

Just use your ID
>Offer her your library card
Laugh at your girlfriend's failure

: Huh? I can use yours? I couldn't... but what else is there to do. Alright, I'll take you up on that.

LIBRARIAN: Checking something out? Your ID or library card, please.
... Ah, Shibata, yes? Here's your card. The book is due in 1 week, so please return it then.



> Kumiko borrowed the book under Naoto's name.

: Thanks, you really saved me there. Oh, I still have something to do at the university.



: Come with me, okay?

>I'll go with you
Refuse

: Thanks, you sure are helpful.



Kumiko attends Kitayama University, which is in the Mt. Kasagi district. Even choosing between the front and back gate affects your stats. I'm going through the back gate this time.




: Hey, how'd you know to come this way if you're not a student?
: Oh, I almost forgot. I was supposed to go get concert tickets. I reserved them and everything. Naoto, can you go to the ticket office in Yahigashi and get them for me? It's near the Yarai Ginza entrance.
: I have to take care of something with Professor Azuma, but then I'll be waiting at the Afro Cafe.



: Come find me after you get the ticket, okay?

>Agree to help
Insist on waiting

: Alright, see you later.



My next quest sends me to the Yahi-Gashi Building, located in the bustling Yarai distict. It's the orange building to the right of the district entrance.

BGM: Conversation



Gugege
Gugegugegugegege

I'm sorry, did I just interrupt something?



MYSTERIOUS MAN: Looks like the small fry finally decided to show up.

I can leave if you need me to, y'know.

BGM: Battle



This is our first peek at the battle system, though we can't do anything at this point. It's a pretty straight-forward system, but the most interesting (and irritating) part of the system won't be seen until we have control.
Mystery man is up against the lowest of the low when it comes to MegaTen demons - a Slime and two Preta.

BGM: Otherworld Dungeon 3



: Hey dumbass, what are you doing here? You're gonna die if you come to this place by yourself. Got it?
: Somebody changed this building into some kinda spirit world. If you wanna stay alive, you'd better come with me. I can't guarantee you'll actually survive.

In a twist of events, we're the helpless tag-along that our mystery man must protect. Luckily enemies will only ever attack the man while we guard and cower behind him. Even more luckily, we still get EXP for these battles. We'll hit between level 7-9 when the dungeon ends.

BGM: Level Up



Here's the level-up screen. We have six stats to do what we please with - going clockwise, it's strength (力), intelligence (知), magic (魔), vitality (耐), agility (速), and luck (運). As you can see from my stat screen, I went for an initial speedy build. I'll be focusing mostly on strength, vitality, and agility.
The stats are pretty basic for the most part, though some stats can be subtle with what they affect:

• STRENGTH - Raises attack power and affects HP
  
• INTELLIGENCE - Raises magic defense (large), magic power (small), and evasion. Also affects MP.
  
• MAGIC - Raises magic defense (small) and magic power (large). Also affects how much HP is recovered with healing spells.
  
• VITALITY - Raises physical and magic defense, and affects HP
  
• AGILITY - Determines turn order, hit rate, and evasion
  
• LUCK - Raises evasion (small) and hit rate (small). May also affect the probability of initiating surprise attacks, winning item drops, and successfully escaping.
  

Bad news is we have to literally walk all the way up to the boss room.



That includes watching battles.

We finally make it up to the top floor.

BGM: Conversation



TAKASHI: Uhehehe, uhehehehehe! Good, good, keep the blood coming. We've already killed every last person in this building. The boss said not to make too much noise, but I've lost my patience! Uhehe, uhehehe, uhehehehehe!
: Hey, punk. Your idiotic fussing is pretty sad. This is the end for you.



: What? You? If you think the great Takashi is just some average thug then you'll get what's coming to you!
: I can even summon demons. How's that? Are you surprised?
: Ooh, how amazing. Can you call out a gremlin?
: What? Shit, you're messing with me! I'll deal with you later!!
: Pisaca!! Get out here!!



: Uhehe, uhehe, uhehe!! Drop dead!!

Boss #1 - Pisaca

BGM: Boss Battle
MUSIC: Devil Scream ~Roar at the Darkness~
MUSIC: Boss Battle (arranged)

Anyone recognizing the arranged Boss Battle music probably knows it from the Lucifer battle in Raidou 2 or from the Raidou + Raido battle from the 3DS version of Soul Hackers.



VS Spirit Pisaca
Man, first boss battle of the game and I can't even do anything. Our mysterious man performs a move called Shuffler, which inflicts a SMTDS-exlusive ailment called Card. Those inflicted with Card cannot move, become weak to fire attacks, and become strong to physical attacks. Even if you null fire, Card will overwrite that resistance and knock your socks off anyway.



Mystery man's just showing off, his regular magic attack is enough to destroy the Pisaca.

BGM: After the Battle



: Wh-What? What kind of person are you to take down Pisaca like that...?
: Goddammit!! Sid will take care of you! Shit, don't think I'll forget this!!



: Looks like the spell on this place has lifted... You can leave now.

We both head downstairs.

BGM: Safety Zone



: Hmm, so you managed to make it. But you can't speak a single word about this to anyone. If you do, then you're dead meat. Got it?



WOMAN'S VOICE: Kyouji! That's no way for a Devil Summoner to act, threatening some kid like that.



: What... Oh, it's you, Rei.



REI: Don't give me that. And I even came to pick you up. I guess with your abilities I shouldn't worry.



: As for you, kid, you can head on home. Be careful.



: Hey Rei, you can't just let him leave like that.
: It's fine. Even if he told somebody, there's no way they'd believe him. And I doubt he could change anyone's mind, so he'll just head on home.
: I don't know about that...
: Well, whatever...Do it your way. But next time we meet, I can't guarantee he'll leave alive. Later.



: Kyouji, wait! Ah, there he goes. Go home and be safe like I told you to, okay?
: Hmm, a concert ticket? With the state these demons left the building in, I doubt you'll find any tickets. Was it for your girlfriend? I guess you have no choice but to apologize. Bye.



After all this running back and forth for Kumiko I should really get those tickets.



: You're still here? You'll get into trouble if you keep loitering around here.
: ...That guy? His name's Kyouji, and he insists on working alone. He really just plays by his own rules.

Well, we couldn't get Kumiko's tickets. All we can do is trudge back to Afro Cafe and apologize.

BGM: Afro Tea House

: Welcome.



TV: ... was found collapsed near the scene by witnesses.



TV: The deceased is one Kyouji Kuzunoha, self-styled private detective.



TV: Though the body was found without any noticeable damage, its current whereabouts are unknown. The police are searching for the body so that an autopsy may be performed, with several eyewitnesses assisting in the search.



TV: Authorities hope they can determine the cause of death with further investigation...

Damn, Kyouji. I hardly knew ya, bud.



: ...Things have been getting dangerous recently, haven't they? Oh, that's right... Shibata. Hatano left a message for you. She said to bring the tickets to her house in Hibarigaoka.
: ...So she lives in Hibarigaoka? She sure is a fine young lady, isn't she?



As I'm walking towards Seaside Park's exit, yet another mysterious man stops me.

BGM: Sid Davis



SUSPICIOUS PRIEST: You are Shibata Naoto, yes? I do believe I have some business with you. Come this way for a moment, please.

We both walk inside the construction site.



: Well then, Shibata. You checked out a certain book from the library, did you not? Ah, please excuse my manners. I am Sid Davis. Now, if you'd please give that book to me. Fufufu...
: What? You don't have it? What a bother. I have no further business with you. You may die now.
: That's what I'd like to say, but I suspect that you'd rather survive. If you can avoid me, I'll let you leave. Fufufu...
: Now, go on. Try and escape.



There are five dead ends in this mini-segment, and only one will continue the story. I run to the first dead end.

: You'll have to keep moving. At the very least this is amusing for me. Fufufu.

I run into another dead-end. There's only two lines of dialogue, so I'll just grab the other one.

: Come now, keep running. But I'll tell you, it's a useless effort. Fufufu.

I run to the correct dead end.

BGM: Cornered by Sid



: Fufufufufufu. Now then, this game has gone on for far too long. It seems you couldn't escape, Shibata. I will now take the honor of killing you.
: It's not like you'd be able to escape anyway, in this building with no exits. Fufufu...

The screen flashes to black a few times.



: Oh my, you've already collapsed. Now why might that be?



What a terrible day.

______________

Next update: We find ourselves in a real mess.