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MONSTER

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster
Item: Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableMay 21, 2021

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperAtlus

Overview

200X. Everyday life suddenly came to an end. Tokyo is transformed into a world of demons following an anomaly known as the "Conception". This is the story of our protagonist's journey through a changed Tokyo in his new body, and of he and his friends' trials and tribulations as they seek to recreate the world.

Elsewhere

7.5

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster are generally positive. Many critics highlight the game's dark and apocalyptic narrative, which immerses players in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo overrun by demons. The story is described as intriguing, engaging, and impactful, with thought-provoking themes and complex characters. Critics such as CGMagazine and Game Revolution praise the game's ability to present morally ambiguous conundrums and philosophical choices that allow players to shape the destiny of the world. The story's weight and foreboding atmosphere, as mentioned by Press Start Australia and TheGamer, contribute to the overall appeal of the narrative. The game's simplistic plot, as noted by Attack of the Fanboy, adds to the sense of confusion and desire to uncover more, driving the plot forward. While the majority of critics praise the story of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster, there are some negative opinions regarding certain aspects. Comicbook.com mentions that pacing is a weakness in the narrative, potentially indicating that the story may feel slow or unevenly paced at times. Nintendo Enthusiast and Impulsegamer criticize the story for taking a backseat and not being the main focus of the game. They argue that the ruined world of Tokyo and the gameplay elements, such as enemy encounters and dungeon crawling, overshadow the story itself. These criticisms suggest that the narrative may not receive as much attention or development as some players might expect. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the story of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster is a strong aspect of the game. It is praised for its dark, impactful, and thought-provoking storytelling, with multiple endings and choices that allow players to shape the fate of the world. Critics appreciate the game's ability to create a compelling atmosphere and immerse players in a post-apocalyptic setting. While there are some criticisms regarding pacing and the story's prominence compared to gameplay elements, these do not significantly detract from the overall positive reception of the narrative. The game's deep and intriguing story, as mentioned by TierraGamer, and its mature and interesting narrative, as noted by The Games Machine, further support the consensus that the story of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster is a standout feature of the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praise the dark and impactful narrative of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster, immersing players in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo filled with demons. The story's intriguing themes and complex characters, along with morally ambiguous choices, shape the destiny of the world. While some criticize pacing and story focus, overall consensus is that the narrative is a strong aspect, offering thought-provoking storytelling and a compelling atmosphere.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

37%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster are generally positive. Many critics highlight the strategic depth and complexity of the battle system, which revolves around exploiting enemy weaknesses and utilizing a party of demons. The Press Turn system, mentioned by Attack of the Fanboy, CGMagazine, GAMINGbible, and Push Square, is particularly praised for its ability to encourage strategic decision-making. The fusion mechanics, mentioned by Destructoid, GamingBolt, Hardcore Gamer, Impulsegamer, Nintendo Enthusiast, and Gaming Age, add depth and customization to the gameplay, allowing players to create new and powerful allies. The recruitment system, mentioned by Hardcore Gamer, TheGamer, and Impulsegamer, is also highlighted as a fresh and engaging mechanic. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by certain critics. Comicbook.com and The Games Machine mention frustration with certain archaic design elements, such as the frequency of random battles and unclear menus. Pocket Tactics also notes that the number of random encounters can feel tedious during long play sessions. iMore describes the gameplay as clunky and repetitive, indicating a lack of enjoyment. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster offers a challenging and strategic gameplay experience. The positive aspects, such as the depth of the battle system, fusion mechanics, and recruitment system, are praised by multiple critics. The negative aspects, such as archaic design elements and repetitive gameplay, are mentioned by a few critics but do not overshadow the overall positive reception of the gameplay. The game's strategic combat, depth of customization, and addictive gameplay loop are frequently highlighted as strengths.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster for its strategic depth, Press Turn system, fusion mechanics, and engaging recruitment system. Some criticize old-school elements like frequent random battles, but overall, the game offers a challenging and addictive gameplay experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

80%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster are varied. Some critics, such as Comicbook.com and Hardcore Gamer, praise the HD graphical refit and the enhanced cel-shaded graphics, stating that they make the game visually appealing. They appreciate the improved character models and the unique art style. Additionally, Screen Rant mentions that the character sprites and overworld are gorgeous and on par with later entries in the series. On the other hand, several critics express disappointment with the visual aspects of the remaster. Attack of the Fanboy and GamingBolt criticize the lack of technical improvements, with Attack of the Fanboy noting that the lack of detail in environments makes navigation difficult. Press Start Australia mentions the lack of visual improvements, running at 30 frames per second and featuring dated cinematics in 4:3 aspect ratio with stylized borders. Game Revolution also mentions that while the graphics have been upscaled and sharpened, there are no significant changes, and some blurriness may be present. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while the remaster has its positives, it falls short in terms of visual improvements. The improved character models and unique art style are appreciated by some critics, but the lack of technical enhancements and dated visuals are mentioned as negatives. Critics like CGMagazine and TheGamer express disappointment with the environments, noting that they can be bland and suffer from angular designs and repetitive corridors. While some critics appreciate the cohesive visuals and the overall atmosphere maintained in the remaster, others, like GameCritics and The Games Machine, feel that the visual design missed an opportunity to update and improve outdated elements. In conclusion, the opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster are mixed. While some appreciate the enhanced cel-shaded graphics, improved character models, and unique art style, others express disappointment with the lack of technical improvements and dated visuals. The overall consensus suggests that while the remaster has its positives, it falls short in terms of visual enhancements and fails to fully update the visual design of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics are divided on the Graphics and Visual Design of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster. Some praise the enhanced graphics, character models, and art style, while others criticize the lack of technical improvements and dated visuals. Overall, the remaster has its positives but falls short in terms of visual enhancements, leaving some disappointed with the missed opportunity to update and improve outdated elements.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster are quite varied. Overall, there is a positive sentiment towards the addition of voice acting in both English and Japanese. Critics such as Attack of the Fanboy and Hardcore Gamer appreciate the full English and Japanese voice acting, which enhances the overall sound design. The remaster is praised for featuring excellent, brand-new voice performances for the main characters, as mentioned by Comicbook.com. Additionally, Gfinity highlights the hardcore music and voice acting, which brings life to the characters. The addition of voice acting is seen as a significant enhancement, as the original version did not have voices, as stated by Hooked Gamers. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the music and sound design. CGMagazine criticizes the sound design, mentioning that the compressed music files sound worse than the original version. Video Chums also expresses disappointment in the music tracks, stating that they sound far too compressed. Impulsegamer finds the music muffled and compressed, which is considered unacceptable for a remastered version in 2021. Game Rant points out that the game's soundtrack still features the compressed audio from the original release, which is a jarring aspect in comparison to the rest of the remaster's improvements. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the addition of voice acting is a positive aspect of the remaster. The English voice work is praised, and it brings the game closer to modern releases, as noted by Hardcore Gamer. The soundtrack is generally well-received, with critics such as GAMINGbible and Press Start Australia describing it as excellent and integral to the game's world. The oppressive feeling of the world is matched well by the music, according to Screen Rant. However, the negative aspects, such as the compressed music files and the inclusion of the original audio from the original release, are mentioned by several critics, including CGMagazine and Game Rant. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster leans towards the positive side, with the addition of voice acting being a significant enhancement to the game's audio experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on the Sound Design and Music of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster. Positive feedback includes praise for the addition of English and Japanese voice acting, enhancing the overall experience. However, some critics criticize the compressed music files and original audio from the original release. Overall, the consensus is that the voice acting is a major improvement, though there are concerns about the music quality in this remaster.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the videogame reviewers regarding the voice acting in Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster are predominantly positive. Multiple critics, such as Attack of the Fanboy, CGMagazine, and Game Revolution, praise the voice acting, describing it as great, well-done, and fantastic. They highlight the strong performances from the cast, including the supporting characters, and note that the addition of voice acting enhances the overall experience of the game. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and COGconnected specifically mention the quality of the English voice work, with Hardcore Gamer noting that it adds charm to certain characters and COGconnected praising the performances of Chiaki and Hikawa. The overall sentiment among these positive reviews is that the voice acting in the remaster is consistently well-done, professional, and a welcome addition. However, there are a few critics who express some reservations about the voice acting. Press Start Australia mentions that while the addition of fully voiced dialogue elevates crucial scenes, it can also feel jarring at times since the script wasn't originally written for it. This suggests that the integration of voice acting may not always seamlessly align with the original game's writing. Additionally, Screen Rant notes that the voice acting rarely shows up, implying that it may not be as prevalent throughout the game as some players might expect. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster is a positive addition to the game. The majority of reviewers appreciate the quality of the performances, the inclusion of both English and Japanese voice options, and the way it enhances the atmosphere and drama of certain scenes. While there are some minor concerns raised about the integration and frequency of the voice acting, the overall sentiment is that it is a well-executed aspect of the remaster. Critics such as GameCritics and Gaming Age highlight the consistently well-done and professional nature of the voice acting, further reinforcing the positive consensus.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics mostly praise the voice acting in Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster, calling it great, well-done, and fantastic. They note strong performances from the cast, especially in English, enhancing the game experience. Some critics express reservations, mentioning that the addition of voice acting can feel jarring and may not be prevalent throughout the game. Overall, reviewers agree that the voice acting is a positive addition, with minor concerns about integration and frequency.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the PS4, there are mixed opinions among the critics. Destructoid mentions that the camera is not smooth and the menus can be unclear, but they also highlight quality of life upgrades such as the suspend feature and difficulty toggling. GamingBolt adds that there are no other technical performance or stability issues, and Gfinity states that the game runs great on the PS5 with no noticeable frame drops and quick loading times. These positive aspects indicate that the game generally performs well on the PS4 and PS5 platforms. On the Nintendo Switch, the opinions regarding the technical performance of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster are more negative. Impulsegamer mentions that the port job leaves much to be desired, with no improvements to the core experience and muffled, compressed music. Nintendo Enthusiast notes performance issues such as frame rate struggles, black screen flashes, map malfunction, music stopping, and game crashes, although they also mention that overall it is not too bad. Screen Rant, on the other hand, states that the game has been fixed from major glitches, but there is a minor visual glitch causing black screen flashes when closing the main menu. These negative aspects indicate that the Nintendo Switch version of the game has some technical flaws and performance issues. Moving on to the PC platform, Game Rant mentions that the game runs at a locked 30 FPS and there are some minor visual oddities with certain in-game interactions. While these issues are noticeable, they are intentional choices in the remaster and do not break the overall gameplay experience. This suggests that the PC version of the game has a stable technical performance, but with some intentional design choices that may not appeal to everyone. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the technical performance of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster is mixed. While the game performs well on the PS4 and PS5 platforms, with smooth gameplay, quality of life upgrades, and no major technical issues, the Nintendo Switch version suffers from performance issues, muffled music, and some glitches. The PC version, while stable, has intentional visual oddities. It is important for players to consider the platform they will be playing on and their tolerance for technical flaws before making a purchasing decision.

TL;DR

technical performance

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster performs well on PS4 and PS5 with no major issues, but faces technical flaws on Nintendo Switch and intentional design choices on PC. Players should choose their platform wisely based on their tolerance for performance issues.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster are generally positive. Many critics highlight the presence of multiple endings and paths to explore, which adds replay value to the game. For example, Hardcore Gamer mentions the multiple endings and the new Merciful difficulty option, which allows players to experience the story without much difficulty. Player 2 also praises the inclusion of the 'Merciful' mode, stating that it provides an opportunity for both new and returning fans to enjoy the game. Press Start Australia emphasizes the abundance of content, with optional dungeons and side quests that can extend the playtime to eighty to a hundred hours. They also mention that the game offers at least fifty hours of gameplay, further enhancing the replay value. Nintendo Enthusiast and Pocket Tactics both mention the presence of multiple endings, further reinforcing the positive aspect of the game's replayability. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics as well. God is a Geek points out that content from the original release is locked behind the Deluxe edition, which can be disappointing for returning fans. Game Rant also mentions some omissions in this re-release that may be disappointing. These criticisms suggest that there may be limitations to the replay value for certain players, particularly those who were expecting a complete re-release without additional costs or missing features. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster offers a decent amount of replay value. The presence of multiple endings, paths, and customization options is widely appreciated. The inclusion of a 'Merciful' mode and the abundance of content also contribute to the game's replayability. However, the locked content in the Deluxe edition and some omissions in the re-release are mentioned as potential downsides. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is positive, with the majority of critics acknowledging the game's replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster for its multiple endings, paths, and 'Merciful' mode, enhancing replay value. With optional content extending playtime to 80-100 hours, the game offers at least 50 hours of gameplay. However, criticisms include locked content in the Deluxe edition and some omissions. Overall, critics agree the game provides decent replay value, though some players may find limitations.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

53%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple videogame reviewers regarding the Overall Verdict of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the critics. Several critics praised the game for its distinct style, captivating story, and engaging gameplay. Critics such as Hardcore Gamer and COGconnected commended the amount of extra work put into the remaster, including improved visuals, voice acting, and quality-of-life changes. They considered it a classic worthy of being in any RPG player's collection and a top-notch horror RPG, respectively. TheGamer also emphasized the game's ability to build atmosphere and keep players engaged, while Game Rant praised the quality of life changes that make it worth playing in 2021. On the other hand, there were criticisms regarding the remaster's technical improvements and dated elements. Attack of the Fanboy and GamingBolt noted that the remaster fell flat compared to other recent revivals of classic titles and could have had more technical improvements. GAMINGbible and Video Chums mentioned that the game shows its age and lacks clear direction at times, with the latter highlighting the lack of visual detail and poor music quality as constant reminders of its PS2 origins. Additionally, Game Revolution and iMore found the game frustrating and tedious, respectively. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster is a solid retro game with a compelling story, engaging gameplay, and distinct style. The improvements made in terms of accessibility, presentation, and quality-of-life changes were generally well-received. However, there were criticisms regarding the lack of visual improvements, dated elements, and high difficulty curve. While the game is recommended for fans of the genre or the franchise, it may not be as appealing to new players. Despite its flaws, the core experience and unique qualities of the game were acknowledged by the majority of critics.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster. Some praised its style, story, and gameplay improvements, while others criticized its technical aspects and dated elements. Overall, it's seen as a solid retro game with engaging gameplay and a compelling story, but may not appeal to new players due to its flaws.

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Reviews

126 reviews found

Gaming Age

May 21, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer highly recommends the game and regrets not playing it earlier.

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Destructoid

PlayStation 4

May 18, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that the game is one of the greatest of all time in terms of personality, but notes that the remaster could have had more technical improvements to sway people who might find it dated.

COGconnected

Nintendo Switch

May 24, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster is a potent mixture of cosmic horror, religious horror, JRPG action, and pitch-black comedy. It offers an amazing atmosphere, stunning visuals and audio design, and a thought-provoking story. However, it has simple dungeon design and can be easy to get lost. The graphics are also dated. Overall, it is a top-notch horror RPG.

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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 4

May 18, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster is the definitive way to experience the game, with updated visuals, voice acting, and quality-of-life changes.

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Game Revolution

May 18, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer finds Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster worth the premium price, as it offers a fresh experience despite its age. However, the high price may be a hard sell for some. The game is praised as one of the great traditional JRPGs.

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Hooked Gamers

Jun 1, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer recommends the game to fans of JRPGs or those who played the original on PS2. The game offers a unique experience compared to the Persona series.

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God is a Geek

Nintendo Switch

May 18, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster is a great game, but it just isn’t a great remaster. Thoughtful turn-based combat and eerie setting are compelling, but not much new for returning fans.

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TierraGamer

PlayStation 4

May 20, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster is one of the best JRPGs and a great entry point for the series.

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Screen Rant

Nintendo Switch

May 18, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster is difficult but rewarding, with a fantastic story, engaging gameplay, beautiful graphics, amazing music, and improved technical performance. The lack of QoL improvements and the high difficulty may be frustrating for some players, but the core experience is still great.

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Hardcore Gamer

PlayStation 4

May 18, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster is a classic worthy of being in any RPG player's collection. It praises the amount of extra work put into the remaster, including the voice work and cleaned up visuals.