Shin Megami Tensei if... (1994)
Shin Megami Tensei if... (literally "True Goddess Reincarnation if...") is a landmark role-playing game developed and published by Atlus for the Super Famicom, released on October 28, 1994. It is a spin-off of the main Shin Megami Tensei series, presenting an alternate storyline where the player is given a choice at the beginning of the game that leads to different paths. The game is a first-person dungeon-crawler RPG set in a modern-day high school that has been transported to a demon-filled world. Atlus, known for their dark, mature RPGs, brought their signature depth and innovation to this title, creating a game that was praised for its branching narrative and challenging gameplay.
Gameplay and Demon Negotiation System
Shin Megami Tensei if... is a first-person dungeon-crawler RPG where players control a party of up to six characters, including the hero, his allies, and demons that can be recruited through a unique "negotiation" system. In combat, players can negotiate with demons to convince them to join their party, give them items, or leave, instead of simply fighting them. The game features a "demon fusion" system, where players can combine two demons to create a more powerful one, inheriting skills and stats from their parents. The game's difficulty is high, with challenging enemy encounters and complex puzzles.
The game's story is non-linear, with players' choices affecting the alignment of their character and the outcome of the narrative, with multiple endings. The game's visual style features detailed sprite work and atmospheric environments. The soundtrack features a haunting and industrial score that perfectly matches the game's desolate tone.
Shin Megami Tensei if... was a commercial success in Japan and received critical acclaim for its innovative systems and mature storytelling. It remains a classic for its groundbreaking mechanics and dark, philosophical narrative.