I Want a Third Devil Survivor Game

The Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor series holds a unique place in the tactical RPG genre. It blends the intense strategy of grid-based combat with the moral complexity and alignment systems the Shin Megami Tensei franchise is known for. While the series currently consists of only two games, Devil Survivor and Devil Survivor 2, both entries left a lasting impression. They both share complicated gameplay systems, time-sensitive narratives, and emotionally charged decision-making. I think it’s time for ATLUS to deliver a third entry. One that builds upon its predecessors while introducing new mechanics and modern quality-of-life features.

The Devil Survivor series took the moral dilemmas and mythological themes of the mainline SMT games and combined them with tactical combat. Unlike the turn-based battles of traditional SMT, Devil Survivor relied on grid-based movement and positioning, emphasizing strategy and careful planning. Battles unfolded in a hybrid system. Once units clashed, they entered a familiar turn-based combat mode akin to mainline SMT games. This is complete with demon summoning and elemental weaknesses. This dual-layered approach gave the series its distinct identity, appealing to fans of both strategy games and traditional JRPGs.

Both games implemented a time-sensitive narrative structure, with events unfolding over a set number of days. Players had to make choices about how to spend their limited time. This includes advancing the main plot, forging bonds with other characters, or preparing for upcoming battles. This mechanic heightened the sense of urgency and added replayability, as nowhere near all of the events could be experienced in a single playthrough. The time mechanics also tied into the series’ multiple endings, which depended on the player’s choices, alignment and available party.

In keeping with SMT tradition, Devil Survivor featured an alignment system that influenced the story’s direction and the protagonist’s ultimate fate. Players’ decisions throughout the game aligned them with Law, Chaos, or Neutral ideologies, each represented by different factions and characters. What set Devil Survivor apart was how these alignments were interwoven with the personal struggles of its cast. The choices were much less abstract. They directly impacted the characters the player had grown attached to over the course of the game.

There’s also multiple endings within alignments, something not as common in the mainline series. For example, there are different options even if you take the Chaos route. Some of the endings can be easily missed if you don’t follow a specific path.

The cast of the Devil Survivor games is another standout feature. In the first game, players were thrust into a locked-down Tokyo as demons began to overrun the city. The second game deals with themes of societal collapse and prophecy. Each character had their own struggles, motivations, and potential arcs depending on the player’s choices. This focus on interpersonal dynamics made the stakes feel personal, further distinguishing the series from other tactical RPGs.

However, the gaming landscape has evolved significantly since the release of Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker in 2015. A third entry could capitalize on modern advancements in game design while staying true to the series’ core identity. Here’s why we need Devil Survivor 3 and how it could improve upon its predecessors.

While the hybrid battle system of the first two games was innovative. Devil Survivor 3 could take inspiration from modern tactical RPGs to refine and expand its gameplay. Games like Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Triangle Strategy have introduced new ideas to the genre, such as terrain effects, class-specific mechanics, and more dynamic battlefields. Devil Survivor 3 could incorporate these features to make combat even more engaging.

For example, Introduce environmental elements like destructible terrain, hazardous zones, or demon-summoning circles that alter the battlefield dynamically. Also, it could add mechanics that reward teamwork, such as combo attacks or support bonuses for characters with strong relationships. We’ve seen elements like this in Persona, so they can do it.

The Devil Survivor games were challenging, but their difficulty sometimes bordered on frustrating. A third game could address these issues. Borrowing from Persona 5’s sleek menus, demon fusion and skill inheritance could make things more accessible.

The alignment system is central to the Devil Survivor experience, and a third game could take it even further. Instead of sticking to the traditional Law, Chaos, and Neutral alignments, Devil Survivor 3 could introduce new factions or ideologies, each with its own moral complexities.

Players could manage relationships between multiple competing sides, each with shades of gray. This could help to make alignment a more fluid system that reacts to the player’s choices, rather than locking them into a specific path early on.

Like almost every SMT title, first two games focused on Tokyo. They both also deal with societal collapse. Devil Survivor 3 could explore fresh thematic and narrative territory. The protagonist navigating cultural and ideological clashes as demons threaten to bring about the apocalypse. The narrative could tackle timely issues such as climate change, technology’s impact on humanity, or global inequality, giving the series a modern edge.

The broader SMT franchise has evolved significantly since Devil Survivor 2. A third game could integrate some of the best features from recent entries. For example, the nuanced demon recruitment system from Shin Megami Tensei V. The game could also leverage modern hardware to deliver stunning character designs and atmospheric environments, while retaining the series’ signature art style.

A third entry could also introduce entirely new mechanics to set itself apart. Many of Devil Survivor’s modern peers feature some sort of management between battles. Players could manage resources and alliances between human survivors and demon factions, adding a layer of strategic depth.

Then of course they could Include cooperative or competitive multiplayer options. This would let players test their strategies against others or team up for challenging battles. I’m not typically a fan of this sort of thing, but the Pokémon series shows us the demand for this sort of thing.

The Devil Survivor series has always excelled at delivering thought-provoking narratives, intense tactical combat, and morally challenging choices. A third entry could build upon this foundation, incorporating modern gameplay advancements and exploring new thematic territory. By blending the best elements of its predecessors with fresh ideas from the wider world of tactical RPGs, Devil Survivor 3 could reignite the franchise and deliver a truly unforgettable experience. The fans are ready, ATLUS — it’s time to answer the call.