Megami Tensei is an astronomically powerful franchise.
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before growing to outsell its mother series with the release of Persona 3 in 2006, giving way to a number of adaptations and spin-offs spanning several other mediums.Īlthough the series still draws from mythology and religion as its primary sources of inspiration and shares many of the same summonable demons with Shin Megami Tensei, its main distinguishing factor is the focus on social interactions and interpersonal relationships between the characters, as well as their underlying psychology and evolution as individuals, with Gods and Demons themselves being recognized above all else as merely symbolic manifestations of one's own personality and will, thus the series' namesake: Persona. The most popular and commercially successful branch of the Megami Tensei franchise, having originated as a spin-off of the mainline Shin Megami Tensei series, inspired by the high-school oriented setting of Shin Megami Tensei If. Alternatively, it may leave humans completely by themselves in the world, with no one to guide them away from their self-destructive nature. Most often than not, his victory leads simply to delaying the inevitable conflict of Law and Chaos, or even worsening it. Seeking neutrality will often put the protagonist against their former allies and friends, and will force them to destroy all who stand in their way. It may seem to be the most ideal path, though it is the hardest to attain. It rejects the powers of both Law and Chaos, instead longing for the personal empowerment of mankind, and their inherent strength and individuality. It accepts the needs of laws to restrain anarchy, but not at the cost of one's freedom. Neutral is the path of humans and of those who seek balance. However, that will lead to a world of unsuppressed vice, anarchy and war, with the survival of the fittest as the only way. Should they succeed, it will mean an end to all tyranny, as everyone shall live in a state of equality. Their victory means and end to all pain and suffering, though their means involve the genocide of all opposition, alongside the elimination of humanity's freedom of action and even will.Ĭhaos is the path of Lucifer, with the demons at his side desiring complete freedom above all else. Law is the path of God, with heavenly forces seeking absolute peace and order under their Lord's rule. The player may deny both alignments, and seek the Neutral way. The player will find themselves split between opposing forces, Law and Chaos, both seeking to shape the world in accordance to their ideals. Thematically, the series is known for its bleak tone, and for hardly ever presenting clear-cut moral choices. Over time, the series has developed to include elements from various religions such as Judaism, Gnosticism, Hinduism and Buddhism, Jungian Psychology, and Cyberpunk aesthetics. The games usually involve the sudden appearance of the supernatural on the world, with Gods, Demons and creatures from all faiths involved, and Apocalyptic scenarios soon following. Shin Megami Tensei (True Goddess Metempsychosis) is the first and most notable game series that branched off of the original Megami Tensei duology, originally published as a reimagining and spiritual successor of the original two games, rehashing much of their concepts and storylines, but introducing new characters and expanded plot-points.