Apocalypse: so fun it's worth repeating - Let's play SMT III

KalosKagathos · Sep 18, 2010

What title says.

Originally released in 2003, Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne is widely regarded by smart people everyone as one of the finest RPGs ever made. Reasons this game rocks: challenging combat that puts mastery of the fusion system and careful preparation above random dice rolls, multiple endings that take into account things you've done over the entire game instead of boiling down to one final choice, and art direction that somehow manages to make the game look both bleak and colorful at the same time. Above all, everything in it just fits together amazingly well. You can feel that a team behind it shared a very strong vision of what they wanted to make, which doesn't happen very often. The version that made it to America and Europe is actually a 2004 re-release, known in Japan as the Maniax edition. Among things it added: a huge optional dungeon that is sure to give huge boners to everyone fond of the bizarre architecture loved by blob RPGs of late 80's and early 90's, an extra ending that you can get by completing said dungeon, and a cameo appearance so gratuitous that Wolverine would die of jealousy if he knew of it.

That should be enough introductions, let's begin.

Table of contents:

Update 1: Prologue, part 1 - it's right below the table
Update 2: Prologue, part 2
Update 3: Shinjuku Medical Center
Update 4: Yoyogi Park and Shibuya
Update 5: Amala Network
Update 6: Ginza and the Great Underpass
Update 7: Ikebukuro
Update 8: Daisoujou
Update 9: Assembly of Nihilo
Update 10: Ikebukuro Revisited
Update 11: First Kalpa
Update 12: Second Kalpa
Update 13: Kabukicho Prison
Update 14: Ikebukuro Tunnel
Update 15: Asakusa
Update 16: The Obelisk
Update 17: Third Kalpa
Update 18: Amala Network Revisited
Update 19: In which the city of Asakusa is explored further, our hero becomes a shameless political prostitute and looks Death in the eyes, an otherworldly dong creature gets displeased, the words of prophecy are uttered, and the author suddenly and inexplicably breaks the previously established update naming convention
Update 20: In which Reginald's manhood is called into question
Update 21: In which everyone loses it
Update 22: Amala Temple
Update 23: Mifunashiro
Update 24: The Trumpeter
Update 25: Fourth Kalpa
Update 26: Diet Building
Update 27: Fifth Kalpa
Update 28: In which an offer is accepted
Update 29: The Tower of Kagutsuchi
Update 30: Bandou Shrine
Update 31: The last one

Update 1: Prologue, part 1

Moody. There's a short intro movie before the title screen, by the way, but I won't link to it because it almost entirely consists of horribly compressed footage of in-game cutscenes, making it a tad spoileriffic.

I'll be playing the game on Normal, as I don't want the LP to come to an abrupt end if it turns out I'm not good enough for Hard. Difficulty can't be changed mid-game.

Why would they? It's not like the game was developed by Atlus USA.

BGM: Apocalypse

Woman's voice: If such is the fate of this world, then I shall return it to its mother's womb. The world must first die, for it to be born again... That is the only way to salvation, as recorded in an ancient prophecy.

The game sure doesn't waste any time introducing its main theme.

Woman's voice: But, I don't want you to meet the same fate. I want to help you hold on to your life. To do so, I need to know your name. Will you tell me who you are...?

And that's as far as this update goes. I have absolutely no imagination when it comes to coming up with character names. In addition to first and last names, we'll need a nickname. The character limit is 8 for all of them. Naoki Kashima is the canon name that was used in some Japan-only merchandise based on the game, but I'm open to other suggestions.

EDIT: Added gaps between images for extra coherence.

EDIT2: Fixed a broken image.

lightbane · Sep 18, 2010

I hope you know what you're doing, because these type of games tend to be very long, especially when you're lpeing them (like what happened with Mother 3, took me nearly 9 months to complete the lp). Anyways, I vote for:

Name: Cleve
Surname: Balmore (stupid character limit)
Nickname: Skyway, Bro, or Jesus for some extra meta-trolling.

KalosKagathos · Sep 18, 2010

lightbane said:
I hope you know what you're doing, because these type of games tend to be very long, especially when you're lpeing them (like what happened with Mother 3, took me nearly 9 months to complete the lp).

On the bright side, it's fairly light on dialogue. Most of the work will be from taking scenic screenshots of dungeons and giving commentary on fusion and bosses, rather than retyping ungodly amounts of in-game text. It is an undertaking, but at least it shouldn't get repetitive.

MasterSmithFandango · Sep 18, 2010

Not playing on hard is a pussy move.

Overweight Manatee · Sep 18, 2010

Flying Spaghetti Monster said:
Not playing on hard is a pussy move.

spekkio · Sep 18, 2010

Fuck yeah!

Gentleman on the wheelchair approves:

Name the protagonist Kingcomrade (KC). I mean, just look at him:

Also: do all the Kalpas to the sweet sweet end or...

:rpgcodex:

Oh, and:

Overweight Manatee said:
Flying Spaghetti Monster said:

Not playing on hard is a pussy move.

Click to expand...

KalosKagathos · Sep 18, 2010

spekkio said:
Also: do all the Kalpas to the sweet sweet end or...

I definitely will be showing the entire Labyrinth of Amala. Whether or not I take the elevator at the end and seal the ending is something that a vote will decide.

Not impressed with name suggestions so far. KC is a fine nickname, but picking Cleve for the full name will more or less force me to get the Yosuga ending, as any other alliance will be blatantly out of character.

spekkio · Sep 18, 2010

You're going to pick up your Reason based on Hivemind's votes?

Good luck with that...

:lol:

Can be done, but with some rage on your side...

Black Cat · Sep 18, 2010

Do either the True Demon ending or the autistic one. Autistic is more Codex, but True Demon has Him as a party member, and that makes it the prefered one for an LP.

Also,

Not playing on hard is a pussy move.

This.

anus_pounder · Sep 18, 2010

Don't have any name suggestions, but don't pick the defaults.

treave · Sep 18, 2010

Not playing on hard is a pussy move.

If you're worried, just keep about two, three rolling saves. Have you completed the game before? Nocturne is definitely manageable if you know what to expect.

KalosKagathos · Sep 18, 2010

treave said:
Not playing on hard is a pussy move.

Click to expand...

If you're worried, just keep about two, three rolling saves. Have you completed the game before? Nocturne is definitely manageable if you know what to expect.

Yeah, I did complete it. What does the Hard difficulty change? If it's just a 50% increase to enemy damage, or something, I may give it go.

lightbane · Sep 18, 2010

To prevent of having trouble deciding which ending to do, you should do this: Create a poll stating each ending with a very brief description of each one (so there aren't any spoilers), write "These are the possible endings. Which is better and why? Discuss!" as the title, set let's say 60 days for the poll to expire and then pick the ending with most votes.
However, since we are the Codex you should do the option that causes as much butthurt as possible, the True Demon ending should be the one you do.

PS: That reminds me, I still have not finished the game yet, I know, it's :decline:

but my computer isn't good enough for the emulator.

Overweight Manatee · Sep 18, 2010

KalosKagathos said:
treave said:

Not playing on hard is a pussy move.

Click to expand...

If you're worried, just keep about two, three rolling saves. Have you completed the game before? Nocturne is definitely manageable if you know what to expect.

Click to expand...

Yeah, I did complete it. What does the Hard difficulty change? If it's just a 50% increase to enemy damage, or something, I may give it go.

Enemy damage is increased, status effects work more often on your chzracter, and its harder to escape from battle using the regular escape (so the items that let you escape are actually useful to collect). There may also be some kind of price increase on summoning, don't remember. Maybe that was only for the Persona games.

Elzair · Sep 19, 2010

MOAR!

treave · Sep 19, 2010

KalosKagathos said:
treave said:

Not playing on hard is a pussy move.

Click to expand...

If you're worried, just keep about two, three rolling saves. Have you completed the game before? Nocturne is definitely manageable if you know what to expect.

Click to expand...

Yeah, I did complete it. What does the Hard difficulty change? If it's just a 50% increase to enemy damage, or something, I may give it go.

If I remember correctly, items and summoning costs are two or three times more expensive, you take at least double damage from anything that can damage you, you can't run unless you use an item or skill (so considering the cost of buying stuff, don't even bother running until you get Trafuri).

I think the Hama/Mudo spells work more frequently too, but no self-respecting SMT player is going to leave their main character walking around utterly unprotected to instant kill spells, are they?

But if you've completed it before, you roughly know which demons to take for which dungeons. That makes things quite simple. Unless you're doing a Protagonist-only solo run of Nocturne Hard mode.

KalosKagathos · Sep 19, 2010

lightbane said:
To prevent of having trouble deciding which ending to do, you should do this: Create a poll stating each ending with a very brief description of each one (so there aren't any spoilers), write "These are the possible endings. Which is better and why? Discuss!" as the title, set let's say 60 days for the poll to expire and then pick the ending with most votes.
However, since we are the Codex you should do the option that causes as much butthurt as possible, the True Demon ending should be the one you do.

Nah, I'll just ask people how I should treat Reasons when they're first introduced. Less spoilers that way.

treave said:
If I remember correctly, items and summoning costs are two or three times more expensive, you take at least double damage from anything that can damage you, you can't run unless you use an item or skill (so considering the cost of buying stuff, don't even bother running until you get Trafuri).

What about Fast Retreat (a passive that raises the probability of running away and can be learned from the Ankh magatama at a low level)? Completely useless?

I think the Hama/Mudo spells work more frequently too, but no self-respecting SMT player is going to leave their main character walking around utterly unprotected to instant kill spells, are they?

The Ankh magatama looks more and more attractive.

But if you've completed it before, you roughly know which demons to take for which dungeons. That makes things quite simple. Unless you're doing a Protagonist-only solo run of Nocturne Hard mode.

So far it really doesn't sound like anything that a War Cry and a Tetraja at the start of a battle can't fix. Low levels will probably be a pain, but whatever, Hard it is.

treave · Sep 19, 2010

KalosKagathos said:
What about Fast Retreat (a passive that raises the probability of running away and can be learned from the Ankh magatama at a low level)? Completely useless?

It may help, but I wouldn't risk it. I've never actually used the skill before so I don't know how much it increases the escape probability. Recommendation is to not bother and stick with 100% guaranteed escape skills/items. Losing a turn could be fatal.

So far it really doesn't sound like anything that a War Cry and a Tetraja at the start of a battle can't fix. Low levels will probably be a pain, but whatever, Hard it is.

Yeah. The hardest fight is actually the first Preta fight when you really have nothing to work with. :lol:

KalosKagathos · Sep 19, 2010

Update 2: Prologue, part 2

And by popular demand...

Don't blame me if it turns out I can't finish the game without spamming save states like crazy.

Kingcomrade didn't fit, so I went with something even more prestigious.

Woman's voice: I see, so your name is Reginald von Dex... As of now, your will to live shall be sustained.

Woman's voice: You may not understand right now... but please don't forget what you've heard here... I'm the nurturer of the next world. It is my duty to create the world that is to come... Now, I want you to say my name out loud.

What's the deal with JRPGs and their love of dots? Regardless, we get to name all the major NPCs as well (with one exception), but those come with default names, which I will be using.

Woman's voice: ...Reginald. I won't shed another tear, not even at the world's end. I'd like to see you in the next world, though... Go ahead and wake up. It's time...

Announcer: Please do not rush onto the train. The door is now closing.

And that's our main character:

SMT II players may recognize the demon icons on his arms.

Message: You haven't forgotten that we're going to visit Ms. Takao, have you? Hurry up and get over to Yoyogi Park. You're wasting my quality time!

It's from your classmate. Enter his name.

Message: Oh yeah, you better make sure you like nice for her. How about the jacket you bought the other day... Y'know, the one with a demon graphic on it? You're just the mood maker. Don't forget that.

After reading what has to be the longest short message ever typed on a mobile phone, we're finally given control of our character. The HUD is quite minimalistic at this point, with a compass in the bottom right corner and the name of the current location at the upper right. A handy auto-map can be accessed by pressing triangle. More features will be added at the end of the prologue.

There's a vending machine to the left that can be used to buy a Mysterious Drink. The inventory can't be accessed at the time, so I can't see what it actually does, but if memory doesn't fail me, it's either a recovery item or a grenade-type item that deals elemental damage to all foes. Either way, it's something useful.

Some guy that we can talk to.

Employee: After the incident, we've had a lot of lookee-loos, but not so many customers. Man, I've had a lot of free time on my hands... Huh? Are you saying that you haven't heard the news???

What's going on?

Employee: If you want the details, you can check the giant screen. A buncha people were killed. You could hear the sirens wailing all night long. I'm sorry about that... I shouldn't be talking on the job, even if I'm not busy.

And that's everything the station has to offer. Time to move on.

BGM: World Map -Real World-

There are several points of interest here. First, let's check out the screen to the southeast, as the employee suggested.

The news is showing on the giant video display...

Newscaster: The demonstration got out of hand, and there have been several deaths and injuries reported. Also, Hikawa, the top executive of Cybers Communication is still missing. Stay tuned to see what the weather forecast has planned.

The news continues...

I, for one, am certain that this Hikawa dude doesn't have anything to do with anything.

Certain people you can meet on the streets have some foreshadowing to dump on you.

Shabby man: It's a dream where da world becomes round... By gum! I means ter say... Da world IS round, but it got round-er, ya see!? I think it's a prophetic dream, but no one believes me... By gum!

High school boy: ...Did you hear the rumor about Yoyogi Park?

No.
High school boy: I heard, on the night of the riot, a demon was spotted at Yoyogi Park. It was a terrible demon that killed all those people! Well... it's just a rumor.

A rumored demon, you say? To the Kuzunoha Detective Agency! Sorry, wrong game.

Young man: He had a giant sword on his back and looked dangerous! But, I swear I've seen him somewhere before... Hmmm...

Enough stumbling around, we have an appointment.

Man: I won't be able to get a single picture of the scene... Just my luck.

What happened here?

"The clash between a well-known company and a civic organization results in deaths..."

...that it was a struggle between two opposing cults.

Your cell phone started to ring.

Classmate: *sigh* I finally got a hold of you. What have you been doing all this time?

Please enter your classmate's name.

Chiaki: Where are you now? Yoyogi Park? Well, since you didn't show up on time, Isamu and I left without you. ...We're almost there. So yeah, I'm sorry, but can you come directly to the hospital? You know which hospital it is? ...Yeah, Shinjuku Medical Center. Just go east from Shinjuku Station, and you can't miss it. Oh well. I wanted to talk to Ms. Takao about what I should do after graduation anyway.

I'll be there ASAP.
Chiaki: Thanks, I'm not planning on staying there long. Okay then, see you later.

Chiaki hung up.

That's keen hearing you have there.

...That's where I'm headed, too. What a coincidence.

You don't know what happened here, right? Then, you probably don't know what kind of a place that hospital is, either. The report on the Gaea cult and the Scripture of Miroku... It's an interesting read.

You wouldn't normally associate a hospital with the occult, but... That place is different. ...Heheh. False info is pretty common in the occult industry. If it does turn out to be wrong, just laugh it off, okay? Well, I'd better get going. My name's Hijiri. If we ever meet again, let me know what you thought about my article.

Spooky. Now let's catch up to our impatient friends.

BGM: Shinjuku Hygenic Hospital

You know, this hospital... It's a little strange.

Look, even the reception desk is empty. Isn't it creepy here? I don't like it...

He hasn't come back yet, though. He'd better not be off fooling around. ...Hey, what's that magazine?

Do you want to read it?

Knowing your taste, it probably wouldn't interest me.

I'm not 100% sure, but I think the image on the back is from SMT: if...

...Well, I guess it might help me kill some time.

If we can't find Ms. Takao, then I don't wanna stay here another minute. He should be on the second floor, where the patients' rooms are. I'll wait here. ...Oh yeah, let me borrow this magazine. Thanks!

As it turns out, Isamu really is on the second floor.

Sorry for the weird blur on his hands. Must be an emulation glitch. I'm running the game in software mode to minimize them, but some are still present. At least shadows don't overlap the models like they do in hardware mode.

You come here late, you cause trouble... Geez. Ah, forget it.

I called Ms. Takao and double checked, though. She said, "Shinjuku Medical Center."

Just relax.

Oh well.

She's probably all mad at 'cuz I've been gone so long... *sigh* It's hard to please a girl with her upbringing.

I really hope that this is nothing we should be worried about...

There's another vending machine on the second floor of the hospital. With more equipment obtained, let's report back to Chiaki.

Um, Reginald... You know that special report at the beginning of the magazine? Well, it says some things that are a little disturbing.

Disturbing things in an occult magazine? No way.

They're right here in Japan. Anyway, they believe in this book of prophecy called the Scripture of Miroku.

and these people are actually trying to make that happen. The reporter was unable to learn what is meant by "chaos"... It could be worldwide terrorism, or some other tragedy. But...

I even checked the men's room.

We're in the middle of a conversation, so please save the details for later.

"A hospital on the east side of Shinjuku is closely linked to their plan..."

You know, this could be the hospital that they're referring to.

Things like they experiment on patients, and how a psychic got scared and ran outta here... There was also one about the hospital being under the influence of some cult...

I haven't heard those things before. Maybe we shouldn't have come...

There's definitely something wrong with this hospital.

I'm worried about Ms. Takao.

It looks like you can access the annex from the second floor. I'll go take a look.

You obtained an ID Card.

...You're not scared, are you?

O-Of course not! I'm sure she's not down there, that's why I'm having Reginald go!

Pwned.

It's my duty to see her in person. If something does happen, Reginald, just run like hell! Alright?

On the other side of the gates, there are there's a hallway with three doors of interest:

The first door on the left side of the hallway leads to this charming room:

The door at the very end of the hallway leads to the annex, but can't be opened right now. Last, but not least, the door to the right leads to plot advancement:

What kind of a question is that?

BGM: Hikawa

Nice suit.

How irritating...

"April is the cruelest month." Why? Because it is then that one must wake up from a long sleep and face the barren world.

The more times I read this line, the less sense it makes.

Looking back on the past , it is evident that the history of mankind is comprised of meaningless events. The worthless overgrowth of a civilization blind to its sins, continuous bloodshed and war, and thousands of years of repeating the same mistakes again and again. ...The world must start over from the beginning. The way to salvation was foretold in the Scripture of Miroku, and today is the day that the prophecy shall be fulfilled. The old world will sink like a setting sun, and the new world will arise in its place.

I absolutely love how he spontaneously decides to deliver a highly :philosoraptor:

speech without even wondering who he's talking to.

From what I remember, you're not one of our followers who survived the purge at the park.

Come to think of it, this was a hospital, wasn't it? I see, you came to visit her. However, even a pebble creates ripples when cast in water. I do feel pity for you, but... Your life ends here!

BGM: Boss Appearance

All the inhabitants of this world will follow before long.

As nice as Isamu's advice was, I don't think you can just run away from a guy who can will levitating goats into existence.

Fool... No one can overcome their fate.

It should have absolutely no effect on our plan.

...Such a troublesome Maiden.

Please leave this room. I would like to enjoy this blissful end in solitude.

We'll have a good view of the city from there. Come, see it with your own eyes. Witness that which will change the world...

That was a close call. But let's not keep the lady waiting. However, on our way to the elevator...

I see. My, my...

What was that all about?

BGM: Tokyo Conception

I'm glad I made it in time, back there at the basement... I wouldn't want you to fall prey to a demon. You heard what Hikawa said, right? The world is about to be engulfed by chaos. It's called the Conception... The rebirth of the world, an event which no human has ever witnessed. Everyone outside of this hospital will perish.

But, even if we let this old world continue to exist, it would eventually lose all of its power. The world must die, for it to be born again... And I alone will carry the burden of its sin. ...No, I don't have any regrets.

You came here, led by fate. And it is your fate that you will live through the Conception. It may actually be more painful than death...

Reginald...

No matter how the world changes, I'll be your strength. As the Maiden, I'll take part in the creation of the new world... I'm sure that I'll be able to provide you with guidance. ...I know it's difficult for you to understand. But, we're out of time. Reginald... If you can find me on your own, I promise that I'll tell you everything... The answers to all your questions, and what my true feelings are...

Your what? The hell is wrong with this game?

It's on.

Don't worry if you have absolutely no idea WTF has just happened. A rather clear explanation will be given once we leave the hospital.

For now, have the obligatory mindfuck sequence instead.

Mysterious voice: ...You have nothing in your heart. Not even a hint of Reason. For the one who will shape the world, this cannot be. Go! And discover yourself...

Of course, it only gets better from here.

It is vital that you receive this gift.

It will only hurt for an instant...

Please don't tell me that you want to show your young master where babies come from on me.

Don't worry, folks, they're just sticking a demonic insect-like thingy in our character's brain.

On this light-hearted and upbeat note ends this update.

Before you ask, future updates will contain significantly less dialogue and exposition, and more getting shit done.

SCO · Sep 19, 2010

Some seriously hipster shit going on here.

Wulfstand · Sep 19, 2010

I'd so play this, but I just can't configure the PS2 emu settings, so as to run it smoothly on my pc.

anus_pounder · Sep 19, 2010

FFS default names.

Anyway, I finally got back my ps2, so I'll start playing this game at the same pace as the LP. :3

spekkio · Sep 19, 2010

Change Interlacing Mode (F5 key).

At least shadows don't overlap the models like they do in hardware mode

They didn't on the rev. that I was using to play the game...

Reason-related butthurt detected...

KalosKagathos said:
It's on

Is it?

anus_pounder said:
default names

Awesome work so far, KalosKagathos.
But I think we need MOAR!

In before: "LOL it's just the same emo-weaboo bullshit as in Final Fantasy, OLOLO".

Overweight Manatee · Sep 19, 2010

spekkio said:
At least shadows don't overlap the models like they do in hardware mode

Click to expand...

They didn't on the rev. that I was using to play the game...

I've heard there was a rev that fixes the shadows, but everyone says it broke other things in the game much worse so it was changed back. What were you using?

Regardless, I prefer high res with minor shadow issues to low res. The shadows aren't noticeable most of the time unless you are specifically looking at a character's feet for some reason.

vs.

KalosKagathos · Sep 19, 2010

spekkio said:
Change Interlacing Mode (F5 key).

Thanks, I'll play around with that setting.

Overweight Manatee said:
Regardless, I prefer high res with minor shadow issues to low res. The shadows aren't noticeable most of the time unless you are specifically looking at a character's feet for some reason.

Sorry, OM, but this isn't a techwankery thread. I'd like to keep the picture as close to what it'd look like on a PS2 as possible. And the shadows glitch royally fucks up several cut scenes.

Apocalypse: so fun it's worth repeating - Let's play SMT III

Learned

Arcane

Learned

Arcane

Scholar

Arcane

Learned

Arcane

Magister

Arcane

Arcane

Learned

Arcane

Scholar

Cipher

Arcane

Learned

Arcane

Learned

Arcane

Prophet

Arcane

Arcane

Scholar

Learned