TheShin Megami Tenseiseries has a lot of spin-offs and offshoots, the most famous being the incredibly popular and stylisticPersonaseries. Each game features similar fundamental mechanics, like recruiting and fusing demons or hitting weak points to gain advantage, but often utilize unique mechanics to make each game very different.
Soul Hackers 2, the newest offering from theShin Megami Tenseiseries,revives an old spin-off franchise inDevil Summoner. As a result, its gameplay is certain to be quite different from the more well-knownPersonaseries. Here are some thingsPersonafans should know before they decide to buySoul Hackers 2.
8It’s Not A Lot Like Soul Hackers
Soul Hackers 2was meant to be a successor to the originalSoul Hackers, which released all the way back in 1997. Some fans may have played the originalSoul Hackersin preparation for the release of the new game, but those that did would quickly realize thatSoul Hackers 2is more ofa spiritual successor than a sequel.
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While concepts and elements fromSoul Hackersdo appear inSoul Hackers 2, the gameplay and setting couldn’t be more different.Soul Hackers 2draws more influence from modernShin Megami Tenseigames andPersonagames than it does the originalSoul Hackersgame.
7Ringo Is Not A Silent Protagonist
Shin Megami Tenseigames are generally known for having silent protagonists. This is a tradition spanning back to the first game in the series, and while there have been a few exceptions, most fans playing aShin Megami Tenseigame expect a protagonist with little to say.
However,Soul Hackers 2is another exception,as the main protagonist Ringo has voiced lines and dialogue. This may be appealing to those who want their protagonist to be a full character, but it may not be ideal for those who enjoy self-inserting themselves as the protagonist.
6Soul Levels Are Different From Social Links And Confidants
Soul Hackers 2features a mechanic called Soul Levels, which are clearly based on the Social Link and Confidant mechanic from thePersonagames. The Soul Levels represent Ringo’s connection with her party members, and dialogue options or certain events will improve the Soul Level.
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However, Soul Levelsfunction very differently from how Social Links usually work. Soul Levels don’t have rank ups, nor do they require the player to spend time or attend certain events. They are a simplified version of Social Links, though the mechanic itself does have some interesting uses.
5Combat Is Completely Different
Combat inShin Megami Tenseican be very tactical and involves unique mechanics that can change the feel of the game.Personahas the One More system, which grants extra turns to a character if they hit an enemy’s weak point, while modernShin Megami Tenseigameshave the Press Turn system, in which hitting an enemy with the wrong element can change the tide of battle in an instant.
InSoul Hackers 2, combat is based around the Stack. Hitting a weakness increases the Stack, and at the end of the player’s turn, a Sabbath occurs, summoning a bunch of demons that deal damage based on how high the Stack is.
4Party Members Can Also Use Different Demons
InPersona, the ability to switch between different Personas is generally a unique ability of the protagonist,with the other party membersusually limited to their initial unique Persona. This generally makes the protagonist a vital member of the party, as he can fill a variety of roles by himself.
Soul Hackers 2is quite different fromPersonain many ways, and one of the most important differences is that party members can also change what demon they have equipped. This allows each character the same amount of flexibility.
3There’s A Lot Of Side Content
In addition to the main story, there are a lot of side quests and optional dungeons that players can visit in between story beats inSoul Hackers 2. There are a lot of requests that Ringo can take, which offer a variety of rewards that can help in the main story.
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There’s also the Soul Matrix, which is a massive dungeon that is entirely optional. However, it is nearly vital to complete as it gives the party special skills that boost their effectiveness in battle. Maintaining high Soul Levels is important for the Soul Matrix, as it unlocks the many gates that appear in the dungeon.
2Materials Are Important
InPersona, the player’s most important resources are money and Personas. Money is necessary to buy equipment, while Personas provide the use of specific skills and resistances. Since there is usually no crafting or upgrading inPersona, materials are often not a consideration in those games.
Soul Hackers 2, however, is quite different. Each party member has a COMP that serves as their main weapon, and it must be upgraded to keep up with the stronger demons. COMP upgrades don’t just increase the power of attacks, but also provide a variety of passive effects that reduce the cost of skills and provide unique bonuses, such as Ringo’s Commander Skills.
1Demon Fusion Is Possible…Eventually
One of the most iconic mechanics in theShin Megami Tenseiseries is the fusion mechanic. Whether it be demons or Personas, the ability touse fusion to create stronger demonshas always been a core part of most games in the franchise.
Demon Fusion is also an important part ofSoul Hackers 2, performed in the Gouma-Den, a location familiar to fans of theDevil Summonerseries. However, this function takes quite a while to show up, compared to other games where it is available at the beginning of the game. Players will have to stick with vanilla demons for a while before finally getting to fuse them
