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Atlus advises you to speak softly and carry a big stick when dealing with demons in Shin Megami Tensei IV

Smirk or negotiate, the choice is yours

Atlus advises you to speak softly and carry a big stick when dealing with demons in Shin Megami Tensei IV

Are you excited about the upcoming release of Shin Megami Tensei IV for the 3DS? If so, you might want to stop sharpening your katana and brush up on your Kissinger.

Unlike the Persona games, which allowed players to slaughter demons by the busload, Shin Megami Tensei IV gives players the chance to set aside their weapons and negotiate with their demonic foes.

This diplomatic approach to conflict resolution has many benefits for crafty players - if your negotiations succeed, there's a chance that you can recruit demons to fight against their former comrades for you.

Less talk-y, more stab-y

If that doesn't sound like your idea of fun, you'll be happy to read that traditional first-person combat will still determine much of your success in Shin Megami Tensei IV.

But these fights won't be dull affairs by any means.

The 'Press Turn' system returns in SMT IV, and it rewards shrewd players with extra actions if they exploit an enemy’s weakness.

What's more, if a character continuously exploits an enemy's weakness they'll flash a jaunty 'Smirk' which reduces their vulnerabilities while dramatically increasing their damage output.

But you might want to wipe that smile off your face - enemies can take advantage of your party's weaknesses and Smirk right back at you.

Shin Megami Tensei IV will be released in North America on July 16 and will come to Europe at a later, unspecified, date.
Matthew Diener
Matthew Diener
Representing the former colonies, Matt keeps the Pocket Gamer news feed updated when sleepy Europeans are sleeping. As a frustrated journalist, diehard gamer and recovering MMO addict, this is pretty much his dream job.