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{{Redirect|Shin Megami Tensei|the 1992 video game|Shin Megami Tensei (video game){{!}}''Shin Megami Tensei'' (video game)}}
{{Infobox video game series
|title = Megami Tensei
|image = Megami Tensei logo.png
|caption = 
|alt = The logo consists of the text "Megami Tensei" written horizontally using four red, cursive kanji characters. The third character is written further down than the rest.
|creator = {{ubl|Aya Nishitani<br>(Original Novels)|[[Kouji Okada]]|Gin'ichiro Suzuki|Kazunari Suzuki}}
|developer = {{collapsible list|title=[[Atlus]]|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:12px;background:transparent;text-align:left|[[Arc System Works]], [[CAVE (company)|Cave]], [[Career Soft]], Lancarse, Multimedia Intelligence Transfer, [[Nex Entertainment]], [[Omega Force]], [[Sega]]}}
|publisher = {{collapsible list|title=Atlus|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:12px;background:transparent;text-align:left|{{Vgrelease|JP|Atlus, [[Bandai Namco Entertainment|Namco]], Sega|NA|[[Atlus USA]], [[Aeria Games]], Sega|EU|Atlus, [[Deep Silver]], [[Koei]], Ghostlight, [[Nintendo]], [[Nippon Ichi Software|NIS America]], Sega, [[Square Enix]], Zen United}}}}
|genre = [[Role-playing video game|Role-playing]], [[monster-taming game|monster-taming]]
|platforms = {{collapsible list|title=Various|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:12px;background:transparent;text-align:left|[[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[FM-7]], [[Game Boy]], [[Game Boy Color]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Game Gear]], [[iOS]], [[Microsoft Windows]], [[MSX]], [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]], [[Nintendo DS]], [[Nintendo 3DS]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[Nintendo Switch 2]], [[PC-8801]], [[PC-9801]], [[TurboGrafx-16#PC Engine|PC Engine]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[PlayStation Portable]], [[PlayStation Vita]], [[Sega CD]], [[Sega Saturn]], [[Sharp X1]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]], [[Virtual Boy]], [[Wii]], [[Wii U]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Xbox One]], [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]]}}
|spinoffs = {{plainlist|
* ''[[Megami Tensei Gaiden: Last Bible|Megami Tensei Gaiden]]''
* ''[[Majin Tensei]]''
* ''[[Devil Summoner]]''
* ''[[Persona (series)|Persona]]''
* ''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga|Digital Devil Saga]]''
* ''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children|Devil Children]]''
* ''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor|Devil Survivor]]''
}}
| first release version = ''[[Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei]]''
| first release date = September 11, 1987
| latest release version = ''[[Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army]]''
| latest release date = June 19, 2025 
}}
'''''Megami Tensei''''',{{efn|{{nihongo|''Megami Tensei''|女神転生|lead=yes}} is often translated as "Reincarnation of the Goddess", and commonly abbreviated as {{nihongo|''MegaTen''|メガテン}}.}} marketed internationally as '''''Shin Megami Tensei''''' (formerly ''Revelations''), is a Japanese [[media franchise]] created by Aya Nishitani, [[Kouji Okada|Kouji "Cozy" Okada]], Ginichiro Suzuki, and Kazunari Suzuki. Primarily developed and published by [[Atlus]], the franchise consists of multiple subseries and covers multiple [[role-playing video game]] genres including [[tactical role-playing game|tactical role-playing]], [[action role-playing game|action role-playing]], and [[Massively multiplayer online role-playing game|massively multiplayer online role-playing]]. The first two titles in the series were published by [[Namco]] (now [[Bandai Namco Entertainment]]), but have been almost always published by Atlus in Japan and North America since the release of ''[[Shin Megami Tensei (video game)|Shin Megami Tensei]]''. For Europe, Atlus publishes the games through third-party companies.

The series was originally based on ''Digital Devil Story'', a science fiction novel series by Aya Nishitani. The series takes its name from the first book's subtitle. Most ''Megami Tensei'' titles are stand-alone entries with their own stories and characters. Recurring elements include plot themes, a story shaped by the player's choices, and the ability to fight using and often recruit creatures (demons, Personas) to aid the player in battle. Elements of philosophy, religion, occultism, and science fiction have all been incorporated into the series at different times.

While not maintaining as high a profile as series such as ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' and ''[[Dragon Quest]]'', it is highly popular in Japan and maintains a strong cult following in the West, finding critical and commercial success. The series has become well known for its artistic direction, challenging gameplay, and music, but raised controversy over its mature content, dark themes, and use of Christian religious imagery. Additional media include manga adaptations, anime films, and television series.

In Japan, some games in the series do not use the "''Megami Tensei''" title, such as the ''[[Persona (series)|Persona]]'' sub-series. Many of the early games in the series were not localized due to potentially controversial content including religious references, and later due to their age. English localizations have used the "''Shin Megami Tensei''" moniker since the release of ''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne]]'' in 2004.

==Titles==
===Games===
{{main|List of Megami Tensei video games}}

The first installment in the franchise, ''[[Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei]]'', was released on September 11, 1987.<ref name= "DDS1release"/> The following entries have nearly always been unrelated to each other except in carrying over thematic and gameplay elements. The ''Megami Tensei'' games, and the later ''Shin Megami Tensei'' titles form the core of the series, while other subseries such as ''Persona'', ''Devil Children'', and ''Devil Summoner'' are spin-offs marketed as part of the franchise. There are also stand-alone spin-off titles.<ref name="Guide1"/><ref name= "TechSMT"/>

====Main series====
{{Timeline of release years
| compressempty = yes
|1987 = ''[[Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei]]''
|1990 = ''[[Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei II]]''
|1992 = '''''[[Shin Megami Tensei (video game)|Shin Megami Tensei]]'''''
|1994a = '''''[[Shin Megami Tensei II]]'''''
|1994b = '''''[[Shin Megami Tensei If...]]'''''
|1995 = ''[[Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei#Release|Kyuuyaku Megami Tensei]]''
|2002 = '''''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Nine]]'''''
|2003 = '''''[[Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne]]'''''
|2007 = ''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine]]''
|2009 = '''''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey]]'''''
|2013 = '''''[[Shin Megami Tensei IV]]'''''
|2016 = '''''[[Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse]]'''''
|2017 = ''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey|Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux]]''
|2018 = ''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Liberation Dx2]]''
|2020 = ''[[Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne#HD_Remaster|Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster]]''
|2021 = '''''[[Shin Megami Tensei V]]'''''
|2024 = '''''[[Shin Megami Tensei V|Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance]]'''''
}}

Two entries were released for the [[Famicom]]: ''Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei'' in 1987, and ''[[Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei II]]'' in 1990.<ref name= "DDS1release"/><ref name= "DDS2release"/> The two titles are unrelated to each other in terms of story, and each introduced the basic gameplay and story mechanics that would come to define the series.<ref name="ItoInterview"/> Three entries were released for the [[Super Famicom]]: ''[[Shin Megami Tensei (video game)|Shin Megami Tensei]]'' in 1992, followed by''[[Shin Megami Tensei II]]'' in 1994,<ref name="ItoInterview"/> and ''[[Shin Megami Tensei If...]]'', released later in the same year.<ref name= "SMTif"/>

After an eight-year gap, ''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Nine]]'', was released for the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] in 2002.<ref name= "SMTnine"/> Originally designed as a [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] (MMORPG), it was later split into a dual single-player and multiplayer package, and the single-player version released first. The online version was delayed and eventually cancelled as the developers could not manage the required online capacities using [[Xbox Live]].<ref name= "RPGnine"/><ref name= "NINEcancelled"/>. ''[[Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne]]'' was released in 2003 for the [[PlayStation 2]]. Its ''Maniax Edition'' director's cut was released in Japan and North America in 2004, and in Europe in 2005. The numeral was dropped for its North American release, and its title changed to ''Shin Megami Tensei: Lucifer's Call'' in Europe.<ref name="NocturneJapan"/><ref name= "NocturneManiax"/><ref name="NocturneNA"/><ref name="NocturneEuro"/><ref name="GamaList"/> The next entry, ''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey]]'', was released for the [[Nintendo DS]] in 2009 in Japan and 2010 in North America.<ref name= "SMTSTrelease"/> ''[[Shin Megami Tensei IV]]'' for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] was released in 2013 in Japan and North America, and a year later in Europe as a digital-only release.<ref name= "SMT4JPrelease"/><ref name= "SMT4NArelease"/><ref name= "SMT4EUrelease"/> Another game set in the same universe, ''[[Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse]]'', was released for the 3DS in February 2016 in Japan.<ref name="FamSMTIVF"/> ''[[Shin Megami Tensei V]]'' was released on the [[Nintendo Switch]] in 2021.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201710/23144585.html |title=『真・女神転生V』発表＆PV公開！ ニンテンドースイッチ向けの新作が正統ナンバリングタイトルに!! |language=ja |date=2017-10-23 |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=2017-10-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023123106/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201710/23144585.html |archive-date=2017-10-23 |url-status=live}}</ref> An enhanced version of the game titled ''Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance'' was released in June 2024 for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox One]] and [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]]. 

In addition to the main series, there are also numerous spin-offs. Amongst the most notable ones are ''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine]]'', a true MMOROG released for [[Microsoft Windows]] in 2007 in Japan, 2008 in North America, and 2009 in Europe.<ref name= "SMTIjapan"/><ref name= "SMTIwest1"/><ref name="SMTIwest2"/> Western service was terminated in 2014 when [[Xseed Games|Marvelous USA]], the game's then-handlers, shut down their PC Online game department.<ref name= "ImagineEnd"/> Its Japanese service ended in May 2016.<ref name="SMTIjpClosure"/> A smartphone game, ''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Liberation Dx2]]'', was released in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/persona-and-shin-megami-tensei-fans-should-look-fo/1100-6460682/ |title=Persona and Shin Megami Tensei Fans Should Look Forward To New Game, Liberation Dx2 |author=Tran, Edmond |date=2018-07-24 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |access-date=2021-09-13 |archive-date=2018-07-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724143016/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/persona-and-shin-megami-tensei-fans-should-look-fo/1100-6460682/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====''Persona''====
{{main|Persona (series)}}
The ''Persona'' series is the largest and most popular spin-off from the ''Megami Tensei'' series.<ref name= "GIpersona"/> The first entry in the series, ''Megami Ibunroku Persona'' (originally released overseas as ''[[Revelations: Persona]]''), was released in 1996 in Japan and North America.<ref name="SoejimaInterview"/><ref name= "TechRevelations"/> The first ''Persona 2'' title, ''[[Persona 2: Innocent Sin|Innocent Sin]]'', was released in 1999 in Japan.<ref name="SoejimaInterview"/> The second game, ''[[Persona 2: Eternal Punishment|Eternal Punishment]]'', was released in 2000 in Japan and North America.<ref name="SoejimaInterview"/><ref name= "IGNpunishment"/> ''[[Persona 3]]'' was released in 2006 in Japan, 2007 in North America, and 2008 in Europe.<ref name="P3jp"/><ref name="P3na"/><ref name= "P3eu"/> Its sequel, ''[[Persona 4]]'', was released in 2008 in Japan and North America, and in 2009 in Europe.<ref name= "P4jp"/><ref name= "P4na"/><ref name= "P4eu"/> A sixth entry in the series, ''[[Persona 5]]'', was released in Japan on September 15, 2016, and was released in North America and Europe on April 4, 2017,<ref name= "P5release"/> to critical acclaim. The series also features spin-offs, including ''[[Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth]]'' and ''[[Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth]]'', two fighting games ''[[Persona 4 Arena]]'' and its sequel ''[[Persona 4 Arena Ultimax|Arena Ultimax]]'' as well as the crossover fighting game ''[[BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle]]'', tactical role playing game ''[[Persona 5 Tactica]]'', action role playing game ''[[Persona 5 Strikers]]'' and rhythm games ''[[Persona 4: Dancing All Night]]'', ''[[Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight]]'', and ''[[Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight]]''.<ref name="P4arena"/><ref name="PolyPersona"/> While ''Persona 3'' and ''4'' used the ''Shin Megami Tensei'' moniker in the West, it was dropped for the ''Persona 4 Arena'' duology and ''Persona 4 Golden'' as it would have made the titles too long to be practical.<ref name= "GIpersona"/><ref name="FamitsuTitles"/>

====''Devil Summoner''====
{{main|Devil Summoner}}
The ''[[Devil Summoner]]'' subseries began in 1995 with the release of ''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner]]''.<ref name="ItoInterview"/> It was followed by ''[[Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers]]'' in 1997,<ref name="SoejimaInterview"/> then followed by ''[[Soul Hackers 2]]'', released in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/02/21/atlus-announces-soul-hackers-2-is-arriving-this-august|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221130733/https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/02/21/atlus-announces-soul-hackers-2-is-arriving-this-august|url-status=live|archive-date=February 21, 2022|title=Atlus Announces Soul Hackers 2 Is Arriving This August|website=[[GameInformer]]|first=Marcus|last=Stewart|date=February 21, 2022|access-date=February 21, 2022}}</ref> Two [[Action role-playing game|action role-playing]] prequels set in 1920s Tokyo were also developed, which revolve around demon summoner Raidou Kuzunoha: ''[[Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army|Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army]]'' was released in 2006, and ''[[Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon|Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon]]'' was released in 2008.<ref name="NocturneJapan"/>

====Other spin-offs====
Aside from ''Persona'' and ''Devil Summoner'', there are other spin-off series covering multiple genres. After the release of ''Shin Megami Tensei II'', Atlus began focusing work on building spin-offs and subseries that would form part of the ''Megami Tensei'' franchise.<ref name="Guide1"/> Shortly after ''Nocturne''{{'}}s release, a duology titled ''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga|Digital Devil Saga]]'' (''Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner'' in Japan) was created based around similar systems to ''Nocturne'', and was also intended as a more accessible gaming experience.<ref name= "RPGdds"/> Two tactical role-playing games have been developed by Atlus for the DS under the ''Devil Survivor'' moniker: the original [[Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor|''Devil Survivor'']] and ''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2|Devil Survivor 2]]''.<ref name="DSfirst"/><ref name="DSsecond"/> Both have received expanded ports for the 3DS.<ref name="3DSfirst"/><ref name="3DSsecond"/> Other subseries include ''[[Megami Tensei Gaiden: Last Bible|Last Bible]]'', a series aimed at a younger audience and using a pure fantasy setting;<ref name= "TechSMT"/> ''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children|Devil Children]]'', which was inspired by the popular ''Pokémon'' series;<ref name="hcg101pg1"/> and ''[[Majin Tensei]]'', a series of strategy games.<ref name="hcg101Majin"/> Two notable stand-alone spin-offs are [[Action game|action]] spin-off ''[[Jack Bros.]]'' and ''[[Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE]]'', a crossover with [[Intelligent Systems]]' ''[[Fire Emblem]]'' series.<ref name="RPGhistory"/><ref name="SMTfireemblem"/>

===Related media===
{{main|List of Megami Tensei media}}

Several titles in the franchise have received [[anime]] and [[manga]] adaptations. ''Persona 3'' received both a four-part theatrical adaptation (''[[Persona 3 The Movie: No. 1, Spring of Birth|#1 Spring of Birth]]'',  ''[[Persona 3 The Movie: No. 2, Midsummer Knight's Dream|#2 Midsummer Knight's Dream]]'', ''[[Persona 3 The Movie: No. 3, Falling Down|#3 Falling Down]]'', ''[[Persona 3 The Movie: No. 4, Winter of Rebirth|#4 Winter of Rebirth]]''),<ref name="P3movie1"/><ref name="P3movie2"/><ref name="P3movie3"/><ref name="P3movie4"/> and a spin-off series titled ''[[Persona: Trinity Soul]]''.<ref name="P3trinity"/> ''Persona 4'' received two adaptations: ''[[Persona 4: The Animation]]'', based on the original game, and ''Persona 4: The Golden Animation'', based on its expanded [[PlayStation Vita]] port.<ref name="P4anime1"/><ref name="P4anime2"/> A live-action television series based on the original ''Devil Summoner'' was broadcast between 1997 and 1998.<ref name="DevilTV"/> ''Devil Survivor 2'' also received an anime adaptation [[Devil Survivor 2: The Animation|of the same name]], and the ''Devil Children'' series received two anime adaptations.<ref name= "TechSMT"/><ref name="DSanime"/> Multiple ''Shin Megami Tensei'' and ''Persona'' titles have received manga and CD drama adaptations.<ref name= "TechSMT"/><ref name="P3manga"/><ref name="P4manga"/><ref name="PQmanga"/><ref name="DSmanga"/><ref name="NocturneCD"/><ref name="DSdrama"/> Action figures and merchandise related to ''Persona'' have also been produced.<ref name="P3figures"/><ref name="P4figures"/>

==Common elements==
Despite most games in the series taking place in different continuities, they do share certain elements. One of its defining traits is it being set in the contemporary urban environment of modern-day Tokyo. Post-apocalyptic elements are a recurring feature in settings and narratives.<ref name= "TechSMT"/><ref name= "FamOrigins"/> This choice was originally made to set the game apart from other fantasy-based gaming franchises of the time, as modern-day Tokyo was rarely seen in games as opposed to versions of it from the past.<ref name= "FamOrigins"/><ref name= "4Ginfo"/> The ''Persona'' series takes place exclusively within this setting, spanning a single continuity and mostly focusing on the exploits of a group of young people.<ref name="GIpersona"/><ref name="1upPersona4"/>

''Shin Megami Tensei II'' is one of the notable early exceptions to the series' common setting, as it is set in a science fiction-styled future despite still including fantasy elements.<ref name="Kaneko3"/> The ''Last Bible'' series also shifted to a full fantasy setting.<ref name= "TechSMT"/> Two more recent notable departures were ''Strange Journey'', which shifted the focus to [[Antarctica]] to portray the threat on a global scale, and ''Shin Megami Tensei IV'', which included a medieval-stage society existing separately from a modern-day Tokyo.<ref name="EshidaInterview"/><ref name= "Polygon"/> The ''Devil Summoner'' games take the form of modern-day detective stories as opposed to post-apocalyptic settings.<ref name= "TechSMT"/>

The series title translates as "Reincarnation of the Goddess": this has carried over into the current ''Shin Megami Tensei'' series, which has been officially translated as "True Goddess Metempsychosis". The word "[[Metempsychosis]]" refers to the cycle of reincarnation that ties into many ''Megami Tensei'' stories. The reborn goddess of the title has multiple meanings: it refers to a female character in each game that could be interpreted as the goddess, and is also representative of the drastic changes a location undergoes during a game.<ref name="Guide1"/><ref name="ItoInterview"/> The concept of reincarnation was also included in narratives and gameplay mechanics to tie in with these themes.<ref name="ItoInterview"/> The series' overarching title has been truncated to "''MegaTen''" by series fans. Originating in Japan, the abbreviation has become a common term for the series among its fans.<ref name="GFsummoner"/><ref name="MegaEngl"/> Its subseries ''Persona'' is named as "''Nǚshén Yìwénlù''" ({{zh|s=女神异闻录|t=女神異聞錄|l=Alternate Tale of the Goddess}}) in Chinese, originating from the Japan version of ''Megami Tensei'' series used this term as subtitles in early spin-offs.<ref>{{cite web|author=LS Crusader|url=https://www.gcores.com/articles/21084|title=《Persona》系列梳理|date=2016-11-05|language=zh-cn|website=[[:zh:机核|gcores.com]]}}</ref>

===Gameplay===
[[File:SMT IV gameplay.jpg|right|thumb|190px|Screenshot of the Press Turn system as it appears in ''Shin Megami Tensei IV''. Allied demons include designs by [[Kazuma Kaneko]].]]
The gameplay in the series has become notable for its high difficulty, along with several mechanics that have endured between games.<ref name= "EscapeInterview"/> A key element present since the first ''Megami Tensei'' is the ability to recruit demons to fight alongside the player in battle, alongside the ability to fuse two different demons together to create a more powerful demon.<ref name="ItoInterview"/> Equivalents to these systems appear in the later ''Persona'' titles.<ref name="1UPpersona"/> The game's most recognizable battle system is the Press Turn system, first introduced in ''Nocturne''. The Press Turn System is a turn-based battle mechanic governing both the player party and enemies, where either party are rewarded an extra turn for striking an enemy's weakness or landing critical hits, but can also lose turns if attacks miss or are blocked.<ref name= "RPGdds"/><ref name= "SMTmoon"/><ref name="InterviewDS"/> A Moon Phase System or equivalent, in which phases of the moon or changes in the weather affected the behavior of enemies, is also featured in multiple games.<ref name= "SMTmoon"/><ref name= "Silicon1"/>

The layouts of the first two ''Megami Tensei'' games were noticeably different from later games: ''Megami Tensei'' used a 3D first-person perspective, while ''Megami Tensei II'' used a combination of first-person 3D displays for battle and top-down 2D displays for navigation. The change was suggested by staff members who did not want players getting lost in a large 3D environment.<ref name="ItoInterview"/> The 2D/first person viewpoint continued until ''Nocturne'', which switched to a third-person perspective. This was done due to a condition similar to car sickness called "3D sickness" with first person shooters in Japan at the time: the developers wanted something for players to focus on.<ref name="Guide1"/> A first-person perspective was reintroduced in ''Strange Journey'', and incorporated into ''IV''{{'}}s battles along with navigable 3D environments.<ref name="SJgameplay"/><ref name="GSpot"/>

===Plots and themes===
Each title focuses on the extraordinary invading the ordinary world, though the two main ''Megami Tensei'' series focus on different things: ''Shin Megami Tensei'' focuses more on the main protagonist gaining the power needed to survive in a world ruled over by tyrannical deities, while ''Persona'' focuses on interpersonal relationships and the psychology of a group of people.<ref name="EshidaInterview"/> The protagonist is generally male within the ''Shin Megami Tensei'' titles: while a female lead or the ability to choose a lead's gender is not out of the question, some staff feel that ''Shin Megami Tensei'' lead roles are better suited to a male character.<ref name= "Silicon1"/> Throughout its lifetime, the series has incorporated elements of [[Gnosticism]], various world mythologies and religions including [[Christianity]] and [[Buddhism]], early science fiction, [[Jungian psychology]] and [[Archetypal pedagogy|archetypes]], occultism, [[Goth subculture|goth]], [[Punk subculture|punk]], and cyberpunk.<ref name="Guide1"/><ref name="ItoInterview"/><ref name= "Polygon"/><ref name= "EscapeInterview"/><ref name="Guide3"/><ref name="1upinter"/><ref>{{cite web|work=[[Active Gaming Media|AUTOMATON]]|author=Verity Townsend|date=2024-05-10|title=Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance to unexpectedly feature at UK rock music festival|url=https://automaton-media.com/en/news/shin-megami-tensei-v-vengeance-unexpectedly-feature-at-uk-rock-music-festival/}}</ref> The science fiction and fantasy elements are brought together and unified through the use of philosophical concepts, enabling a blending of concepts and aesthetics that might normally clash.<ref name= "EscapeInterview"/>

The stories of the core ''Shin Megami Tensei'' titles frequently include fighting against a tyrannical God.<ref name="Guide2"/> The method of story-telling in the series can involve traditional use of cutscenes and spoken dialogue (''Persona'', ''Digital Devil Saga''), or a text-based minimalist approach that places emphasis on atmosphere (''Nocturne'').<ref name= "EscapeInterview"/> A tradition within the core ''Shin Megami Tensei'' series is to focus on a single playable character as opposed to a group.<ref name="1upinter"/> Alongside other recurring characters is {{anchor|Lucifer}}Lucifer, the fallen angel who stands against God and is portrayed in multiple forms to represent his omnipotence.<ref name= "KanekoDesign"/> Since ''Megami Tensei II'', the series has used a morality-based decision system, where the player's actions affect the outcome of the story.<ref name="ItoInterview"/> In ''Megami Tensei II'', the alignments were first defined as "Law" (the forces of God) and "Chaos" (the army of Lucifer).<ref name= "FamOrigins"/> In future games, an additional "Neutral" route was included where the player could reject both sides.<ref name="EshidaInterview"/> Selected games have been thematically or otherwise linked to a particular alignment. ''Shin Megami Tensei II'', due to events prior to the story, focuses on the "Law" alignment. For ''Nocturne'', all the characters were roughly aligned with "Chaos", which was done both to bring variety to the series and allow the development team more creative freedom.<ref name="OtakuKaneko"/><ref name="Guide4"/> ''Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse'' is restricted to a "Neutral" alignment while still having multiple endings.<ref name= "SilNico"/> The three-tiered alignment was used in ''Strange Journey'', and continued into ''Shin Megami Tensei IV''.<ref name="EshidaInterview"/><ref name= "Silicon2"/>

==Development and history==
===Origins===
The ''Megami Tensei'' series began life as a media expansion of the ''Digital Devil Story'' series, a trilogy of science-fantasy novels written by Aya Nishitani during the 1980s.<ref name= "FamOrigins"/> The media expansion was handled by Nishitani and his publisher [[Tokuma Shoten]].<ref name="Nishitani"/><ref name="NishitaniInterview"/> The game was developed at [[Atlus]] and published by [[Bandai Namco Entertainment|Bandai Namco]] (then Namco). Although they wanted to incorporate as much of the original story as possible, the limited capabilities of the Famicom made this goal nearly impossible.<ref name="ItoInterview"/><ref name= "FamOrigins"/><ref name= "ANNdigital"/> The series' creators were Kouji Okada (credited as Cozy Okada in English), Ginichiro Suzuki, and Ginichiro's son Kazunari.<ref name="ItoInterview"/><ref name="KoujiSMT"/> The game proved popular in Japan, and effectively launched the ''Megami Tensei'' franchise, with its more ambitious sequel following in 1990.<ref name="ItoInterview"/><ref name= "ANNdigital"/> During the development of ''Shin Megami Tensei'', which was driven by the concept of a Super Famicom game with the company's brand on it, the team slowly decided that they wanted to break the then-current gaming status quo using its aesthetic and content.<ref name="Kaneko1"/> Despite this attitude, the staff considered ''Shin Megami Tensei'' to be a remake of ''Megami Tensei II''.<ref name="ItoInterview"/> In many of these earlier games, staff members at Atlus had cameos.<ref name="ItoInterview"/>

The majority of the ''Megami Tensei'' series is developed by Atlus' R&D Department 1.<ref name= "SMTdeveloper"/> Other developers have been involved with the series: these include Multimedia Intelligence Transfer (''Last Bible'' series), Lancarse (''Strange Journey''), [[CAVE (company)|CAVE]] (''Imagine'') and [[Nex Entertainment]] (''Nine''), and [[Arc System Works]] (''Persona 4 Arena'').<ref name= "SMTIwest1"/><ref name="EshidaInterview"/><ref name="SMTNnex"/><ref name= "BibleDeveloper1"/><ref name= "BibleDeveloper2"/><ref name="IGNinterview"/> Most of the games up to 2003 were handled by Okada, but when he departed to form his own company [[Gaia (game company)|Gaia]], [[Kazuma Kaneko]] became the series' creative director.<ref name= "KanekoDesign"/><ref name="KoujiSMT"/> There are two main writers in the franchise: Shogo Isogai and Ryutaro Ito.<ref name="ItoInterview"/><ref name= "CubedSMT"/> Ito first worked on ''Megami Tensei II'', joining the team after development to write the script, along with working with the script and being part of the debug team.<ref name="ItoInterview"/> Isogai's first work for the series was the script for ''Shin Megami Tensei II''.<ref name= "CubedSMT"/> The next entry ''If...'' was also written by Ito, and designed as a departure from the grand scale of previous games, instead being set within a cloistered school environment. His final work for the series was the first ''Devil Summoner''.<ref name="ItoInterview"/> Isogai also worked on ''Shin Megami Tensei II'' and ''If...'', and later worked on multiple ''Devil Summoner'' games, ''Nocturne'' and ''Strange Journey''.<ref name= "CubedSMT"/> The music for the first five main ''Megami Tensei'' titles was composed by Tsukasa Masuko.<ref name="ItoInterview"/><ref name= "RPGmusic"/> For ''Nocturne'', [[Shoji Meguro]], who had done work on earlier spin-off titles, was brought in. He later became well known for his work on the ''Persona'' titles.<ref name="1upMusic"/><ref name="ShojiInterview"/><ref name= "PersonaBlog"/>

===Art design===
[[File:Shin Megami Tensei V- Vengeance demons.png|left|300px|thumb|The demons as seen in ''Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance'', including the designs by various ''Megami Tensei'' artists]]
The ''Shin Megami Tensei'' and ''Persona'' art styles have been defined by two different artists: [[Kazuma Kaneko]] and [[Shigenori Soejima]].<ref name="SoejimaInterview"/><ref name="OtakuKaneko"/> Kaneko had a long history with the series, having done some work on the original ''Megami Tensei'' titles.<ref name="OtakuKaneko"/> His first prominent work for the series was on ''Shin Megami Tensei'', who worked on both the sprite art and promotional artwork for the game's characters and demons. He was also responsible for suggesting many of the game's darker features, defining the series' eventual identity.<ref name="Kaneko1"/> Before designing each demon, Kaneko looks up his chosen subject to get their mythological background, and uses that in their design. Many of Kaneko's demon designs were influenced by both creatures and deities from world mythology, and monsters from popular culture like [[Godzilla]].<ref name= "EscapeInterview"/><ref name="OtakuKaneko"/> Alongside working on ''Shin Megami Tensei II'', ''If...'' and ''Nocturne'', he also did character designs for the first three ''Persona'' games.<ref name="Kaneko3"/><ref name="OtakuKaneko"/><ref name="Kaneko1"/><ref name="Kaneko2"/> Kaneko's style has been described as "cold [and] stoic", evolving into that state over time to keep the artwork as close as possible to the in-game render.<ref name="OtakuKaneko"/> He states that he mainly does line drawings for the artwork. He starts his artwork with pencil, and then scans them onto a computer so other artists can work on them digitally.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/100244/E3_QA_Atlus_SMT_Character_Designer_Kazuma_Kaneko.php|title=E3 Q&A: Atlus' SMT Character Designer Kazuma Kaneko|last=Sheffield|first=Brandon|access-date=2017-02-27|language=en|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308151825/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/100244/E3_QA_Atlus_SMT_Character_Designer_Kazuma_Kaneko.php|archive-date=2016-03-08}}</ref>

Soejima's first work for the series was as part of the digital coloring team for the first ''Devil Summoner''. He later had minor roles in artwork and character design in the first ''Persona'' and ''Soul Hackers''. He later did the secondary characters for the ''Persona 2'' duology, and was also part of the team checking over the PlayStation ports of the first three ''Shin Megami Tensei'' games, as well as minor work on ''Nocturne''.<ref name="SoejimaInterview"/> Soejima was chosen as the lead designer for ''Persona 3'' by Kaneko, as Kaneko wanted the younger staff members to gain experience.<ref name="OtakuKaneko"/> ''Persona 3'' proved challenging for Soejima as he needed to refine his drawing style and take the expectations of series fans into account. He would go on to design for ''Persona 3/FES'' and ''Portable'', ''Persona 4'', and ''Persona 5''.<ref name="SoejimaInterview"/><ref name= "P5details"/> Soejima's drawing style is recognized as being lighter-toned than Kaneko's work on the ''Shin Megami Tensei'' games.<ref name="OtakuKaneko"/>

Other designers have also worked on the series. For ''Nine'', the developers wanted to have a new style to suit the game's original vision, so the characters were designed by animator [[Yasuomi Umetsu]].<ref name= "GIWnine"/> the new main designer for the series is Masayuki Doi, who had made a name for himself with the ''[[Trauma Center (video game series)|Trauma Center]]'' series; and designed the main characters for ''[[Shin Megami Tensei IV]]''. Inspired in his work by Kaneko's designs, he created the main characters' clothing to be a blend of Japanese and western fashions while incorporating design elements from the ''[[Star Wars]]'' series. After the success of IV, he went on to become the main demon designer for ''[[Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse]]'' and ''[[Shin Megami Tensei V]]'', while still retaining his job as lead character designer.<ref name= "GIinsight"/><ref name= "USGinterview"/><ref name= "SMTIVstaff"/> For the ''Devil Survivor'' games, Atlus were aiming to appeal to a wider audience and reinvigorate the ''Megami Tensei'' franchise, hiring [[Suzuhito Yasuda]] as character designer for this purpose. Some monsters in the second ''Devil Survivor'' were designed by manga artist [[Mohiro Kitoh]].<ref name="DSartbook"/><ref name= "SilDS2"/>

===Localization===
For a long time, the ''Megami Tensei'' franchise was not exported to western territories despite there being a recognized market. The original reasons were the heavy religious themes and symbols used, which were considered taboo in western game markets, and Nintendo's strict content guidelines for overseas releases.<ref name= "FamOrigins"/><ref name= "DengTaboo"/><ref name= "1UPcontroversy"/> Later, many of these early works were prevented from coming overseas due to their age, which would have put them at a disadvantage in the modern gaming market.<ref name="Guide2"/> Early entries on the PlayStation were also blocked by Sony of America's then-current approval policies.<ref name="1upinter"/> The first title in the franchise to be localized was ''Jack Bros.'';<ref name="RPGhistory"/> the first role-playing game in the franchise to receive an overseas release was the first ''Persona'' game. This was done to give Atlus' North American branch a flagship RPG franchise that could compete with the likes of ''[[Final Fantasy]]'', ''[[Suikoden]]'' and ''[[Breath of Fire]]''.<ref name= "GIpersonaA"/> According to Okada, the naming of creatures and enemies was adjusted from the main series and original Japanese release of ''Persona'' to make it more acceptable for an overseas audience.<ref name= "FamOrigins"/> Though it managed to establish the franchise overseas, the localization was a taxing task due to a small staff and the need to change multiple aspects to suit a North American audience, including removing references to Japanese culture and changing one character from Japanese to African-American. This, and other changes were fixed in the re-release on the PlayStation Portable. The first ''Persona 2'' title, ''Innocent Sin'', needed to be passed over due to shortage of manpower and the fact that development was focused on the second title, ''Eternal Punishment''.<ref name= "GIpersonaA"/>

''Nocturne'' was the first release in the ''Shin Megami Tensei'' series to be released overseas.<ref name="GZinfo"/> After the release of ''Nocturne'', Atlus' overseas branches decided to add the ''Shin Megami Tensei'' moniker to future releases within the ''Megami Tensei'' franchise to help market the games. Despite many of the original games not bearing the moniker, it ultimately worked in Atlus' favor as, regardless of title differences, the games chosen for localization were all part of the larger ''Megami Tensei'' franchise, and using the core ''Shin Megami Tensei'' moniker kept all the titles under a single banner.<ref name= "GIpersonaA"/><ref name= "DSinterview"/> Before this decision was made, the series was given the localized title ''Revelations'', used for the first ''Persona'' and the first ''Last Bible''.<ref name="RPGhistory"/><ref name= "DSinterview"/> Later, changes to titles were made to make them less unwieldy, such as with ''Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army''. Called ''Raidō Kuzunoha vs. The Super-Powered Army'' in Japan, the title was altered as it sounded "goofy" in English.<ref name="Guide2"/> By the time ''Strange Journey'' was in development, the franchise had a strong presence overseas, so the team created ''Strange Journey'' with localization in mind: the two aspects actively linked with this were the game's setting in Antarctica as opposed to modern-day Japan, and the fact that it was not given a numeral.<ref name="SilLocal"/> Starting with ''Shin Megami Tensei IV'', the company decided to actively promote the franchise overseas to North America, Europe and mainland Asia.<ref name= "DengTaboo"/> After 2016, due to Atlus USA's merger with Sega of America, [[Sega]] took over North American publishing duties, although the Atlus brand remained intact.<ref name="SMTsega"/>

In general, Atlus publishes ''Megami Tensei'' games in Japan and North America, but as they lack a European branch, they publish titles in the region through third-party companies such as Ghostlight and [[Nippon Ichi Software|NIS America]].<ref name= "P4Arights"/><ref name= "SilGhostlight"/><ref name= "NISsurvivor"/> Their latest partnership, after their deal with NIS America ended with the publication of ''[[Odin Sphere|Odin Sphere Leifthrasir]]'', was with European publishing firm [[Deep Silver]] to publish multiple titles in the region, including ''Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse'' and ''Persona 5''.<ref name="NISend"/><ref name="P5euPub"/> Atlus has occasionally published titles digitally in Europe.<ref name= "PersonaPSN"/><ref name= "P4Anetwork"/>

==Reception==
Prior to its popularity in the west, the game was a major franchise in Japan, having sold over four million copies by 2003.<ref name="GZinfo"/> Excluding the ''Persona'' series, the ''Megami Tensei'' series sold approximately 7.2 million copies by October 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2017/10/persona-series-sales-top-8-5-million-megami-tensei-series-sales-top-7-2-million|title=Persona series sales top 8.5 million, Megami Tensei series sales top 7.2 million|date=30 October 2017|website=Gematsu.com|access-date=11 November 2021}}</ref> By October 2018, the ''Megami Tensei'' main series has shifted approximately 12.4 million packaged and digital copies (including DL of [[free-to-play]] titles<ref name="sega2018">{{Cite web |url=https://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/library/pdf/printing_annual/2018/ssh_ar18e_web.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2018-10-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013093313/https://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/library/pdf/printing_annual/2018/ssh_ar18e_web.pdf |archive-date=2018-10-13 |url-status=live }}</ref>) of games worldwide. In addition, the ''Persona'' sub-series sold 9.3{{nbsp}}million copies, bringing total franchise numbers to 21.7{{nbsp}}million units (including DL of free-to-play titles<ref name="sega2018"/>) by 2018.<ref name="Sega2018">{{cite web |last1=Romano |first1=Sal |title=Sega shares updated sales numbers for Persona, Megami Tensei, Yakuza, and more; aiming for simultaneous worldwide releases |url=https://gematsu.com/2018/10/sega-shares-updated-sales-numbers-for-persona-megami-tensei-yakuza-and-more-aiming-for-simultaneous-worldwide-releases |website=Gematsu |date=13 October 2018 |access-date=13 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013093337/https://gematsu.com/2018/10/sega-shares-updated-sales-numbers-for-persona-megami-tensei-yakuza-and-more-aiming-for-simultaneous-worldwide-releases |archive-date=13 October 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Excluding the ''Persona'' series, the ''Megami Tensei'' series had supplied 19.2 million copies by 2023, including free-to-play titles.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sega Sammy Integrated Report 2023 |url=https://www.segasammy.co.jp/cms/wp-content/uploads/pdf/en/ir/ir_2023_web_all_e.pdf |website=segasammy.co.jp |publisher=[[Sega Sammy]] |access-date=31 October 2023 |pages=28 }}</ref> {{As of|2024|3|5}}, the ''Persona'' series has sold 22.6 million units worldwide.<ref>{{cite news |title=『ペルソナ』シリーズ全世界セールス2,200万本突破！ |trans-title="Persona" series surpasses 22 million copies sold worldwide! |url=https://p-ch.jp/news/14058/ |access-date=13 August 2024 |work=Persona Channel |publisher=[[Atlus]] |date=2024-03-05 |language=ja}}</ref> Based on a December 16, 2023 survey conducted by ''[[Nikkei Business Publications|Nikkei Entertainment]]'', the combined fanbase of the ''Shin Megami Tensei'' and ''Persona'' series within Japan has an average age of 32 years, and a male-to-female ratio that skews 40:60.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://xtrend.nikkei.com/atcl/contents/18/00960/00001/|title=今、本当に推されている「人」「作品」が分かる 最旬"推し"新潮流|date=February 2, 2024|author1=Ayase Hirashima|author2=Eri Hatano|website=[[Nikkei Business Publications|Nikkei Cross Trend]]|language=ja|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222142208/https://xtrend.nikkei.com/atcl/contents/18/00960/00001/|archive-date=February 22, 2024}}</ref>

Japanese website [[4Gamer.net]] referred to the series as one of Japan's biggest role-playing franchises.<ref name= "4Ginfo"/> [[UGO Networks]] writer K. Thor Jensen cited the first ''Megami Tensei'' game as the first successful use of cyberpunk aesthetics in video games, saying that the series' mix of science fiction elements and the occult "create a truly unique fictional cyberpunk world".<ref name="STMcyber"/> ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' has noted that Atlus always mixes "familiar gameplay" with surprising settings when creating games for the series, citing ''Persona'', with its "modern-day horror stories" and "teams of Japanese high-school kids", as the perfect example. The editor also added that ''Strange Journey'' followed a similar system, calling it a "science-fiction makeover" of the series.<ref name="NintendoShin"/> In an article about the interaction of Japanese and Western gaming culture, [[1UP.com]] mentioned the ''Shin Megami Tensei'' subseries alongside [[Nippon Ichi Software]]'s ''[[Disgaea]]'' series. Kurt Kalata wrote: "[They] may not be big sellers, but they've garnered underground success and attracted thousands of obsessed fans."<ref name= "1UPtensei"/> [[GameSpot]] writer Andrew Vestal referred to the series as the third biggest RPG series in Japan after ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' and ''[[Dragon Quest]]''.<ref name= "GSpersona"/> ''[[IGN]]''{{'s}} Matt Coleman mentioned ''Nocturne'' in the article "A History of Console RPGs", referring to its content as "challenging stuff for a genre that used to be all about princess saving and evil cleansing".<ref name= "IGNhistory"/>

''Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei II'' and ''Shin Megami Tensei'' both appeared on ''[[Famitsu]]''{{'s}} 2006 "Top 100 Favorite Games of All Time" audience poll at No. 58 and No. 59, respectively.<ref name="Top100-famitsu"/> RPGFan's "Top 20 RPGs of the Past Decade" list was topped by the two ''Digital Devil Saga'' games, followed by ''Persona 3'' in second place, while ''Persona 4'' ranked fourth place.<ref name="RPGFlist"/> Kalata, writing for [[Gamasutra]], referred to ''Nocturne'' as one of the 20 essential RPGs for players of the genre.<ref name="GamaList"/> [[GameTrailers]] cited the Press Turn system as one of the best JRPG battle systems in existence, with particular reference to the version used in ''Shin Megami Tensei IV''.<ref name= "GTjrpg"/>

Alongside its critical acclaim, the series has garnered controversy both in Japan and overseas.<ref name= "1UPcontroversy"/><ref name= "RPGcontroversy"/> Amongst the material cited are its demon negotiation mechanic, depictions of suicide and cannibalism, religious criticism, its use and mixture of Christian and occult imagery, political references, depictions of homosexuality, and its sometimes-strange demon designs.<ref name= "1UPcontroversy"/><ref name= "GRcontroversy"/> Specific examples have been cited by western journalists. The original release of ''Persona'' caused concern due to the title's religious implications.<ref name= "GIpersona"/> 1UP.com's 2007 game awards, which ran in the March 2008 issue of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'', ''Persona 3'' was given the "Most controversial game that created no controversy" award: the writers said "[[Rockstar Games|Rockstar]]'s [[Hot Coffee mod|Hot Coffee sex scandal]] and ''[[Bully (video game)|Bully]]''{{'}}s boy-on-boy kissing's got nothing on this PS2 role-player's suicide-initiated battles or subplot involving student-teacher dating."<ref name="EdgeControversy"/> [[GamesRadar]] included the series on its list of "Controversies Waiting to Happen", saying that the lack of public outcry was due to its niche status when compared to other series with similar content.<ref name= "GRcontroversy"/> Writing for 1UP.com in a later article, Kalata traced this use of controversial content back to the ''Digital Devil Story'' novels, which depicted violence and rape committed by demons, and said that "Such violence is not particularly rare in the land of Japanese animation, but it became even more disturbing in ''Megami Tensei II''.<ref name= "1UPcontroversy"/> A Chinese game regulation document in 2021 cited ''Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse'' as an example of unsuitable depictions of religious figures.<ref>{{cite web|work=[[Active Gaming Media|AUTOMATON]]|author=Yuki Kurosawa|date=2021-10-01|title=Chinese game regulation: Genshin Impact, Shin Megami Tensei and Naruto cited in leaked document|url=https://automaton-media.com/en/news/20211001-3322/}}</ref>

In a review of the ''Shin Megami Tensei'' series in ''[[Black Gate (magazine)|Black Gate]]'', Josh Bycer said "the ''Shin Megami Tensei'' series is very similar to ''Pokémon'', in the use of an ever changing party roster. However ''Shin Megami Tensei'' did come first and is more mature, both in terms of design and storytelling."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.blackgate.com/2015/07/25/109555shinmegamitenseipart1/ | title=Shin Megami Tensei and a Different Take on JRPGS (Part 1) – Black Gate | date=25 July 2015 }}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
<references>
<!-- Games -->

<ref name= "TechSMT">{{cite web|url=http://www.technologytell.com/gaming/50862/important-importables-shin-megami-tensei/|title=Important Importables: Shin Megami Tensei|author=Lada, Jenny|publisher=Technology Tell|date=2009-11-13|access-date=2015-09-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913100228/http://www.technologytell.com/gaming/50862/important-importables-shin-megami-tensei/|archive-date=2015-09-13|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "DDS1release">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/megten/megten1/megten1.html|title=Digital Devil Monogatari: Megami Tensei|publisher=RPGamer|access-date=2015-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402035840/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/megten/megten1/megten1.html|archive-date=2015-04-02|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name= "DDS2release">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/megten/megten2/megten2.html|title=Digital Devil Monogatari: Megami Tensei II|publisher=RPGamer|access-date=2015-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402043844/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/megten/megten2/megten2.html|archive-date=2015-04-02|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name= "SMTif">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=579|script-title=ja:真・女神転生if... (SFC)|publisher=[[Famitsu]]|language=ja|access-date=2015-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012025511/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=579|archive-date=2013-10-12|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="NocturneJapan">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlusnet.jp/game_title.html|title=Atlus Products|publisher=[[Atlus]]|access-date=2012-05-28|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426081222/http://www.atlusnet.jp/game_title.html|archive-date=2015-04-26|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "NocturneManiax">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2004/122804b.html|title=Atlus to Re-release Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne|author=Guisinger, Elliot|publisher=RPGamer|date=2004-12-28|access-date=2015-04-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401075619/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2004/122804b.html|archive-date=2015-04-01|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="NocturneNA">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2004/100204a.html|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne Sees Another Delay|author=Young, Billy|publisher=RPGamer|access-date=2004-10-02|date=2014-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401085849/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2004/100204a.html|archive-date=2015-04-01|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="NocturneEuro">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news210405shinmegamitensei|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne gets Euro release|author=Gibson, Ellie|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=2005-04-24|access-date=2015-04-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505202429/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news210405shinmegamitensei|archive-date=2015-05-05|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "SMTSTrelease">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/megten/smtsj/smtsj.html|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey|publisher=RPGamer|access-date=2015-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402041432/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/megten/smtsj/smtsj.html|archive-date=2015-04-02|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name= "SMT4JPrelease">{{cite web|url=http://gematsu.com/2013/02/shin-megami-tensei-iv-japanese-release-date-set|title=Shin Megami Tensei IV Japanese release date set|author=Romano, Sal|publisher=Gematsu|date=2013-02-19|access-date=2014-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012212952/http://gematsu.com/2013/02/shin-megami-tensei-iv-japanese-release-date-set|archive-date=2013-10-12|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "SMT4NArelease">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-2013/071013b.html|title=Club Nintendo Offers Special RPG Deal|author=Cunningham, Becky|publisher=RPGamer|date=2013-07-10|access-date=2015-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402074949/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-2013/071013b.html|archive-date=2015-04-02|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name= "SMT4EUrelease">{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/10/shin_megami_tensei_iv_dated_for_30th_october_in_europe|title=Shin Megami Tensei IV Dated for 30th October in Europe|author=Karen Halloran|website=Nintendo Life|date=2014-10-18|access-date=2014-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202091209/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/10/shin_megami_tensei_iv_dated_for_30th_october_in_europe|archive-date=2014-12-02|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="FamSMTIVF">{{cite magazine |script-title=ja:ヒトは, "神殺し"の速具なのか? |magazine=[[Famitsu]]|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|language=ja|issue=1401 |pages=14–23 |date=2015-10-08}}</ref>

<ref name="SMTnine">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/schedule/2002/11/01/231,1036145374,8595,0,0.html |script-title=ja:新作ゲームソフト発売スケジュール11月7日～12月5日 |publisher=[[Famitsu]] |language=ja |date=2002-11-09 |access-date=2016-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324222454/http://www.famitsu.com/game/schedule/2002/11/01/231%2C1036145374%2C8595%2C0%2C0.html |archive-date=2016-03-24 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name= "RPGnine">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-2002/080502c.html|title=Atlus Splices Shin Megami Tensei Nine|author=Long, Andrew|publisher=RPGamer|date=2002-08-05|access-date=2015-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402065144/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-2002/080502c.html|archive-date=2015-04-02|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="SMTNnex">{{cite web |title=Nex Entertainment Contents |url=http://www.nex-ent.co.jp/contents/consumer.html |publisher=[[Nex Entertainment]] |language=ja |access-date=2012-06-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320182847/http://www.nex-ent.co.jp/contents/consumer.html |archive-date=2016-03-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="NINEcancelled">{{cite web |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2003/08/11/shin-megami-tensei-nine-online-cancelled |title=Shin Megami Tensei Nine Online Cancelled |author=IGN Staff |website=[[IGN]] |date=2003-08-11 |access-date=2015-05-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627155539/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/08/11/shin-megami-tensei-nine-online-cancelled |archive-date=2015-06-27 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="SMTIwest1">{{cite web|url=http://www.cave.co.jp/games/shin-megami-tensei_en|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine|publisher=[[Cave (company)|Cave]]|access-date=2016-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524032859/http://www.cave.co.jp/games/shin-megami-tensei_en|archive-date=2015-05-24|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="SMTIwest2">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/beta-opens-for-shin-megami-tensei-mmo|title=Beta opens for Shin Megami Tensei MMO|author=Welsh, Oli|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=2009-01-05|access-date=2016-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429033359/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/beta-opens-for-shin-megami-tensei-mmo|archive-date=2011-04-29|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "SMTIjapan">{{cite web|url=http://www.4gamer.net/review/megatenonline/megatenonline.shtml|script-title=ja:数々の困難を乗り越えて新生した，オンライン専用版“メガテン”の実力と可能性 女神転生IMAGINE|language=ja|author=Ōji, Masashi|publisher=[[4Gamer.net]]|date=2007-04-13|access-date=2015-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524191843/http://www.4gamer.net/review/megatenonline/megatenonline.shtml|archive-date=2012-05-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ImagineEnd">{{cite web |url=http://steamcommunity.com/app/106010/discussions/0/540732347032546962/?insideModal=1 |title=Closure: Marvelous USA, PC Online Division |publisher=[[Steam (service)|Steam Community]] |date=2014-01-28 |access-date=2015-05-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122032809/http://steamcommunity.com/app/106010/discussions/0/540732347032546962/?insideModal=1 |archive-date=2015-11-22 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="SMTIjpClosure">{{cite web|url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/017/G001723/20160311115/|script-title=ja:「真・女神転生IMAGINE」のサービスが5月24日11：00をもって終了に|publisher=[[4Gamer.net]]|language=ja|date=2016-03-11|access-date=2016-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311105012/http://www.4gamer.net/games/017/G001723/20160311115/|archive-date=2016-03-11|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="hcg101pg1">{{cite web |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/megaten/devilchildren.htm |title=Devil Children / DemiKids |page=1 |author1=Kalata, Kurt |author2=Snelgrove, Christopher J. |date=2010-08-08 |publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101 |access-date=2016-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409131525/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/megaten/devilchildren.htm |archive-date=2016-04-09 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="hcg101Majin">{{cite web |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/megaten/majintensei.htm |title=Majin Tensei |author1=Kalata, Kurt |author2=Snelgrove, Chrisopher J. |date=2010-08-08 |publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101 |access-date=2016-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402131925/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/megaten/majintensei.htm |archive-date=2016-04-02 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="IGNpunishment">{{cite web |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2000/12/05/the-games-of-december |title=The Games of December |author=IGN Staff |website=[[IGN]] |date=2000-12-04 |access-date=2015-05-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124142938/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/05/the-games-of-december |archive-date=2015-11-24 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="P3na">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/news/persona-3-date-august-14 |title=Persona 3 Gets a New Date: August 14 |date=2007-07-25 |access-date=2009-08-23 |author=Hayward, Anthony |website=[[1UP.com]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018004804/http://www.1up.com/news/persona-3-date-august-14 |archive-date=2012-10-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="P3jp">{{cite web |title=Sony PS2 Japanese Ranking |url=http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/ps2.php |date=2008-11-02 |publisher=Japan-GameCharts |access-date=2012-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230005343/http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/ps2.php |archive-date=2008-12-30|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

<ref name= "P3eu">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/koei-to-bring-persona-3-to-europe|title=Koei to bring Persona 3 to Europe|author=Purchese, Robert|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=2008-01-29|access-date=2015-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829061035/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/koei-to-bring-persona-3-to-europe|archive-date=2011-08-29|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "P4jp">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=558|script-title=ja:ペルソナ4 (PS2)|publisher=[[Famitsu]]|language=ja|access-date=2015-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627195351/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=558|archive-date=2014-06-27|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="P4na">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/news/anime-expo-persona-4-release |title=Anime Expo: Persona 4 Release Date Announced |author=Fitch, Andrew |website=[[1UP.com]] |date=2008-07-05 |access-date=2015-05-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411182213/http://www.1up.com/news/anime-expo-persona-4-release |archive-date=2013-04-11 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name= "P4eu">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/persona-4-dated-for-early-march|title=Persona 4 dated for early March|author=Purchese, Robert|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=2009-01-13|access-date=2015-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313003239/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/persona-4-dated-for-early-march|archive-date=2013-03-13|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="P5release">{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/09/17/persona-5-director-shares-a-message-about-the-games-development-and-delay/ |title=Persona 5 Director Shares A Message About The Game's Development And Delay |author=Sato |publisher=Siliconera |date=2015-09-17 |access-date=2015-09-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919231944/http://www.siliconera.com/2015/09/17/persona-5-director-shares-a-message-about-the-games-development-and-delay/ |archive-date=2015-09-19 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="P4arena">{{cite web |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/02/21/persona-4-arena-confirmed-for-north-american-launch |title=Persona 4 Arena Confirmed for North American Launch |website=[[IGN]] |date=2012-02-21 |access-date=2012-08-10 |author=Clements, Ryan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628002843/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/02/21/persona-4-arena-confirmed-for-north-american-launch |archive-date=2015-06-28 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="PolyPersona">{{cite web|author=Farokhmanesh, Megan|title=Persona 5 coming to Japan winter 2014, spin-off titles announced|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/11/24/5139762/persona-5-coming-to-japan-winter-2014-spin-off-titles-announced|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=2013-11-24|access-date=2013-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006085407/http://www.polygon.com/2013/11/24/5139762/persona-5-coming-to-japan-winter-2014-spin-off-titles-announced|archive-date=2014-10-06|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "TechRevelations">{{cite web|url=http://www.technologytell.com/gaming/49264/gamertell-review-shin-megami-tensei-persona-for-psp/|title=Gamertell Review: Shin Megami Tensei: Persona for PSP|author=Lada, Jenni|publisher=Technology Tell|date=2009-09-01|access-date=2015-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506110201/http://www.technologytell.com/gaming/49264/gamertell-review-shin-megami-tensei-persona-for-psp/|archive-date=2015-05-06|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GIpersona">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/08/04/what-is-shin-megami-tensei-persona.aspx |title=What Is Shin Megami Tensei: Persona? |author=Hilliard, Kyle |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |date=2012-08-04 |access-date=2015-05-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122070743/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/08/04/what-is-shin-megami-tensei-persona.aspx |archive-date=2015-01-22 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="FamitsuTitles">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201302/02028096.html|script-title=ja:『ペルソナ4 ザ・ゴールデン』が北米でも大人気の理由・前編【翻訳担当者インタビュー】|publisher=[[Famitsu]]|language=ja|date=2013-02-02|access-date=2015-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024074917/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201302/02028096.html|archive-date=2014-10-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="DSfirst">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/features/2009/road2e3/devilsurvivorint.html|title=RPGamer Feature - The Road to E3 - Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Interview|publisher=RPGamer|date=2009|access-date=2014-03-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403145240/http://www.rpgamer.com/features/2009/road2e3/devilsurvivorint.html|archive-date=2015-04-03|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="DSsecond">{{cite web | url = http://www.vg247.com/2011/03/23/devil-survivor-2-announced-for-ds/ | title = Devil Survivor 2 announced for DS | website = [[VG247]] | author = Brenna, Hillier | date = 2011-03-22 | access-date = 2011-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403181444/http://www.vg247.com/2011/03/23/devil-survivor-2-announced-for-ds/|archive-date=2015-04-03|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="3DSfirst">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/03/04/devil-survivor-overclocked-has-the-most-voiced-dialogue-of-any-atlus-game/|title=Devil Survivor Overclocked Has The Most Voiced Dialogue Of Any Atlus Game|author=Sahdev, Ishaan|publisher=Siliconera|date=2011-03-04|access-date=2014-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403150210/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/03/04/devil-survivor-overclocked-has-the-most-voiced-dialogue-of-any-atlus-game/|archive-date=2015-04-03|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="3DSsecond">{{cite web|author=Sahdev, Ishaan |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/03/02/report-devil-survivor-2-break-code-announced-has-new-story-content/ |title=Report: Devil Survivor 2: Break Code Announced, Has New Story Content |publisher=Siliconera|date=2013-03-02 |access-date=2013-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419110353/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/03/02/report-devil-survivor-2-break-code-announced-has-new-story-content/|archive-date=2015-04-19|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="RPGhistory">{{cite web|title=Ask Wheels: History of the World Pt. 2|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/ask/wheels/ma02242012.html|publisher=RPGamer|date=2012-02-24|access-date=2013-09-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415033006/http://www.rpgamer.com/ask/wheels/ma02242012.html|archive-date=2015-04-15|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="SMTfireemblem">{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/shin_megami_tensei_and_fire_emblem_wii_u_crossover_is_finally_shown |title=Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem Wii U Crossover is Finally Shown |author=Whitehead, Thomas |website=Nintendo Life|date=2015-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402064628/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/shin_megami_tensei_and_fire_emblem_wii_u_crossover_is_finally_shown |archive-date=2015-04-02 |url-status=live |access-date=2015-05-01}}</ref>

<!-- Related media -->

<ref name="P3movie1">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317061015/http://www.p3m.jp/news/index.html#news28404|archive-date=March 17, 2015 |url=http://www.p3m.jp/news/index.html#news28404|script-title=ja:第2章キービジュアル＆サブタイトルを公開！|url-status=dead|publisher=[[Aniplex]]|language=ja|date=2013-12-05|access-date=2013-12-05}}</ref>

<ref name="P3movie2">{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-02-14/2nd-persona-3-film-1st-trailer-cast-and-staff-unveiled|author-first1=Sarah|author-last1=Nelkin|title=2nd Persona 3 Film's 1st Trailer, Cast, & Staff Unveiled|work=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2014-02-14|access-date=2014-02-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429052314/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-02-14/2nd-persona-3-film-1st-trailer-cast-and-staff-unveiled|archive-date=2015-04-29|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="P3movie3">{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-06-06/3rd-persona-3-film-titled-falling-down/.75294|title=3rd Persona 3 Film Titled 'Falling Down'|author-first1=Egan|author-last1=Loo|work=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2014-07-06|access-date=2014-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415082018/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-06-06/3rd-persona-3-film-titled-falling-down/.75294|archive-date=2015-04-15|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="P3movie4">{{cite web|url=http://gematsu.com/2015/07/persona-3-movie-4-dated-january-23|title=Persona 3 the Movie #4 dated for January 23|author=Sal, Romano|publisher=Gematsu|date=2015-07-01|access-date=2015-07-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701154915/http://gematsu.com/2015/07/persona-3-movie-4-dated-january-23|archive-date=2015-07-01|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="P3trinity">{{cite news |title=Persona 3 Game Adapted as Television Anime for January |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-11-07/persona-3-game-adapted-as-television-anime |work=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2007-11-07|access-date=2007-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412151131/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-11-07/persona-3-game-adapted-as-television-anime|archive-date=2015-04-12|url-status=live|author-first1=Egan|author-last1=Loo}}</ref>

<ref name="P4anime1">{{cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-04-11/persona-4-role-playing-game-gets-tv-anime |title=News: Persona 4 RPG Gets TV Anime by AIC ASTA |work=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2011-04-11 |access-date=2011-07-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409164534/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-04-11/persona-4-role-playing-game-gets-tv-anime|archive-date=2015-04-09|url-status=live|author-first1=Egan|author-last1=Loo}}</ref>

<ref name="P4anime2">{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-05-02/persona-4-golden-the-animation-promo-story-unveiled |title=Persona 4: The Golden Animation's Promo Video, Story Unveiled - News |work=[[Anime News Network]] |date=2014-05-02 |access-date=2014-06-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322221325/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-05-02/persona-4-golden-the-animation-promo-story-unveiled|archive-date=2015-03-22|url-status=live|author-first1=Egan|author-last1=Loo}}</ref>

<ref name="DevilTV">{{cite book |script-title=ja:宇宙船 Year Book 1999|trans-title=Uchūsen Year Book 1999|publisher=[[Asahi Sonorama]]|asin=B00J8NE588|pages=101|date=1999-05-01|language=ja}}</ref>

<ref name="DSanime">{{cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-04-18/sentai-filmworks-adds-devil-survivor-2-the-animation-tv-anime|title=Sentai Filmworks Adds Devil Survivor 2 the Animation TV Anime|work=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2013-04-18|access-date=2013-09-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022070933/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-04-18/sentai-filmworks-adds-devil-survivor-2-the-animation-tv-anime|archive-date=2014-10-22|url-status=live|author-first1=Crystalyn|author-last1=Hodgkins}}</ref>

<ref name="P3manga">{{cite news |title=Persona 3 Game-Based 4-Panel Manga Serialized Online |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-01-31/persona-3-game-based-4-panel-manga-serialized-online |work=[[Anime News Network]] |date=2008-01-31 |access-date=2009-09-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519020500/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-01-31/persona-3-game-based-4-panel-manga-serialized-online|archive-date=2015-05-19|url-status=live|author-first1=Egan|author-last1=Loo}}</ref>

<ref name="P4manga">{{cite web|url=http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/comic_blosex/08463401.html|script-title=ja:ペルソナ4 アンソロジーコミック |publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|language=ja|date=2008-10-01|access-date=2009-10-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209233402/http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/comic_blosex/08463401.html|archive-date=2015-02-09|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PQmanga">{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-07-24/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-3ds-game-gets-manga-adaptation/.76995|title=Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth 3DS Game Gets Manga Adaptation|date=2014-07-24|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=2014-07-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530064344/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-07-24/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-3ds-game-gets-manga-adaptation/.76995|archive-date=2015-05-30|url-status=live|author-first1=Kyle|author-last1=Cardine}}</ref>

<ref name="P3figures">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/another-day-another-action-figure-of-personas-aegis-5803421 |title=Another Day, Another Action Figure of Persona's Aegis|website=[[Kotaku]]|access-date=2015-06-14|date=2011-05-19|author-last1=Plunkett|author-first1=Luke|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614220106/http://kotaku.com/5803421/another-day-another-action-figure-of-personas-aegis/|archive-date=2015-06-14|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="P4figures">{{cite web|author-first1=Brian|author-last1=Ashcraft|url=https://kotaku.com/hey-who-wants-another-persona-4-figure-5251366| title=Hey, Who Wants Another Persona 4 Figure?|website=[[Kotaku]]|date=2009-05-12|access-date=2009-10-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209233119/http://kotaku.com/5251366/hey-who-wants-another-persona-4-figure|archive-date=2015-02-09|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="DSmanga">{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-05-27/shin-megami-tensei/devil-survivor-manga-launched|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor's Manga Launched|work=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2012-05-27|access-date=2014-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426085801/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-05-27/shin-megami-tensei/devil-survivor-manga-launched|archive-date=2015-04-26|url-status=live|author-first1=Lynzee|author-last1=Loveridge}}</ref>

<ref name="NocturneCD">{{cite web|url=http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/KICA-1289|title=Shin Megami tensei III NOCTURNE: Drama CD |publisher=CDJapan|access-date=2014-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518074630/http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/KICA-1289|archive-date=2015-05-18|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="DSdrama">{{cite web|url=http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/FCCT-102|title=Drama CD "Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor"|publisher=CDJapan|access-date=2014-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404035748/http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/FCCT-102|archive-date=2015-04-04|url-status=live}}</ref>

<!-- Common elements -->

<ref name="Guide1">{{cite book|chapter=An Interview By You |title=Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne: The Official Strategy Guide |publisher=DoubleJump Publishing |isbn=978-0974170046|pages=384–387|date=2004}}</ref>

<ref name="Guide2">{{cite book|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army Official Strategy Guide |publisher=DoubleJump Publishing |isbn=978-0761554479|pages=384–387|date=2006-10-10}}</ref>

<ref name="Guide3">{{cite book |title=Megami Ibunroku Persona Digital Collection: Persona World |publisher=[[ASCII Media Works]]|isbn=978-4757200142|pages=6–11|date=1993|language=ja}}</ref>

<ref name="Guide4">{{cite book|script-title=ja:真・女神転生悪魔事典|trans-title=Shin Megami Tensei Demon Encyclopedia|publisher=Shinkigensha|language=ja|pages=511–516|isbn=978-4775301494|date=2003}}</ref>

<ref name="EshidaInterview">{{cite magazine | last1=Loe|first1=Casey |date=February 2010 | title=The Demon Whisperer | magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]| issue=251 | pages=70–72 | publisher=[[Future US]]}}</ref>

<ref name="GFsummoner">{{cite journal | author-last1=Loe|author-first1=Casey | date=March 1996 | title=Exclusive: Shin Megami Tensei Devil Summoner| journal=[[GameFan]]| issue=39 (Vol 4, Issue 3)| publisher=Metropolis Media|page=46|issn=1092-7212}}</ref>

<ref name="1upPersona4">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/features/persona-4-afterthoughts |title=Persona 4 Afterthoughts |author-last1=Fitch|author-first1=Andrew |website=[[1UP.com]] |access-date=2015-05-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403090846/http://www.1up.com/features/persona-4-afterthoughts |archive-date=2015-04-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="MegaEngl">{{cite news|url=http://metro.co.uk/2013/06/03/shin-megami-tensei-devil-survivor-overclocked-ver-1-1-review-megaten-tactics-3825827/|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked Ver 1.1 review – MegaTen Tactics|author-last1=Jenkins|author-first1=David|newspaper=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]|date=2013-06-03|access-date=2016-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151129210358/http://metro.co.uk/2013/06/03/shin-megami-tensei-devil-survivor-overclocked-ver-1-1-review-megaten-tactics-3825827/|archive-date=2015-11-29|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "SilNico">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/10/11/shin-megami-tensei-iv-final-will-follow-a-neutral-route-with-multiple-endings/|title=Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final Will Follow A Neutral Route With Multiple Endings|author=Sato|publisher=Siliconera|date=11 October 2015|access-date=11 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011121310/http://www.siliconera.com/2015/10/11/shin-megami-tensei-iv-final-will-follow-a-neutral-route-with-multiple-endings/|archive-date=11 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="1UPpersona">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/news/anime-expo-atlus-talks-persona |title=Anime Expo: Atlus Talks Persona 4, Trauma Center's Future |author-last1=Fitch|author-first1=Andrew |website=[[1UP.com]] |date=2008-07-08 |access-date=2009-08-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228183558/http://www.1up.com/news/anime-expo-atlus-talks-persona |archive-date=2013-02-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name= "Polygon">{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/4/24/4260254/shin-megami-tensei-ivs-director-talks-about-the-series-and-its-punk|title=Shin Megami Tensei 4's director talks about the series and its 'punk' ethos|author-last1=Gifford|author-first1=Kevin|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=2013-04-24|access-date=2014-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710170722/http://www.polygon.com/2013/4/24/4260254/shin-megami-tensei-ivs-director-talks-about-the-series-and-its-punk|archive-date=2013-07-10|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "Silicon1">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/04/27/shin-megami-tensei-iv-developers-answer-fan-questions/|title=Shin Megami Tensei IV Developers Answer Fan Questions|author=Sato|publisher=Siliconera|date=2013-04-27|access-date=19 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229125902/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/04/27/shin-megami-tensei-iv-developers-answer-fan-questions|archive-date=2013-12-29|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ItoInterview">{{cite book|chapter=CHAPTER.04 Ryutaro Ito |script-title=ja:ゲーム職人 第1集 だから日本のゲームは面白い|author=Shigihara, Moriyuki|publisher=Micro Magazine Inc.|isbn=978-4896372670|date=2007-11-06|language=ja}}</ref>

<ref name= "RPGdds">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/megten/ddsat/ddsatinterview.html|title=RPGamer Feature - Interview with Atlus USA|publisher=RPGamer|access-date=2015-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402072041/http://rpgamer.com/games/megten/ddsat/ddsatinterview.html|archive-date=2015-04-02|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name= "Silicon2">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/06/21/shin-megami-tensei-iv-interview-making-law-and-chaos-heroes|title=Shin Megami Tensei IV Interview: Making Law And Chaos Heroes|author=Yip, Spencer|publisher=Siliconera|date=2013-06-21|access-date=2014-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220175139/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/06/21/shin-megami-tensei-iv-interview-making-law-and-chaos-heroes|archive-date=2013-12-20|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "SMTmoon">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/persona/persona4/reviews/persona4strev1.html|title=Persona 4 - Staff Review|author=Den Ouden, Adriaan|publisher=RPGamer|access-date=2015-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116150513/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/persona/persona4/reviews/persona4strev1.html|archive-date=2014-11-16|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="InterviewDS">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2009/06/15/the-e3-2009-shin-megami-tensei-interview-part-2/|title=The E3 2009 Shin Megami Tensei Interview Part 2|author=Yip, Spencer|publisher=Siliconera|date=2009-06-15|access-date=2014-03-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403170444/http://www.siliconera.com/2009/06/15/the-e3-2009-shin-megami-tensei-interview-part-2/|archive-date=2015-04-03|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="SJgameplay">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-is-a-first-person-rpg-for-ds/|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey is a first-person RPG for DS|date=2009-07-22 |author=Fletcher, JC |publisher=[[Joystiq]] |access-date=2009-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128152928/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-is-a-first-person-rpg-for-ds/|archive-date=2015-01-28|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GSpot">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/shin-megami-tensei-iv-review/1900-6411458/ |title=Shin Megami Tensei IV Review |author=Brown, Peter |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=2013-07-15 |access-date=2013-07-15 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150203053100/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/shin-megami-tensei-iv-review/1900-6411458/ |archive-date=2015-02-03 |url-status=live }}</ref>

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<ref name= "EscapeInterview">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/interviews/8280-Interview-Behind-the-Scenes-of-Shin-Megami-Tensei|title=Interview: Behind the Scenes of Shin Megami Tensei|author=The Escapist Staff|magazine=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]|date=2010-11-10|access-date=2015-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504153947/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/interviews/8280-Interview-Behind-the-Scenes-of-Shin-Megami-Tensei|archive-date=2015-05-04|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="KoujiSMT">{{cite web | author=Ronaghan, Neal | date=2010-10-06 | title=Cosmic Walker Developer Possibly Closed | url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rumor/24221/cosmic-walker-developer-possibly-closed | publisher=Nintendo World Report | access-date=2012-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505152846/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rumor/24221/cosmic-walker-developer-possibly-closed|archive-date=2015-05-05|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "4Ginfo">{{cite web|url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/017/G001723/20091217021/|script-title=ja:【PR】新たな戦慄がここから始まる。「真・女神転生IMAGINE」2nd wave Chain of Curse（チェインオブカース）の魅力を大紹介|author=Mafia, Kajita|language=ja|publisher=4Gamer.net|date=2009-12-17|access-date=2015-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815105804/http://www.4gamer.net/games/017/G001723/20091217021/|archive-date=2014-08-15|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "FamOrigins">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1215408_1124.html|script-title=ja:東京大学”五月祭”で岡田耕始氏が『女神転生』誕生秘話を語った|publisher=[[Famitsu]]|language=ja|date=2008-05-25|access-date=2015-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524071325/http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1215408_1124.html|archive-date=2014-05-24 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Nishitani">{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1740893392655871&set=a.148060485272511&type=3|script-title=ja:西谷史 - 30 April 2018|language=ja|author=Nishitani, Aya|website=[[Facebook]]|date=2018-04-30|access-date=2022-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101095243if_/https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1740893392655871&set=a.148060485272511&type=3|archive-date=2020-11-01|url-status=live}} {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20180510125550/http://www.atlusatlas.com/post/173665021358/aya-nishitani-on-the-days-leading-up-to-megami Translation]}}</ref>

<ref name="NishitaniInterview">{{cite web|url=https://mitok.info/?p=44417|script-title=ja:メガテン原作者・西谷史が語る！ 『デジタル・デビル・ストーリー 女神転生』と仏教・北欧神話・ラブクラフト……|language=ja|publisher=Mitok|date=2016-03-27|access-date=2017-10-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327055152/https://mitok.info/?p=44417|archive-date=2016-03-27|url-status=live |work=mitok（ミトク） }}</ref>

<ref name= "ANNdigital">{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/buried-treasure/2013-04-30/pile-of-shame-megami-tensei/digital-devil-story|title=Pile of Shame - Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Story|author=Sevakis, Justin|work=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2013-04-30|access-date=2015-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402122403/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/buried-treasure/2013-04-30/pile-of-shame-megami-tensei/digital-devil-story|archive-date=2015-04-02|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="1upinter">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/features/shin-megami-tensei-nocturne |title=Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne Interview |website=[[1UP.com]] |access-date=2014-02-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604030650/http://www.1up.com/features/shin-megami-tensei-nocturne |archive-date=2015-06-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name= "SMTdeveloper">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlus.com/corporate.php|title=Atlus Corporate|publisher=[[Atlus]]|access-date=2015-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315001715/http://atlus.com/corporate.php|archive-date=2015-03-15|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "RPGmusic">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/megaten/|title=RPGFan Music - Megami Tensei I•II|author=Schweitzer, Ben|date=28 March 2009 |publisher=RPGFan|access-date=2015-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505204338/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/megaten/|archive-date=2015-05-05|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="1upMusic">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/features/night-music |title=A Little Night Music: A Conversation with Shoji Meguro on the Sounds of Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne |website=[[1UP.com]] |access-date=2014-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121212126/http://www.1up.com/features/night-music |archive-date=2015-11-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="ShojiInterview">{{cite web|title=Shoji Meguro interview|url=http://interviews.rocketbaby.net/interviews_meguro_2.html|publisher=RocketBaby|access-date=2012-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020826234017/http://interviews.rocketbaby.net/interviews_meguro_2.html|archive-date=2002-08-26|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name= "PersonaBlog">{{cite web|url=http://p-ch.jp/news/detail/?nid=195|script-title=ja:『ペルソナ５』開発チームより|author=Hashino, Katsura|language=ja|publisher=Persona Channel News Blog|date=2014-09-01|access-date=2014-09-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318172250/http://p-ch.jp/news/detail/?nid=195|archive-date=2015-03-18|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "BibleDeveloper1">{{cite web |url=http://www.mitjapan.com/works/index.html |script-title=ja:MIT / 作品紹介 |publisher=Multimedia Intelligence Transfer |access-date=2015-09-12 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722091600/http://www.mitjapan.com/works/index.html |archive-date=2015-07-22 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name= "BibleDeveloper2">{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/09/05/megami-tensei-gaiden-last-bible-ii-headed-to-3ds-virtual-console-in-japan/ |title=Megami Tensei Gaiden: Last Bible II Headed To 3DS Virtual Console In Japan |author=Sahdev, Ishaan |date=2012-09-05 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=2015-09-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109215404/http://www.siliconera.com/2012/09/05/megami-tensei-gaiden-last-bible-ii-headed-to-3ds-virtual-console-in-japan/ |archive-date=2013-01-09 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="IGNinterview">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2011/09/01/persona-mania-developer-reveals-new-details|title=Persona Mania: Developer Reveals New Details|author=McNeice, Kiera|website=[[IGN]]|date=2011-09-01|access-date=2011-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618105149/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/01/persona-mania-developer-reveals-new-details|archive-date=2015-06-18|url-status=live}}</ref>

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<ref name="Kaneko1">{{cite book |script-title=ja:金子一馬画集 I|trans-title=Kazuma Kaneko Art Book I|chapter=Kazuma Kaneko Art Book I Plus Booklet|publisher=Shinkigensha|isbn=978-4775303153|pages=1–4|date=2004|language=ja}}</ref>

<ref name="Kaneko2">{{cite book |script-title=ja:金子一馬画集 II|trans-title=Kazuma Kaneko Art Book II|chapter=Kazuma Kaneko Art Book II Plus Booklet|publisher=Shinkigensha|isbn=978-4775303504|pages=1–4|date=2006-05-29|language=ja}}</ref>

<ref name="Kaneko3">{{cite book |script-title=ja:金子一馬画集 III|trans-title=Kazuma Kaneko Art Book III|chapter=Kazuma Kaneko Art Book III Plus Booklet|publisher=Shinkigensha|isbn=978-4775306093|pages=2–4|date=2008-02-28|language=ja}}</ref>

<ref name="OtakuKaneko">{{cite journal | author= Kemps, Heidi |date=August 2008 | title=Game King: An Interview with Kazuma Kaneko | journal=[[Otaku USA]]|volume=2 | issue=1 | pages=120–123 | publisher=Sovereign Media}}</ref>

<ref name="SoejimaInterview">{{cite book|chapter=Shigenori Soejima Interview |title=Shigenori Soejima Art Works 2004-2010 |publisher=Udon Entertainment |isbn=978-1926778327|pages=145–153|date=2010-07-01}}</ref>

<ref name="KanekoDesign">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/features/in-character |title=In Character: Kazuma Kaneko |author=Maragos, Nich |website=[[1UP.com]] |date=2004-09-20 |access-date=2015-04-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121215636/http://www.1up.com/features/in-character |archive-date=2015-11-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name= "CubedSMT">{{cite web|url=http://www.cubed3.com/news/12834/1/5th-shin-megami-tensei-rpg-for-nintendo-ds.html|title=5th Shin Megami Tensei RPG for Nintendo DS|author=Riley, Adam|publisher=Cubed3|date=2009-03-08|access-date=2015-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505085424/http://www.cubed3.com/news/12834/1/5th-shin-megami-tensei-rpg-for-nintendo-ds.html|archive-date=2015-05-05|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "GIinsight">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/06/28/blending-realism-and-fantasy-insight-into-smt-ivs-character-design.aspx|title=Blending Realism and Fantasy – Insight Into SMT IV's Character Design|author=Wallace, Kimberley|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=2013-06-28|access-date=2014-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114214410/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/06/28/blending-realism-and-fantasy-insight-into-smt-ivs-character-design.aspx|archive-date=2013-11-14|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "P5details">{{cite web|url=http://gematsu.com/2015/02/persona-5-protagonist-first-persona-detailed-famitsu|title=Persona 5 protagonist, first Persona, and more detailed in Famitsu|author=James, Thomas|publisher=Gematsu|date=2015-02-09|access-date=2015-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406034219/http://gematsu.com/2015/02/persona-5-protagonist-first-persona-detailed-famitsu|archive-date=2015-04-06|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "USGinterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-fashionable-apocalypse-of-shin-megami-tensei-iv|title=The Stylish Apocalypse of Shin Megami Tensei IV|author=Parish, Jeremy|publisher=USGamer|date=2013-06-14|access-date=2014-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023093001/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-fashionable-apocalypse-of-shin-megami-tensei-iv|archive-date=2013-10-23 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "SMTIVstaff">{{cite web|url=http://nintendoeverything.com/shin-megami-tensei-iv-details/|title=Shin Megami Tensei IV details|author=Brian|publisher=Nintendo Everything|date=2012-09-18|access-date=2014-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020091912/http://nintendoeverything.com/shin-megami-tensei-iv-details/|archive-date=2014-10-20|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="DSartbook">{{cite book|page=164|title=Devil Survivor: Official Material Collection Art Book|date=2013-08-13|isbn=978-1926778730|publisher=Udon Entertainment}}</ref>

<ref name= "SilDS2">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/03/23/devil-survivor-2-has-many-more-main-characters-than-the-last-game/|title=Devil Survivor 2 Has Many More Main Characters Than The Last Game|author=Yip, Spencer|publisher=Siliconera|date=2011-03-23|access-date=2015-09-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017063853/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/03/23/devil-survivor-2-has-many-more-main-characters-than-the-last-game/|archive-date=2014-10-17|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "GIWnine">{{cite web|url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20021205/atlus.htm|script-title=ja:アトラス、秋葉原で「真・女神転生 NINE」発売記念イベント開催岡田耕始氏と金子一馬氏が登場|publisher=Game Impress Watch|date=2002-12-05|access-date=2015-09-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629024357/http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20021205/atlus.htm|archive-date=2013-06-29|url-status=live}}</ref>

<!-- Localization -->

<ref name="DSinterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitaldevildb.com/archived.php?url=/tony/games/shin_megami_tensei_devil_summoner/devil_summoner_interview.php |title=Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner Interview |publisher=Digital Devil Database |access-date=2015-05-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211090448/http://www.digitaldevildb.com/archived.php?url=%2Ftony%2Fgames%2Fshin_megami_tensei_devil_summoner%2Fdevil_summoner_interview.php |archive-date=2010-02-11 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name= "DengTaboo">{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/632/632422/|script-title=ja:『真・女神転生IV』でもマッカビームが脅威となる!? インデックスのステージで開発者がファンからの質問に回答【ニコニコ超会議2】|language=ja|author=Makoto, Satsuki|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]]|date=2013-04-28|access-date=2015-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317182819/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/632/632422/|archive-date=2015-03-17|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GZinfo">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/07_29_04_09_56AM.htm|title=Devils May Cry when Dante Enters the World of "Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne"|publisher=GameZone|access-date=2014-02-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100224070228/http://www.gamezone.com/news/07_29_04_09_56AM.htm|archive-date=2010-02-24 |author=Bedigian, Louis|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GIpersonaA">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/09/17/perfecting-persona-how-atlus-usa-bloomed.aspx |title=Perfecting Persona: How Atlus USA Bloomed |author=Wallace, Kimberley |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |date=2013-09-17 |access-date=2015-05-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503215803/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/09/17/perfecting-persona-how-atlus-usa-bloomed.aspx |archive-date=2015-05-03 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="SilLocal">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2009/10/02/why-is-shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-set-in-antarctica/|title=Why Is Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Set In Antarctica?|author=Yip, Spencer|publisher=Siliconera|date=2009-10-02|access-date=2009-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613044924/http://www.siliconera.com/2009/10/02/why-is-shin-megami-tensei-strange-journey-set-in-antarctica/|archive-date=2013-06-13|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "P4Arights">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/06/03/persona-4-arena-digital-rights-in-europe-back-with-atlus/|title=Persona 4 Arena digital rights in Europe back with Atlus|author=Kubba, Sinan|publisher=[[Engadget]]|date=2014-06-03|access-date=2015-06-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606103410/http://www.engadget.com/2014/06/03/persona-4-arena-digital-rights-in-europe-back-with-atlus/|archive-date=2015-06-06|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "SilGhostlight">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/01/11/ghostlight-bringing-persona-3-portable-plus-a-collectors-edition-to-europe/|title=Ghostlight Bringing Persona 3 Portable Plus A Collector's Edition To Europe|author=Yip, Spencer|publisher=Siliconera|date=2011-01-11|access-date=2015-06-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229040837/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/01/11/ghostlight-bringing-persona-3-portable-plus-a-collectors-edition-to-europe/|archive-date=2014-12-29|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "NISsurvivor">{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/nis_america_confirms_euro_launch_dates_for_etrian_mystery_dungeon_andnshin_megami_tensei_devil_survivor_2_record_breaker|title=NIS America Confirms Euro Launch Dates For Etrian Mystery Dungeon And Shin Megami Tensei Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker|author=McFerran, Damien|publisher=Nintendo Insider|date=2015-05-29|access-date=2015-06-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606200848/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/05/nis_america_confirms_euro_launch_dates_for_etrian_mystery_dungeon_andnshin_megami_tensei_devil_survivor_2_record_breaker|archive-date=2015-06-06|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "PersonaPSN">{{cite web|url=http://www.technologytell.com/gaming/60070/atlus-shin-megami-tensei-persona-europe-and-australia-psn-playstation-store/|title=Atlus releases Shin Megami Tensei: Persona in Europe and Australia|author=Lada, Jenni|work=TechnologyTell |publisher=Technology Tell|date=2010-08-12|access-date=2015-06-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606111645/http://www.technologytell.com/gaming/60070/atlus-shin-megami-tensei-persona-europe-and-australia-psn-playstation-store/|archive-date=2015-06-06|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name= "P4Anetwork">{{cite web|url=https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/games/persona-4-arena-ps3/|title=Persona 4 Arena|publisher=[[PlayStation]]|access-date=2015-06-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605163249/https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/games/persona-4-arena-ps3/|archive-date=2015-06-05|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="SMTsega">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/03/31/sega-is-now-publishing-atlus-usa-games-but-dont-worry.aspx|title=Sega Is Now Publishing Atlus U.S.A. Games, But Don't Worry|author=Futter, Mike|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=2016-03-31|access-date=2016-04-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413104309/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/03/31/sega-is-now-publishing-atlus-usa-games-but-dont-worry.aspx|archive-date=2016-04-13|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="NISend">{{cite web|url=http://gematsu.com/2016/04/nis-america-will-no-longer-publish-atlus-games-europe|title=NIS America will no longer publish Atlus games in Europe|author=Romano, Sal|publisher=Gematsu|date=2016-04-25|access-date=2016-04-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425211707/http://gematsu.com/2016/04/nis-america-will-no-longer-publish-atlus-games-europe|archive-date=2016-04-25|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="P5euPub">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-07-06-persona-5-coming-to-europe-courtesy-of-deep-silver|title=Persona 5 coming to Europe - courtesy of Deep Silver|last=Yin-Poole|first=Wesley|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=2016-07-06|access-date=2016-07-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706133953/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-07-06-persona-5-coming-to-europe-courtesy-of-deep-silver|archive-date=2016-07-06|url-status=live}}</ref>

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<ref name="Top100-famitsu">{{cite magazine | author= Campbell, Colin | date = 2006-03-03 | title=Japan Votes on All Time Top 100 | url = http://www.next-gen.biz/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100|page=2 | magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] | access-date = 2009-10-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223200621/http://www.edge-online.com/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100|archive-date=2012-02-23|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="NintendoShin">{{cite magazine |date=March 2010 | title=Preview: Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey | magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]| issue=252| page=30 | publisher=[[Future US]]}}</ref>

<ref name="RPGFlist">{{cite web |title=Top 20 RPGs of the Past Decade |publisher=RPGFan |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/features/Top_20_RPGs_of_the_Last_Decade/2.html|pages=2–4|access-date=2011-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007220315/http://www.rpgfan.com/features/Top_20_RPGs_of_the_Last_Decade/index.html|archive-date=2014-10-07|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GamaList">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/a-japanese-rpg-primer-the-essential-20|title=A Japanese RPG Primer: The Essential 20 |page=8|author=Kalata, Kurt|website=[[Gamasutra]]|date=2008-03-19|access-date=2014-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111040047/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/131985/a_japanese_rpg_primer_the_.php|archive-date=2014-11-11|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="1UPtensei">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/features/clash-cultures |title=Clash of the Cultures |page=8 |author=Kalata, Kurt |website=[[1UP.com]] |date=2007-01-18 |access-date=2015-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502234044/http://www.1up.com/features/clash-cultures |archive-date=2015-05-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="STMcyber">{{cite web|author=Jensen, K. Thor|title=A History Of Cyberpunk In Games|url=http://www.ugo.com/games/history-of-cyberpunk-in-games-digital-devil-story-megami-tensei|publisher=[[UGO Networks]]|access-date=18 September 2011|date=August 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910193545/http://www.ugo.com/games/history-of-cyberpunk-in-games-digital-devil-story-megami-tensei|archive-date=2012-09-10|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="GSpersona">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/vgs/universal/rpg_hs/ps1.html |title=The History of Console RPGs - Persona |website=[[GameSpot]] |author=Vestal, Andrew |date=1999 |access-date=2015-05-05 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121206043058/http://www.gamespot.com/features/vgs/universal/rpg_hs/ps1.html |archive-date=2012-12-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="IGNhistory">{{cite web |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2011/10/25/a-history-of-console-rpgs |title=A History of Console RPGs |author=Coleman, Matt |page=4 |website=[[IGN]] |date=2011-10-25 |access-date=2015-05-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828215636/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/25/a-history-of-console-rpgs |archive-date=2015-08-28 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="GTjrpg">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okKhTmdOvoE|title=GT Countdown - Top 5 JRPG Battle Systems|publisher=[[GameTrailers]]|via=[[YouTube]]|date=26 February 2014|access-date=2 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150806180838/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okKhTmdOvoE|archive-date=6 August 2015}}</ref>

<ref name="GRcontroversy">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-top-7-controversies-waiting-to-happen/ |title=The Top 7... Controversies Waiting to Happen |publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |date=2007-09-04 |access-date=2015-05-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122082055/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-top-7-controversies-waiting-to-happen/ |archive-date=2015-11-22 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="1UPcontroversy">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/features/devil-details |title=Devil in the Details: MegaTen's Controversial History |author=Kalata, Kurt |website=[[1UP.com]] |date=2006-04-10 |access-date=2015-05-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121184926/http://www.1up.com/features/devil-details |archive-date=2015-11-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name= "RPGcontroversy">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/previews/smt-nocturne/|title=RPGFan Previews - Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne|author=Tjan, Mark P.|publisher=RPGFan|date=2004-08-17|access-date=2015-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020021204/http://www.rpgfan.com/previews/smt-nocturne/|archive-date=2007-10-20|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="EdgeControversy">{{cite magazine |title= 2007 1UP Network Editors' Choice Awards |date=March 2008 |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis|Ziff Davis Media]] |issn=1058-918X |issue=226 |page=65}}</ref>
</references>

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://shin-megamitensei.jp/}} {{in lang|ja}}


{{Megami Tensei series}}
{{Devil Summoner series}}
{{Persona series}}
{{Franchises by Atlus}}
{{Franchises owned by Sega Sammy Holdings}}

[[Category:Megami Tensei| ]]
[[Category:Antitheism]]
[[Category:Atlus games]]
[[Category:Cyberpunk video games]]
[[Category:Sega video game franchises]]
[[Category:Video game franchises]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1987]]
[[Category:Tactical role-playing video games by series]]
[[Category:Action role-playing video games by series]]
[[Category:Massively multiplayer online role-playing games]]
[[Category:Fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing games]]
[[Category:Video games about demons]]
[[Category:Video games about parallel universes]]
[[Category:Video games about God]]
[[Category:Fiction about Buddhism]]
[[Category:Video games about Satanism]]
[[Category:Fiction about the Devil]]
[[Category:Fiction about artificial intelligence]]
[[Category:Video games about virtual reality]]
[[Category:Video games about extraterrestrial life]]
[[Category:Fiction about eugenics]]
[[Category:Fiction about exorcism]]
[[Category:Video games about religion]]
[[Category:Fiction about reincarnation]]
[[Category:Fiction about resurrection]]
[[Category:Fiction about deicide]]
[[Category:Fiction about death]]
[[Category:Fiction about deities]]
[[Category:Fiction about suicide]]
[[Category:Video games about cannibalism]]
[[Category:Dark fantasy role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Fiction about psychic powers]]
[[Category:Religion in science fiction]]
[[Category:Religion in fantasy fiction]]
[[Category:Science fantasy role-playing video games]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Megami Tensei|access_date=2026-03-04}}