Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey offered Nintendo DS owners a grave dungeon crawler. A strange anomaly, known as the Schwarzwelt, appeared at the South Pole in Antarctica, threatening to engulf the entire world. The U.N. gathered experts from around the world to be part of a Schwarzwelt Investigation Team, find out what is going on and maybe stop it. Once someone hops into Strange Journey Redux, they may find the changes help its story and gameplay elements make a greater impact.
The opening moments of Strange Journey Redux help convey this sense of gravity. While there are the new routes added specifically for the Nintendo 3DS version of the game, the story largely remains the same. Seeing the new character art, the animated opening where the four ships head into the Schwarzwelt and hear characters interacting with one another effectively sets a mood. The desperation and determination come through with the voice acting, especially since it is not just major protagonists and antagonists who are voiced.
Once inside the Schwarzwelt, the new look of the dungeon and voiced Demonica suits’ AI can add to the intensity. There is more detail to these spaces, with some new designs and textures inspired by the original game. It looks more realistic. The on-screen UI is a bit clearer to read and easier to understand. Having this detail makes this seem more like an actual place. It provides a connection to an otherworldly and unbelievable environment.
The new storyline content comes at a point that is early in the story, not long after people enter Strange Journey Redux’s Bootes sector. This means the introduction still eases people into life and survival in the Schwarzwelt before bringing up a new character and elements. You have some idea of what is happening before facing a different threat and finding the newly added Womb of Grief dungeon.
The new demons are another way to help bring Strange Journey Redux up to pace and make it more encompassing. Over 300 creatures could be found in the original Strange Journey. It is now up to 350, with some being returning characters with new designs. These additions are not new to Shin Megami Tensei and its spin-offs. But having them show up here and now can help foster connections to other titles and further establish these demons.
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux is an opportunity to use a second take on the title to better embrace the Schwarzwelt’s otherworldly nature and drama that comes from the story. The new look of these familiar dungeons makes things more detailed. The voice acting offers a new way to connect and appreciate the emotion in situations. The extra production values enhance the experience.
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux will come to the Nintendo 3DS in North America on May 15, 2018 and in Europe on May 18, 2018.
