The ESRB gave every game in the Shin Megami Tensei series a M rating except for Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor. In Japan Devil Survivor was rated CERO B, which falls in between an E 10+ and T rating, with a violence warning.
Seems logical that Devil Survivor is rated T then, but Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne got a M rating while it was rated for as an all ages game in Japan. Unfortunately, the ESRB didn’t give content explanations back then so we’ll compare the ESRB rating summary for Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor to Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon, which was rated CERO C in Japan, the same rating CERO gave to the Wii version of Ghost Squad.
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon
Blood, Sexual Themes, Violence
“This is an action role-playing game (RPG) in which players assume the role of a detective with magical powers who investigates a series of disappearances in a 1920’s Japanese town. Players can summon demons to help out with the investigation and to battle other creatures and human enemies. During combat, players can slash enemies with swords or order their demons to use magic attacks (e.g., fire, ice lightning). Blood sometimes pools under enemies’ feet when they are struck, and blood occasionally stains the floors and walls of the dungeon and town environments. Some female demons wear outfits that expose deep cleavage, wear body paint for clothing, or are dressed in rose vines that barely cover their breasts. A few demons have suggestive appearances, including creatures with phallic-shaped heads and torsos.”
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor
Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Blood, Partial Nudity
“This is a role-playing game (RPG) in which players battle demons that have overrun Tokyo. The majority of gameplay involves navigating through menus and triggering events that advance the storyline about escaping or stopping the demons. Combat is turn-based, as players select from several attacking, guarding, or defensive moves. In two instances, small pools of blood form around the bodies of fallen citizens. The blood quickly disappears as the storyline continues. During the course of the game, some female demons are depicted wearing outfits that expose deep cleavage; other demons are dressed in fur that barely covers their breasts or pelvic regions. Characters frequently use expletives (e.g., “a*s,” “pr*ck,” “damn,” and “hell”) in the dialogue.”
Notice any differences?
I’m sure some Siliconera readers have played/are playing both games. Do you think Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor is tamer than the other games in the series? Or does the lack of “phallic-shaped heads and torsos” make Devil Survivor OK for teens?
