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{{About|the video game series|the 1995 video game|Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}}
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{{Infobox video game series
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{{About|the game series|the 1995 game|Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner|the 2006 game|Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army}}
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{{Infobox VG series
| title = Devil Summoner
| title = Devil Summoner
| image = Shin Megami Tensei - Devil Summoner logo.png
| image = Shin Megami Tensei - Devil Summoner logo.png
| alt = Japanese-language logo with "Devil Summoner" written in blue, jagged characters, and "Shin Megami Tensei" above in a smaller , red, italic font.
| alt = Japanese-language logo with "Devil Summoner" written in blue, jagged characters, and "Shin Megami Tensei" above in a smaller, red, italic font.
| caption = Logo for the first game, ''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner''. The font and styling varies throughout the series.
| caption = Logo for the first game, ''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner''. The font and styling varies throughout the series.
| creator = [[Kouji Okada]]
| creator = [[Kouji Okada]]
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==Titles==
==Titles==
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===Main series===
{{Timeline of release years
{{Timeline of release years
|compressempty = yes
|compressempty = yes
|1995 = ''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner|Devil Summoner]]''
|1995 = '''''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner|Devil Summoner]]'''''
|1997 = ''[[Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers|Soul Hackers]]''
|1997 = '''''[[Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers|Soul Hackers]]'''''
|2006 = ''[[Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army|Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army]]''
|2006a = '''''[[Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army|Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army]]'''''
|2006b = ''Pinball: Judgment''
⚫
|2008 = ''[[Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon|Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon]]''
|2022 = ''[[Soul Hackers 2]]''
|2007 = ''[[Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers – Intruder|Soul Hackers: Intruder]]''
|2008a = ''[[Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers – New Generation|Soul Hackers: New Generation]]''
⚫
|2008b = '''''[[Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon|Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon]]'''''
|2022 = '''''[[Soul Hackers 2]]'''''
}}
}}
⚫
===Main series===
*'''''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner]]''''' is the first entry in the series, and was released in Japan for the [[Sega Saturn]] in 1995.<ref name="SSdateDS"/> The game was later [[Porting#Porting of video games|ported]] to the [[PlayStation Portable]], released in Japan in 2005.<ref name="PSPdateDS"/> It remains exclusive to Japan.<ref name="SMTds"/> Set in the coastal city of Hirasaki, the game follows a silent protagonist brought back from death into the body of detective Kyouji Kuzunoha as he investigates supernatural activities.<ref name="DSmanual"/>
*'''''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner]]''''' is the first entry in the series, and was released in Japan for the [[Sega Saturn]] in 1995.<ref name="SSdateDS"/> The game was later [[Porting#Porting of video games|ported]] to the [[PlayStation Portable]], released in Japan in 2005.<ref name="PSPdateDS"/> It remains exclusive to Japan.<ref name="SMTds"/> Set in the coastal city of Hirasaki, the game follows a silent protagonist brought back from death into the body of detective Kyouji Kuzunoha as he investigates supernatural activities.<ref name="DSmanual"/>
*'''''[[Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers]]''''' is the second entry in the series, released in Japan for the Sega Saturn in 1997.<ref name="SHsaturnDate"/> An expanded [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] port was released in Japan in 1999.<ref name="SHpsDate"/> Another port for [[Nintendo 3DS]] was released in 2012 in Japan, and in the West in 2013.<ref name="JP3ds"/><ref name="NA3ds"/><ref name="EU3ds"/> Set in Amami City, a coastal city created and run by the tech company Algon Soft, the game follows a member of the Spookies hacker group investigating unusual events surrounding Algon's virtual city.<ref name="SilInterview"/>
*'''''[[Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers]]''''' is the second entry in the series, released in Japan for the Sega Saturn in 1997.<ref name="SHsaturnDate"/> An expanded [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] port was released in Japan in 1999.<ref name="SHpsDate"/> Another port for [[Nintendo 3DS]] was released in 2012 in Japan, and in the West in 2013.<ref name="JP3ds"/><ref name="NA3ds"/><ref name="EU3ds"/> Set in Amami City, a coastal city created and run by the tech company Algon Soft, the game follows a member of the Spookies hacker group investigating unusual events surrounding Algon's virtual city.<ref name="SilInterview"/>
*'''''[[Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army]]''''' is the third entry in the series, and was released for the [[PlayStation 2]] (PS2) in 2006 in Japan and North America, and 2007 in Europe.<ref name="DS3releaseJPNA"/><ref name="DS3europe"/> The story follows Raidou Kuzunoha XIV's investigation of the Soulless Army, which is threatening Tokyo.<ref name="DSsoulless"/>
*'''''[[Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army]]''''' is the third entry in the series, and was released for the [[PlayStation 2]] (PS2) in 2006 in Japan and North America, and 2007 in Europe.<ref name="DS3releaseJPNA"/><ref name="DS3europe"/> The story follows Raidou Kuzunoha XIV's investigation of the Soulless Army, which is threatening Tokyo.<ref name="DSsoulless"/>
*'''''[[Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon]]''''' is the fourth game in the series, and was released for PS2 in 2008 in Japan and 2009 in North America as a limited release.<ref name="RKKAannounced"/><ref name="DSRK2na"/> Continuing the story of Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, the storyline follows an investigation into the titular antagonist King Abbadon.<ref name="RKKAannounced"/>
*'''''[[Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon]]''''' is the fourth game in the series, and was released for PS2 in 2008 in Japan and 2009 in North America as a limited release.<ref name="RKKAannounced"/><ref name="DSRK2na"/> Continuing the story of Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, the storyline follows an investigation into the titular antagonist King Abbadon.<ref name="RKKAannounced"/>
*'''''[[Soul Hackers 2]]''''' is the fifth game and a sequel to ''Soul Hackers'', released worldwide in 2022 for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox One]] and [[Xbox Series X/S]]. Set in the middle of the 21st century, the plot follows Ringo, an agent of the digital being Aion as she gathers summoners from rival clans to face a world-ending threat.<ref name="DSSH2"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/03/06/brand-new-details-on-soul-hackers-2-story-and-cast-of-characters |title=Brand New Details On Soul Hackers 2 Story And Cast Of Characters |author=Carson, John |date=2022-03-06 |website=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |access-date=2022-03-15 |archive-date=2022-03-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312141256/https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/03/06/brand-new-details-on-soul-hackers-2-story-and-cast-of-characters |url-status=live }}</ref>
*'''''[[Soul Hackers 2]]''''' is the fifth game and a sequel to ''Soul Hackers'', released worldwide in 2022 for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox One]] and [[Xbox Series X/S]]. Set in the middle of the 21st century, the plot follows Ringo, an agent of the digital being Aion as she gathers summoners from rival clans to face a world-ending threat.<ref name="DSSH2"/><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/03/06/brand-new-details-on-soul-hackers-2-story-and-cast-of-characters |title=Brand New Details On Soul Hackers 2 Story And Cast Of Characters |author=Carson, John |date=2022-03-06 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |access-date=2022-03-15 |archive-date=2022-03-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312141256/https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/03/06/brand-new-details-on-soul-hackers-2-story-and-cast-of-characters |url-status=dead }}</ref>


===Related media===
===Related media===
The characters and art of the original ''Devil Summoner'' were used for the mobile [[pinball]] game ''Shin Megami Tensei Pinball: Judgement'', released in Japan in 2006 through [[au (mobile phone company)|EZweb]].<ref name="DSmobileA"/><ref name="DSmobileB"/> ''Soul Hackers'' saw two mobile follow-ups in 2008 through EZweb: ''Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers Intruder'', a [[tactical role-playing game|tactical role-playing]] with [[adventure game]] elements; and ''Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers New Generation'', a turn-based game set in a virtual world.<ref name="DSmobileC"/><ref name="DSmobileD"/><ref name="DSmobileE"/>
The characters and art of the original ''Devil Summoner'' were used for the mobile [[pinball]] game ''Shin Megami Tensei Pinball: Judgment'', released in Japan in 2006 through [[au (mobile phone company)|EZweb]].<ref name="DSmobileA"/><ref name="DSmobileB"/> ''Soul Hackers'' saw two mobile follow-ups: ''[[Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers – Intruder]]'', a 2007 [[tactical role-playing game]] with [[adventure game]] elements; and ''[[Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers – New Generation]]'', a 2008 turn-based game set in a virtual world.<ref name="DSmobileC"/><ref name="DSmobileD"/><ref name="DSmobileE"/><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/k_tai/news/2007/08/29/607,1188396187,77207,0,0.html |title=『デビルサマナー ソウルハッカーズ』の後日談を描くシミュレーションRPGが登場！ |language=ja |date=2007-08-30 |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage |access-date=2024-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321191110/https://www.famitsu.com/k_tai/news/2007/08/29/607,1188396187,77207,0,0.html |archive-date=2024-03-21 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


''Devil Summoner'' was adapted into a live-action television series in 1997, with its popularity prompting a second series in 1998.<ref name="DStv"/> Two novels based on the series written by Ryo Suzukaze were published by the Aspect Books imprint of [[MediaWorks (publisher)|Media Works]] in 1996.<ref name="DSnovelA"/><ref name="DSnovelB"/> ''Soul Hackers'' received two novel spin-offs; ''Devil Summoner Soul Hackers: Death City Korin'' by Osamu Makino in April 1998 from Aspect Books, and ''Devil Summoner Soul Hackers: Nightmare of the Butterfly'' by Shinya Kasai in May 1999 from Famitsu Bunko.<ref name="DSnovelC"/><ref name="DSnovelD"/> A [[manga]] adaptation, written by Fumio Sasahara and illustrated by Kazumi Takasawa, was released in two volumes in March and August 1999 by [[Kadokawa Shoten]].<ref name="DSmangaA"/><ref name="DSmangaB"/>
''Devil Summoner'' was adapted into a live-action television series in 1997, with its popularity prompting a second series in 1998.<ref name="DStv"/> Two novels based on the series written by Ryo Suzukaze were published by the Aspect Books imprint of [[MediaWorks (publisher)|Media Works]] in 1996.<ref name="DSnovelA"/><ref name="DSnovelB"/> ''Soul Hackers'' received two novel spin-offs; ''Devil Summoner Soul Hackers: Death City Korin'' by Osamu Makino in April 1998 from Aspect Books, and ''Devil Summoner Soul Hackers: Nightmare of the Butterfly'' by Shinya Kasai in May 1999 from Famitsu Bunko.<ref name="DSnovelC"/><ref name="DSnovelD"/> A [[manga]] adaptation, written by Fumio Sasahara and illustrated by Kazumi Takasawa, was released in two volumes in March and August 1999 by [[Kadokawa Shoten]].<ref name="DSmangaA"/><ref name="DSmangaB"/>
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==Recurring elements==
==Recurring elements==
Rather than the post-apocalyptic setting of the main ''[[Megami Tensei]]'' series, ''Devil Summoner'' takes place in an alternate modern Earth where people known as devil summoners form contracts with demons using devices called COMPs.<ref name="SMTds"/><ref name="DSSH2"/> The protagonists, devil summoners often associated with the Kuzuhona family, investigate misuse of demons.<ref name="SMTds"/><ref name="SHGuideInterview"/> A recurring element is two rival summoner clans, the benevolent Yatagarasu and the malevolent Phantom Society.<ref name="DSSH2"/><ref name="Yatagarasu"/> The ''Raidou Kuzunoha'' duology take place in a fictionalized version of Japan's [[Taishō]] period. The storylines follow the fourteenth trained devil summoner to take on the title of Raidou Kuzunoha, facing supernatural threats in Tokyo while working at the Narumi Detective Agency.<ref name="RKKAannounced"/><ref name="SoullessBlog"/>
Rather than the post-apocalyptic setting of the main ''[[Megami Tensei]]'' series, ''Devil Summoner'' takes place in an alternate modern Earth where people known as devil summoners form contracts with demons using devices called COMPs.<ref name="SMTds"/><ref name="DSSH2"/> The protagonists, devil summoners often associated with the Kuzunoha family, investigate misuse of demons.<ref name="SMTds"/><ref name="SHguideInterview"/> A recurring element is two rival summoner clans, the benevolent Yatagarasu and the malevolent Phantom Society.<ref name="DSSH2"/><ref name="Yatagarasu"/> The ''Raidou Kuzunoha'' duology take place in a fictionalized version of Japan's [[Taishō]] period. The storylines follow the fourteenth trained devil summoner to take on the title of Raidou Kuzunoha, facing supernatural threats in Tokyo while working at the Narumi Detective Agency.<ref name="RKKAannounced"/><ref name="SoullessBlog"/>


The first two titles use a traditional turn-based battle system taken from the main ''Megami Tensei'' series, with the player character and a team of up to five demons taking part in battles from a first-person perspective while navigating both an overworld map and dungeons.<ref name="DSmanual"/><ref name="PolygonReview3DS"/> ''Soul Hackers 2'' again uses a turn-based battle system, taking elements of exploiting enemy weaknesses for extra turns from the main ''Shin Megami Tensei'' series.<ref name="SH2announced"/> The ''Raidou Kuzunoha'' duology shifts to an action-based battle system, navigating pre-rendered town and dungeon environments.<ref name="GSrkReview"/><ref name="RK2review1UP"/> The protagonist fights in separate battle arenas with two assigned demons through random encounters, with Kuzuhona capturing demons during battles in the first game, and persuading them to join him through a conversation system in the second. An assigned demon can also be used to solve environmental puzzles.<ref name="GSrkReview"/><ref name="RK2preview"/>
The first two titles use a traditional turn-based battle system taken from the main ''Megami Tensei'' series, with the player character and a team of up to five demons taking part in battles from a first-person perspective while navigating both an overworld map and dungeons.<ref name="DSmanual"/><ref name="PolygonReview3DS"/> ''Soul Hackers 2'' again uses a turn-based battle system, taking elements of exploiting enemy weaknesses for extra turns from the main ''Shin Megami Tensei'' series.<ref name="SH2announced"/> The ''Raidou Kuzunoha'' duology shifts to an action-based battle system, navigating pre-rendered town and dungeon environments.<ref name="GSrkReview"/><ref name="RK2review1UP"/> The protagonist fights in separate battle arenas with two assigned demons through random encounters, with Kuzuhona capturing demons during battles in the first game, and persuading them to join him through a conversation system in the second. An assigned demon can also be used to solve environmental puzzles.<ref name="GSrkReview"/><ref name="RK2preview"/>
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==History and development==
==History and development==
Following the success of the ''[[Megami Tensei]]'' spin-off ''[[Shin Megami Tensei If...]]'' in 1994, lead developer [[Kouji Okada]] decided to create spin-off series to explore different narrative possibilities; the two initial spin-off titles were ''[[Revelations: Persona]]'' (1996) for the PlayStation, and ''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner'' for the Saturn.<ref name="DSguide"/><ref name="MegatenHistory"/> ''Devil Summoner'' drew on themes from [[detective fiction]], particularly the melancholic and hardboiled fiction of [[Raymond Chandler]].<ref name="DSguide"/><ref name="DSplay1"/> It was the first ''Megami Tensei'' title to be released on a [[32-bit]] [[History of video game consoles (fifth generation)|fifth-generation]] [[home video game console]], and the first ''Megami Tensei'' game to feature 3D graphics.<ref name="DSplay1"/><ref name="DSplay2"/> The staff included Okada as director, recurring writer Ryutaro Ito, and artist Kazuma Kaneko.<ref name="DSguide"/><ref name="ItoInterviewB"/> Following the success of ''Devil Summoner'', development of a sequel moved forward, drawing inspiration from the potential dangers of the internet. Okada and Kaneko returned to their respective roles, while Shogo Isogai created the scenario based on Kaneko's draft.<ref name="SHguideInterview"/>
Following the success of the ''[[Megami Tensei]]'' spin-off ''[[Shin Megami Tensei If...]]'' in 1994, lead developer [[Kouji Okada]] decided to create spin-off series to explore different narrative possibilities; the two initial spin-off titles were ''[[Revelations: Persona]]'' (1996) for the PlayStation, and ''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner'' for the Saturn.<ref name="DSguide"/><ref name="MegatenHistory"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kurokawa |first=Fumio |date=2022-09-27 |title=メガテンの生みの親，岡田耕始氏が自身を捧げたRPGという祭（後編）アトラスの栄華と迷走，そして新たな挑戦 ビデオゲームの語り部たち：第32部 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999905/20220813010/ |access-date=2023-09-20 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}}</ref> ''Devil Summoner'' drew on themes from [[detective fiction]], particularly the melancholic and hardboiled fiction of [[Raymond Chandler]].<ref name="DSguide"/><ref name="DSplay1"/> It was the first ''Megami Tensei'' title to be released on a [[32-bit]] [[History of video game consoles (fifth generation)|fifth-generation]] [[home video game console]], and the first ''Megami Tensei'' game to feature 3D graphics.<ref name="DSplay1"/><ref name="DSplay2"/> The staff included Okada as director, recurring writer Ryutaro Ito, and artist Kazuma Kaneko.<ref name="DSguide"/><ref name="ItoInterviewB"/> Following the success of ''Devil Summoner'', development of a sequel moved forward, drawing inspiration from the potential dangers of the internet. Okada and Kaneko returned to their respective roles, while Shogo Isogai created the scenario based on Kaneko's draft.<ref name="SHguideInterview"/>


Following the release of ''[[Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne]]'' in 2003, producer Kazuyuki Yamai wanted a project for his team that would offer new challenges, deciding to make a new ''Devil Summoner'' title based on staff feedback.<ref name="YamaiBlog"/><ref name="Blog2a"/> Kaneko returned as character designer.<ref name="FamLaunch"/> A sequel was produced shortly afterwards, continuing Raidou Kuzunoha's story while being a standalone entry for newcomers, with Kaneko returning as both character designer and producer.<ref name="YamaiBlog"/><ref name="RK2blog"/> It saw mechanical improvements and additions taken from the main series.<ref name="YamaiBlog"/> A sequel to ''Soul Hackers'' was long requested by fans, though the original game was growing in age and losing mainstream recognition. Eiji Ishida and Mitsuru Hirata, who had previously worked on multiple entries in the ''Megami Tensei'' series, began production on a sequel with reworked mechanics and a new art style led by [[Shirow Miwa]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=「ソウルハッカーズ2」開発者の石田栄司氏と平田 弥氏にインタビュー。神田明神での“殺陣”とライトアップの模様とともにお届け |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/618/G061883/20220222042/ |access-date=2022-02-22 |website=[[4Gamer.net]] |publisher=Aetas, Inc. |language=ja|archive-date=2022-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222073752/https://www.4gamer.net/games/618/G061883/20220222042/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=『ソウルハッカーズ2』プロデューサー・ディレクターへミニインタビュー。神田明神での殺陣ショーや特別ライトアップのリポートも|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202202/22252176.html|access-date=2022-02-22|website=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage |language=ja|archive-date=2022-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222030217/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202202/22252176.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Following the release of ''[[Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne]]'' in 2003, producer Kazuyuki Yamai wanted a project for his team that would offer new challenges, deciding to make a new ''Devil Summoner'' title based on staff feedback.<ref name="YamaiBlog"/><ref name="Blog2a"/> Kaneko returned as character designer.<ref name="FamLaunch"/> A sequel was produced shortly afterwards, continuing Raidou Kuzunoha's story while being a standalone entry for newcomers, with Kaneko returning as both character designer and producer.<ref name="YamaiBlog"/><ref name="RK2meguro"/> It saw mechanical improvements and additions taken from the main series.<ref name="YamaiBlog"/> A sequel to ''Soul Hackers'' was long requested by fans, though the original game was growing in age and losing mainstream recognition. Eiji Ishida and Mitsuru Hirata, who had previously worked on multiple entries in the ''Megami Tensei'' series, began production on a sequel with reworked mechanics and a new art style led by [[Shirow Miwa]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=「ソウルハッカーズ2」開発者の石田栄司氏と平田 弥氏にインタビュー。神田明神での"殺陣"とライトアップの模様とともにお届け |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/618/G061883/20220222042/ |access-date=2022-02-22 |website=[[4Gamer.net]] |publisher=Aetas, Inc. |language=ja|archive-date=2022-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222073752/https://www.4gamer.net/games/618/G061883/20220222042/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|title=『ソウルハッカーズ2』プロデューサー・ディレクターへミニインタビュー。神田明神での殺陣ショーや特別ライトアップのリポートも|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202202/22252176.html|access-date=2022-02-22|magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage |language=ja|archive-date=2022-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222030217/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202202/22252176.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


While a release overseas was rumored at the time of its release, the original ''Devil Summoner'' remains exclusive to Japan, with its age compared to other titles keeping it from being released during the PS2 era.<ref name="gamepro92"/><ref name="GuideInterview"/> ''Soul Hackers'' was originally also exclusive to Japan, with an overseas release only coming with the 3DS port. The localization was created by [[Atlus USA]], with their focus being on emulating its time period through slang and references to [[cyberpunk]] fiction.<ref name="SilInterview"/> The two ''Raidou Kuzunoha'' titles were the first ''Devil Summoner'' titles to be released in the West.<ref name="SMTds"/> For the localization of the first ''Raidou Kuzunoha'', project leader Yu Namba incorporated slang from the 1920s to ground the storyline in that period.<ref name="GuideInterview"/> The second ''Raidou Kuzunoha'' saw a limited release in North America.<ref name="RK2west"/> Only three games have been released in Europe through third-party publishers: ''Soul Hackers'' by [[NIS America]],<ref name="EU3ds"/> the original ''Raidou Kuzunoha'' by [[Koei]],<ref name="DS3europe"/> and ''Soul Hackers 2'' by [[Sega]].<ref name="SH2sega"/>
While a release overseas was rumored at the time of its release, the original ''Devil Summoner'' remains exclusive to Japan, with its age compared to other titles keeping it from being released during the PS2 era.<ref name="gamepro92"/><ref name="GuideInterview"/> ''Soul Hackers'' was originally also exclusive to Japan, with an overseas release only coming with the 3DS port. The localization was created by [[Atlus USA]], with their focus being on emulating its time period through slang and references to [[cyberpunk]] fiction.<ref name="SilInterview"/> The two ''Raidou Kuzunoha'' titles were the first ''Devil Summoner'' titles to be released in the West.<ref name="SMTds"/> For the localization of the first ''Raidou Kuzunoha'', project leader Yu Namba incorporated slang from the 1920s to ground the storyline in that period.<ref name="GuideInterview"/> The second ''Raidou Kuzunoha'' saw a limited release in North America.<ref name="RK2west"/> Only three games have been released in Europe through third-party publishers: ''Soul Hackers'' by [[NIS America]],<ref name="EU3ds"/> the original ''Raidou Kuzunoha'' by [[Koei]],<ref name="DS3europe"/> and ''Soul Hackers 2'' by [[Sega]].<ref name="SH2sega"/>
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==Reception==
==Reception==
{{section expand|date=February 2022}}
{{expand section|date=February 2022}}
{{Video game series reviews
{{Video game series reviews
| updated = September 10, 2022
| updated = January 20, 2023
| fam = yes
| fam = yes
| game1 = [[Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner|Devil Summoner]]
| game1 = [[Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner|Devil Summoner]]
| fam1 = 35/40<ref name="ds1 fam rev">{{cite web |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1706&redirect=no |title=真・女神転生 デビルサマナー |language=ja |website=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage |access-date=2022-03-16 |archive-date=March 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316102946/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1706&redirect=no |url-status=live }}</ref>
| fam1 = 35/40<ref name="ds1 fam rev">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1706&redirect=no |title=真・女神転生 デビルサマナー |language=ja |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage |access-date=2022-03-16 |archive-date=March 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316102946/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1706&redirect=no |url-status=live }}</ref>
| mc1 = —
| mc1 = —
| year1 = 1995
| year1 = 1995
| game2 = [[Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers|Soul Hackers]]
| game2 = [[Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers|Soul Hackers]]
| fam2 = 34/40<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=8366&redirect=no |title=デビルサマナー ソウルハッカーズ |language=ja |website=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage |access-date=2022-03-16 |archive-date=May 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512065623/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=8366&redirect=no |url-status=live }}</ref>
| fam2 = 34/40<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=8366&redirect=no |title=デビルサマナー ソウルハッカーズ |language=ja |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage |access-date=2022-03-16 |archive-date=May 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512065623/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=8366&redirect=no |url-status=live }}</ref>
| mc2 = 74/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/shin-megami-tensei-devil-summoner---soul-hackers |title=Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Soul Hackers |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |access-date=2022-03-16 |archive-date=March 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315065100/http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/shin-megami-tensei-devil-summoner---soul-hackers |url-status=live }}</ref>
| mc2 = 74/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/shin-megami-tensei-devil-summoner-soul-hackers/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Soul Hackers |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |access-date=2022-03-16 |archive-date=March 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315065100/http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/shin-megami-tensei-devil-summoner---soul-hackers |url-status=live }}</ref>
| year2 = 1997
| year2 = 1997
| game3 = [[Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army|Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army]]
| game3 = [[Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army|Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army]]
| fam3 = 30/40<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=3598&redirect=no |title=デビルサマナー 葛葉ライドウ対超力兵団 |language=ja |website=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage |access-date=2022-03-16 |archive-date=March 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316102958/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=3598&redirect=no |url-status=live }}</ref>
| fam3 = 30/40<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=3598&redirect=no |title=デビルサマナー 葛葉ライドウ対超力兵団 |language=ja |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage |access-date=2022-03-16 |archive-date=March 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316102958/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=3598&redirect=no |url-status=live }}</ref>
| mc3 = 74/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/shin-megami-tensei-devil-summoner---raidou-kuzunoha-vs-the-soulless-army |title=Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |access-date=2022-03-16 |archive-date=March 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313081645/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/shin-megami-tensei-devil-summoner---raidou-kuzunoha-vs-the-soulless-army |url-status=live }}</ref>
| mc3 = 74/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/shin-megami-tensei-devil-summoner/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |access-date=2022-03-16 |archive-date=March 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313081645/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/shin-megami-tensei-devil-summoner---raidou-kuzunoha-vs-the-soulless-army |url-status=live }}</ref>
| year3 = 2006
| year3 = 2006
| game4 = [[Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon|Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon]]
| game4 = [[Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon|Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon]]
| fam4 = 32/40<ref name="raidou2 fam rev">{{cite web |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=3597&redirect=no |title=デビルサマナー 葛葉ライドウ対アバドン王 |language=ja |website=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage |access-date=2022-03-16 |archive-date=June 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619223624/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=3597&redirect=no |url-status=live }}</ref>
| fam4 = 32/40<ref name="raidou2 fam rev">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=3597&redirect=no |title=デビルサマナー 葛葉ライドウ対アバドン王 |language=ja |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage |access-date=2022-03-16 |archive-date=June 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619223624/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=3597&redirect=no |url-status=live }}</ref>
| mc4 = 79/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/shin-megami-tensei-devil-summoner-2-raidou-kuzunoha-vs-king-abaddon |title=Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |access-date=2022-03-16 |archive-date=March 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307115317/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/shin-megami-tensei-devil-summoner-2-raidou-kuzunoha-vs-king-abaddon |url-status=live }}</ref>
| mc4 = 79/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/shin-megami-tensei-devil-summoner-2-raidou-kuzun/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |access-date=2022-03-16 |archive-date=March 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307115317/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/shin-megami-tensei-devil-summoner-2-raidou-kuzunoha-vs-king-abaddon |url-status=live }}</ref>
| year4 = 2008
| year4 = 2008
| game5 = [[Soul Hackers 2]]
| game5 = [[Soul Hackers 2]]
| fam5 = 38/40<ref name="SH2revFam"/>
| fam5 = 38/40<ref name="SH2revFam"/>
| mc5 = 73/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/soul-hackers-2 |title=Soul Hackers 2 for PlayStation 5 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |access-date=September 10, 2022}}</ref>
| mc5 = 74/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/soul-hackers-2/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |title=Soul Hackers 2 for PlayStation 5 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |access-date=January 20, 2023}}</ref>
| year5 = 2022
| year5 = 2022
}}
}}
The first two games were among the best-selling titles on the Sega Saturn in Japan.<ref name="SaturnSales"/> ''Technology Tell'', in a retrospective article on the ''Megami Tensei'' franchise, noting it as standing out from the rest of the franchise due to not having a post-apocalyptic setting.<ref name="SMTds"/>
The first two games were among the best-selling titles on the Sega Saturn in Japan.<ref name="SaturnSales"/> ''Technology Tell'', in a retrospective article on the ''Megami Tensei'' franchise, noting it as standing out from the rest of the franchise due to not having a post-apocalyptic setting.<ref name="SMTds"/>


Reception of the first ''Raidou Kuzunoha'' game was generally positive, with critics noting its break from the traditional turn-based gameplay of other ''Megami Tensei'' series, though noting some problems caused by the new elements.<ref name="GSrkReview"/><ref name="IGNrkReview"/><ref name="1UPrkReview"/> ''Raidou Kuzunoha 2'' saw a stronger reception, with critics praising it as an improvement over the first game.<ref name="RK2review1UP"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Devil Summoner 2 Review|author=Anderson, Lark|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[Red Ventures]]|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/shin-megami-tensei-devil-summoner-2-raidou-kuzunoh/1900-6209809/|access-date=May 29, 2009|archive-date=October 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031163707/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/shin-megami-tensei-devil-summoner-2-raidou-kuzunoh/1900-6209809/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon Review|author=Clements, Ryan|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/984/984659p1.html|access-date=2022-02-28|archive-date=2012-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818014146/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/984/984659p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Reception of the first ''Raidou Kuzunoha'' game was generally positive, with critics noting its break from the traditional turn-based gameplay of other ''Megami Tensei'' series, though noting some problems caused by the new elements.<ref name="GSrkReview"/><ref name="IGNrkReview"/><ref name="1UPrkReview"/> ''Raidou Kuzunoha 2'' saw a stronger reception, with critics praising it as an improvement over the first game.<ref name="RK2review1UP"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Devil Summoner 2 Review|author=Anderson, Lark|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[Red Ventures]]|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/shin-megami-tensei-devil-summoner-2-raidou-kuzunoh/1900-6209809/|access-date=May 29, 2009|archive-date=October 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031163707/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/shin-megami-tensei-devil-summoner-2-raidou-kuzunoh/1900-6209809/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon Review|author=Clements, Ryan|website=[[IGN]]|date=May 19, 2009 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/984/984659p1.html|access-date=2022-02-28|archive-date=2012-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818014146/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/984/984659p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}
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<ref name="SHpsDate">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlusnet.jp/catalog_nw/d1_det_57.html|script-title=ja:[PS] デビルサマナｰ ソウルハッカーズ|publisher=[[Atlus]]|access-date=28 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324201854/http://www.atlusnet.jp/catalog_nw/d1_det_57.html|archive-date=24 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="SHpsDate">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlusnet.jp/catalog_nw/d1_det_57.html|script-title=ja:[PS] デビルサマナｰ ソウルハッカーズ|publisher=[[Atlus]]|access-date=28 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324201854/http://www.atlusnet.jp/catalog_nw/d1_det_57.html|archive-date=24 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="JP3ds">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201204/26013730.html|script-title=ja:『デビルサマナー ソウルハッカーズ』ハッカー集団スプーキーズが帰って来た！|website=[[Famitsu]]|publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage|date=26 April 2012|access-date=28 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019031743/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201204/26013730.html|archive-date=19 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="JP3ds">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201204/26013730.html|script-title=ja:『デビルサマナー ソウルハッカーズ』ハッカー集団スプーキーズが帰って来た！|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage|date=26 April 2012|access-date=28 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019031743/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201204/26013730.html|archive-date=19 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="NA3ds">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/devil-summoner-soul-hackers-release-date-locked-for-april/|title=Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers Release Date Locked For April|author=Sahdev, Ishaan|website=[[Siliconera]]|publisher=[[Enthusiast Gaming]]|date=17 January 2013|access-date=28 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113152929/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/01/17/devil-summoner-soul-hackers-release-date-locked-for-april/|archive-date=13 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="NA3ds">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/devil-summoner-soul-hackers-release-date-locked-for-april/|title=Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers Release Date Locked For April|author=Sahdev, Ishaan|website=[[Siliconera]]|publisher=[[Enthusiast Gaming]]|date=17 January 2013|access-date=28 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113152929/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/01/17/devil-summoner-soul-hackers-release-date-locked-for-april/|archive-date=13 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
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<ref name="Yatagarasu">{{cite web|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20051207/devil.htm|script-title=ja:アトラス、正式タイトル決定! PS2「デビルサマナー葛葉ライドウ対超力兵団」|language=ja|website=Game Watch Impress|publisher=Impress Corporation|date=2005-12-07|access-date=2022-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222102056/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20051207/devil.htm|archive-date=2022-02-22|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Yatagarasu">{{cite web|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20051207/devil.htm|script-title=ja:アトラス、正式タイトル決定! PS2「デビルサマナー葛葉ライドウ対超力兵団」|language=ja|website=Game Watch Impress|publisher=Impress Corporation|date=2005-12-07|access-date=2022-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222102056/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20051207/devil.htm|archive-date=2022-02-22|url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="SHGuideInterview">{{cite book|chapter=Staff Interview|script-title=ja:デビルサマナー ソウルハッカーズ 公式ガイドブック|trans-title=Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers Official Guide Book|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works]]|isbn=4-8936-6937-0|date=January 1998|language=ja}}</ref>
<ref name="SHguideInterview">{{cite book|chapter=Staff Interview|script-title=ja:デビルサマナー ソウルハッカーズ 公式ガイドブック|trans-title=Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers Official Guide Book|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works]]|isbn=4-8936-6937-0|date=January 1998|language=ja}}</ref>


<ref name="SH2announced">{{Cite web|last=Stewart|first=Marcus|title=Atlus Announces Soul Hackers 2 Is Arriving This August|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/02/21/atlus-announces-soul-hackers-2-is-arriving-this-august|access-date=2022-02-21|website=[[Game Informer]]|publisher=[[GameStop]]|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221181820/https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/02/21/atlus-announces-soul-hackers-2-is-arriving-this-august|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="SH2announced">{{Cite magazine|last=Stewart|first=Marcus|title=Atlus Announces Soul Hackers 2 Is Arriving This August|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/02/21/atlus-announces-soul-hackers-2-is-arriving-this-august|access-date=2022-02-21|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|publisher=[[GameStop]]|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221181820/https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/02/21/atlus-announces-soul-hackers-2-is-arriving-this-august|url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="DSmobileA">{{cite web|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20061005/mega.htm|script-title=ja:BMF、悪魔合体や悪魔召喚を盛り込んだピンボールアプリEZweb「真・女神転生ピンボール JUDGMENT」|language=ja|website=Game Watch Impress|publisher=Impress Corporation|date=2006-10-05|access-date=2022-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628085335/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20061005/mega.htm|archive-date=2013-06-28|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="DSmobileA">{{cite web|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20061005/mega.htm|script-title=ja:BMF、悪魔合体や悪魔召喚を盛り込んだピンボールアプリEZweb「真・女神転生ピンボール JUDGMENT」|language=ja|website=Game Watch Impress|publisher=Impress Corporation|date=2006-10-05|access-date=2022-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628085335/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20061005/mega.htm|archive-date=2013-06-28|url-status=live}}</ref>
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<ref name="DSmobileB">{{cite web|url=http://www.megamitensei.jp/pinball/index.html|script-title=ja:真・女神転生ピンボール JUDGMENT|language=ja|publisher=[[Atlus]]|access-date=2022-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070109074657/http://www.megamitensei.jp/pinball/index.html|archive-date=2007-01-09|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="DSmobileB">{{cite web|url=http://www.megamitensei.jp/pinball/index.html|script-title=ja:真・女神転生ピンボール JUDGMENT|language=ja|publisher=[[Atlus]]|access-date=2022-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070109074657/http://www.megamitensei.jp/pinball/index.html|archive-date=2007-01-09|url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="DSmobileC">{{cite web|url=https://dengekionline.com/data/news/2008/2/7/f046e14107375f452aa1a59a9aa1a80f.html|script-title=ja:『デビルサマナー　ソウルハッカーズ』の続編がSRPGで登場|language=ja|website=[[Dengeki Online]]|publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage|date=2008-02-07|access-date=2022-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818172945/https://dengekionline.com/data/news/2008/2/7/f046e14107375f452aa1a59a9aa1a80f.html|archive-date=2013-08-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="DSmobileC">{{cite web|url=https://dengekionline.com/data/news/2008/2/7/f046e14107375f452aa1a59a9aa1a80f.html|script-title=ja:『デビルサマナー ソウルハッカーズ』の続編がSRPGで登場|language=ja|website=[[Dengeki Online]]|publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage|date=2008-02-07|access-date=2022-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818172945/https://dengekionline.com/data/news/2008/2/7/f046e14107375f452aa1a59a9aa1a80f.html|archive-date=2013-08-18|url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="DSmobileD">{{cite web|url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2008/02/07/26896.html|script-title=ja:EZアプリ『デビルサマナー ソウルハッカーズ Intruder』配信開始|language=ja|website=Inside Games|publisher=IID, Inc.|date=2008-02-07|access-date=2022-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226195147/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2008/02/07/26896.html|archive-date=2022-02-26|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="DSmobileD">{{cite web|url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2008/02/07/26896.html|script-title=ja:EZアプリ『デビルサマナー ソウルハッカーズ Intruder』配信開始|language=ja|website=Inside Games|publisher=IID, Inc.|date=2008-02-07|access-date=2022-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226195147/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2008/02/07/26896.html|archive-date=2022-02-26|url-status=live}}</ref>
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<ref name="DStv">{{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="DStv">{{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="DSnovelA">{{cite book|url=https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000002553322-00|script-title=ja:真・女神転生デビルサマナー : 封印されし魂|language=Japanese|publisher=[[National Diet Library]]|access-date=2022-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222192529/https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000002553322-00|archive-date=2022-02-22|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="DSnovelA">{{cite book|url=https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000002553322-00|script-title=ja:真・女神転生デビルサマナー : 封印されし魂|language=Japanese|publisher=[[National Diet Library]]|access-date=2022-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222192529/https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000002553322-00|archive-date=2022-02-22|url-status=live|year=1996 }}</ref>


<ref name="DSnovelB">{{cite book|url=https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000002607911-00|script-title=ja:鎮魂の哀歌 : 真・女神転生デビルサマナー外伝|language=Japanese|publisher=[[National Diet Library]]|access-date=2022-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222192653/https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000002607911-00|archive-date=2022-02-22|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="DSnovelB">{{cite book|url=https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000002607911-00|script-title=ja:鎮魂の哀歌 : 真・女神転生デビルサマナー外伝|language=Japanese|publisher=[[National Diet Library]]|access-date=2022-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222192653/https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000002607911-00|archive-date=2022-02-22|url-status=live|year=1996 }}</ref>


<ref name="DSnovelC">{{cite web|url=https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000002743015-00|script-title=ja:デビルサマナーソウルハッカーズ : 死都光臨|language=ja|publisher=[[National Diet Library]]|access-date=2022-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221204612/https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000002743015-00|archive-date=2022-02-21|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="DSnovelC">{{cite book|url=https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000002743015-00|script-title=ja:デビルサマナーソウルハッカーズ : 死都光臨|language=ja|publisher=[[National Diet Library]]|access-date=2022-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221204612/https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000002743015-00|archive-date=2022-02-21|url-status=live|year=1998 }}</ref>


<ref name="DSnovelD">{{cite web|url=https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000001-I052754399-00|script-title=ja:デビルサマナーソウルハッカーズ : Nightmare of the butterfly|language=ja|publisher=[[National Diet Library]]|access-date=2022-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221204530/https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000001-I052754399-00|archive-date=2022-02-21|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="DSnovelD">{{cite book|url=https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000001-I052754399-00|script-title=ja:デビルサマナーソウルハッカーズ : Nightmare of the butterfly|language=ja|publisher=[[National Diet Library]]|access-date=2022-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221204530/https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000001-I052754399-00|archive-date=2022-02-21|url-status=live|date=May 1999 }}</ref>


<ref name="DSmangaA">{{cite web|url=https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/199999853054/|script-title=ja:デビルサマナーソウルハッカーズ1|language=ja|publisher=[[Kadokawa Shoten]]|access-date=2022-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624120833/https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/199999853054/|archive-date=2015-06-24|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="DSmangaA">{{cite web|url=https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/199999853054/|script-title=ja:デビルサマナーソウルハッカーズ1|language=ja|publisher=[[Kadokawa Shoten]]|access-date=2022-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624120833/https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/199999853054/|archive-date=2015-06-24|url-status=live}}</ref>
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<ref name="DSmangaB">{{cite web|url=https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/199999853120/|script-title=ja:デビルサマナーソウルハッカーズ2|language=ja|publisher=[[Kadokawa Shoten]]|access-date=2022-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624120944/https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/199999853120/|archive-date=2015-06-24|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="DSmangaB">{{cite web|url=https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/199999853120/|script-title=ja:デビルサマナーソウルハッカーズ2|language=ja|publisher=[[Kadokawa Shoten]]|access-date=2022-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624120944/https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/199999853120/|archive-date=2015-06-24|url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="RKnovel">{{cite web|url=https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/200700004179/|script-title=ja:デビルサマナー　葛葉ライドウ　対　死人驛使|language=ja|publisher=[[Kadokawa Shoten]]|access-date=2022-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228110513/https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/200700004179/|archive-date=2022-02-28|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="RKnovel">{{cite web|url=https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/200700004179/|script-title=ja:デビルサマナー 葛葉ライドウ 対 死人驛使|language=ja|publisher=[[Kadokawa Shoten]]|access-date=2022-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228110513/https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/200700004179/|archive-date=2022-02-28|url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="RKmanga1">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlusnet.jp/catalog_nw/d2_det_48.html|script-title=ja:デビルサマナー葛葉ライドウ対コドクノマレビト（1）|language=ja|publisher=[[Atlus]]|access-date=2022-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322155524/http://www.atlusnet.jp/catalog_nw/d2_det_48.html|archive-date=2017-03-22|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="RKmanga1">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlusnet.jp/catalog_nw/d2_det_48.html|script-title=ja:デビルサマナー葛葉ライドウ対コドクノマレビト（1）|language=ja|publisher=[[Atlus]]|access-date=2022-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322155524/http://www.atlusnet.jp/catalog_nw/d2_det_48.html|archive-date=2017-03-22|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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<ref name="RKcdB">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlusnet.jp/catalog_nw/d3_det_31.html|script-title=ja:ドラマCD「デビルサマナー葛葉ライドウ対隻眼化神」後編|language=ja|publisher=[[Atlus]]|access-date=2022-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322155442/http://www.atlusnet.jp/catalog_nw/d3_det_31.html|archive-date=2017-03-22|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="RKcdB">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlusnet.jp/catalog_nw/d3_det_31.html|script-title=ja:ドラマCD「デビルサマナー葛葉ライドウ対隻眼化神」後編|language=ja|publisher=[[Atlus]]|access-date=2022-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322155442/http://www.atlusnet.jp/catalog_nw/d3_det_31.html|archive-date=2017-03-22|url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="KanekoVictor">{{cite book|script-title=ja:金子一馬画集V|trans-title=Kazuma Kaneko Illustration Collection V|publisher=Shinkigensha|isbn=4-7753-1532-3|date=August 31, 2017}}</ref>
<ref name="KanekoVictor">{{cite book|script-title=ja:金子一馬画集V|trans-title=Kazuma Kaneko Illustration Collection V|publisher=Shinkigensha|isbn=978-4-7753-1532-3|date=August 31, 2017}}</ref>


<ref name="RK2preview">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/news/devil-summoner-returns|title=Devil Summoner Returns|author=Gifford, Kevin|website=[[1Up.com]]|publisher=[[IGN Entertainment]]|date=2008-07-30|access-date=2022-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601113336/http://www.1up.com/news/devil-summoner-returns|archive-date=2016-06-01|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="RK2preview">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/news/devil-summoner-returns|title=Devil Summoner Returns|author=Gifford, Kevin|website=[[1Up.com]]|publisher=[[IGN Entertainment]]|date=2008-07-30|access-date=2022-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601113336/http://www.1up.com/news/devil-summoner-returns|archive-date=2016-06-01|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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<ref name="ItoInterviewB">{{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=978-4-8963-7267-0|date=2007-11-06|language=ja}}</ref>
<ref name="ItoInterviewB">{{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=978-4-8963-7267-0|date=2007-11-06|language=ja}}</ref>


⚫
<ref name="FamLaunch">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2006/03/02/103,1141291370,49436,0,0.html|script-title=ja:金子一馬氏自らが『デビルサマナー』の最新作を語った！|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage|date=March 2, 2006|access-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929043142/http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2006/03/02/103,1141291370,49436,0,0.html|archive-date=September 29, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="SHguideInterview">{{cite book|chapter=Staff Interview|script-title=ja:デビルサマナー ソウルハッカーズ 公式ガイドブック|trans-title=Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers Official Guide Book|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works]]|isbn=4-8936-6937-0|date=January 1998|language=ja}}</ref>

⚫
<ref name="FamLaunch">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2006/03/02/103,1141291370,49436,0,0.html|script-title=ja:金子一馬氏自らが『デビルサマナー』の最新作を語った！|website=[[Famitsu]]|publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage|date=March 2, 2006|access-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929043142/http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2006/03/02/103,1141291370,49436,0,0.html|archive-date=September 29, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="YamaiBlog">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlusnet.jp/topic/detail/231|script-title=ja:[山井一千] 【闇ぃ日記】 第1回|author=Yamai, Kazuyuki|publisher=[[Atlus]]|date=October 3, 2007|access-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411145910/http://www.atlusnet.jp/topic/detail/231|archive-date=April 11, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="YamaiBlog">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlusnet.jp/topic/detail/231|script-title=ja:[山井一千] 【闇ぃ日記】 第1回|author=Yamai, Kazuyuki|publisher=[[Atlus]]|date=October 3, 2007|access-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411145910/http://www.atlusnet.jp/topic/detail/231|archive-date=April 11, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
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<ref name="Blog2a">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlusnet.jp/cs/game/pstation2/summoner/special/special002-1.html|script-title=ja: :::デビルサマナー 葛葉ライドウ 対 超力兵団::: - 第二回（前編）|publisher=[[Atlus]]|date=July 22, 2005|access-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202175056/http://www.atlus.co.jp/cs/game/pstation2/summoner/special/special002-1.html|archive-date=February 2, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Blog2a">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlusnet.jp/cs/game/pstation2/summoner/special/special002-1.html|script-title=ja: :::デビルサマナー 葛葉ライドウ 対 超力兵団::: - 第二回（前編）|publisher=[[Atlus]]|date=July 22, 2005|access-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202175056/http://www.atlus.co.jp/cs/game/pstation2/summoner/special/special002-1.html|archive-date=February 2, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="RK2blog">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlusnet.jp/topic/detail/678|script-title=ja:[目黒将司] 目黒の趣味雑記 Vol.41|author=Meguro, Shoji|authorlink=Shoji Meguro|publisher=[[Atlus]]|date=September 17, 2008|access-date=April 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411144928/http://www.atlusnet.jp/topic/detail/678|archive-date=April 11, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="RK2meguro">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlusnet.jp/topic/detail/678|script-title=ja:[目黒将司] 目黒の趣味雑記 Vol.41|author=Meguro, Shoji|authorlink=Shoji Meguro|publisher=[[Atlus]]|date=September 17, 2008|access-date=April 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411144928/http://www.atlusnet.jp/topic/detail/678|archive-date=April 11, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="gamepro92">{{cite magazine|title=Devil Summoner|magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=92 |publisher=[[IDG]]|date=May 1996|page=92|url=https://archive.org/stream/GamePro_Issue_082_May_1996#page/n93/mode/2up}}</ref>
<ref name="gamepro92">{{cite magazine|title=Devil Summoner|magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=92 |publisher=[[IDG]]|date=May 1996|page=92|url=https://archive.org/stream/GamePro_Issue_082_May_1996#page/n93/mode/2up}}</ref>
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<ref name="RK1meguro">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlusnet.jp/cs/game/pstation2/summoner/special/special009.html|script-title=ja: :::デビルサマナー 葛葉ライドウ 対 超力兵団::: - 第九回|publisher=[[Atlus]]|date=2006|access-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070410191643/http://www.atlus.co.jp/cs/game/pstation2/summoner/special/special009.html|archive-date=April 10, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="RK1meguro">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlusnet.jp/cs/game/pstation2/summoner/special/special009.html|script-title=ja: :::デビルサマナー 葛葉ライドウ 対 超力兵団::: - 第九回|publisher=[[Atlus]]|date=2006|access-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070410191643/http://www.atlus.co.jp/cs/game/pstation2/summoner/special/special009.html|archive-date=April 10, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="RK2meguro">{{cite web|url=http://www.atlusnet.jp/topic/detail/678|script-title=ja:[目黒将司] 目黒の趣味雑記 Vol.41|author=Meguro, Shoji|authorlink=Shoji Meguro|publisher=[[Atlus]]|date=September 17, 2008|access-date=April 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411144928/http://www.atlusnet.jp/topic/detail/678|archive-date=April 11, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="SilInterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/devil-summoner-soul-hackers-interview-on-the-missing-megaten-game/|title=Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers Interview On The Missing MegaTen Game|author=Sahdev, Ishaan|website=[[Siliconera]]|publisher=[[Enthusiast Gaming]]|date=10 April 2013|access-date=28 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817133457/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/04/10/devil-summoner-soul-hackers-interview-on-the-missing-megaten-game/|archive-date=17 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="SilInterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/devil-summoner-soul-hackers-interview-on-the-missing-megaten-game/|title=Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers Interview On The Missing MegaTen Game|author=Sahdev, Ishaan|website=[[Siliconera]]|publisher=[[Enthusiast Gaming]]|date=10 April 2013|access-date=28 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817133457/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/04/10/devil-summoner-soul-hackers-interview-on-the-missing-megaten-game/|archive-date=17 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
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<ref name="RK2review1UP">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/devil-summoner-2|title=Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha Vs. King Abaddon Review|author=Barnholt, Ray|website=[[1Up.com]] |publisher=[[IGN Entertainment]] |date=2009-05-11|access-date=2022-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008001102/http://www.1up.com/reviews/devil-summoner-2|archive-date=2012-10-08|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="RK2review1UP">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/devil-summoner-2|title=Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha Vs. King Abaddon Review|author=Barnholt, Ray|website=[[1Up.com]] |publisher=[[IGN Entertainment]] |date=2009-05-11|access-date=2022-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008001102/http://www.1up.com/reviews/devil-summoner-2|archive-date=2012-10-08|url-status=dead}}</ref>


<ref name="SH2revFam">{{cite web |url=https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/45654/reviews/ |title=ソウルハッカーズ2(PS4)のレビュー・評価・感想情報 |lang=ja |author1=Ashida, Takahiro |author2=Totsuka, Giichi |author3=Kushida, Namuko |author4=Amemiya |website=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage |access-date=2022-08-28}}</ref>
<ref name="SH2revFam">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/45654/reviews/ |title=ソウルハッカーズ2(PS4)のレビュー・評価・感想情報 |lang=ja |author1=Ashida, Takahiro |author2=Totsuka, Giichi |author3=Kushida, Namuko |author4=Amemiya |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage |access-date=2022-08-28}}</ref>


}}
}}
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[[Category:Atlus games]]
[[Category:Atlus games]]
[[Category:Role-playing video games by series]]
[[Category:Sega video game franchises]]
[[Category:Sega Games franchises]]
[[Category:Devil Summoner| ]]
[[Category:Video games about demons]]
[[Category:Video games about demons]]
[[Category:Video game franchises]]
[[Category:Video game franchises]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1995]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1995]]
[[Category:Megami Tensei]]

Latest revision as of 01:03, 15 October 2024

This article is about the video game series. For the 1995 video game, see Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner.

Devil Summoner
Japanese-language logo with "Devil Summoner" written in blue, jagged characters, and "Shin Megami Tensei" above in a smaller, red, italic font.
Logo for the first game, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner. The font and styling varies throughout the series.
Genre(s)Role-playing
Developer(s)Atlus
Publisher(s)
Creator(s)Kouji Okada
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows, Sega Saturn, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo 3DS, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
First releaseShin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner
December 25, 1995[1]
Latest releaseSoul Hackers 2
August 25, 2022[2]
Parent seriesMegami Tensei

Devil Summoner,[a] initially marketed as Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner, is a video game franchise developed and primarily published by Atlus. Focused on a series of role-playing video games, Devil Summoner is a spin-off from Atlus' Megami Tensei franchise. The first entry in the series, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner, was released in 1995 for the Sega Saturn. The series has seen several more games since, with the most recent main entry being Soul Hackers 2 released in 2022.

Devil Summoner began as a spin-off based on the positively-received Shin Megami Tensei If... (1994). The games, set on an alternate Earth between the 1930s and a fictionalized near-future, featuring a person either related to or holding the Kuzunoha family name using demons to investigate cases involving the supernatural. Created by Kouji Okada, the series was developed by multiple Megami Tensei veterans including artist Kazuma Kaneko and composer Shoji Meguro. While each entry has a different story and time period, it shares a universe and uses recurrent detective story elements.

The series remained exclusive to Japan until the release of Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army in 2006, with all games apart from the original receiving English localizations from Atlus USA. Several entries have been supported by spin-off media and supplementary game materials. The first two Devil Summoner titles were among the best-selling titles for the Saturn. Games in the series have seen generally positive reception internationally.

Titles

[edit]
Release timeline
1995Devil Summoner
1996
1997Soul Hackers
1998–2005
2006Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army
Pinball: Judgment
2007Soul Hackers: Intruder
2008Soul Hackers: New Generation
Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon
2009–2021
2022Soul Hackers 2

Main series

[edit]
[edit]

The characters and art of the original Devil Summoner were used for the mobile pinball game Shin Megami Tensei Pinball: Judgment, released in Japan in 2006 through EZweb.[20][21] Soul Hackers saw two mobile follow-ups: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers – Intruder, a 2007 tactical role-playing game with adventure game elements; and Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers – New Generation, a 2008 turn-based game set in a virtual world.[22][23][24][25]

Devil Summoner was adapted into a live-action television series in 1997, with its popularity prompting a second series in 1998.[26] Two novels based on the series written by Ryo Suzukaze were published by the Aspect Books imprint of Media Works in 1996.[27][28] Soul Hackers received two novel spin-offs; Devil Summoner Soul Hackers: Death City Korin by Osamu Makino in April 1998 from Aspect Books, and Devil Summoner Soul Hackers: Nightmare of the Butterfly by Shinya Kasai in May 1999 from Famitsu Bunko.[29][30] A manga adaptation, written by Fumio Sasahara and illustrated by Kazumi Takasawa, was released in two volumes in March and August 1999 by Kadokawa Shoten.[31][32]

The Raidou Kuzunoha duology saw multiple media expansions. A spin-off novel called Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Dead Messengers, written by Boogey Toumon and illustrated by Kazuma Kaneko, was released by Kadokawa Shoten in 2006.[33] A spin-off manga Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. Kodoku no Marebito, began serialization through the online Famitsu Comic Clear in 2009, being released in six volumes between 2010 and 2012. The manga was written by Kirihito Ayamura based on a story draft by Kaneko, and supervised by Atlus's Kazuyuki Yamai.[34][35][36] A two-part CD drama, Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the One-Eyed God, was released by Frontier Works during 2009.[37][38]

Recurring elements

[edit]

Rather than the post-apocalyptic setting of the main Megami Tensei series, Devil Summoner takes place in an alternate modern Earth where people known as devil summoners form contracts with demons using devices called COMPs.[5][18] The protagonists, devil summoners often associated with the Kuzunoha family, investigate misuse of demons.[5][39] A recurring element is two rival summoner clans, the benevolent Yatagarasu and the malevolent Phantom Society.[18][40] The Raidou Kuzunoha duology take place in a fictionalized version of Japan's Taishō period. The storylines follow the fourteenth trained devil summoner to take on the title of Raidou Kuzunoha, facing supernatural threats in Tokyo while working at the Narumi Detective Agency.[16][41]

The first two titles use a traditional turn-based battle system taken from the main Megami Tensei series, with the player character and a team of up to five demons taking part in battles from a first-person perspective while navigating both an overworld map and dungeons.[6][42] Soul Hackers 2 again uses a turn-based battle system, taking elements of exploiting enemy weaknesses for extra turns from the main Shin Megami Tensei series.[43] The Raidou Kuzunoha duology shifts to an action-based battle system, navigating pre-rendered town and dungeon environments.[44][45] The protagonist fights in separate battle arenas with two assigned demons through random encounters, with Kuzuhona capturing demons during battles in the first game, and persuading them to join him through a conversation system in the second. An assigned demon can also be used to solve environmental puzzles.[44][46]

A recurring element is the player's relationship with their demons. While demons are acquired in different ways across the games, a demon's alignment and actions in battle are all play a role in how they respond to commands. If a demon uses a skill they have low affinity for too many times, they will not respond as well to commands. Recruited demons can also be fused into new demons, carrying over particular traits from their predecessors.[6][42][44] A resource called Magnatite or its equivalent is needed to keep demons summoned or powers different elements of attacks appears in multiple entries.[6][42][46] A recurring character throughout the series is Dr Victor, a person who takes charge of demon fusion and takes on different appearances throughout the series.[47]

History and development

[edit]

Following the success of the Megami Tensei spin-off Shin Megami Tensei If... in 1994, lead developer Kouji Okada decided to create spin-off series to explore different narrative possibilities; the two initial spin-off titles were Revelations: Persona (1996) for the PlayStation, and Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner for the Saturn.[48][49][50] Devil Summoner drew on themes from detective fiction, particularly the melancholic and hardboiled fiction of Raymond Chandler.[48][51] It was the first Megami Tensei title to be released on a 32-bit fifth-generation home video game console, and the first Megami Tensei game to feature 3D graphics.[51][52] The staff included Okada as director, recurring writer Ryutaro Ito, and artist Kazuma Kaneko.[48][53] Following the success of Devil Summoner, development of a sequel moved forward, drawing inspiration from the potential dangers of the internet. Okada and Kaneko returned to their respective roles, while Shogo Isogai created the scenario based on Kaneko's draft.[39]

Following the release of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne in 2003, producer Kazuyuki Yamai wanted a project for his team that would offer new challenges, deciding to make a new Devil Summoner title based on staff feedback.[54][55] Kaneko returned as character designer.[56] A sequel was produced shortly afterwards, continuing Raidou Kuzunoha's story while being a standalone entry for newcomers, with Kaneko returning as both character designer and producer.[54][57] It saw mechanical improvements and additions taken from the main series.[54] A sequel to Soul Hackers was long requested by fans, though the original game was growing in age and losing mainstream recognition. Eiji Ishida and Mitsuru Hirata, who had previously worked on multiple entries in the Megami Tensei series, began production on a sequel with reworked mechanics and a new art style led by Shirow Miwa.[58][59]

While a release overseas was rumored at the time of its release, the original Devil Summoner remains exclusive to Japan, with its age compared to other titles keeping it from being released during the PS2 era.[60][61] Soul Hackers was originally also exclusive to Japan, with an overseas release only coming with the 3DS port. The localization was created by Atlus USA, with their focus being on emulating its time period through slang and references to cyberpunk fiction.[12] The two Raidou Kuzunoha titles were the first Devil Summoner titles to be released in the West.[5] For the localization of the first Raidou Kuzunoha, project leader Yu Namba incorporated slang from the 1920s to ground the storyline in that period.[61] The second Raidou Kuzunoha saw a limited release in North America.[62] Only three games have been released in Europe through third-party publishers: Soul Hackers by NIS America,[11] the original Raidou Kuzunoha by Koei,[14] and Soul Hackers 2 by Sega.[63]

Music

[edit]

The original game's music was composed by Toshiko Tasaki and Tsukasa Masuko, with several tracks being repurposed during production or switching role.[64] For Soul Hackers, Tasaki and Masuko were joined by Shoji Meguro; Meguro focused on the game's cyberpunk themes and atmosphere, lamenting his lack of creative freedom compared to his work on Maken X.[65][66] Meguro returned for the Raidou Kuzunoha duology, using brass and jazz instrumentation to emulate the 1920s alongside his signature guitar-heavy "MegaTen sound".[61][67][57] The music of Soul Hackers 2 is composed by the music group Monaca.[18]

Reception

[edit]
Japanese and Western review scores
As of January 20, 2023.
Game Year Famitsu Metacritic
Devil Summoner 1995 35/40[1] —
Soul Hackers 1997 34/40[68] 74/100[69]
Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army 2006 30/40[70] 74/100[71]
Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon 2008 32/40[72] 79/100[73]
Soul Hackers 2 2022 38/40[2] 74/100[74]

The first two games were among the best-selling titles on the Sega Saturn in Japan.[75] Technology Tell, in a retrospective article on the Megami Tensei franchise, noting it as standing out from the rest of the franchise due to not having a post-apocalyptic setting.[5]

Reception of the first Raidou Kuzunoha game was generally positive, with critics noting its break from the traditional turn-based gameplay of other Megami Tensei series, though noting some problems caused by the new elements.[44][76][77] Raidou Kuzunoha 2 saw a stronger reception, with critics praising it as an improvement over the first game.[45][78][79]

References

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Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Debiru Samanā (Japanese: デビルサマナー)
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