Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine
Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine Online, also known as Imagine Online or MegaTen is a 3D sci-fi MMORPG set in the popular Megami Tensei universe. Players take on the role of a Demon Buster in Neo Tokyo and must hunt, catch, and train demons roaming the land.
Publisher: Aeria Games Type: Sci-Fi MMORPG Release Date: May 11, 2009 Closure Date: February 7, 2013 Pros: +Spinoff of a popular franchise. +Demon catching and training feature. +Moral alignment system. +Unique skill system. Cons: -Poorly optimized graphics and interface. -Lengthy tutorial and start up phase. |
Shin Megami Tensei Imagine Online Overview
A game of many titles, Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine Online is one of the few Japanese free to play MMORPGs that made it to American shores. Despite some very original concepts, the game never found a large following, but is still active in Japan. The combat and progress in MegaTen (a popular abbreviation) is skill based. This took some time to learn, but allowed for combat that was a bit deeper than in most MMORPGs.
The ability to catch and train the demons roaming on the surface of a post apocalyptic Tokyo, and story elements broken into chapters or 'Acts' also helped Imagine Online stand out.
Shin Megami Tensei Imagine Online Screenshots
Shin Megami Tensei Imagine Online Featured Video
Shin Megami Tensei Imagine Online Links
Shin Megami Tensei Imagine Online Wikipedia Entry
Shin Megami Tensei Imagine Online Japanese Site
Shin Megami Tensei Imagine Online Music & Soundtrack
Shin Megami Tensei Imagine Online Additional Information
Developer: Cave
Composer: Kenichi Kikkawa
Closed Beta Date: December 1, 2008 (North America)
Open Beta Date: December 30, 2008 (North America)
Release Date: March 30, 2007 (Japan), December 31, 2008 (NA)
Closure Date: February 28, 2014 (NA) [Japanese Server still active]
Publishers:
Japan: Atlus
North America: Aeria Games -> Atlus Online -> Marvelous USA
Development History / Background:
Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine was the first MMORPG title by developer Cave and remain active in Japan to this day. The game's events are set between those of Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei 2 in and around Tokyo sometime in the first half of the 21st century. Following an apocalyptic event known as the "Great Destruction", the survivors have only just begun to rebuild civilization.
MegaTen was first brought to the West by Aeria Games on December 1, 2008, but on April 9, 2012 the service was transferred to Atlus Online. Eventually Atlus Online was purchased by XSeed Games and renamed Marvelous USA which hosted the game for another year. It was announced on January 27, 2014 that the English version would shut down on February 28, 2014.