Japanese RPGs come in a variety of forms. While few JRPGs tote the sheer iconography of a property likeFinal Fantasy, theShin Megami Tenseiseries, which dates as far back as 1987 and continues to receive new titles to this day, is an exception.
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With its spin-off series,Persona, exploding in popularity in recent years and a remake of the fan-favoriteNocturneslated for release later this year, there’s no time like the present to appreciate theShin Megami Tenseiseries. Often characterized by its blend of demonic fantasy and modern urban life, the series definitely possesses a distinct voice and aesthetic. Therefore, let’s examine theSMTgamesthat received the best reviews and currently hold the highest ratings on Metacritic.
Updated on June 24, 2025, by Mark Sammut:Atlus' Shin Megami Tensei has been around for decades, and the franchise has spawned a wide range of successful spin-offs. With a few Persona games set to debut over the next few months, this is the best time for new and old fans to revisit a couple of thebest Megami Tensei games.
17Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon - 79 (PS2)
Megami Tensei’sDevil Summonersub-series has struggled to reach the same heights as the main games orPersona. Prior to the release of 2022’sSoul Hackers 2, 2008’sDevil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddonwas the last entry in this spin-off.
Set during the 1920s in Japan,Devil Summoner 2has style and personality for days. Developers rarely dive deep into this era of history, and the game’s setting might be its greatest feature. Unlike most otherSMTproperties,Devil Summoner 2is an action JRPG; while the real-time combat system is not especially deep, it is generally fun. Players also have the option to summon demons in battles.
16Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux – 80 (3DS)
A port of the DS gameShin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey,Strange Journey Reduxis an enhanced port of the game for the 3DS, released in 2018.Strange Journeyis the sixth game in theShin Megami Tenseiseries, featuring several recurring core mechanics of the series such as turn-based battles and the ability to negotiate with foes.
While the original release of the game already featured branching story paths,Reduxincluded yet even more choices for the player to make as well as a new playable character.
15Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne – 82 (PS2)
Originally released for the PS2 in 2004,Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturneis the third core entry in the mainSMTseries. Despite not garnering that high of a Metascore,Nocturneis often considered by fans of the series to be one of thebestShin Megami Tenseigamesof all time.
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Like many entries in the series, the game is a blend of the modern and the mystical. Through its demon negotiation and fusions systems,Nocturneoffers great replay value for those willing to experiment.
14Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2 – 82 (PS2)
Released in 2005,Digital Devil Saga 2is regarded for having stellar gameplay that is only offset by a notably high enemy encounter rate. At the time of its release, it was viewed as an improvement over its predecessor in every regard, toting superior gameplay, combat, graphics, and even story.
As far as non-Personagames are concerned, this entry in the series is viewed as one of the bestShin Megami Tenseigames on the PS2.
13Persona Q: Shadow Of The Labyrinth – 83 (3DS) & Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth – 81 (3DS)
Released exclusively for the 3DS,Persona Qis a crossover series that brings together characters from the last three entries in the spin-off series.Persona 5’s Phantom Thieves are featured prominently inPersona Q2, whilePersona 3and4’s cast are in both titles.
While retaining many elements from the mainline entries,Persona Qis a dungeon crawler in the vein ofEtrian Odyssey. Consequently, the story takes a backseat to the combat.
12Persona 5 Strikers – 83 (PS4)
A sequel/spin-off toPersona 5,Strikersdrops the turn-based combat for hack and slash action akin to Musou titles. The title was developed by P-Studio and Omega Force, and the latter’s experience withWarriorsgames shines through in the gameplay.
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Persona 5 Strikersfollows the Phantom Thieves on a cross-country excursion that involves them infiltrating Jails. Although not taking itself too seriously, the story is still pretty good, and the characters are as likable as ever.
11Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2: Eternal Punishment – 83 (PSP)
Persona 2was originally released in 1999 for the PS1 and was available as two games,Persona 2: Innocent SinandPersona 2: Eternal Punishment.This game paved the way for modernPersonareleases, employing the use of a grim tone that creates a distinct atmosphere when paired with the game’s setting of modern Japan.
As is the case with each entry in thePersonaseries, this game features characters who fight demonic foes utilizing beings known as Personas that can be summoned at will.
10Shin Megami Tensei 4 – 83 (3DS)
Released in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS,Shin Megami Tensei 4came out an entire ten years afterNocturne.The game was regarded as a solid return to form for the series, including the strengths of previous entries while adding new mechanics to keep things fresh.
A turn-based RPG like the majority of the entries in the series, this title allows the player to recruit demons they encounter to fight alongside them. These demons can also be fused together to create even more potent allies.
9Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor – 84 (DS)
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivorwas released in 2009 for the Nintendo DS and was the first game in the series to be made for that console. Fighting by recruiting demons similarly to the previous entry,Devil Survivorsomewhat epitomizes many trends found within the main series.
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Be itDevil Survivor’s modern Japan setting, the overarching mystery that is uncovered over the course of the campaign, or its tight and refined turn-based combat, this story-driven game is a perfect example of the series' strengths.
8Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker – 84 (3DS)
ThoughShin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2was initially released on the Nintendo DS, a definitive enhanced version of the game was brought to the 3DS in 2015 in the form ofRecord Breaker.
Including everything from the originalDevil Survivor 2,Record Breakernotably adds a great deal of new content, including a sizable playable arc that takes place after the original ending.
