What a great day for Shin Megami Tensei fans! First came the localization of the 2004 TTRPG Shin Megami Tensei – The Roleplaying Game: Tokyo Conception; Digital Editions can be downloaded now, while Physical Editions can be pre-ordered. A Shin Megami Tensei gamebook is fantastic, but for those craving something more extravagant, the news of Shin Megami Tensei – The Board Game being opened up to crowdfunding after a slight delay is worth celebrating. My reason for calling it extravagant? It includes a whopping 72 detailed demon figures. The board game is now available to back on Kickstarter.
The only edition of Shin Megami Tensei – The Board Game is exclusive to Kickstarter backers. It includes two languages, Japanese and English. Made for two to four players, age 14 and up, a playthrough is estimated to last three to four hours. The game includes the main board, 72 demon figures, 72 demon cards, over 140 print components, over 200 chip components, and the rulebook/manual.
The Shin Megami Tensei franchise began in Japan as Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei back in 1987. The games were renamed Shin Megami Tensei in 1992, and that title stuck. The 1992 game is the foundation for spin-off franchises, like Persona. The games are set in a devastated Tokyo where demons have taken over. As the protagonist, summon and use demons as allies to battle gods and demons while juggling conflicting values. In the end, become a central figure in not just their fate, but the fate of the world.
In Shin Megami Tensei – The Board Game, players compete to control Tokyo’s divided areas using negotiations with or fighting demons. Each player begins with a Neutral alignment but can change to Chaos or Law depending on events or the demons you recruit. As the number of demon allies increases, fight and use demon fusion to summon (or even create) more powerful entities before one final, epic showdown.
Two familiar gameplay systems from the video games are included. With the Demon Dialogue system, players can have dialogues with demons. If it goes well, recruit them or earn their support. If it goes wrong… well, try not to let it. The Demon Fusion system became common with later games. Use it to summon powerful demons.
There are also Grimoires, containing powerful demon forces that have major effects in battle. Choose the correct moment and use the grimoires to gain the upper hand.
From ICREA, the Kickstarter campaign for Shin Megami Tensei – The Board Game runs until December 13 at 10:00 AM EST. It’s an all-or-nothing campaign, but that’s not a concern: over 1,000 backers have pledged nearly double the goal amount so it will happen. The early pledge discount tier went quickly, and the remaining option is to pay full price (about $400 USD). The estimated delivery is mid-2025.
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