Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children – Messiah Riser blends traditional turn-based mechanics with a real-time twist, creating a battle system that keeps you on your toes. Instead of simply selecting commands and waiting for actions to resolve, enemies will act after a short delay even if you hesitate. This sense of urgency demands quick decision-making, transforming what could be a leisurely JRPG encounter into a dynamic, engaging tussle.

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Negotiation remains at the heart of the Megami Tensei formula, and Messiah Riser refines this for a younger audience without diluting its strategic depth. After defeating foes, you have the option to engage them in dialogue. Success is not guaranteed—each demon has its own personality and persuasion threshold—so understanding elemental affinities and dialogue choices becomes key to expanding your roster.

Once recruited, demons can be summoned into battle as fully playable allies. This party customization is further amplified by the fusion system: combining two demons yields a new, more powerful entity with inherited skills. Messiah Riser’s fusion menus are intuitive, allowing newcomers to experiment freely while still offering veterans plenty of room for optimization and creative builds.

Exploration and puzzle-solving also feature prominently. You’ll navigate a mix of overworld maps and intricate dungeon layouts, discovering sealed doors, hidden treasure chests, and environmental hazards that require specific demon abilities to overcome. This variety keeps the gameplay loop fresh, balancing combat with light platforming and riddle elements.

Graphics

While Messiah Riser was originally released on the Game Boy Color, its vibrant 8-bit palette and sharp sprite work remain a charming showcase of the handheld’s potential. Jin, Akira, and a host of demons all boast clear, expressive designs that convey personality even at a small scale.

Battle animations are simple but effective: magic spells radiate colored flashes, melee attacks produce impact bursts, and demon skills often come with unique VFX that feel satisfying. Though the resolution is limited, careful pixel placement ensures that each enemy stands out, from classic Megaten staples like Jack Frost to imaginative new recruits exclusive to the Devil Children lineup.

Outside of combat, the world map and dungeon tilesets strike a good balance between recognizability and variety. Towns are populated with NPCs sporting distinctive palettes, while temples, laboratories, and empire strongholds each adopt a unique aesthetic. Small details—like flickering torches or rippling water—enhance immersion despite hardware constraints.

BGM and sound effects round out the audiovisual experience. Catchy chiptune melodies range from energetic battle themes to atmospheric dungeon loops, and demon cries lend character to every encounter. The audio quality may not rival modern standards, but it’s more than adequate for keeping players invested in both exploration and combat.

Story

The narrative premise of Messiah Riser is classic Megami Tensei fare: long ago, a fearsome demon was sealed within a device called the “Messiah Riser,” and now a sinister empire seeks the key to unleash its power. Against this looming threat stand Jin and Akira—the titular Devil Children—whose unique gift for demon communication positions them as the world’s best hope.

Choice plays a subtle but meaningful role. Early in the game you decide whether to play as Jin or Akira, each offering slight variations in dialogue, demon persuasion outcomes, and story events. These branching elements encourage replayability, as you’ll uncover different character interactions and demon encounters on a second run.

The plot unfolds at a steady pace, interspersing main story beats with optional side quests that flesh out both the world and its demon denizens. Although tailored to a younger demographic, Messiah Riser doesn’t shy away from darker themes—imperial corruption, moral dilemmas in demon usage, and the consequences of absolute power are all explored in an age-appropriate manner.

Supporting characters, from quirky townsfolk to rival demon tamers, add levity and depth. Their motivations often challenge Jin and Akira’s beliefs, prompting moments of reflection and growth. The climax delivers a satisfying confrontation with the empire’s leaders and the ultimate test of the heroes’ resolve.

Overall Experience

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children – Messiah Riser offers a tightly crafted RPG adventure that balances accessibility with strategic depth. Its real-time turn-based battles inject urgency into every encounter, while demon negotiation and fusion systems reward experimentation and planning.

Graphically, the Game Boy Color presentation holds up thanks to clear sprites, vibrant palettes, and memorable chiptune compositions. The user interface is intuitive, guiding new players through menus and battle commands without overwhelming them with unnecessary complexity.

The story delivers a satisfying arc with meaningful choices, engaging heroes, and a compelling villainous empire. Side content and replay incentives ensure that you’ll spend dozens of hours exploring every dungeon, recruiting every demon, and replaying the tale from alternate perspectives.

For fans of JRPGs, Megaten newcomers, and younger players seeking a gateway into the genre, Messiah Riser strikes an admirable balance. Its blend of demon negotiation, fusion mechanics, and real-time strategy moments creates an experience that remains entertaining and replayable even decades after its initial release.

Retro Replay Score

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