Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2 – Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon builds on the action-RPG formula established in the first Raidou game, but adds deeper strategic layers through demon negotiation and party management. As Raidou, you’ll engage in real-time sword and gun combat, swiftly switching between ranged and melee attacks to exploit enemy weaknesses. This fluid combat system keeps encounters dynamic and encourages on-the-fly tactical decisions, especially when facing groups of demons with contrasting resistances.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

One of the major gameplay enhancements is the ability to summon two demons simultaneously, doubling the tactical possibilities compared to the original title. You can customize your demon pairings to complement Raidou’s combat style—whether you prefer a balanced team of attackers and healers or a glass-cannon duo that maximizes offensive power. Between battles, you’ll fuse and negotiate with hostile demons, leveraging the series’ signature conversation mechanics to expand your roster and tailor your party’s skills to upcoming challenges.

Exploration alternates between daytime detective work in the Narumi Detective Agency’s vibrant Taishō-era Tokyo and nighttime forays into demon-infested districts. During the day, you gather clues, interview NPCs, and solve light puzzles that feed directly into the main storyline. At night, the atmosphere shifts noticeably: the city streets become labyrinthine dungeons filled with traps and enemy patrols. This day-night cycle creates a satisfying ebb and flow, balancing investigation phases with adrenaline-fueled combat segments.

Graphics

Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon takes full advantage of the PlayStation 2 hardware, delivering richly detailed character models and intricately designed environments. The Taishō-era setting comes to life through carefully crafted cityscapes, from lantern-lit alleys to ornate western-style buildings. Each district has its own visual identity, ensuring that nighttime expeditions never feel repetitive.

Character portraits and demon designs remain a highlight, drawing on the series’ renowned art direction. Raidou’s sleek detective attire contrasts sharply with the grotesque and imaginative forms of your demonic allies and adversaries. Animations during demon negotiations—where sprites shift and expressions change—add a touch of personality that keeps these interactions engaging and memorable.

Battle sequences showcase smooth frame rates and vibrant skill animations, especially when you unleash a powerful demon ability. The particle effects for elemental attacks—fireballs, lightning bursts, and healing auras—pop against the darker dungeon backdrops. While textures may appear slightly dated by today’s standards, the game’s consistent art style and atmospheric lighting techniques more than compensate, immersing you in a supernatural version of 1920s Japan.

Story

The narrative of Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon follows directly after the events of the first Raidou game, plunging you back into the Taishō period where supernatural disturbances threaten Tokyo’s peace. When a young woman pleads for help finding her missing fiancé, you and your mentor’s detective agency uncover a sinister plot that ties into an ancient demonic conspiracy led by the eponymous King Abaddon. The story unfolds at a measured pace, blending detective noir elements with classic Shin Megami Tensei mythos.

Raidou himself remains a charismatic protagonist—polite, confident, and quick with a wry remark. NPC interactions often carry subtle humor, offsetting darker thematic moments that explore the conflict between human will and demonic power. Secondary characters, from rival investigators to enigmatic informants, are well written and frequently add depth to side cases that, while optional, often reward you with valuable demons or rare items.

Central to the plot is the series’ trademark moral ambiguity: negotiating with demons isn’t always straightforward, and choices you make during conversations can have far-reaching consequences. This emphasis on persuasion over pure force adds a layer of narrative complexity, as you witness firsthand how different demons react to Raidou’s demeanor. The climax builds tension effectively, weaving together threads from earlier missions into a finale that feels earned and thematically resonant.

Overall Experience

Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon strikes an excellent balance between action-packed battles and story-driven investigations. Its pacing ensures that you rarely spend too long in one mode, and the satisfaction of cracking a detective case dovetails nicely with the thrill of mid-dungeon showdowns. For fans of both action RPGs and classic Shin Megami Tensei gameplay, this sequel refines its predecessor’s strengths while introducing fresh mechanics.

The audio design further elevates the experience: a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack marries traditional Japanese instruments with jazzy Taishō-era flair, while voice snippets during key dialogues lend weight to character moments. Combat sound effects have impactful weight, making each sword slash and spell cast feel substantial. The UI is intuitive and thoughtfully laid out, enabling quick management of demons, equipment, and mission objectives without breaking immersion.

Whether you’re drawn in by the historical setting, the demon negotiation system, or Raidou’s detective exploits, this title offers significant replay value. Multiple demon fusion paths, side quests, and New Game Plus options encourage a second playthrough to experience different party compositions and dialogue outcomes. Ultimately, Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon stands out as one of the PlayStation 2’s most distinctive RPGs, delivering a thoroughly engaging journey that both newcomers and series veterans will appreciate.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10