The Kickstarter-exclusive "Shin Megami Tensei – The Board Game" comes in both Japanese and English. Designed for 2-4 players aged 14 and up, each game lasts about 3-4 hours. The package includes the main board, 72 demon figures, 72 demon cards, over 140 printed items, more than 200 chip components, and the rulebook.
The Shin Megami Tensei series started in Japan as "Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei" in 1987. It was renamed "Shin Megami Tensei" in 1992, spawning popular spin-offs like Persona. These games are set in a demon-infested, ruined Tokyo. Players, as the main character, must summon and ally with demons to fight gods and other demons while balancing conflicting values. The outcome affects not just the hero's fate, but the world's.
In the board game version, players vie for control of Tokyo's districts by negotiating with or battling demons. Everyone starts with a Neutral alignment but can shift to Chaos or Law based on events or recruited demons. As you gather more demon allies, engage in combat and use demon fusion to summon stronger beings before the final showdown.
The game incorporates two familiar systems from the video games. The "Demon Dialogue" system lets players interact with demons, potentially recruiting them or gaining their support – if things go well. The "Demon Fusion" system, a staple in later games, allows players to summon powerful demons.
"Grimoires" are another game element, containing potent demon forces that significantly impact battles. Timing is crucial when using these to gain an advantage.
ICREA's Kickstarter campaign for "Shin Megami Tensei – The Board Game" runs until December 13 at 10:00 AM EST. It's all-or-nothing, but success is assured with over 1,000 backers pledging nearly double the goal. Early bird discounts are gone, leaving the full-price option (around $400 USD). Estimated delivery is mid-2025.
