Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster

This mature adventure takes players into an adventure that explores good and evil with a hefty dose of the occult. Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster returns players back to 2003, when gamers outside of Japan got their first introduction to the macabre and mature world of the Shin Megami Tensei series with the release of Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne on the PlayStation 2. The game's fantasy horror plot combined with its unique gameplay mechanics and twisted cast of creatures struck a chord and became an instant cult classic, leading to a host of sequels and spinoffs. Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster adds a new level of polish to the original. This includes high-definition visuals, voiceovers added to the game's cutscenes, and even a new, much easier difficulty setting for those that want to focus more of absorbing the complex story. That's not to say the game isn't still showing its age here and there, particularly in the pacing of the action and some animations. But those are easy to overlook once the game grabs your attention.

It should be noted that Nocturne was never meant for younger audiences. While the violence and blood might not be as graphic as other horror games, the setting and presentation tap into various religious beliefs. It's also touches on deeper philosophic themes like morality, giving players the freedom to choose their own path while showing that there's a price to pay regardless. These are heavy topics that make an engaging plot, but might be too heavy for younger kids to process. For older gamers though, it's easy to see why the game earned its status. Some of the game's mechanics still feel fresh even today. For example, there aren't many games where the player can negotiate with an enemy, even during the heat of battle, and convince them to leave the fight or even to join their cause. Things like this add an extra layer of engagement, breaking the monotony and getting players more invested in the overall experience.