Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster

The main pros of the game

• Classic Gameplay: Many users praise the turn-based combat system, particularly the Press Turn mechanic, which adds depth and strategy to battles.
• Atmosphere and Story: The game is recognized for its dark, post-apocalyptic setting and philosophical themes, which resonate well with players. The art style and music, despite some criticisms, are often described as haunting and fitting.
• Demon Fusion and Customization: The ability to recruit and fuse demons adds an engaging layer to gameplay, allowing for diverse team compositions and strategies.
• High Difficulty: The challenging nature of the game is appreciated by many, as it provides a sense of accomplishment when overcoming tough encounters.

The main cons of the game

• Poor Remaster Quality: Users frequently mention that the remaster feels like a lazy port rather than a true HD remaster. Criticisms include a framerate capped at 30 FPS, compressed audio quality, and lack of updated cutscenes.
• High Encounter Rate: The game features frequent random encounters that can disrupt gameplay and frustrate players, especially in maze-like dungeons.
• Dated Mechanics: Some gameplay elements feel archaic, such as the navigation system and lack of quality-of-life improvements that modern players expect.
• Content Access Issues: Players note that essential DLCs (like the Chronicle pack) are not included by default, leading to confusion and the need to restart the game to access certain content.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Quality-of-Life Improvements: Many players feel the remaster lacks essential QoL features seen in modern games, such as better navigation aids, clearer tutorials, and more intuitive save systems.
• Improved Audio and Visuals: Users express disappointment that the remaster did not include higher-quality audio or fully remade cutscenes, which would have enhanced the experience significantly.
• Expanded Content: While the game includes some additional content through DLCs, many players feel that more of the original game's features should have been integrated into the remaster without requiring additional purchases.
• Uncompressed Music: There is a strong desire for the remastered version to feature the uncompressed soundtrack available on streaming platforms, as the current audio quality is a significant letdown.

Summary

• Overall, while Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster retains the essence of the beloved classic, it is marred by technical shortcomings and a lack of modernization that frustrates both new and returning players.

Summary generated on: November 21, 2025