It’s been a long wait, but today Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse and 7th Dragon III Code: VFD have finally been released in Europe, both in digital and physical format. The games are published by Deep Silver, who earlier this year entered a publishing deal with Sega of America and Atlus. The deal also marked the end of the uncertainty surrounding future releases in Europe of games developed by SEGA and Atlus in Japan.
Shin Megami Tensei IV Official Artworks, the official artbook of for Atlus’ Shin Megami Tensei IV, is now available for purchase at select retailers! Publishing is being handled by UDON Entertainment, responsible for many other video game artbooks such as those for the Valkyria Chronicles series.
Shin Megami Tensei IV Official Artworks boosts 208 pages and has a suggested retail price of $39.99. The book will feature detailed character profiles and a glossary of terms (in English) to give added color to world of Shin Megami Tensei IV, alongside some special interviews from development staff. As for the art itself, Masayoki Doi is the lead artist for Shin Megami Tensei IV, but the game also features a handful of guest character designers with various backgrounds including Keita Amemiya (Capcom’s Onimusha series) and Yasushi Nirasawa (Kamen Rider), with other artistic talents in tow, too.
You can check out some preview images at the announcement news post that UDON made on their official website!
Famitsu reports that the main characters of Shin Megami Tensei IV are set to return for the upcoming sequel: Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final. We’ve seen promotional images of Flynn, the protagonist, floating around earlier, but now we have the confirmation of his return along with the return of the three characters who represent the paths of law, chaos, and balance. Isabeau, Jonathan, and Walter will be returning, and their voice actors from the Japanese release are reprising their roles as well.
There are some story developments for each of the characters in this game as well. Isabeau is available as a partner character for this Final’s protagonist, as her goal is to avoid the Polytheistic Alliance of gods (a faction representing multiple entities) from contacting and working with Flynn. With the Outlaw Hunters (a group that this game’s protagonist works in) and the Alliance naturally opposed, Isabeau works towards their common interests. Jonathan and Merkabah are assimilated, and the entity oppose the efforts of the Alliance. Walter sacrificed himself on behalf of Lucifer, but he occasionally returns to his human form and has kept the memories of his life that Lucifer retained. Both Lucifer and Merkabah are naturally opposed to the aims of the Alliance. Lastly, Flynn is regarded as a great hero and the Alliance pursues him to advance their ideology.
It appears special bonus content will also be unlocked if you have existing Shin Megami Tensei IV save data on your 3DS. No words on the specifics of this content as of yet! Keep an eye out.
Credit for initial announcement goes to Gematsu.