Selling You On Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse (W/

[@Crok425]

Choices in SMT4: Isabeau: "Flynn, look at this cute puppy." Flynn: 1. *Pet the puppy* 2. *Ignore the puppy* Choices in Apocalypse: Asahi: "Nanashi! Look at this cute puppy." Nanashi: 1. "Very cute! I'll pet it!" 2. *Kick the puppy and call it gay.*

[@abaque24]

Reminds me of the choices in pQ2. In my file so far, joker is the biggest goofball XD

[@TrueInvisible]

both choices "kill the puppy" .. then spit at its corpse. before feeding it to demons.

[@chargemankenia]

At the end neither choises matters

[@Crok425]

@@chargemankenia In a way they do in Apocalypse since it determines how you proceed through the game after you choose which route to go in.

[@chargemankenia]

@@Crok425 You mean THE LAST ONE, i mean all the other 150 choices

[@megarotom1590]

"I never have to touch this series again" He says 3 days before SMTV launches

[@HidinginPublic]

Since you both shared the same opinion on the Hama/Mudo change, I'll say that I actually prefer having their insta-kill properties locked behind some sort of player pre-requisite. Mainly because SMT is about strategy and challenge, and while there will always be some chance and luck in SMT with hit rate and what not, having 2 types of attack that can flip the outcome of fights based on one bad dice roll is a stain to any SMT game that we want to have a balanced challenge in. Of course for late game there is some more strategy that balances it, like resistances and items like homunculus, but for early game most the time, it's a stupid broken mechanic that I feel like people only defend due to tradition.

[@KaiMCGRPS]

I didn't know you liked megaten

[@gravethestampede3454]

Also those skills are actually usable against bosses too.

[@darkhorse744]

Absolutely agree with this, I don't like the thought of losing Hours of progress just because I got unlucky.

[@louvi5893]

@@KaiMCGRPS yeah he used a bunch of smt music in his chainsaw man videos (and maybe others). It's nice seeing him here lol

[@RollingBobbyJones]

@@gravethestampede3454 When was mudo and Hama EVER used against bosses

[@DengueBurger]

The incentive to do the anarchy ending is to be metal and more like past SMT entries. Reject friendship, become based. Also, Dagda’s dialogue and accent are great. People really take for granted everyone having an American accent that they’re thrown off when someone has an Irish accent. I don’t think he would sound better with an American accent.

[@evanmacaroni14]

Based nanashi?

[@Trevor_NewJerusalem]

I legitimately liked that ending. "Go back to the beginning..."

[@InquisitorSinCross]

The best way someone described P4:A was - "It's contracted a mild case of Persona" Edit: on the YHVH and the record scratch - accroding to Bible YVHV's name is actually unpronouncable by humans AND it couldn't be heared or understood correctly, so the sound effect was a nice touch in line with the source material

[@Sigismund697]

There's also the fact Bible researchers say that it was either poem to refer to God meaning Wind of life filled of love or Him avoiding the question by saying I Am That I Am

[@ZylethXenocian]

Nah, people CAN say it, but actually saying it has massive consequences when said needlessly. It's been theorized the name has been altered so nobody can say it without reverence.

[@sekiro_the_one-armed_wolf]

P4:A is a fighting game on Xbox

[@megarotom1590]

that...actually makes sense (although I think you mean SMT4:A). Might be why I liked it...came directly from persona, although watched a let's play of smt4 first.

[@InquisitorSinCross]

@@megarotom1590 yeah, meant SMT. It was late at night for me when I wrote that comment :)

[@zapthewarrior7577]

John better hope he gets back into a human soon, Florida is known for being over loving of dogs

[@Fermin-hw5pd]

Hope he gets back to play SMTV

[@Harbluia]

Macca:" I guess Laura Bailey was too busy or something?" Me: She might've been. Pretty sure she was preggers around that time.

[@TheSlammurai]

That Atlus USA board room video will never not be funny to me. "Wait, you see him too!?"

[@jamcalx]

I really do want that Soul Hackers vs Cyber Sleuth comparison, DOOD!

[@seth7726]

Same. I think it would work as a selling you on for people who has never played Digimon games like me :D

[@SwordSaint550]

I'd like that too. I recently played through both Cyber Sleuth games and kept being reminded of Soul Hackers in a good way. They were a lot of fun!

[@brotbrotsen1100]

@@SwordSaint550 just wasn't a fan of the evolution system, the constant evolve /devolve cycle for certain digimons were extremely grindy and batlles were a bit to mindless.

[@gabrieldevoogel6225]

@@brotbrotsen1100 id say that’s pretty fair even though I love that game I get the critique

[@alsaiduq4363]

Johne speaking slow and composed is kinda cursed.

[@Fermin-hw5pd]

Yeah, he is always acting in his videos, so seeing him talking normally is weird Or, going back to 2013

[@megarotom1590]

@@Fermin-hw5pd I can't watch his old videos for that reason, it's just not the same

[@rubyknight2015]

Funnily enough, every reason gabb gave for disliking Nanashi is exactly why I love him and why he's my favorite smt protagonist

[@rasendori20]

Smt 5 is out. You can like Apocalypse now.

[@chargemankenia]

Smt v was that Bad, so yeah

[@Arexion5293]

Here's how I'd summarise IV:A: If you can focus on just the gameplay, it's fantastic. But if you're here for the story as well, don't expect much. Maybe the narrative can work for you, maybe it won't. Just enjoy the aspects that work.

[@bearandthebull2372]

Pretty much.Game is a much better version of base 4,and its systems are REALLY good for all players of skill. Just sucks the story is a shitty version of P4's with,too quote a recent meme,"persona without the heart".

[@tastethecock5203]

@@bearandthebull2372 How's the story like P4? Just because of the friendship thing, lol?

[@brotbrotsen1100]

@@bearandthebull2372 I thought the story had this sense of epicnes to it. Was a bit more light hearted but still darker than the majority of Jrpgs.

[@DengueBurger]

I like fighting YHVH and dagda’s dialogue surrounding that

[@dappernecromancer5364]

And JUST in time. Well done on timing that

[@KatanaRikku]

Amazing video. Funny and informative 10/10

[@Macca]

Tank u my friend, I'm happy to be of giving entertainment

[@dim8961]

I really enjoyed your “Selling You On” series and now that it’s finally over…(?) I’ll definitely be sticking around! Your previous video on Lost Judgement was really cool and it’s sad that it didn’t get the attention that I think it truly deserves. I didn’t expect to be a very big fan of your content. I thought I’d just watch your SMT If… video because it had Marsh in it and I’d leave. But how you make your videos is really entertaining! And before I knew it I became a big fan! I’ll definitely will be sticking around for future content. Oh, yeah… and I think you dropped this: 👑

[@starblade8719]

The intro with Johne was awesome

[@SimplyDad]

that gabbmew person kinda cool

[@jacksstruggle6888]

Someone has a crush

[@100Servings]

Waiting on your next video, bro. I dig your perspective.

[@sweetpotatojim]

Simp Daddy

[@kresnik694]

Looking for a simply mom eh?

[@100Servings]

@@kresnik694 I was going to say something about being a DILF hunter, but no matter how I made the joke it was too gross to be funny.

[@vinigmoura]

SMT is diferent from any other JRPG because it has a strong identity at the same time can be anything. A game with a character based story and some bias is not a problem, I still think that most of its identity still there mixed with diferent flavours! Im at the last dungeon now, and im LOVIN' IT, I love the characters, the plot, the pace, mechanics (specially the new smirk system), quests, etc. Not a perfect game by any means but a REALLY good one, actually I think its like top 4 SMT games in my list.

[@mikhail2736]

I know I am often in the minority, but I loved Apocalypse and it's honestly my favorite SMT. But I think it's because of how different it is from the other games, and how amazing the gameplay is. While I agree that it does a lot that is a huge departure from what one would expect from a mainline SMT game, I found myself enjoying its different approach. While I think I prefer the broad concepts and the oppressive atmosphere in other SMT games. I find this to be a bit of something different that I really enjoy.

[@anonrickfail1]

Before I start the video, I've always liked apocalypse. It's a great game that, hopefully up until thursday, had the best combat in the series. And that alone made it worth playing

[@drumo2273]

I also unironically think Nanashi has my second favorite design behind Demi-Fiend and juuuust ahead of Raidou.

[@marioagainsttheworld6248]

Even tought the plot/story is a hit or miss i still love this game

[@modeus9592]

Oh there’s still some badass merits to it

[@100Servings]

Great artwork! I love it! Hats off to the artist!

[@megarotom1590]

I honestly really liked the divine powers and while the characters might not have fitted the tone of the game as much...I really liked many of them although you are right that it pretty heavily pushes you into one ending. I wish they actually did a second alignment system well. Honestly law and chaos in this game are actually not too different once you analyze it. Perhaps if they put Utilitarianism as the other side (the idea that the ends justify the means, that you should do what's best for the masses, even if it means say...killing your friends). It would be an alignment balance that wouldn't feel completly biased. That being said, the two bad tokyo's in the original 4 make it pretty clear that Law and Chaos both suck. They weren't trying to pretend that they were actual options so when placed between law, chaos, and neutral...only one was a real option.

[@Flailmorpho]

the general themes are, instead of law and chaos, it's Collectivism VS Individualism, but yeah the writers heavily lean towards collectivism

[@muda6muda7muda8yareyaredaz2]

i wasnt feeling it when i started watching your first video about smt, but after watching it all, i think "selling you on smt" is one of my favorite YT videos, it was great and i will rewatch it time to time in the future, because its too great

[@doublestarships646]

I got over the gripes everyone had for this game SUPER FAST. The gameplay was just super fun and the story didn't over stay. It was quick banter that didn't take up your time. I loved it. Honestly this game felt like it could have been another Shin Megami Tensei Strange Journey or If... with the SMH IV engine with it's own stand alone story.

[@TheSkullKlownTSK]

I love Satan's look in this game. To me usually. The final boss look is what makes me get the game sometime. That's how much I love epic boss fights 👍🏼

[@نونيم-ي4ح]

It really pains me to hear that we were supposed to get an enhanced rerelease of SMT 4, i love that game if it only had a better more streamlined naraku, better overworld and the fact that it’s easier to get neutral ending it would have been perfect 10/10 for me, I still have hope that one day we may get an enhanced version of it and it will get the chance that it always deserved.

[@bladeblaster1297]

Someone shouldn’t make a fangame of a enhanced SMT4

[@darkhorse744]

Also, with the Angels actually being in the game rather than being DLC.

[@hennyzhi2261]

As someone who binges Venture Bros on a regular basis I can understand the procrastination - such a good show.

[@atjs1234]

Gaston’s and Navarre’s character growth was something I enjoyed greatly in this game. They grew but still stayed true to their characters and didn’t feel hollow

[@Sigismund697]

Too bad Gaston is easily the worst party member gameplay-wise

[@atjs1234]

@@Sigismund697 I’ll give you that. I stick with Navarre or Isebeau

[@bearberserker]

After watching this video, I will admit how the game is biased and how it needed more impact with the choices, themes, and characters should've done more with the story. The gameplay is good, along with the music, but there is something about it that I can't help but still have as one of my favorites, but I do see the flaws. Thanks for making a great video! 😊

[@madamaklee]

I will never forgive how dirty they did Flynn in this game. After everything, EVERYTHING he's been through, he's just captured by some demons he could have No Diff'd at that point? And the whack retcon that Nanashi could apparently unsheathe Masakado's Katana when it was stated that only Flynn should be able to.

[@goleh4044]

I know this is off topic, but the Yusuke Miyata the director of bayo 3 isn't the same guy who wrote for IV:A. The bayo director is 宮田祐輔 and the writer for is 宮田裕介, different writing but the same reading, thus why the dev profiles in english sites makes this mistake. It happens a lot, Shigeo Komori is mistaken with an anime composer (even the megaten wiki makes this mistake) and Eiji Ishida has credits working on Kingdom Hearts.

[@Entropic_Alloy]

I'm so conflicted because I'm ambivalent to the story in IV:A, but I didn't realize the guy also worked on TW101, which is my favorite game of all time.

[@B0redom13]

They way Navarre was somewhat redeemed and the ramifications of his behaviors was a meaningful addition imo. I enjoyed the game a lot.

[@Argonisgema]

I really don't know why people would hate the light and dark change, like pretty much by the time you get to the point that hama and mudo become worth using in 4 you have like all these other attack all moves that can one or two hit everything anyway so in 4A the change is great cause that adds two more elemental damage attacks without actually adding more attacks.

[@benjaminschacht92]

I played apocalypse before smt4 and to me the biggest pros of apocalypse were the hama and mudo rework, easier to know where to go and the random encounters were more bearable, it's easy to avoid a fight if you don't feel like it, while in smt4, I was incredibly frustated of getting into fights back to back, not even 10 seconds apart. That was my main complaint to smt4, paired with not knowing where to go, going through 8 useless fights only to reach a dead end and go all the way back was no fun.

[@PureEnragement]

"I finally escaped Florida." Super fucking relevant right now

[@SHMeira]

Great job with the videos. Shin Megami Tensei deserves more content in the internet. And the editting is very nice too.

[@scar3crow_art]

In my head cannon, the massacre ending is the true ending. Only because it’s the most “SMT” ending

[@denkerbosu3551]

Actually these choices did have an effect... In the "boss" fight when you choose the Anarchy/Massacre ending. Yeah, the start of the game up until Krishna gang appeared was really great. Nanadhi and Asahi's start as hunters was shaky amd intense. I think it was even better than the start of IV.

[@caaltaes732]

As someone who started with Apocalypse I think is a good baby steps into the series, it also works as lube for the continuous rape in the other entries.

[@Deadsu-sensei]

While I think this game was okay to me with the story but great gameplay, the dlc on the other hand was great. The Messiah dlc more specifically, was wild and I really love that we get to take control of all of the previous protagonists from the mainline games, except from Doom guy from Strange Journey. Gotta love how they have got their own skill sets that are canon.

[@rs10269]

Yeah, we are ready for smt 5

[@TheGameShelf]

Been genuinely waiting for this video and it was so worth it Now I am quite interested in giving SMT4A a try, and it was fun being part of that.... weird stream

[@kuzunohaxcix1573]

The thumbnails are so good wtf

[@keeysOST]

This game truly is the Fire Emblem Fates of SMT

[@LunaticTrumpet]

I picked up this game today on the eShop even though I haven’t finished SMT IV yet. Just to have it because physical copies are going to go through the roof.

[@PlayerZeroStart]

I actually really like the way Hama and Mudo are handled in this game. I've always hated the insta-kill spells because of how RNG dependant they are. Yeah, I know, it's an RPG, luck is always going to be a factor. But the problem is that the two skills completely change depending completely on RNG. If they fail, they're useless. But if they succeed, they're overpowered. So having them be able turn that RNG factor into one of skill and strategy makes them 10 times better. Now, insta-kill is no longer "I got lucky now you die", it's "I did things good and I'm being rewarded for it". Though personally, I still prefer it when Hama and Mudo are paired with Kouha and Eiha.

[@Fronswath]

Good Job I got a lot of enjoyment out of this series and I do look forward to seeing more from you Thank you for your hard work

[@Argonisgema]

its kind of sad that originally nanashi said no to dagda which means that he would not have revived to save Asahi and Asahi would have died shortly after nanashi's death.

[@Elayzee]

YES! Another great Macca video!! :)

[@denkerbosu3551]

Maybe he is a better director than writer. Hell, maybe the tone of Bayonetta suits him better than the one for a SMT game. Also, that effect on the page of unlocking the next title with tweets is really cool. Best use of Twitter in years.

[@richterbellassi]

I've heard somewhere that this Yusuke Miyata is a freelance writer and not the same as Platinum senior game designer. Which makes sense to me

[@bred7833]

the first 11 seconds are gold

[@shinigami9851]

Smt 4 apacalypse was my first smt game so I have a bit of bias but either way this game got me hooked and has got me to play other smt games like smt 3 and V and most recently and embarrassingly persona 5. Someday I wish atlus would remaster the duology to modern console's and not remain a switch exclusive.

[@kryoter]

Hallelujah is so lovable that I choiced him to be my Godess on one of the endings.

[@firionff2513]

I love this Channel

[@karolis.burzinskas]

I had amazing experience with this game.

[@magicalcapi9148]

I don't dislike SMT4 Final story, it's not bad. I think the thing is, it's so different from other SMTs and from the very sombre tone of SMT4, that fans end up disliking it. My one complaint about the story is that Dagda keeps reminding the protagonist that he's his puppet, but for the exception to when, he literally asked him to finish everyone off, Dagda mostly lets the protagonist do whatever he wants. There are almost no points that the protagonist can reasonably disagree with Dagda, let alone be punished for it. However, I want to take it off my chest that; I love Dagda as a character. He's not your typical, "I'm helping you, but I'll backstab you in the future", NO! He lets you KNOW from the very beginning and all the time afterwards that you're just a tool for his goals. He doesn't care the slightest for your friends, and that never changes. Speaking of which, that takes to Asahi. I guess the reason people despise her is because she was the main reason the polytheistic union took off, but I don't blame her. The world is full of demons, hopeless, then someone comes up with something, you might as well try, right? Specially considering she's a kid. She isn't the "useless and annoying" troop, she genuinely tries her best to be helpful, but she doesn't have the plot armour that Nanashi has to succeed. I feel SMT4 Final is definitely a game that contrasts with SMT4. While vanilla SMT4 was all about the inevitability of being separate from your friends to pursue your goals, SMT4 Final is the opposite, to stay together no matter what to pursue a common goal, and that's not bad in essence. The problem, as the video said, that it doesn't give a good enough counterpart. Sticking with your friends is clearly the best thing to do. Dagda's other warning, "your friends will always betray you", never happens in a way that's too damaging. YOU can be the dummy and forsake everyone, dooming their lives, but they never really do with you. So there's good elements in SMT4 Final, like for example the polytheistic union, that the devs did a good job in making them a force to be feared, but in relation of choosing your route, it's indeed not one of the best. I'm not sure if I'd go to the point to say it's "terrible", because I liked parts of the Dagda ending, but I get what people mean.

[@rorsh4xx]

good stuff as always, and even if you cover none megaten stuff id still watch, looking forward to whats next!

[@funnyvalentine7607]

Holy shit it’s here

[@misterfour8233]

Yeah so after listening to Macca's review, honestly I wasn't really convinced the negatives outweigh the positives. I mean, all of the problems listed just means that the first playthrough isn't as good. I kinda just skip story after playthrough 1.

[@boomboxzer0914]

I peeped that chainsaw man wallpaper Macca. You can't hide your love for it from me!

[@imranicanovic1154]

Before I even watch the video I just wanna say I am slightly miffed I did not get a notification that this video came out. But hey time to watch it still!

[@gottahavemypops5235]

Wish johne stuck around for the whole review.

[@demi-fiendoftime3825]

This is my 2nd favorite smt after Nocturne

[@hylianfelldragon1308]

So basically 4 Apocalypse is the Fire Emblem Fates/Xenoblade Chronicles 2 of the Mainline SMT games?

[@armand4116]

This

[@Bladehound83]

The difference being that Xenoblade 2 and Apocalypse are good games if a bit "quirky", while Fates... sure exists.

[@iantaran2843]

Welp... Playing venture bros in the begining... Talking about SMT... I HAVE FOUND MY PEOPLE !! Subscribed, liked, and about to scroll through this channel for awhile.

[@drilltotheheavens1695]

I’m just happy you plan to make a video about Digimon. Any plans for Digimon Survive?

[@نونيم-ي4ح]

23:47 yep exactly now we know who is responsible for the tonal shift of this game :D Jokes aside I would have been more forgiving of the lighthearted nature of Apocalypse if it was executed properly, i mean look at Persona 4 the tone is a far cry compared to 3 and 2 yet its remembered as one of the best megaten games for a good reason, Apocalypse on the other hand fell flat on its face in that regard that its quite jarring and forced making it feel like a huge bitch slap to any SMT fan that loved the series for its dark tone and atmosphere.

[@arlekino0792]

I have watched "If..." film and got the bizzare SMT If... vibes even without paranormal stuff. That film is just english flavor punk. Looking forward to review.

[@jasonblundelldobebussing]

6:58 is that Mutahar from SOG!?

[@BrosBGaming]

I finally escaped Florida. Sounds right. Glad you made it out.

[@drowningin]

I had to buy a New 2DS XL because my 3ds broke & they are super expensive now. The SMT games are the only games on the 3DS where it feels like a huge downgrade not using the 3d feature. Other games I'd only check 3D out sometimes then turn it off 98% of time. Now I think I need to drop 300-400(ouch) to get another 3DS just so I can replay these decently

[@MarkeGB]

Bro I love John, thx for adding him in the vid

[@kaparaomer7751]

So close to V release

[@raikaria3090]

> Did I just complete a selling you on for every mainline SMT game in a year SMT V Releases 2 days later : Yes but no.

[@DemonSlayingFootball5208]

Well you made it just in time with this one, right before the release

[@screamingchicken86]

We love you Macca

[@faidou9954]

I Loved SMT IV, I really loved SMT IV Apocalypse, I'm probably gonna fall head over heals with SMT V.

[@tristen9736]

My biggest takeaway from this game after playing smt v is that we asked for this. It having barely any interaction with the rest of the cast is because of how much we complained about the cast of apocalypse being too good

[@ellagage1256]

Still doesn't change the bad writing and story of Apocalypse

[@flamingsky2727]

I'm just here waiting for the eventual selling you on SMT V and may~~~~be devil survivors 1 & 2

[@Pystoria]

Congrats Macca

[@BlackfangDragon]

I without fail have chosen Dagdas route nearly every time I’ve played the game. Only twice have I done Danus.

[@mj1mj3]

i don't need to be sold on Apocalypse, it's my current Favorite game in the series

[@RwnEsper]

OMG The Venture Brothers! I see you are a man of culture. (My wife and I took a new last name based on the show when we got married.)

[@misterfour8233]

I still don't understand why people flat out dont play this game because of its story. Then again, for me even in RPGs, story has and always will be secondary to me. It's why I don't really like jRPGs as much because I feel like a lot of those stories are some derivation of high school or simular drama now. If the game has no skill learning curve, or some way to get me to play and not just watch, I don't care if its the best story for me. I can youtube or read a book if I want that.

[@richterbellassi]

I felt the same way about RPGs. Gameplay first, story second. And this game delivers in that regard However, for the second playthrough I fully got the chance to soak in the writing, and... it's not good, to put it lightly

[@armand4116]

Old comment but unlike others genres , story Is very important in RPGs, and the problem in SMT IV A. It Is not just the story but the tone.

[@Crok425]

SWEET FEMALE CHARACTER WHO SAYS NICE THINGS Nice callback to the previous video, man.

[@justaguy3983]

Holy hell he got out of florida.

[@silverman1601]

You should still make that Selling you on No More Heroes video!

[@jvts8916]

Can't wait to find out if that package contains the NINE translation or V.

[@felman87]

Ok, I've played this game twice and I never knew you could destroy those wraith flower thingies for treasures. Great, now I want to run back and see what I missed. But...SMT5 is right around the corner! I've got it pre-loaded already!

[@brutalnobody5240]

29:19 I'd say nostalgia, after all, they actually got the games when they were released while it took until emulation/internet to take off before we really got the chance.

[@LordlyWeeb]

Gonna have to disagree with the take on Nozomi's design. I think she looks fine.

[@Demi-Joker]

Me: about to finish off the boss The boss, who has Sukukaja up: 0:24

[@metallicsnake.]

I think nozomi is my favorite character everyone doesn't understand her character long story short she's the first friendly Hunter and unclean one to talk to our heroes she basically percents herself as the best hunter and offers to help Finn on his Adventure but he upstages her so she decided she just needs to become stronger so she ask for help a lot of side quest later she is giving a lot of power but doesn't know what it's for and we're just left there then apocalypse came out and now she's basically found out real Powers is leadership and yes I know our protagonist is the leader but we all know she's making reports she's covering us for our past mistakes and the new neutral ending only makes sense because of her

[@NekkoBlue]

i see lobster dog youtuber i click

[@MegaCygnusX1]

Just come out and say it. Apocalypse is what happens when you put a Persona cast into a mainline Megaten game. it doesn't help that Nanashi's design is basically "edgelord Ben10" either. "The 3DS is the only way to play it." I don't own a 3DS and I've played both this and IV through multiple times, so...no.

[@ryukreya45]

looking forward to the digimon video :D