Atlus today announced first details regarding Megami Ibunroku Devil Survivor, its recently revealed DS title. The game, whose development is already 90% complete, is a strategy RPG taking place in modern day Tokyo. Kazuma Kaneko is serving as the game's demon designer and supervisor. Directing responsibilities rest with Shinjirou Takada (whose has previously worked on the Growlanser and Langrisser series). Art design is handled by Akiko Kotou, whose recent track record includes working on Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne and Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army.

Because of the appearance of demons in Tokyo, the Japanese self defense forces have sealed off the center of the capital city. Trapped inside the sealed off area, the protagonists are fighting off demons, trying to survive. Unfortunately, the clock is ticking and within a week Tokyo will be wiped out, meaning there is little time to waste. Using a mobile gaming device known as COMP, the protagonist can make deals with demons, persuading them to assist his party in battle. Atlus is promising the additions of new demons not seen in previous installments of the Megami Ibunroku series.

The development team promises to tell a dark tale in classic Shin Megami Tensei fashion. The scenario will feature multiple branches that can be freely explored. Through meticulous interviews, the team has been able to create a virtual Tokyo in the game that should feel very real. Battles apparently will be fast-paced.

The protagonist is a 17-year old senior high school. Apart from this nameless hero, two more characters were revealed in today's update: Atsurou Kihara and Yuzu Tanigawa are classmates and friends of the protagonist. Aiming to become a programmer, the former is a gadget geek. The latter is a childhood friend who happens to have some interest in her classmate.

Megami Ibunroku Devil Survivor will be available in Japan on January 15th for 4,980 yen ($50.17 USD)

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