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{{Short description|Video game series}}
{{refimprove|date=October 2012}}
{{good article}}
[[File:Devil Children White Book.jpg|thumb|This is the cover of ''Devil Children White Book'']]
{{Infobox video game series

| title = Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children
{{Nihongo|'''''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children'''''|真・女神転生 デビルチルドレン|Shin Megami Tensei Debiru Chirudoren|lead=yes}} is a spin-off from [[Atlus]]' own [[Role-playing game|RPG]] series ''[[Megami Tensei|Shin Megami Tensei]]''. The Devil Children games are developed by Multimedia Intelligence Transfer and published by Atlus.
| image = Devil Children White Book.jpg{{!}}border

| caption = ''White Book'' cover art, featuring its main character and multiple demons
Devil Children is a part of the Megami Tensei franchise that is targeted at children.<ref name="kurt">{{cite web | author=Kurt Kalata & Christopher J. Snelgrove | date=April 11, 2009 | title=Megami Tensei | url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/megaten/megaten.htm | work=Hardcoregaming101.net | accessdate=2009-11-03}}</ref> Compared to the other games in the franchise the monster designs are simpler and toned down. The usage of the transfer cable (for handheld versions) is introduced for monster exchange.
| platforms = [[Game Boy Color]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[mobile game|mobile phones]]

| developer = Multimedia Intelligence Transfer, [[Enterbrain]], [[Index Corporation]]
The [[anime]] television series '''''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children''''' (based on Red book and Black Book) ran from October 2000 to September 2001 on Japan TV and following that '''''Shin Megami Tensei D Children: Light & Dark''''' (based on Book of Light and Book of Dark) ran from October 2002 to September 2003. In a tie-in with [[Comic BomBom]], [[Mangaka|manga artist]] Hideaki Fujii did the comic version. There is also a trading card game for the series.
| publisher = [[Atlus]], Enterbrain

| artist = Yuji Himukai
==Devil Children - Black Book/Red Book/White Book==
| composer = Tomoyuki Hamada
{{Infobox video game
| genre = [[Role-playing video game|Role-playing]]
|width=
|title= Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children - Black Book/Red Book/White Book
| first release version = ''Black Book'' and ''Red Book''
| first release date = November 17, 2000
|image=
| latest release version = ''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children''
|caption=
| latest release date = July 13, 2011
|developer= Multimedia Intelligence Transfer
|publisher= [[Atlus]]
| parent = ''[[Megami Tensei]]''
|distributor=
|designer=
|series=
|engine=
|released= '''Game Boy Color'''{{vgrelease|JP= November 17, 2000 (Red&Black)}}{{vgrelease|JP= July 27, 2001 (White)}}'''PlayStation'''{{vgrelease|JP= March 28, 2002}}'''PlayStation Network'''{{vgrelease|JP=October 13, 2010}}
|genre= [[Role-playing video game]]
|modes= [[Single player]]
|platforms= [[Game Boy Color]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[PlayStation Network]]
|media=
}}
}}


'''''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children''''',{{efn|{{nihongo|''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children''|真・女神転生 デビルチルドレン|Shin Megami Tensei: Debiru Chirudoren|lit. "True Goddess Reincarnation: Devil Children"}}}} also known as '''''DemiKids''''', is a series of [[role-playing video game]]s primarily developed by Multimedia Intelligence Transfer and published by [[Atlus]]. It is a spin-off from Atlus' ''[[Megami Tensei]]'' franchise, and began in 2000 with the [[Game Boy Color]] games ''Black Book'' and ''Red Book''. Five more role-playing games and three games in other genres were released until 2004, followed by no new releases until the 2011 [[Social network game|social game]] ''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children''. In addition to the games, the series has been adapted into [[manga]], [[anime]], and a [[trading card game]], and two soundtrack albums have been released by First Smile Entertainment.
'''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Black Book/Red Book/White Book''' (真・女神転生 デビルチルドレン 黒の書/赤の書/白の書
) is a Japan-only [[role-playing video game]] from the [[Megami Tensei]] series. Three versions of the game were released. ''Red Book'' and ''Black Book'' came out first, each with different main characters. A third, ''White Book'', was released after the first two, featuring a third character. Red and Black were then bundled together for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. The PlayStation remake features the Japanese [[Voice acting in Japan|voice actor]] from the anime. The PlayStation version has also been available on the Japanese PlayStation Store since October 13, 2010.


The series follows demon-human [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrids]] called devil children, who journey from Japan to the demon world, and are joined by talking companion monsters who give them guidance. The player takes the role of one such devil child, and battles against demons; the devil children do not fight directly themselves, however, but have allied demons in their party fight for them. The player can choose to talk to demons instead of fighting them, to try to make them join the player's party, and can increase their allied demons' power by fusing multiple demons with each other.
Each game features a different Devil Child, a child who is half demon, half human. The humans collect monsters (who speak human language, like in [[Digimon]]). The game takes place in a place called Makai in modern Japan, like most Megami Tensei games. The Devil Riser holds their partner demon(仲魔(Nakama, a pun on the word "仲間", replacing the character "間", meaning "interval, relationship", with "魔", meaning "demon").


While Multimedia Intelligence Transfer developed most of the games in the series, [[Enterbrain]] and [[Index Corporation]] also developed one game each. The music for the first two games was composed by Tomoyuki Hamada, who made use of both [[orchestra|orchestral music]] and [[rock music|rock]]. Yuji Himukai, known for his work on the ''[[Etrian Odyssey (series)|Etrian Odyssey]]'' series, worked as character designer and illustrator on the 2011 game, creating new art for returning characters. The series received a wide range of reviews, from negative to positive. Reviewers enjoyed the demon fusion, while the music and visuals were criticized.
===Story===


__TOC__
====Black and Red====
Strange weather suddenly occurred throughout the world. It started snowing even though July just passed. As the strange weather continues the fate of Setsuna and Mirai starts to change as mysterious pistols, the Devil Risers, are delivered to them...


==Titles==
* '''Black Book'''
{{Timeline of release years
:The hero of Black Book is ''Kai Setsuna''. His comrade is a small [[Cerberus]] named ''Cool''(クール[ku-ru]).
| title = Timeline of release years
:On the day his Devil Riser arrived, his little brother ''Nagahisa'' got kidnapped by the ice devil Jack Frost and taken to the Makai. Utilizing the Devil Riser he released Cool and escaped the current danger, Setsuna then ventured to Makai to rescue his brother.
| 2000 = ''Black Book'' and ''Red Book''
:A mysterious boy by the name Takashou Zed suggests that "why not take a look around the Makai while at the same time look for your brother?".
| 2001= ''White Book''
| 2002 = ''Light Version'' and ''Dark Version''
| 2003a= ''Puzzle de Call!''
| 2003b= ''Book of Fire'' and ''Book of Ice''
| 2004 = ''Messiah Riser''
| 2011 = ''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children''
}}


===Role-playing games===
* '''Red Book'''
* '''''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children – Black Book'' and ''Red Book''''' were released for the [[Game Boy Color]] on November 17, 2000 in Japan, and re-released digitally through the [[Virtual Console]] service on the [[Nintendo 3DS]] on November 13, 2013.<ref name="fam black red"/> A [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] remake of both games was released on March 28, 2002, and re-released digitally on the [[PlayStation Store]] on October 13, 2010.<ref name="fam black red remake"/> ''Black Book'' follows Setsuna, whose little brother has been kidnapped by an army of [[Jack Frost]]s and taken to the demon world, and who is accompanied by the Cerberus Cool. ''Red Book'' follows Mirai, whose father has disappeared in the demon world, and who is accompanied by the pink griffon Veil.<ref name="hcg101 pg1"/>
* '''''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children – White Book''''' was released for the Game Boy Color on July 27, 2001 in Japan.<ref name="fam white"/> A sequel to the first two games, it follows Masaki, who has a connection to a quiet boy named Takaharu, and who is accompanied by the green chimera Cray.<ref name="hcg101 pg1"/>
* {{visible anchor|'''''DemiKids: Light Version'' and ''Dark Version'''''|DemiKids: Light Version and Dark Version}} were released for the [[Game Boy Advance]] on November 15, 2002 in Japan under the titles ''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children – Light Book'' and ''Dark Book'',<ref name="fam light dark"/> and on October 7, 2003 in North America.<ref name="ign light dark">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/14/demikids-dark-version |title=DemiKids: Dark Version |author=Harris, Craig |date=2003-10-14 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=2016-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103104213/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/14/demikids-dark-version |archive-date=2016-11-03 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Light Version'' follows Jin, who is sucked into [[Valhalla]] and fights against the Imperium forces together with the rebels; he is accompanied by the Sun Lion Rand. ''Dark Version'' follows Akira, who is summoned by [[Lucifer]] to a land called Dem, and is tasked with erasing portals; he is accompanied by the dragon Gale.<ref name="hcg101 pg1"/>
* '''''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children – Book of Fire'' and ''Book of Ice''''' were released for the Game Boy Advance on September 12, 2003 in Japan.<ref name="fam fire ice"/> They are sequels to ''Light Version'' and ''Dark Version'', again following Jin and Akira.<ref name="fire ice official">{{cite web |url=http://www.atlus.co.jp/cs/game/gbadvance/dchilr_fi/ |title=真・女神転生デビルチルドレン 炎の書・氷の書 |language=Japanese |publisher=[[Atlus]] |access-date=2016-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031006084045/http://www.atlus.co.jp/cs/game/gbadvance/dchilr_fi/ |archive-date=2003-10-06 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Others===
:''Kaname Mirai'' is the heroine of Red Book. Her comrade is ''Veil''(ベール[be-ru]), a pink [[Griffin|Gryphon]].
* '''''{{visible anchor|Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children – Puzzle de Call!}}''''' was released for the Game Boy Advance on July 25, 2003 in Japan.<ref name="fam puzzle"/> It is a puzzle game starring Jin and Akira from ''Light Version'' and ''Dark Version''.
:Mirai's Devil Riser was suddenly delivered to her at school where she was immediately attacked by the devil after it. She successfully summoned Veil using the Devil Riser and repelled the enemy but her mother's keepsake, a Jewel, was taken.
* '''''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children – Messiah Riser''''' was released for the Game Boy Advance on November 4, 2004 in Japan.<ref name="fam messiah"/> It is a real-time strategy game starring Jin and Akira from ''Light Version'' and ''Dark Version''.<ref name="fam messiah"/>
:Then the mysterious Takashou Zed appeared and, using the keepsake jewel he recovered, got Mirai to come to the Makai with him. The king of Makai then requests of her to defeat "the other Devil Children" that are destroying the world.
* '''''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children''''' was released for [[mobile game|mobile phones]] through the [[social networking service]] [[GREE]] on July 13, 2011 in Japan.<ref name="fam gree event">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201107/29047614.html |title=GREE『デビルチルドレン』 第1回デビル王決定戦開催! |language=Japanese |date=2011-07-29 |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=2016-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101170142/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201107/29047614.html |archive-date=2016-11-01 |url-status=live}}</ref> It is a [[free-to-play]] [[Social network game|social game]], and the first entry in the series since 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.inside-games.jp/article/2011/07/13/50298.html |title=あの『デビチル』がソーシャルゲームに!『デビルチルドレン』GREEに登場 |language=Japanese |date=2011-07-13 |website=Inside Games |publisher=IID |access-date=2016-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904090656/http://www.inside-games.jp/article/2011/07/13/50298.html |archive-date=2014-09-04 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="sil social">{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/07/13/this-shin-megami-tensei-social-game-is-designed-for-demikids/ |title=This Shin Megami Tensei Social Game Is Designed For DemiKids |author=Spencer |date=2011-07-13 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=2016-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615104701/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/07/13/this-shin-megami-tensei-social-game-is-designed-for-demikids/ |archive-date=2015-06-15 |url-status=live}}</ref> Mirai and Setsuna from ''Black Book'' and ''Red Book'' appear as navigator characters, assisting the player.<ref name="fam himukai"/>


====White====
==Common elements==
While the ''Devil Children'' games are released in pairs, similarly to the ''[[Pokémon (video game series)|Pokémon]]'' series, each release is its own separate game, with its own story and protagonist, although the stories in each pair's two releases sometimes intertwine. The series' protagonists are the titular "devil children", or "demikids" – children who are demon-human [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrids]], and wield superpowers. They all live in modern-day Japan, but end up traveling to the demon world as part of their adventures. The devil children are given weaponry, such as guns, and are joined by guiding companion monsters who can speak human language.<ref name="hcg101 pg1">{{cite web |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/megaten/devilchildren.htm |title=Devil Children / DemiKids |page=1 |author1=Kalata, Kurt |author2=Snelgrove, Christopher J. |date=2010-08-08 |publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101 |access-date=2016-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409131525/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/megaten/devilchildren.htm |archive-date=2016-04-09 |url-status=live}}</ref>
The Tenkai and Makai are changing as the new era of Ragnarok nears. This story is caused by a conspiracy 10 years ago. The forces of Tenkai seek to change the world as they desire and the opposing forces of Makai plant the power of angel and devil in the human children. The two powers reside in two babies born on the same day and in the same hospital and, after 10 years, become friends and attend the same school. But the two had different upbringings; Masaki had a more carefree family while Takaharu had a strict family.


[[File:Devil Children battle.png|thumb|left|The player battles enemy demons using their own allied demons, shown as icons at the bottom of the screen.]]
''Kuzuha Masaki'' is the hero of White Book. His fate is intertwined with his friend, a quiet boy named ''Ougi Takaharu''. Masaki's partner is a green [[Chimera (mythology)|Chimera]] named ''Cray'' and Takaharu's partner, ''Rei'', is a [[Phoenix (mythology)|Phoenix]]. This story takes place months after the events in Red and Black.


The ''Devil Children'' titles are role-playing games in which the player battles against demons. While the player controls a devil child, that character does not directly fight themselves; instead, they send in their allied demons to fight against the opponents.<ref name="hcg101 pg1"/> This was changed in ''Book of Fire'' and ''Book of Ice'', where the devil children are able to fight by using cards.<ref name="fire ice official"/> If one of the player's demons falls in battle, another is automatically sent in to take the first one's place. To recruit new demons to their party, the player needs to choose to talk to the demon instead of fighting it, with the demon's response mostly being based on chance.<ref name="hcg101 pg1"/> The player can trade demons with other players, which is required to be able to collect all demon types.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2000/112300b.html |title=Shin Megami-Tensei Devil Children: Red Book Released in Japan |author=Long, Andrew |date=2000-11-23 |publisher=RPGamer |access-date=2016-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140823180514/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2000/112300b.html |archive-date=2014-08-23 |url-status=live}}</ref> While the player's character gains [[experience point]]s, their allied demons do not; to increase their power, the player needs to fuse their demons with each other.<ref name="hcg101 pg1"/>
One day, on the way to school, Masaki is attacked by a devil. Cray jumps in and saves him. He tells Masaki that he is "Makai's chosen Devil Child" and hands a Devil Riser to him. After school Takaharu's little sister ''Shou'' who is waiting for Masaki, is put into a "Dark Slumber" by the devil that is hunting the Devil Children. In order to get the antidote for the "Dark Slumber" Masaki decides to venture into the Makai but at the same time Rei appears in front of Takaharu and tells him that he is an Angel Child. Takaharu then ventures by himself to Makai.


The non-role-playing games all have different gameplay: ''Puzzle de Call!'' is a puzzle game in which the player pushes around boxes to make their way to the pentagram at the end of each screen. Additionally, there is an egg placed in each screen, which disappears if the player does not reach it in a certain number of turns; if they reach it in time, it hatches, giving the player a new demon that can be used when solving the puzzles. Each level, which consists of a number of screens, ends with a boss battle in which the player needs to collect icons while avoiding the bosses' attacks. ''Messiah Riser'' is a real-time strategy game in which the player battles by giving their demons commands. It focuses entirely on combat, with no exploration segments between battles.<ref name="hcg101 pg2">{{cite web |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/megaten/devilchildren2.htm |title=Devil Children / DemiKids |page=2 |author1=Kalata, Kurt |author2=Snelgrove, Christopher J. |date=2010-08-08 |publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101 |access-date=2016-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306142904/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/megaten/devilchildren2.htm |archive-date=2016-03-06 |url-status=live}}</ref> The 2011 ''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children'' is a social game in which the player collects demons, referred to as "devils", and complete quests to become the strongest Devil King; the player can test themselves in daily tournaments. Like in the earlier games, collected demons can be fused with each other; there is also an added "social fusion" feature, where the player can fuse one of their demons with another player's demon. Players can also help one another by giving them demons and money.<ref name="sil social"/>
===Gameplay===
[[File:Dc-redmirai.png|thumb|Mirai holding her Devil Riser]]
The basics of gameplay, and the different versions of the same game, are derived from the game's primary inspiration, [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']], and other monster-raising games. However, instead of catching monsters by defeating them in combat, the player must recruit them through diplomacy similar to the [[Megami Tensei Gaiden: Last Bible|Last Bible]] series. The creatures the player obtains are called Demons. There are specific devils that only appear in each specific version.


==Development==
Devil Children has gameplay that differs from most RPGs. The Demons in the game don't level up. The character who holds them does, and depending on the level of the character, the chances on whether the Demon will join him change. It also has link battle and link trade, where two players could duel each other or trade demons.
[[File:TMS Entertainment logo.svg|thumb|[[TMS Entertainment]] created the 2000–2001 ''DeviChil'' anime.]]
''Devil Children'' was created presumably as a response to the popularity of the ''Pokémon'' series of games, and as an alternative take on the game ''[[Shin Megami Tensei (video game)|Shin Megami Tensei]]'' for younger players, featuring child characters and cute monsters.<ref name="hcg101 pg1"/> Most of the games were developed by Multimedia Intelligence Transfer and published by [[Atlus]],<ref name="hcg101 pg1"/><ref name="hcg101 pg2"/> and the 2011 ''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children'', which was developed by [[Index Corporation]].<ref name="fam gree event"/> The only games in the series to have been released in English are ''Dark Version'' and ''Light Version''.<ref name="tt importables"/> The soundtracks for ''Black Book'' and ''Red Book'' were composed by Tomoyuki Hamada from the group T's Music, using [[orchestra|orchestral music]] blended with elements of [[rock music|rock]].<ref name="vgmo black red"/> For the 2011 game, Yuji Himukai, known for his work on Atlus' ''[[Etrian Odyssey (series)|Etrian Odyssey]]'' series, was tasked with creating new designs and illustrations of Mirai and Setsuna; they were designed to look older than in their original appearances in ''Black Book'' and ''Red Book''.<ref name="fam himukai">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201108/31049343.html |title=伝説のデビルチルドレン・セツナが、GREEにて君の挑戦を待つ! |language=Japanese |date=2011-08-31 |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=2016-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603235855/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201108/31049343.html |archive-date=2013-06-03 |url-status=live}}</ref>


The popularity of the series in Japan led to the creation of two [[anime]] series and two [[manga]] series,<ref name="tt importables">{{cite web |url=http://www.technologytell.com/gaming/50862/important-importables-shin-megami-tensei/ |title=Important Importables: Shin Megami Tensei |author=Lada, Jenni |date=2009-11-13 |website=TechnologyTell |publisher=GadgeTell |access-date=2016-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122073428/http://www.technologytell.com/gaming/50862/important-importables-shin-megami-tensei/ |archive-date=2015-11-22 |url-status=live}}</ref> as well as a [[trading card game]].<ref name="hcg101 pg2"/> The first anime, ''Shin Megami Tensei: DeviChil'', was produced by [[Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting|CBC]], [[Dentsu]], and [[TMS Entertainment]], with additional animation provided by [[Actas]]. It aired for 50 episodes from October 7, 2000 to September 29, 2001;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/an/anime_series/7261 |title=真・女神転生 デビチル |language=Japanese |website=Media Arts Database |publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]] |access-date=2016-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103204838/http://mediaarts-db.jp/an/anime_series/7261 |archive-date=2016-11-03 |url-status=live}}</ref> the second, ''Shin Megami Tensei: D-Children – Light & Dark'', aired for 52 episodes from October 5, 2002 to September 27, 2003, and was produced by [[TV Tokyo]] and [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]. [[Actas]] animated the first half of the series, and [[Studio Comet]] animated the second half.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mediaarts-db.jp/an/anime_series/8027 |title=真・女神転生 D[デビル]チルドレン ライト&ダーク |language=Japanese |website=Media Arts Database |publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]] |access-date=2016-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103204951/http://mediaarts-db.jp/an/anime_series/8027 |archive-date=2016-11-03 |url-status=live}}</ref> Two ''Devil Children'' music albums were released by First Smile Entertainment on December 20, 2000 and February 21, 2001: ''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Perfect Soundtracks'', which features the soundtracks of ''Black Book'' and ''Red Book'', as well as one vocal theme composed by [[Hiro Takahashi]] and one by Nao Ito;<ref name="vgmo black red"/> and ''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Arrange Tracks'', which features new arrangements by Hamada and [[Motoi Sakuraba]] of ''Black Book'' and ''Red Book'' music. There were plans for individual soundtrack albums for ''Black Book'' and ''Red Book'', but they were cancelled due to low demand.<ref name="vgmo black red arr">{{cite web |url=http://www.vgmonline.net/shinmegamitenseidevilarr/ |title=Shin Megami Tensei -Devil Children- Arrange Tracks |author=Simons, Harry |date=2012-08-01 |publisher=VGMO |access-date=2016-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103204502/http://www.vgmonline.net/shinmegamitenseidevilarr/ |archive-date=2016-11-03 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Reception===
On release, ''[[Famitsu]]'' magazine scored the Game Boy's ''White Book'' version a 30 out of 40.<ref>''ゲームボーイ - 真・女神転生 デビルチルドレン「白の書」''. Weekly Famitsu. No.915 Pt.2. Pg.112. 30 June 2006.</ref>
{{clr}}


{{Infobox animanga/Header
==DemiKids: Light/Dark Version==
| name = Devichil
{{Infobox video game
| genre = [[Adventure fiction|adventure]] <br> [[fantasy]] <br> [[Comedy film|comedy]] <br> [[Drama (film and television)|drama]]
|width=
| creator =
|title= DemiKids: Light Version/Dark Version
|image=
|caption=
|developer= Multimedia Intelligence Transfer
|publisher= [[Atlus]]
|distributor=
|designer=
|series=
|engine=
|released= {{vgrelease|JP= November 15, 2002}}{{vgrelease|NA= October 6, 2003 (Light)}}{{vgrelease|NA= October 7, 2003 (Dark)}}
|genre= [[Role-playing video game]]
|modes= [[Single player]]
|platforms= [[Game Boy Advance]]
|media=
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
|studio=[[TMS Entertainment]]
|type = TV series
|licensee=Bandai Entertainment
|network=[[Tokyo Broadcasting System|TBS]]
|network_en=
|director=Yoshio Takeuchi
|producer=Naotsugu Katō<br>Taihei Yamanishi<br>Yasumichi Ozaki
|writer=Shinzō Fujita
|music= Ryō Yoshimata
|first=October 7, 2000
|last = September 29, 2001
|title=Devichil
|episodes=50}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}


==Reception==
'''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Book of Light/Book of Dark''' (真・女神転生 デビルチルドレン 光の書/闇の書) is a [[role-playing video game]] from the [[Megami Tensei]] series. The US versions are titled '''DemiKids: Light Version/Dark Version'''. Similar to its predecessor the two versions each feature a different main character, Jin for the Book of Light and Akira for the Book of Dark. Both main characters are Devil Children - half Demon, half human.
{{Video game series reviews

| updated = November 1, 2016
===Story===
| fam = yes
The year is 200X.
| game1 = Black Book ''and'' Red Book
''Jin'', ''Akira'' and ''Lena'' are three childhood friends who like mysterious things. One day in the library, along with the mysterious transfer student ''Amy'', they find the "Akuma Compendium". They chant an incantation in the book and, to their surprise, devils appear. Amy then tells Jin and Akira that they are the Devil Children who will decide the fate of the world. She hands them their Devil Risers. The group then pass through the "Door of Time" to the land of Valhalla where they fight an evil ruler known as Imperius who plans on conquering all of the world. The Nakama of Jin is ''Rand,'' a Sol Lion, and Akira's is ''Gale,'' a Hylon.
| fam1 = 28/40 (GBC)<ref name="fam black red">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=12590 |title=真・女神転生 デビルチルドレン 「赤の書」 / 「黒の書」 まとめ [ゲームボーイ] |language=Japanese |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=2016-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109165158/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=12590 |archive-date=2013-11-09 |url-status=live}}</ref><br/>27/40 (PS)<ref name="fam black red remake">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1703 |title=真・女神転生デビルチルドレン 黒の書・赤の書 まとめ [PS] |language=Japanese |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=2016-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151221225022/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1703 |archive-date=2015-12-21 |url-status=live}}</ref>

| mc1 = –
===Gameplay===
| game2 = White Book
The gamplay is mostly similar to its predecessor but with newly added elements.
| fam2 = 30/40<ref name="fam white">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=12310 |title=真・女神転生デビルチルドレン 白の書 まとめ [ゲームボーイ] |language=Japanese |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=2016-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524195903/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=12310 |archive-date=2013-05-24 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Both the ''Dark'' and ''Light'' versions tell the same story, but told from the different perspectives of the two characters. Certain Demons appear only in the ''Dark'' version or in the ''Light'' version. Gameplay in the Dark version is substantially different from the Light version; Dark is more complex while Light was simplified.
| mc2 = –

| game3 = Light Version ''and'' Dark Version
In America these games suffered due to what fans consider major gameplay flaws. Such as, the Demons don't level, the main Demon companion only levels when other demons are fused/sacrificed to it, and an overly complex menu system.
| fam3 = 30/40<ref name="fam light dark">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=576 |title=真・女神転生 デビルチルドレン 光の書 / 闇の書 まとめ [GBA] |language=Japanese |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=2016-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019120330/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=576 |archive-date=2014-10-19 |url-status=live}}</ref>

| mc3 = 62/100<ref name="mc light dark">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/demikids-light-version/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |title=DemiKids: Light Version for Game Boy Advance Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2016-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412045137/http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/demikids-light-version |archive-date=2016-04-12 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Reception===
| game4 = Puzzle de Call!
On release, ''Famitsu'' magazine scored both the ''Dark'' and ''Light'' versions of the game a 30 out of 40 each.<ref>''ゲームボーイアドバンス - 真・女神転生 デビルチルドレン 闇の書''. Weekly Famitsu. No.915 Pt.2. Pg.123. 30 June 2006.</ref><ref>''ゲームボーイアドバンス - 真・女神転生 デビルチルドレン 光の書''. Weekly Famitsu. No.915 Pt.2. Pg.123. 30 June 2006.</ref>
| fam4 = 23/40<ref name="fam puzzle">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=11805 |title=真・女神転生デビルチルドレン パズルdeコール! まとめ [GBA] |language=Japanese |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=2016-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523072521/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=11805 |archive-date=2013-05-23 |url-status=live}}</ref>
{{clr}}
| mc4 = –

| game5 = Book of Fire ''and'' Book of Ice
==Devil Children - Puzzle de Call!==
| fam5 = 28/40<ref name="fam fire ice">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=11800 |title=真・女神転生 デビルチルドレン 炎の書 / 氷の書 まとめ [GBA] |language=Japanese |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=2016-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525035937/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=11800 |archive-date=2013-05-25 |url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Infobox video game
|width=
| mc5 =
| game6 = Messiah Riser
|title= Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Puzzle de Call!
| fam6 = 24/40<ref name="fam messiah">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=572 |title=真・女神転生デビルチルドレン メシアライザー まとめ [GBA] |language=Japanese |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=2016-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523090422/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=572 |archive-date=2013-05-23 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|image=
|caption=
| mc6 =
|developer= Multimedia Intelligence Transfer
|publisher= [[Atlus]]
|distributor=
|designer=
|series=
|engine=
|released= {{vgrelease|JP= July 25, 2003}}
|genre= [[Puzzle game]]
|modes= [[Single player]] , [[Multi-player]] (versus mode)
|platforms= [[Game Boy Advance]]
|media=
}}
}}


''Devil Children'' has received a wide range of reviews, ranging from negative to positive.<ref name="fam black red"/><ref name="fam black red remake"/><ref name="fam white"/><ref name="fam light dark"/><ref name="fam fire ice"/><ref name="fam messiah"/><ref name="mc light dark"/> Writers at ''[[Famitsu]]'' commented that the series did not change much between installments, although one said they enjoyed the stability and reliability in that.<ref name="fam fire ice"/> Kurt Kalata and Christopher J. Snelgrove of Hardcore Gaming 101 described the games as "relatively decent for being fairly conventional RPGs".<ref name="hcg101 pg1"/>
'''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Puzzle de Call!''' (真・女神転生 デビルチルドレン パズルdeコール!) is a puzzle game that plays like the classic puzzle game, [[Sokoban]]. In the story mode the player plays as Rand or Gale completing stages of puzzles in order to save their masters: Jin and Akira. There is also a puzzle mode and a race mode where 2 players can link battle.
{{clr}}


Several writers at ''Famitsu'' praised the demon fusion mechanic,<ref name="fam black red"/><ref name="fam fire ice"/><ref name="fam light dark"/> with one of them calling it the best aspect of the game.<ref name="fam fire ice"/> Kalata and Snelgrove noted that the series was unusually simplistic for the ''Megami Tensei'' series, but still found its gameplay to have more depth than ''Pokémon''{{'s}}, and that it was able to challenge the player.<ref name="hcg101 pg1"/> On the other hand, [[GameSpot]]'s Frank Provo said that it was not "nearly as fun or diverse", in his review of ''Light Version'' and ''Dark Version''.<ref name="gamespot light dark">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/demikids-dark-version-review/1900-6084067/ |title=DemiKids: Dark Version Review |author=Provo, Frank |date=2003-11-20 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2016-11-03 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161213193629/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/demikids-dark-version-review/1900-6084067/ |archive-date=2016-12-13 |url-status=live }}</ref> Reviewing ''White Book'', one writer at ''Famitsu'' said that the tempo of the game was good, allowing for a stress-free experience playing the game, while another thought that the enemies were too strong at the beginning, forcing the player to repeatedly fuse their demons to make any progress at all.<ref name="fam white"/>
==Devil Children - Book of Fire/Book of Ice==
{{Infobox video game
|width=
|title= Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Book of Fire/Book of Ice
|image=
|caption=
|developer= Multimedia Intelligence Transfer
|publisher= [[Atlus]]
|distributor=
|designer=
|series=
|engine=
|released= {{vgrelease|JP=September 12, 2003}}
|genre= [[Role-playing video game]]
|modes= [[Single player]]
|platforms= [[Game Boy Advance]]
|media=
}}


Kalata and Snelgrove were critical of the Game Boy Color titles' visuals, and were disappointed in the updated music and graphics in the PlayStation remake, saying that it looked like "a subpar [[Super Famicom]] RPG".<ref name="hcg101 pg1"/> ''Famitsu'' was also critical of the updates, calling them insignificant.<ref name="fam black red remake"/> Kalata and Snelgrove did however find the Game Boy Advance games' graphics to be a large improvement over the previous games'.<ref name="hcg101 pg1"/> Patrick Gann at RPGFan was underwhelmed by the music in ''Black Book'' and ''Red Book'', calling it "far from noteworthy" and saying that it had failed to leave a lasting impression on him.<ref name="rpgfan black red">{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/devilchildren/index.html |title=Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children Perfect Sound Tracks |author=Gann, Patrick |publisher=RPGFan |access-date=2016-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822012122/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/devilchildren/index.html |archive-date=2016-08-22 |url-status=live}}</ref> Chris Greening at VGMO said that the music fulfilled its purpose within the game, but that it was otherwise poor and "samey", with a few catchy compositions as exceptions.<ref name="vgmo black red">{{cite web |url=http://www.vgmonline.net/shinmegamitenseidevil/ |title=Shin Megami Tensei -Devil Children- Perfect Soundtracks |author=Greening, Chris |date=2012-08-01 |publisher=VGMO |access-date=2016-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103134529/http://www.vgmonline.net/shinmegamitenseidevil/ |archive-date=2016-11-03 |url-status=live}}</ref>
'''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Book of Fire/Book of Ice''' (真・女神転生 デビルチルドレン 炎の書/氷の書) is the sequel to the earlier Book of Light/Book of Dark. It features the same characters from the previous game.


Kalata and Snelgrove thought that ''Puzzle de Call'' featured interesting ideas, but that there was not anything special about it. They enjoyed how ''Messiah Riser'' was different from other Japanese role-playing games, but found the user interface hard to use and that the artificial intelligence felt erratic; they also commented on how demons only have one magic attack each made the game feel limiting.<ref name="hcg101 pg2"/>
===Story===
After the events in Book of Light /Book of Dark, peace is restored. But under the cover of peace, sudden earthquakes occur and thunder clouds cover the skies. Amidst the clouds numerous dark shadows appear...
It seemed like the end of the world as an Angel appeared and told Jin and Lena about the coming of Armageddon. Then a mysterious tower appeared and Jin and Lena went to investigate the tower. At the same time, Akira, who is out in the streets, suddenly sees Ami, who is chased by the devil Hamel. Akira saves Ami and is told that in Valhalla there is now war between Angels against Devils.


==Notes==
* '''Fire book'''
{{notelist}}
:Jin will have to fight against Lena who appears to him as an "Angel Child"

* '''Ice book'''
:Akira will find out more about Ami and her involvement in events
{{clr}}

==Devil Children - Messiah Riser==
{{Infobox video game
|width=
|title= Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Messiah Riser
|image=
|caption=
|developer= Multimedia Intelligence Transfer
|publisher= [[Atlus]], Rocket Company
|distributor=
|designer=
|series=
|engine=
|released= {{vgrelease|JP= November 4, 2004}}
|genre= [[Tactical RPG]]
|modes= [[Single player]]
|platforms= [[Game Boy Advance]]
|media=
}}

'''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Messiah Riser''' (真・女神転生 デビルチルドレン メシアライザー) is a real-time strategy game featuring the characters from Book of Light/Book of Dark. The story revolves around the appearance of the "Messiah Riser".

===Story===
A new disturbance breaks out in Valhalla, the cause of it is the "Messiah Riser".
A long time ago, a devil of great power conquered Valhalla. But the Devil Child known as the "Legendary Messiah" appeared and sealed the devil in the Messiah Riser with the power of the secret stones.
The Imperial Army seeks the power of the devil sealed in the Messiah Riser, and plot to release the devil. Ami, realising the plans of the Imperial Army, seeks the help of Jin, Akira and Lena. The group then returns to Valhalla, this time searching for the secret stones scattered throughout Valhalla in order to reseal the devil.
{{clr}}

==Other media==

===Anime===
In Japan, there were two series produced based on Red & Black, and Light & Dark games. The first series, {{nihongo|'''''Shin Megami Tensei: DeviChil'''''|真・女神転生デビチル|Shin Megami Tensei: DebiChiru}}, broadcast on Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting Network from October 7, 2000 to September 29, 2001 at 7:30&nbsp;a.m., which replaced the Monster Farm ([[Monster Rancher]] outside Japan) anime series. The series ran for 50 episodes and was animated and produced by [[TMS Entertainment]], with the assistance of [[Atlas]].

The second series, {{nihongo|'''''Shin Megami Tensei: D-Children Light & Dark'''''|真・女神転生Dチルドレン ライト&ダーク|Shin Megami Tensei: DīChirudoren Raito ando Dāku}} debuted on [[TV Tokyo]] on October 5, 2002 at 9:00&nbsp;a.m. and ended September 27, 2003. The series ran for 52 episodes. Unlike the previous series, the series was animated and produced alone by Atlas, until episode 26. Due to unknown causes, the production switched to [[Studio Comet]] at episode 27, causing a drastic staff change as a result.

===Manga===
There were two manga series, both drawn by Hideaki Fujii (ふじい ひであき/藤異秀明) and serialized in [[Kodansha]]'s ''[[Comic Bom Bom]]''. The two manga are titled ''Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children'' and ''Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children: Light&Dark''. The character designs differ slightly from the game designs and the story is darker and more violent compared to the game and anime. The manga has been licensed in Indonesia.


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist|30em}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.atlus.com/demi/}}
===Game===
*[http://www.rocketcompany.co.jp/devichil/ Messiah Riser official site]
*[http://www.atlus.com/demi/ Official Demikids site]

===Anime===
*[http://www.tms-e.com/library/on_air_back/devil/ Devil Children CBC official site]
*{{ann|anime|1847|Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children}}
*{{ann|anime|1832|Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children: Light & Dark}}

===Manga===
*{{ann|anime|5173|Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children}}
*{{ann|anime|10933|Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children: Light & Dark}}

{{S-start}}
{{Succession box
|before = ''[[Monster Farm|Monster Farm: Road Toward the Legend]]''<br><small>(4/1/2000 - 9/30/2000)</small>
|title = [[Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting]] Saturday 7:00 Timeframe<br>''Shin Megami Tensei: DeviChil''
|years = (October 7, 2000 - September 29, 2001)
|after = ''[[Kirby of the Stars]]''<br><small>(10/6/2001 - 9/27/2003)</small>
}}
{{s-end}}
{{S-start}}
{{Succession box
|before = ''[[Forza! Hidemaru]]''<br><small>(4/6/2002 - 9/28/2002)</small>
|title = [[TV Tokyo]] Saturday 9:00 Timeframe<br>''Shin Megami Tensei: D-Children Light & Dark''
|years = (October 5, 2002 - September 27, 2003)
|after = ''[[Chouseishin Gransazer]]''<br><small>(10/4/2003 - 9/25/2004)</small>
}}
{{s-end}}


{{Megami Tensei series}}
{{Megami Tensei series}}
{{Atlus}}
{{Sega Sammy franchises}}
{{Actas}}
{{Studio Comet}}
{{Studio Comet}}
{{TMS Entertainment}}
{{TMS Entertainment}}


[[Category:Atlus games]]
[[Category:Atlus games]]
[[Category:2000 video games]]
[[Category:2000 anime television series|Shin Megami Tensei: DeviChil]]
[[Category:2000 Japanese television series debuts|Shin Megami Tensei: DeviChil]]
[[Category:2001 Japanese television series endings|Shin Megami Tensei: DeviChil]]
[[Category:2002 anime television series|Shin Megami Tensei: D-Children Light & Dark]]
[[Category:2002 Japanese television series debuts|Shin Megami Tensei: D-Children Light & Dark]]
[[Category:2003 Japanese television series endings|Shin Megami Tensei: D-Children Light & Dark]]
[[Category:Game Boy Advance games]]
[[Category:Game Boy Advance games]]
[[Category:Game Boy Color games]]
[[Category:Game Boy Color games]]
[[Category:Megami Tensei]]
[[Category:Japan-exclusive video games]]
[[Category:Megami Tensei anime]]
[[Category:Megami Tensei anime]]
[[Category:Mobile games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Network games]]
[[Category:Sega video game franchises]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games]]
[[Category:Tactical role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Video games with alternate versions]]
[[Category:Video game franchises]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 2000]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:2000 anime television series debuts|Shin Megami Tensei: DeviChil]]
[[Category:2000 Japanese television series debuts|Shin Megami Tensei: DeviChil]]
[[Category:2001 Japanese television series endings|Shin Megami Tensei: DeviChil]]
[[Category:2002 anime television series debuts|Shin Megami Tensei: D-Children Light and Dark]]
[[Category:2002 Japanese television series debuts|Shin Megami Tensei: D-Children Light and Dark]]
[[Category:2003 Japanese television series endings|Shin Megami Tensei: D-Children Light and Dark]]
[[Category:Video games about demons]]
[[Category:TV Tokyo original programming]]
[[Category:Megami Tensei spin-off games|Devil Children]]

Latest revision as of 00:18, 1 December 2024

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children
White Book cover art, featuring its main character and multiple demons
Genre(s)Role-playing
Developer(s)Multimedia Intelligence Transfer, Enterbrain, Index Corporation
Publisher(s)Atlus, Enterbrain
Artist(s)Yuji Himukai
Composer(s)Tomoyuki Hamada
Platform(s)Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation, mobile phones
First releaseBlack Book and Red Book
November 17, 2000
Latest releaseShin Megami Tensei: Devil Children
July 13, 2011
Parent seriesMegami Tensei

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children,[a] also known as DemiKids, is a series of role-playing video games primarily developed by Multimedia Intelligence Transfer and published by Atlus. It is a spin-off from Atlus' Megami Tensei franchise, and began in 2000 with the Game Boy Color games Black Book and Red Book. Five more role-playing games and three games in other genres were released until 2004, followed by no new releases until the 2011 social game Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children. In addition to the games, the series has been adapted into manga, anime, and a trading card game, and two soundtrack albums have been released by First Smile Entertainment.

The series follows demon-human hybrids called devil children, who journey from Japan to the demon world, and are joined by talking companion monsters who give them guidance. The player takes the role of one such devil child, and battles against demons; the devil children do not fight directly themselves, however, but have allied demons in their party fight for them. The player can choose to talk to demons instead of fighting them, to try to make them join the player's party, and can increase their allied demons' power by fusing multiple demons with each other.

While Multimedia Intelligence Transfer developed most of the games in the series, Enterbrain and Index Corporation also developed one game each. The music for the first two games was composed by Tomoyuki Hamada, who made use of both orchestral music and rock. Yuji Himukai, known for his work on the Etrian Odyssey series, worked as character designer and illustrator on the 2011 game, creating new art for returning characters. The series received a wide range of reviews, from negative to positive. Reviewers enjoyed the demon fusion, while the music and visuals were criticized.

Titles

[edit]
Timeline of release years
2000Black Book and Red Book
2001White Book
2002Light Version and Dark Version
2003Puzzle de Call!
Book of Fire and Book of Ice
2004Messiah Riser
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children

Role-playing games

[edit]
  • Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children – Black Book and Red Book were released for the Game Boy Color on November 17, 2000 in Japan, and re-released digitally through the Virtual Console service on the Nintendo 3DS on November 13, 2013.[1] A PlayStation remake of both games was released on March 28, 2002, and re-released digitally on the PlayStation Store on October 13, 2010.[2] Black Book follows Setsuna, whose little brother has been kidnapped by an army of Jack Frosts and taken to the demon world, and who is accompanied by the Cerberus Cool. Red Book follows Mirai, whose father has disappeared in the demon world, and who is accompanied by the pink griffon Veil.[3]
  • Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children – White Book was released for the Game Boy Color on July 27, 2001 in Japan.[4] A sequel to the first two games, it follows Masaki, who has a connection to a quiet boy named Takaharu, and who is accompanied by the green chimera Cray.[3]
  • DemiKids: Light Version and Dark Version were released for the Game Boy Advance on November 15, 2002 in Japan under the titles Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children – Light Book and Dark Book,[5] and on October 7, 2003 in North America.[6] Light Version follows Jin, who is sucked into Valhalla and fights against the Imperium forces together with the rebels; he is accompanied by the Sun Lion Rand. Dark Version follows Akira, who is summoned by Lucifer to a land called Dem, and is tasked with erasing portals; he is accompanied by the dragon Gale.[3]
  • Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children – Book of Fire and Book of Ice were released for the Game Boy Advance on September 12, 2003 in Japan.[7] They are sequels to Light Version and Dark Version, again following Jin and Akira.[8]

Others

[edit]
  • Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children – Puzzle de Call! was released for the Game Boy Advance on July 25, 2003 in Japan.[9] It is a puzzle game starring Jin and Akira from Light Version and Dark Version.
  • Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children – Messiah Riser was released for the Game Boy Advance on November 4, 2004 in Japan.[10] It is a real-time strategy game starring Jin and Akira from Light Version and Dark Version.[10]
  • Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children was released for mobile phones through the social networking service GREE on July 13, 2011 in Japan.[11] It is a free-to-play social game, and the first entry in the series since 2004.[12][13] Mirai and Setsuna from Black Book and Red Book appear as navigator characters, assisting the player.[14]

Common elements

[edit]

While the Devil Children games are released in pairs, similarly to the Pokémon series, each release is its own separate game, with its own story and protagonist, although the stories in each pair's two releases sometimes intertwine. The series' protagonists are the titular "devil children", or "demikids" – children who are demon-human hybrids, and wield superpowers. They all live in modern-day Japan, but end up traveling to the demon world as part of their adventures. The devil children are given weaponry, such as guns, and are joined by guiding companion monsters who can speak human language.[3]

The player battles enemy demons using their own allied demons, shown as icons at the bottom of the screen.

The Devil Children titles are role-playing games in which the player battles against demons. While the player controls a devil child, that character does not directly fight themselves; instead, they send in their allied demons to fight against the opponents.[3] This was changed in Book of Fire and Book of Ice, where the devil children are able to fight by using cards.[8] If one of the player's demons falls in battle, another is automatically sent in to take the first one's place. To recruit new demons to their party, the player needs to choose to talk to the demon instead of fighting it, with the demon's response mostly being based on chance.[3] The player can trade demons with other players, which is required to be able to collect all demon types.[15] While the player's character gains experience points, their allied demons do not; to increase their power, the player needs to fuse their demons with each other.[3]

The non-role-playing games all have different gameplay: Puzzle de Call! is a puzzle game in which the player pushes around boxes to make their way to the pentagram at the end of each screen. Additionally, there is an egg placed in each screen, which disappears if the player does not reach it in a certain number of turns; if they reach it in time, it hatches, giving the player a new demon that can be used when solving the puzzles. Each level, which consists of a number of screens, ends with a boss battle in which the player needs to collect icons while avoiding the bosses' attacks. Messiah Riser is a real-time strategy game in which the player battles by giving their demons commands. It focuses entirely on combat, with no exploration segments between battles.[16] The 2011 Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children is a social game in which the player collects demons, referred to as "devils", and complete quests to become the strongest Devil King; the player can test themselves in daily tournaments. Like in the earlier games, collected demons can be fused with each other; there is also an added "social fusion" feature, where the player can fuse one of their demons with another player's demon. Players can also help one another by giving them demons and money.[13]

Development

[edit]
TMS Entertainment created the 2000–2001 DeviChil anime.

Devil Children was created presumably as a response to the popularity of the Pokémon series of games, and as an alternative take on the game Shin Megami Tensei for younger players, featuring child characters and cute monsters.[3] Most of the games were developed by Multimedia Intelligence Transfer and published by Atlus,[3][16] and the 2011 Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children, which was developed by Index Corporation.[11] The only games in the series to have been released in English are Dark Version and Light Version.[17] The soundtracks for Black Book and Red Book were composed by Tomoyuki Hamada from the group T's Music, using orchestral music blended with elements of rock.[18] For the 2011 game, Yuji Himukai, known for his work on Atlus' Etrian Odyssey series, was tasked with creating new designs and illustrations of Mirai and Setsuna; they were designed to look older than in their original appearances in Black Book and Red Book.[14]

The popularity of the series in Japan led to the creation of two anime series and two manga series,[17] as well as a trading card game.[16] The first anime, Shin Megami Tensei: DeviChil, was produced by CBC, Dentsu, and TMS Entertainment, with additional animation provided by Actas. It aired for 50 episodes from October 7, 2000 to September 29, 2001;[19] the second, Shin Megami Tensei: D-Children – Light & Dark, aired for 52 episodes from October 5, 2002 to September 27, 2003, and was produced by TV Tokyo and NAS. Actas animated the first half of the series, and Studio Comet animated the second half.[20] Two Devil Children music albums were released by First Smile Entertainment on December 20, 2000 and February 21, 2001: Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Perfect Soundtracks, which features the soundtracks of Black Book and Red Book, as well as one vocal theme composed by Hiro Takahashi and one by Nao Ito;[18] and Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Arrange Tracks, which features new arrangements by Hamada and Motoi Sakuraba of Black Book and Red Book music. There were plans for individual soundtrack albums for Black Book and Red Book, but they were cancelled due to low demand.[21]

Devichil
Genreadventure
fantasy
comedy
drama
Anime television series
Devichil
Directed byYoshio Takeuchi
Produced byNaotsugu Katō
Taihei Yamanishi
Yasumichi Ozaki
Written byShinzō Fujita
Music byRyō Yoshimata
StudioTMS Entertainment
Licensed byBandai Entertainment
Original networkTBS
Original run October 7, 2000 September 29, 2001
Episodes50

Reception

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Japanese and Western review scores
As of November 1, 2016.
Game Famitsu Metacritic
Black Book and Red Book 28/40 (GBC)[1]
27/40 (PS)[2]
White Book 30/40[4]
Light Version and Dark Version 30/40[5] 62/100[22]
Puzzle de Call! 23/40[9]
Book of Fire and Book of Ice 28/40[7]
Messiah Riser 24/40[10]

Devil Children has received a wide range of reviews, ranging from negative to positive.[1][2][4][5][7][10][22] Writers at Famitsu commented that the series did not change much between installments, although one said they enjoyed the stability and reliability in that.[7] Kurt Kalata and Christopher J. Snelgrove of Hardcore Gaming 101 described the games as "relatively decent for being fairly conventional RPGs".[3]

Several writers at Famitsu praised the demon fusion mechanic,[1][7][5] with one of them calling it the best aspect of the game.[7] Kalata and Snelgrove noted that the series was unusually simplistic for the Megami Tensei series, but still found its gameplay to have more depth than Pokémon's, and that it was able to challenge the player.[3] On the other hand, GameSpot's Frank Provo said that it was not "nearly as fun or diverse", in his review of Light Version and Dark Version.[23] Reviewing White Book, one writer at Famitsu said that the tempo of the game was good, allowing for a stress-free experience playing the game, while another thought that the enemies were too strong at the beginning, forcing the player to repeatedly fuse their demons to make any progress at all.[4]

Kalata and Snelgrove were critical of the Game Boy Color titles' visuals, and were disappointed in the updated music and graphics in the PlayStation remake, saying that it looked like "a subpar Super Famicom RPG".[3] Famitsu was also critical of the updates, calling them insignificant.[2] Kalata and Snelgrove did however find the Game Boy Advance games' graphics to be a large improvement over the previous games'.[3] Patrick Gann at RPGFan was underwhelmed by the music in Black Book and Red Book, calling it "far from noteworthy" and saying that it had failed to leave a lasting impression on him.[24] Chris Greening at VGMO said that the music fulfilled its purpose within the game, but that it was otherwise poor and "samey", with a few catchy compositions as exceptions.[18]

Kalata and Snelgrove thought that Puzzle de Call featured interesting ideas, but that there was not anything special about it. They enjoyed how Messiah Riser was different from other Japanese role-playing games, but found the user interface hard to use and that the artificial intelligence felt erratic; they also commented on how demons only have one magic attack each made the game feel limiting.[16]

Notes

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  1. ^ Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children (真・女神転生 デビルチルドレン, Shin Megami Tensei: Debiru Chirudoren, lit. "True Goddess Reincarnation: Devil Children")

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "真・女神転生 デビルチルドレン 「赤の書」 / 「黒の書」 まとめ [ゲームボーイ]". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Archived from the original on 2013-11-09. Retrieved 2016-11-01.
  2. ^ a b c d "真・女神転生デビルチルドレン 黒の書・赤の書 まとめ [PS]". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Archived from the original on 2015-12-21. Retrieved 2016-11-01.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Kalata, Kurt; Snelgrove, Christopher J. (2010-08-08). "Devil Children / DemiKids". Hardcore Gaming 101. p. 1. Archived from the original on 2016-04-09. Retrieved 2016-11-01.
  4. ^ a b c d "真・女神転生デビルチルドレン 白の書 まとめ [ゲームボーイ]". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Archived from the original on 2013-05-24. Retrieved 2016-11-01.
  5. ^ a b c d "真・女神転生 デビルチルドレン 光の書 / 闇の書 まとめ [GBA]". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Archived from the original on 2014-10-19. Retrieved 2016-11-01.
  6. ^ Harris, Craig (2003-10-14). "DemiKids: Dark Version". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 2016-11-03. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  7. ^ a b c d e f "真・女神転生 デビルチルドレン 炎の書 / 氷の書 まとめ [GBA]". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Archived from the original on 2013-05-25. Retrieved 2016-11-01.
  8. ^ a b "真・女神転生デビルチルドレン 炎の書・氷の書" (in Japanese). Atlus. Archived from the original on 2003-10-06. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  9. ^ a b "真・女神転生デビルチルドレン パズルdeコール! まとめ [GBA]". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Archived from the original on 2013-05-23. Retrieved 2016-11-01.
  10. ^ a b c d "真・女神転生デビルチルドレン メシアライザー まとめ [GBA]". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Archived from the original on 2013-05-23. Retrieved 2016-11-01.
  11. ^ a b "GREE『デビルチルドレン』 第1回デビル王決定戦開催!". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain. 2011-07-29. Archived from the original on 2016-11-01. Retrieved 2016-11-01.
  12. ^ "あの『デビチル』がソーシャルゲームに!『デビルチルドレン』GREEに登場". Inside Games (in Japanese). IID. 2011-07-13. Archived from the original on 2014-09-04. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  13. ^ a b Spencer (2011-07-13). "This Shin Megami Tensei Social Game Is Designed For DemiKids". Siliconera. Archived from the original on 2015-06-15. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  14. ^ a b "伝説のデビルチルドレン・セツナが、GREEにて君の挑戦を待つ!". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain. 2011-08-31. Archived from the original on 2013-06-03. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  15. ^ Long, Andrew (2000-11-23). "Shin Megami-Tensei Devil Children: Red Book Released in Japan". RPGamer. Archived from the original on 2014-08-23. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  16. ^ a b c d Kalata, Kurt; Snelgrove, Christopher J. (2010-08-08). "Devil Children / DemiKids". Hardcore Gaming 101. p. 2. Archived from the original on 2016-03-06. Retrieved 2016-11-01.
  17. ^ a b Lada, Jenni (2009-11-13). "Important Importables: Shin Megami Tensei". TechnologyTell. GadgeTell. Archived from the original on 2015-11-22. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  18. ^ a b c Greening, Chris (2012-08-01). "Shin Megami Tensei -Devil Children- Perfect Soundtracks". VGMO. Archived from the original on 2016-11-03. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  19. ^ "真・女神転生 デビチル". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Archived from the original on 2016-11-03. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  20. ^ "真・女神転生 D[デビル]チルドレン ライト&ダーク". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Archived from the original on 2016-11-03. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  21. ^ Simons, Harry (2012-08-01). "Shin Megami Tensei -Devil Children- Arrange Tracks". VGMO. Archived from the original on 2016-11-03. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  22. ^ a b "DemiKids: Light Version for Game Boy Advance Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2016-04-12. Retrieved 2016-11-01.
  23. ^ Provo, Frank (2003-11-20). "DemiKids: Dark Version Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2016-12-13. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  24. ^ Gann, Patrick. "Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children Perfect Sound Tracks". RPGFan. Archived from the original on 2016-08-22. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
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