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Shin Megami Tensei

Shin Megami Tensei is a Japanese role-playing video game series and subseries within the wider Megami Tensei franchise, primarily developed and published by Atlus.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Shin Megami Tensei is a Japanese role-playing video game series and subseries within the wider Megami Tensei franchise, primarily developed and published by Atlus. The name is also used internationally for the franchise as a whole, although in Japan it usually refers to the specific subseries that began in 1992. The series is known for its demon summoning, mythological and occult themes, and multiple spin-off subseries.

Origin

Shin Megami Tensei began as a 1992 Atlus role-playing game for the Super Famicom. It is generally described as the first game in the central Shin Megami Tensei subseries and part of the larger Megami Tensei lineage.

Franchise context

The wider Megami Tensei franchise originated from the Digital Devil Story novels and expanded into multiple games and spin-offs. Shin Megami Tensei became the best-known line within that franchise and helped define its international identity.

Gameplay and themes

The series is known for recruiting and summoning demons, along with choices and settings shaped by religion, mythology, and the occult. Across the broader franchise, titles span several role-playing subgenres.

Release and platforms

The original game first appeared in Japan in 1992 and was later ported to other platforms. Sources note releases or ports on systems including Mega-CD, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation, Wii Virtual Console, Wii U, and iOS.

Key facts

  • The series began with the 1992 Super Famicom release Shin Megami Tensei, developed and published by Atlus.
  • It is part of the broader Megami Tensei franchise, which also includes subseries such as Persona and Devil Summoner.
  • The games are role-playing titles and have also included tactical RPG, action RPG, and online RPG entries across the wider franchise.
  • Recurring elements include demon summoning, Japanese folklore, and occult or mythological imagery.
  • The title has been marketed internationally as Shin Megami Tensei, while Japanese usage distinguishes it from the larger franchise.
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Canadian context

The series has a notable Canadian audience through the wider international role-playing game market, but there is no strong Canada-specific origin or institutional connection in the sources provided.

Frequently asked questions

What is Shin Megami Tensei?
It is a role-playing video game series within Atlus’s broader Megami Tensei franchise, centered on demon summoning and supernatural themes.
Is Shin Megami Tensei the same as Megami Tensei?
Not exactly. In Japan, Shin Megami Tensei is a subseries, while internationally the name has often been used to represent the broader franchise.
When did Shin Megami Tensei begin?
The first Shin Megami Tensei game was released in Japan in 1992 for the Super Famicom.
Who developed the series?
Atlus is the primary developer and publisher associated with the series.
What are the series’ main themes?
Common themes include demon summoning, mythology, folklore, and the occult.
What other series are related to it?
Related subseries within the same franchise include Persona and Devil Summoner.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megami_Tensei
    Supports: Franchise overview, international naming, developers, and subseries context.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shin_Megami_Tensei_(video_game)
    Supports: 1992 debut, original platform, and relation to the central subseries.
  3. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shin_Megami_Tensei
    Supports: 1992 release and sequel/subseries relationship within Megami Tensei.
  4. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Megami_Tensei_media
    Supports: Franchise scope, themes, and inclusion of spin-off subseries.
  5. Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megami_Tensei
    Supports: International naming and use of Shin Megami Tensei outside Japan.