Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor vs Shin Megami Tensei IV
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

Tokyo is under lockdown after a sudden demon invasion, forcing its citizens into a brutal fight for survival. You and your peers discover the mysterious COMP device, allowing you to bind demons to your will and battle the otherworldly threat. As rival demon tamers vie for power, you must uncover the origin of the demons, the purpose of the COMPs, and decide the fate of the city through branching story paths and tactical grid combat.
Shin Megami Tensei IV puts you in the role of a newly appointed Samurai, defending the Eastern Kingdom of Mikado from demonic forces. As you explore a dark, post‑apocalyptic Tokyo, you must negotiate with factions, recruit allies, and decide the fate of humanity. The game blends turn‑based strategy with deep demon‑fusion mechanics, offering multiple story branches that react to every moral decision. Its mature narrative and challenging combat make it a standout entry in the SMT series.
- Deep tactical grid combat with meaningful choices
- Rich demon roster and fusion system
- Compelling, branching storyline
- High replay value with multiple endings
- Complex demon‑fusion system offers endless customization.
- Mature storyline with meaningful choices.
- Strategic turn‑based combat rewards careful planning.
- Rich worldbuilding and atmospheric art direction.
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Limited platform availability
- Occasional pacing issues in story sections
- Steep learning curve for newcomers.
- Limited accessibility options.
- Only available on legacy handheld hardware.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor
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First‑person cyberpunk RPG where hackers battle mystic forces in a gothic future.

Survive a demonic apocalypse after a deadly subway accident.
Alternatives to Shin Megami Tensei IV
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First‑person cyberpunk RPG where hackers battle mystic forces in a gothic future.

Survive a demon‑infested Tokyo with strategic contracts and deadly choices.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataShin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor offers higher critical acclaim and deeper tactical combat at a higher price, while Shin Megami Tensei IV is cheaper but limited to legacy handheld hardware.
Key differences
- •Price: Devil Survivor $59.99 vs. SMT IV $39.99.
- •Platform: Devil Survivor limited (unspecified) vs. SMT IV only on legacy handheld (likely 3DS).
- •Critic score: 90/100 for Devil Survivor vs. 86/100 for SMT IV.
- •Tag focus: Devil Survivor emphasizes visual‑novel horror narrative; SMT IV adds science‑fiction elements and a reputation system.
- •Release date: Devil Survivor (2009) is older than SMT IV (2013), affecting graphics expectations.
Pricing & value
SMT IV costs $39.99, $20 less than Devil Survivor, offering better price‑to‑content ratio.
Gameplay & fun factor
Devil Survivor has a higher critic score (90) and praised deep tactical grid combat with extensive demon fusion.
Platform availability
SMT IV is available on a specific legacy handheld, while Devil Survivor’s platform is limited and unspecified.
Content & replayability
Devil Survivor offers over 200 demons, multiple endings, and branching narratives, indicating higher replay value.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both list a steep learning curve for newcomers; no data on differing accessibility features.
Graphics & performance
SMT IV is newer (2013) and likely benefits from more recent handheld hardware graphics.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only.
Choose Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor if…
Buy Devil Survivor if you prioritize critical acclaim, deep tactical depth, and high replay value.
Choose Shin Megami Tensei IV if…
Buy SMT IV if you want a lower price and have a legacy handheld device.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Shin Megami Tensei IV costs $39.99, while Devil Survivor costs $59.99.
Do both games support multiplayer?
No, both are single‑player only.
Which title has a higher critic rating?
Devil Survivor has a critic score of 90/100, compared to SMT IV's 86/100.
