Clever story with a punch in the gut.
Yay!
Story is the clear draw to Atlus' Digital Devil Saga. From the very beginning, the player is introduced to a world where everyone possesses demonic powers and must consume their fellow demons in order to survive. Leaders of junkyard factions vye for dominace in a land with a forgotten past attempting to reach a mysterious goal. All of this while not knowing why they do it and who is running their society. Intrigued? You should be. For if you're not, stop reading and go do something else. This game is first and formost about the unusual plot. Everything else is secondary.
Which is why it's a shame that Atlus decided to swamp the game with a high encounter rate and incredibly long dungeons. Level design seems to be part of a vindictive quest to lead the player on with intriguing story then smack him down with tormenting design. On several occasions, dungeons require significant backtracking all thanks to traps. Be prepared to walk through much of each level at least twice, and that's if you don't go for every item. Adding insult to injury, the high encounter rate makes the return to the starting point an excercise in frustration. Thankfully, designers placed numerous save points around the map in addition to heal spots. While I sometimes found myself frustrated over the high encounter rate, I never found myself worried about losing a nights work.
Fortunatly, the battles are intriguing and require a great deal of strategy. The game does a good job of keeping the player's attention focused, though the enemies fall on the tough side. DDS demands that the player consider the strengths and weaknesses of foes before fighting. To do otherwise invites needless damage or even death.
Game graphics are nothing special though demon design is noteworthy. The level backgrounds often repeat making them somewhat tedious. Overall, the visuals neither add nor subtract from the expirence.
Sadly, I can't say that about the sound. The musical score includes the standard set of repetitive metal tracks which grate the ears and make the mute button a must. Expect the same 10 notes replayed over and over until the battle ends or a controller finds its way into your television. I suggest finding alternative music, though the voice acting is worth a listen.
Overall, Atlus has put together a fine product. While not particularly innovative in game design, DDS provides an intriguing story that will draw the player in. Just expect a few frustrating lumps before earning the taste morsels of story.