One of the best RPGs on PS2 out there. A must play for fans of the genre.
This game is for the mature and hardcore RPG gamer, where in contrast Pokemon is for young kids who want to level up and just collect Pokemon. A minor comparison at best.
But enough of comparing, Nocturne is great because of what it can present and give to you the player. The story isn't convoluted like most standard rpgs, and there is some originality into it taking away the usual "save the world from darkness/bad guy".
You name the hero of the story up to your choosing, and once you start the game you have but a lowly pixie to aid you. Again, some similarities to pokemon is the aspect of acquiring demons. Instead of catching them a la' pokemon, you bribe, give an item, or if your lucky choose the correct answer and they will join you. A note of caution, some demons (tyrant and foul) cannot be persuaded until you can fuse (combining 2 demons to create a more powerful one/ a new demon) to join your party.
There are many demons to collect, and a good majority of the high tier demons can only be gained through fusion. Which will cost you a whole lot of $ to make.
For item hunters there really isn't much to collect in equipment since the only collectible here are the demons themselves, which if you have obtained already will be logged in the Shadow Cathedral for your pleasure if you wish to summon them.
Sidequest wise there is an optional dungeon spanning 5 floors which i highly recommend in beating to obtain the 'best' ending, and to obtain Dante who i personally found is an excellent character to use when battling normal foes.
If you should ever find yourself playing this game i highly recommend using gamefaqs in order to help your play because there will be certain points in the game where you will be stuck. Also, save save save as in most RPGs. You never know when you will be ambushed.