The appeal and evaluation of "Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei": The origins of RPGs seen from a modern perspective

Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei: Fear and hope born from the fusion of myth and digital

■Overview of the work

"Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei" was released as an OVA on March 28, 1987, and is based on the Animage Bunko novel "Digital Devil Story" by Nishitani Satoshi. The work was published by Tokuma Shoten and produced by Movic and Animate Film. It has one short, 45-minute episode, but a dense story. It is directed by Nishikubo Mizuho, ​​character designed by Kitazume Hiroyuki, animation director Onda Naoyuki, art director Ishizu Setsuko, sound director Shigeji Shiba, and music by Usagigumi. The cast includes a stellar cast of voice actors, including Mizushima Yutaka as Nakajima Akemi, Shimazu Saeko as Shirasagi Yumiko, Yokoo Mari as teacher Obara, Otsuka Yoshitada as Loki, and Katsuki Masako as Izanami.

■ Story

Nakajima Akemi is a high school student with a genius talent for computer programming. Shirasagi Yumiko transfers to the same class as Nakajima. She feels a strong sense of déjà vu when she sees Akemi, but Akemi refuses to engage with her. After school, Akemi and several classmates hole up in the computer lab to perform a ritual to summon a demon. Akemi summons the demon Loki onto the computer display and communicates with him by sacrificing the female teacher Ohara. This is to use the demon's power to take revenge on the delinquent group that has been hurting her. Yumiko, who witnessed the scene, is also surrounded by her classmates and offered as a sacrifice. Finally, Loki jumps out of the display and materializes, absorbing the students into his body. No one can control Loki anymore, and finally Akemi is in the clutches of Loki's evil! Yumiko saves them in the nick of time... And then Akemi and Yumiko learn that Loki is the reincarnation of the mythical gods Izanagi and Izanami. Following her destiny, Akemi takes up her sword and faces Loki!

■Explanation

"Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei" is the origin of the Megami Tensei series, which has been expanded to many media and has garnered a passionate fanbase. This work is a horror action film that revives mythology in the digital age, and depicts the theme of the fusion of modern society and mythology. It gives viewers deep insight by depicting the possibilities and dangers brought about by the new technology of computers. It also conveys the importance of self-sacrifice and courage through the growth and struggles of the main character, Nakajima Akemi.

■Character Introduction

Akemi Nakajima

Voice actor: Yu Mizushima A high school student with a genius talent for computer programming. He summons the demon Loki and plots revenge, but ultimately shows the courage to face his own destiny. Akemi's character is a symbol of self-contradiction and growth, and his actions deeply move the audience.

Yumiko Shirasagi

Voice Actress: Saeko Shimazu A girl who transfers to the same class as Akemi. She feels a strong sense of déjà vu with Akemi, and it is eventually revealed that she is the reincarnation of Izanagi and Izanami. Yumiko's character is one that combines purity and strength, and plays an important role in saving Akemi's heart.

Teacher Obara

Voice Actress: Mari Yokoo Akemi's homeroom teacher. She is offered as a sacrifice to Loki, but her sacrifice is a turning point in the story. Teacher Obara's character leaves a deep impression on viewers by portraying the responsibility and fear of being an educator.

Loki

Voice actor: Houchu Otsuka A demon summoned entity. He appears from a computer display and materializes by absorbing students into his body. Loki's character is a symbol of fear and destruction, and his presence leaves a strong impression on viewers.

Izanami

Voice Actress: Masako Katsuki A reincarnation of the mythological gods Izanagi and Izanami. Her presence plays an important role in guiding the destinies of Akemi and Yumiko. Izanami's character symbolizes holiness and compassion, and is a presence that gives hope to the viewers.

■ Background and influences

"Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei" was born during the OVA boom of the late 1980s, and its innovative themes and visual expression attracted many viewers. It skillfully visualized the horror and action elements of the original novel, pioneering a new genre that combined mythology and digital. This work built the foundation for the later "Megami Tensei" series, enabling it to be expanded into a wide range of media, including games, anime, and manga. In addition, the theme of demon summoning is said to have had a major influence on later occult works.

■Video and Music

The visual quality of this work is very high for a 1980s OVA, with the beauty of the character designs and background art standing out. In particular, the scene in which Loki appears from the computer display has a strong visual impact and gives the viewer a strong sense of fear. The music was also handled by Usagigumi, and plays an important role in enhancing the atmosphere of horror and action. The background music skillfully expresses tension and fear, adding depth to the progression of the story.

■ Evaluations and Awards

"Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei" was a highly acclaimed OVA, especially for its innovative theme and visual expression. It was also well-received by fans of the original novel, and the OVA adaptation helped it gain even more fans. Although it has not received any specific awards, it is considered a work that contributed greatly to the success of the later "Megami Tensei" series.

■ Recommendation points

"Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei" is a work that depicts the innovative theme of the fusion of myth and digital, and skillfully combines elements of horror and action. In particular, it gives viewers deep insight by depicting the possibilities and dangers brought about by the new technology of computers. It also conveys the importance of self-sacrifice and courage through the protagonist Nakajima Akemi's growth and struggles. With a strong visual impact and music that adds depth to the progression of the story, it is especially recommended for fans of horror and action. As the origin of the "Megami Tensei" series, it is also an important work in understanding the entire series.

■ Related works

"Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei" is the origin of the "Megami Tensei" series, and includes the following related works:

game

• "Shin Megami Tensei" series
• "Persona" series

anime

• "Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children"
• "Persona" series

comics

• "Shin Megami Tensei" series
• "Persona" series

■How to watch

"Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei" is currently available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray. It may also be available on some video streaming services, so please check the official website or the information on each streaming service.

■ Summary

"Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei" is a horror action film that depicts the innovative theme of the fusion of myth and digital, and draws viewers in with its visual impact and the power of music. It is also a story that conveys the importance of self-sacrifice and courage through the growth and struggles of the main character, Nakajima Akemi. As the origin of the Megami Tensei series, it is an important work in understanding the entire series, and is especially recommended for those who like horror action. Please give it a watch.