Lecture on Shin Megami Tensei Alignments

Introduction

• Exploration of alignment systems in Shin Megami Tensei (SMT) games.
• Observations on biases in alignment endings, particularly in mainline games.
• Comparison with spin-off games which often handle alignments better.

Game-by-Game Analysis

SMT-1

• Law: Messiahs aim to establish a kingdom under Yahweh. Realistic portrayal during desperate times.
• Chaos: Initially anarchistic; later involves siding with Lucifer to free banished gods.
• Neutral: Balance between order and freedom, preventing extremes.
• Bias: Neutral bias with all endings well-developed.

SMT-2

• Law: Draconic regime under Yahweh; results in destruction despite opposing Messiah regime.
• Chaos: Fight against Yahweh, freeing gods, and saving the world.
• Neutral: Human-centered, preventing divine guidance.
• Bias: Strong chaos bias, law portrayed negatively.

SMT-3 (Nocturne)

• Law: Various "reason" endings promoting different ideals.
• Chaos: True Demon ending which involves breaking the cosmic cycle.
• Neutral: Freedom and Demon endings, emphasizing ambivalence.
• Bias: Chaos bias due to depth and closure of the True Demon ending.

SMT: Strange Journey

• Law: Original ending involves strict subservience; Redux allows more freedom.
• Chaos: Emphasizes freedom and cohabitation with demons.
• Neutral: Focus on human independence; Redux adds a god-like guardian for humanity.
• Bias: No clear bias, balanced portrayal of all alignments.

SMT-4

• Law: Destructive portrayal aiming for genocide.
• Chaos: Initially sympathetic; culminates in demon takeover.
• Neutral: Promotes coexistence and peace.
• Bias: Strong neutral bias, most positive outcome.

SMT-5

• Law: Attempts to restore Yahweh's order; ends with new Tokyo under God's rule.
• Chaos: Focuses on freeing banished gods.
• Neutral (Regular): Human-centric, rejects both divine orders.
• Secret Neutral: Erases all gods and demons, leaving humanity alone.
• Bias: Complex portrayal with slight chaos bias in narrative, but neutral bias in endings.

Conclusion on Biases

• Overall Bias: Three out of six mainline games show neutral bias.
• Negative Portrayals: Law is often portrayed negatively, particularly relating to Yahweh.
• Cultural Context: Reflects Japan's historical and cultural perspectives on Christianity.

Thoughts on Storytelling

• Issues with recurring negative portrayal of Yahweh in SMT.
• Desire for more nuanced and morally complex depictions of law in future games.

Final Remarks

• Insight into the cultural and historical underpinnings of SMT's portrayal of alignments.
• The need for balanced storytelling in future SMT releases.