Best version of Shin Megami Tensei?

[The_Atomik_Punk!]

Hey folks, I'm really interested in playing the first Shin Megami Tensei, and I'd like to hear some opinions as to what is the best version, particularly between the Super Famicom and Meg aCD versions. I know that there is an excellent English translation by Aeon Genesis for the SF version, but to my knowledge there is no such translation for the Japanese Mega CD port. Generally, I enjoy playing my Sega CD (especially when they include great soundtracks); it would be a cool opportunity to go through Shin Megami Tensei- but I would need a translation. I suppose my question is, is the SNES version solid, or should I wait for someone to translate the Mega CD version?

[SunGodPortal]

I hope my post isn't too irrelevant due to only having played the SNES version, but I'd like to say that I found it to be rock solid. It was pretty tough but I greatly enjoyed it when I wasn't grinding. The creepy, almost lonely atmosphere was excellent and is one of the main things I remember about it. While I haven't played the Sega CD version I have seen plenty of screenshots and I have to say that I feel some of the graphics, while "better" just don't capture that same "mood". That's about as much as I can add to this conversation though. Sorry.

[Piotyr]

It officially released on ios in english. It is currently the best english release and tied with the psx version as the best Japanese release.

[The_Atomik_Punk!]

I hope my post isn't too irrelevant due to only having played the SNES version, but I'd like to say that I found it to be rock solid. It was pretty tough but I greatly enjoyed it when I wasn't grinding. The creepy, almost lonely atmosphere was excellent and is one of the main things I remember about it. While I haven't played the Sega CD version I have seen plenty of screenshots and I have to say that I feel some of the graphics, while "better" just don't capture that same "mood". That's about as much as I can add to this conversation though. Sorry.

That sounds like a good endorsement of the SNES version to me; thanks for the feedback!

It officially released on ios in english. It is currently the best english release and tied with the psx version as the best Japanese release.

Unfortunately, I don't have any device capable of playing the IOS version, which is  why I'm primarily interested in the SNES and Sega CD versions. I think I saw a thread on here contemplating translating the PSX version though, however...

[Piotyr]

Afaik it was the GBA version they were thinking about translating but I have a feeling that now that the official release has happend I doubt anyone will pick up a translation in the near future (But what do I know?)

[The_Atomik_Punk!]

Afaik it was the GBA version they were thinking about translating but I have a feeling that now that the official release has happend I doubt anyone will pick up a translation in the near future (But what do I know?)

Yeah, I think you may be right unfortunately. Ideally, I would love to play Shin Megami Tensei on the Sega CD, as the soundtrack is absolutely killer. I'm aware of a team that is finalizing a translation of the Sega CD Shadowrun game, hopefully they may be interested in tackling Shin Megami Tensei afterwards.

[cj iwakura]

Heh, speaking as part of the Shadowrun team, that'd be amazing... but a tough project. Not out of the question, though!

To the OP: the AG SNES version. Calling the iOS version clanky is an understatement. Great translation, but it's not worth the PS1/GBA updates to the game. Play the OG then maybe consider the iOS one later on. The SNES version has the best music, IMO.
(SCD's and PS1's are no slouch, mind you.)

[patuli]

Now that people are doing msu1 music hacks for snes, maybe someone could pass the mega CD songs to the snes. 

[Rand]

If you're going with the SNES version, I recommend using Orden's patch as well, which can be found on this site.  It addresses further issues including one of the paths being unwinnable due to bugs.

[The_Atomik_Punk!]

Heh, speaking as part of the Shadowrun team, that'd be amazing... but a tough project. Not out of the question, though!

To the OP: the AG SNES version. Calling the iOS version clanky is an understatement. Great translation, but it's not worth the PS1/GBA updates to the game. Play the OG then maybe consider the iOS one later on. The SNES version has the best music, IMO.
(SCD's and PS1's are no slouch, mind you.)

Hey, good to hear from a member of the Shadowrun CD translation team; I'm eagerly anticipating it's release- keep up the great work!

If you can maybe keep the idea of a Shin Megami Tensei CD project in mind, and possibly gauge the general interest of the  Shadowrun team, that would be appreciated; it would be awesome for the SCD to get some much deserved love! Thanks for the recommendation of the SFC version, it certainly seems like a great translation.

Now that people are doing msu1 music hacks for snes, maybe someone could pass the mega CD songs to the snes. 

That's a really interesting alternative idea: I think the overall appeal of the SCD version goes beyond the new soundtrack for me however; the intro cinematics, and improved sprites/game mechanics would also be cool to experience that the SCD version offers.

If you're going with the SNES version, I recommend using Orden's patch as well, which can be found on this site.  It addresses further issues including one of the paths being unwinnable due to bugs.

Good looking out, I checked it out and it seems like a great addition to any SFC play-through!