Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga
↗ 16%
😊 7.6/10
(Playstation 2 - US, RPG)
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$48.00
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Developed_By:
Atlus
Published_By:
Atlus
Released On:
15 Jul 2004
Junkyard is a grim wasteland, a realm of eternal rain and eternal battle. Its inhabitants are divided into six tribes that constantly fight each other, each trying to become the champion, earning a passage to the promised land Nirvana. Serph is the leader of the Embryon, a small tribe based in the Muladhara region of Junkyard. One day, the Embryon and their rivals, the Vanguards, find a strange pod, which both believe to be a weapon placed by the other tribe. During the fight, the pod opens, and as a result Serph and his lieutenants transform into demons, literally devouring the Vanguards.
The pod disappears, and in its place Serph finds a mysterious, yet strangely familiar black-haired girl, who remembers nothing about herself. Serph and his friends try to find out who or what sent her into Junkyard, what is the meaning of their demonic transformation, and, ultimately, who they truly are and how they ended up in that desolate place. Meanwhile, the battle for survival continues, and soon only one tribe will retain the hope of leaving the Junkyard forever.
Digital Devil Saga is a role-playing game set in a post-apocalyptic world with elements of Indian culture, influenced by the teachings and mythology of Hinduism. The game belongs to the Megami Tensei universe; it is regarded as a spin-off, comparable in this position to the Persona series. The game shares several thematic and gameplay-related elements with other Megaten titles: heavy mythological overtones, post-apocalyptic setting, fairly complex dungeons, elemental and support magic, etc.
The gameplay revolves around Serph and his companions transforming into demons themselves, which is necessary for using magic and special abilities. Characters can fight as humans using guns but must turn into demons to utilize magic and abilities. Mantras are bought by characters, which act like equipment sets, with the ability to learn new spells and attacks gradually through Atma Points gathered in battles.
The combat system features a weakpoint-based system carried over from Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne, where player-controlled parties and enemies can gain extra turns by exploiting physical or elemental weaknesses. The game's party and enemies are controlled to exploit these weaknesses, adding a layer of strategy to the battles.
eBay Product ID:
14053428256 (United States)
eBay Product ID:
30734970 (United States)
UPC-A:
730865530076 (United States)
UPC-A:
730865530120 (United States)
ASIN:
B00008KTRS (United States)
ASIN:
B000784XG2 (United States)
Sony PN:
SLUS-20974 (United States)
Sony PN:
SLUS-21152 (United States)
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Media Type:
DVD-ROM
Number of Offline Players:
1 Player
Save Game Methods:
External Storage
Input Device Features Supported:
Vibration
Miscellaneous Attributes:
Pressure/Touch Sensitive
Controller Types Supported:
Analog Controller, Digital Controller
Prices as of 30 Jul 2026
Typical $47.90–$49.36 (last 90 days)
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Market activity: active · about 400 sales a year
Activity is a 12-month sales count. Dashed segments rest on two sales a year or fewer.
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Manual
Game Guide
Extracted from the original game manual
This is a dark fantasy RPG where players lead the Embryon tribe, transforming into demons to battle rival factions in a post-apocalyptic junkyard. The goal is to devour other tribes and deliver a mysterious girl to Nirvana, all while navigating a world where emotions are a new and dangerous power.
Story
STORY
In the Junkyard, rival Tribes fight an endless war, vying for supremacy and the right to ascend to Nirvana. Everything begins to change when a blinding light interrupts a skirmish between two Tribes. Serph, leader of the Embryon, awakens after the flash to find that his opponents have been violently slain. In a crater left behind lies a young girl with black hair.
The people of the Junkyard soon discover the effects of the mysterious light; Tribe members transform into demons, and feed an insatiable hunger by devouring their enemies. Along with this new "Atma" comes another strange power: emotion.
Soon after, the Karma Temple issues a new law: "Devour the other Tribes and bring the black-haired girl to Nirvana." Hostility only grows, as the Tribes renew their efforts with increased hatred and zeal.
The Embryon struggle to defeat the opposition and protect Sera, the young girl, who may just hold the key to everything...
TARGET
There are many warring Tribes in the Junkyard. As the leader of the Embryon, you must understand the various intricacies of the world.
THE WAR BETWEEN THE 6 TRIBES INTENSIFIES
The Junkyard is a world where rusted buildings protrude from the tortured earth like gravestones. The Karma Temple stands in the center region, Sahasrara. The surrounding area is divided into six sectors: Ajna, Vishuddha, Anahata, Manipura, Svadhisthana, and Muladhara. Beyond these is an endless wasteland dotted by ruins—decayed buildings from the past.
TRIBES AND SECTORS
EMBRYON
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Area: Muladhara
•
Leader: Serph
•
Color: Orange
The player controls this Tribe, centered in Muladhara. Key members include Serph, Gale, Heat, Argilla, and Cielo. Though small in number, the Embryon have established their turf, and are recognized by the other Tribes.
VANGUARDS
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Area: Svadhisthana
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Leader: Harley
•
Color: Green
This Tribe is in direct competition with the Embryon. In fact, Harley and the Vanguards were locked in battle with Serph's Tribe when shafts of light erupted from an unidentified object on the battlefield.
BRUTES
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Area: Ajna
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Leader: Varin Omega
•
Color: Blue
Currently the strongest Tribe. The Brutes violently protect the Ajna sector. Their leader, Varin Omega, seems to know Serph and Sera. Though the source of his knowledge is unknown, the Embryon may find out soon enough.
SOLIDS
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Area: Anahata
•
Leader: Mick the Slug
•
Color: Yellow
The burly Mick leads this Tribe, which is the third strongest. Anahata, surrounded by a fortress wall, is often referred to as the Solids' Citadel. The wall is impregnable, and is the reason for the Tribe's longevity.
MARIBEL
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Area: Manipura
•
Leader: Jinana
•
Color: Red
The Maribel are lead by a strong female warrior named Jinana. Despite constantly being under attack, they have managed to hold Manipura against the Solids. But, the Tribe's second in command, is known for his skill with knives.
WOLVES
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Area: Vishuddha
•
Leader: Lupa
•
Color: White
Lupa of the Wolves is a strong and proud warrior. The Tribe is currently locked in a heated battle with the Brutes for dominance. Serph and the Embryon may be able to use this to their advantage.
KEY TERMS
RAIN OF THE DEAD
Silver rain endlessly pelts the Junkyard. It's rumored that those who die rise to the clouds where they become rain, and fall back to the earth.
TRIBES
The groups fighting for supremacy in the Junkyard. The land is currently divided amongst 6 Tribes: Embryon, Vanguards, Maribel, Solids, Wolves, and Brutes. Each Tribe is associated with a particular color.
LAWS
Regulations ordained by the Karma Temple which must be obeyed without question. The core laws are: "When a Tribe's leader is defeated, the Tribe must pledge allegiance to the leader of the conquering Tribe" and "All must seek Nirvana."
NIRVANA
The promised land, where the Tribe that conquers the Junkyard shall be rewarded. All strive for Nirvana as required by law, though none know the true nature of the place.
TAG RING
A means of personal identification worn by all citizens of the Junkyard. It records everything about an individual, from his or her personal ID number to the results of battles. The ring is necessary for most activities, including accessing the Vendor, using Karma Terminals, or contacting the Dissemination Machine.
MACCA
Points credited to an individual's Tag Ring after battle. The more efficiently one fights, the more Macca received. These points may be redeemed for goods and services at the Vendor or Karma Terminals.
KARMA TEMPLE
The Karma Temple issues laws and controls life in the Junkyard. It does not participate in the Tribe wars, but presides over them, judging the actions of each Tribe. After the Junkyard is filled with Atma, the Temple begins to offer Mantras.
ATMA
The ability Serph's party gained which allows them to transform into demons. The Temple declares this demonic power the true nature of an individual's Karma. Those who
Controls
RESET button
Turn on PlayStation 2
OPEN button
Open/close disc tray
Directional buttons
Move character (On a map/in a dungeon)
Left analog stick
Move character (On a map/in a dungeon)
Right analog stick
Change point of view (On a map/in a dungeon)
L1 button
Change point of view (rotate left) (On a map/in a dungeon)
R1 button
Change point of view (rotate right) (On a map/in a dungeon)
SELECT button
Toggle help ON/OFF (During battle)
O button
Reorient point of view to forward (On a map/in a dungeon)
X button
Search/Talk/Confirm (On a map/in a dungeon)
Triangle button
Display Auto Map (On a map/in a dungeon)
Square button
Display Main Menu (On a map/in a dungeon)
Enemies & Characters
SERA
The black-haired girl who appeared mysteriously after light swept the Junkyard. Her singing can prevent others from changing into demons, and her forgotten memories become increasingly important to Serph and the Embryon.
SERPH
The player's character and leader of the Embryon. His decisive leadership has allowed the Embryon to be recognized as one of the six strongest Tribes, despite their smaller numbers.
VARNA
A heavenly god who is said to have created the Three Worlds, he unifies the laws of the universe with the laws of Heaven. Serph's incarnation of Varna is a strong creature that is aligned with the water element.
HEAT
Once a loyal and unquestioning member of the Embryon, Heat begins to disagree with Serph once his Atma awakens. As his personality changes, he becomes increasingly prone to violent outbursts.
AGNI
Although Agni controlled the sun, thunder, and holy fire in the Three Worlds, he was widely known as the god of fire. Heat's incarnation of Agni is a hulking two-headed beast aligned with fire.
ARGILLA
The Embryon's best sniper, Argilla is reluctant to devour others once her Atma awakens. Although she's conflicted by sadness and uncertainty she decides to fight in order to protect her comrades and survive to see a world free from war.
PRITHIVA
The goddess of earth in Aryan mythology. She and Dyaus are considered the mother and father of many other gods, and Argilla's incarnation of Prithivi is a quick and lithe fighter aligned with the earth.
GALE
The Embryon's tactical advisor. He has a talent for detailed calculations and circumstance analysis, and unlike the others, Gale does not feel emotion or yearn for a forgotten past.
CIELO
A member of the Embryon who changes drastically when his Atma awakens, becoming a very happy, easy going person with a friendly personality. He tries to keep the mood light to calm down the more serious party members.
VAYU
The god of wind, who gallops through the heavens in a golden-carriage, bringing about blessing and destruction. Gale's incarnation of Vayu is aligned with force (wind).
DYAUS
The oldest of the Aryan gods, known as the god of heaven and the father of many gods. Cielo's incarnation of Dyaus has the power of flight and is aligned with electricity.
How to Play
Loading a Game
To continue a previously saved game, insert a Memory Card (8MB)(for PlayStation®2) with a Digital Devil Saga save file into MEMORY CARD slot 1 and select "LOAD GAME".
Use the up and down directional buttons to select a save file, and press the button to confirm your choice.
Starting a New Game
To start a new game from the beginning of the story, select "NEW GAME". The game will begin after the opening movie has finished.
Adjusting the Game Settings
Select "CONFIG" to adjust the game settings. Use the up and down directional buttons to highlight the setting you want to change, and use the left and right directional buttons to change it.
Saving
You can save your progress at "Karma Terminals" (pg. 36, 37). Insert a memory card (8MB) (for PlayStation®2) into MEMORY CARD slot 1 and select "Save".
Use the up and down directional buttons to select a file and press the button to save your progress.
In order to save, you must have at least 305KB of free space on your memory card (8MB)(for PlayStation®2). Also, please do not remove the memory card (8MB)(for PlayStation®2) while saving.
Area Map
There are two kinds of maps: the Area Map and dungeons. Each type of map has specific controls.
Basic Navigation
The Junkyard consists of a large Area Map, where you can select an area, and detailed 3D dungeons, where the action takes place.
Area Map
Serph's Tribe, the Embryon, is centered in the Muladhara region. In order to travel to a different area, select your destination from the list on the left side of the screen. As the story progresses, additional destinations will become available.
Understanding the Area Map
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① Solar Noise Indicator: Displays the current level of Solar Noise. See pg. 17 for more details.
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② Area List: A list of possible destinations. The red dot indicates your current position, while new areas are displayed in blue.
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③ Selected Area: The currently selected area. It is displayed in yellow.
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④ Message Window: A description of the currently selected area.
Dungeons
Your character will move about in various dungeons. Dungeons are complex, so pay careful attention to the information available to you. Keep an eye on the Auto-map to avoid getting lost (pg. 19).
Understanding the Dungeon Screen
•
① Solar Noise Indicator: Displays the current level of Solar Noise.
•
② Help Window: Displayed when you approach a person or a door. Press the button to speak to the person or open the door.
•
③ Area Name: Your current location.
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④ Ailment Indicator: An icon which indicates whether or not one of the party members is suffering from a status ailment.
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⑤ Proximity Map: A mini-map which shows your immediate surroundings. The icons used are the same as the Auto-map icons (pg. 18).
Dungeon Features
In dungeons, you will encounter important points such as doors, objects, and people. Press the button when an "Inspect" or "Talk" window appears to examine an item or talk to an individual. Below are a few things you may find.
Nodes
There are two types of nodes: purple ones which contain items, and yellow ones which hold ammo or cells. Cells can be exchanged for Macca at various Vendor locations.
Mysterious Walls
Red, yellow, and blue walls may block your path in certain dungeons. The only way to proceed beyond these walls is to use the appropriate items.
Field Hunting
In certain areas of dungeons, you may discover places where demons are hiding. In these areas, if you can destroy all of the floating blue balls within the time limit, a battle with several Mitama will begin. Defeat the Mitama, and you'll gain a great deal of Atma Points.
Controls for Field Hunting
•
directional buttons/left analog stick: move character
•
button: attack
Solar Noise
Solar Noise is a phenomenon which affects demons in a variety of ways. Depending on the level of Solar Noise, Serph's party and enemy demons will experience different effects. It begins at MIN and increases in 1/8 increments until it reaches MAX. It then decreases similarly, and the cycle repeats.
Auto-Mapping
You can bring up the Auto-map screen by pressing the A button in a dungeon. The areas you explore are automatically mapped as you pass through them, so check the map frequently to follow your progress. You can zoom in and out for a better look at doors, stairways, or other map features.
Auto-Map Screen Controls
•
Left analog stick: Scroll the map
•
R1 button: View a map of the floor beneath you
•
L1 button: View a map of the floor above you
Map Icons
•
Current Position: Indicates your current location and the direction you are facing.
•
Stairway (Up): Indicates a stairway leading up.
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Stairway (Down): Indicates a stairway leading down.
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Elevator: Indicates an elevator.
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Pitfall: Indicates a pitfall.
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Important Point: Indicates special areas of the dungeon.
•
Mysterious Wall: Indicates a wall. The appropriate key will destroy it.
•
Exit: Indicates the exit.
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