Ozz’s shin megami tensei enemy recruitment guide

Ozz’s Shin Megami Tensei Enemy Recruitment Guide

Shin Megami Tensei (SMT) is renowned for its complex mechanics, intricate storylines, and a unique recruitment system that allows players to negotiate with enemies to join their team. Unlike traditional RPGs where you simply defeat enemies, SMT games require wit, strategy, and sometimes a bit of luck to persuade demons to join your party. Here’s a detailed guide on how to master enemy recruitment, inspired by Ozz’s strategies.

What is Enemy Recruitment?

Enemy recruitment in SMT allows you to negotiate with demons during battle to convince them to join your party. Each demon has its personality, preferences, and quirks, making recruitment a nuanced and strategic process.

Understanding Demon Personalities

Demons in SMT typically fall into one of four broad personality types, which affect how they respond to negotiation tactics:

1. Kind: These demons appreciate friendly, empathetic approaches.
2. Irritable: They respect strength and confidence but may dislike overly polite behavior.
3. Gloomy: Respond better to ambiguous or introspective answers.
4. Cheerful: Prefer lighthearted and humorous responses.

Preparation Before Negotiation

Before starting a negotiation, ensure you are prepared:

• Stock Up on Macca and Items: Demons often request money, items, or health/magic points.
• Equip Appropriate Personas or Demons: Some demons respond better to specific affinities or characteristics.
• Save Your Game: Negotiations can be unpredictable, and failure might lead to combat or losing resources.

How to Initiate Negotiation

1. Start a Conversation: Most SMT games offer a “Talk” or “Negotiate” command during combat. Select this option to initiate a dialogue with the enemy demon.
2. Read the Demon’s Mood: Pay attention to the demon’s initial responses and demeanor. It can hint at their personality type.

Common Negotiation Questions

Demons will often ask you a series of questions to gauge your personality or test your intentions. Below are examples of common question types and ideal responses:

1. Morality Questions

• Example: “What do you think of humans?”
• Tip: Align your answer with the demon’s personality. A Kind demon may appreciate a positive view, while a Gloomy demon might prefer a critical perspective.

2. Humor-Based Questions

• Example: “Tell me a joke!”
• Tip: Be lighthearted and avoid overly serious answers when dealing with Cheerful demons.

3. Confidence Questions

• Example: “Why should I join you?”
• Tip: For Irritable demons, be assertive but not arrogant.

4. Philosophical Questions

• Example: “What is the meaning of life?”
• Tip: Tailor your response to Gloomy or introspective demons.

Bribes and Offerings

Demons may demand compensation to seal the deal. Here’s what to expect:

1. Macca (Currency): Be prepared to spend a substantial amount.
2. HP or MP: Sacrificing a portion of your health or magic is a common request.
3. Items: Demons often ask for consumables, so carry a variety.
4. Lies: Some demons take the items but refuse to join you. Be wary of mischievous types.

Special Cases in Negotiation

Certain demons have unique recruitment conditions:

• Alignment Matching: Some demons only join you if your alignment (Law, Neutral, or Chaos) matches theirs.
• Fusion Demons: Some rare demons cannot be recruited and must be created via fusion.
• Moon Phase Influence: In some SMT games, the moon phase affects a demon’s willingness to negotiate.

Tips for Successful Recruitment

1. Build Rapport: Use demons already in your party to appeal to similar enemies.
2. Experiment: Not all negotiations will succeed on the first try. Learn from failures.
3. Charm Skills: Equip personas or demons with negotiation-enhancing skills to increase your odds.

What to Do if Negotiation Fails

• Prepare for Combat: If the demon becomes hostile, be ready to fight.
• Retry: In most cases, you can attempt negotiation again during a different encounter.

Advanced Recruitment Strategies

1. Demon Whispering

In SMT IV, you can inherit skills from recruited demons. Use this mechanic to strengthen your party strategically.

2. Demon Conversion

In some games, you can offer specific items to demons to increase their loyalty or transform them into allies.

3. Combining Negotiations and Skills

Utilize skills like Sweet Talk or Persuade to make recruitment smoother.

Conclusion

Recruiting demons in Shin Megami Tensei is as much an art as it is a strategy. By understanding their personalities, preparing for their demands, and mastering the nuances of negotiation, you can build a formidable team. Ozz’s guide emphasizes patience, observation, and adaptability—qualities that will not only make you a master negotiator but also a stronger SMT player overall.