What's the best (yet still affordable) SMT title for a noob?

[Opa Opa]

In the 2013 gaming goal thread, I made "try to get into the SMT series" one of my goals.

What's the best (yet still affordable) Shin Megami Tensei title for a noob?
With a couple of exceptions, the PS2 titles are still very affordable. Should I start with one of those?

What would you guys recommend?

[dunpeal2064]

Well, if you want real SMT action, then Nocturne is definitely the game for you. Its not too pricey, and is the 3rd installment in the SMT series, of which we haven't seen a 4th (as far as I know)

The other games are mostly spinoffs (Devil Summoner, Digital Devil Saga), or use the name to gain popularity in the states (Persona). Which isn't to say they aren't good, as I really enjoyed the DDS series and Persona 4, but they don't offer the same experience as Nocturne.

[MrPopo]

For someone newer I'd probably say go with Strange Journey on the DS. It's not as balls hard as Nocture and has all the main components; negotiation, fusion, and an emphasis on hitting weakness.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Strange Journey on DS is a good place to start. I'm not crazy about this series, but I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Revelations: The Demon Slayer on GBC is also fantastic. Though I don't think it's technically part of the Shin Megami Tensei series (it is part of the larger Megami Tensei franchise though).

[TheBrick]

Thirded for Strange Journey. It's cheap, it's good, it's deep, and, while it's not as completely balls-hard as some of the other games, it still has a fair challenge. Outside of a select few bosses, anyway. I'm looking at you, Maya.

[skyknight]

I will go against some of you on Strange Journey, its a good game, but the old school dungeon crawler + random encounters does make the game feel a bit outdated. And you must have the right party of demons (while also thinking about your alignment towards Law, Chaos, and Neutral), preparations does count heavy in this game. (I still haven't finish the game!)

On PS2, Persona series are the entry series, but you do spend time developing bonds with your party members and NPC's, and sometimes it takes more play time than dungeon crawling (does get close to a JP high school student).

Nocturne and Digital Devil Saga takes place in after End of the World (not the same world for both), the mood is definitely dark, and the battles are not easy.

Otherwise on the DS, Devil Survivor 1 & 2 are SRPG, and does feature mutliple story branching - on my first play through of DS1, I actually went thru one of the hardest route without knowing! But it is enjoyable, and not that hard

Back to the OP, are you looking for a "pure" SMT experience, or one that is easy to get into and gets more harder/complicated as the story goes on?

[Montivagant]

The very first SMT I ever played and subsequently finished was Nocturne. I think it's perfect as a starting point. Some people say the game is too hard, but IMO they just weren't playing hard enough. It's a brilliant experience and one of the best JRPGs ever made.

[ZenErik]

I'd go with Persona 4 for a more accessible option with more likable characters. The PS2 Devil Summoner and Digital Devil Saga games are difficult for me to get into. Nocturne was good.

[dunpeal2064]

Persona 4 is very awesome, but its not actually an SMT game

I say, if you are a noob gamer, then Strange Journey may be better, but if you are an able gamer but just a noob to the SMT series, Nocturne shouldn't be more than you can handle, and is a very rewarding game. Just know that the Matador may man-handle you. It gets a bit easier after that fight for a bit though.

[ZenErik]

Persona 4 is very awesome, but its not actually an SMT game

I say, if you are a noob gamer, then Strange Journey may be better, but if you are an able gamer but just a noob to the SMT series, Nocturne shouldn't be more than you can handle, and is a very rewarding game. Just know that the Matador may man-handle you. It gets a bit easier after that fight for a bit though.

Well, then he only has 3 options if he wants straight SMT. And the 4th game will be out on 3DS eventually.

Edit: Does Strange Journey count even though it isn't a numbered entry? I am eagerly waiting to play that. Bought it off a forum member.