Hijiri, Candles, Freedom: Maniacs' Retcon Woes (and the Atlus "Enhanced" Edition Formula)

For many years it seemed almost unthinkable to criticize the seminal and influential Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne in any way. Besides, any such criticisms could be easily excused. Re-rolling fusion skills? It just makes it all that more intense and satisfying to get exactly what you want. Random negotiation? It's just, uh, more fun that way, yeah! No story? Okay, that one is seriously illegitimate. Point is, an epoch-making, 15-year-old game like Nocturne will survive having its flaws exposed since it has a lot more to offer than RNG insanity.

The same goes for the vaunted Maniacs additions. Flat out, Maniacs made Nocturne a more fun game to play. Most of us across the Pacific or further will never know the difference, but I can't imagine a Nocturne with more ambushes and instant death and less Matador and Daisoujou becoming a cult hit. Its plot and backstory additions, though? It's open season.

I should state up front that this is article consists mostly of old material. It is the original survey of the writing inconsistencies of Hijiri's character (which the post permalink will continue to reflect) appended with two other older posts that dealt with iffy Maniacs creative decisions, like the guiding figures of the Freedom ending (a close reading of which contradicts Maniacs retcons of Aradia) and the kabbalistic theming attached to the Fiends' candelabra. Also, a new, somewhat meaty conclusion about the quality of the Atlus enhanced editions (re-releases, ports, whatever you want to call them) we'll continue receiving until the heat death of the universe.

And as of this update (December 2019), it's an extremely boring time to be a Shin Megami Tensei fan, so why not spend a quick 30 minutes reuniting with the writing tendencies of the team that will (eventually) bring us Shin Megami Tensei V? Hey, at least you know those improved gameplay mechanics are going to be pretty good...