Overview

In 2011, Atlus released a sequel to the critically acclaimed Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor for the DS. Shortly after the title was announced, it was revealed that prolific musician Kenji Ito would create the score for the game, supported by the sound team of Atlus. Those who purchased the first press of the game in Japan were eligible to receive a bonus soundtrack, featuring eight arrangements of the soundtrack by Atlus' sound team.

Body

Ryota Kozuka opens the album in an atmospheric manner with his arrangement of the scene-setter "Exploration". Following a minimalist introduction, the track picks up a groovy beat at the 0:40 mark and soon becomes a dark yet beautiful display of electro-orchestral soundscaping. The enhanced samples and ever-changing development ensure it is a major step-up from the original. It also pleasantly retains the Megami Tensei series' distinctive sound.

Those looking for more energetic tracks can enjoy Atsushi Kitajoh's "Battle of the Brave". It retains the rocking classic RPG sound of the original, while incorporating a resonant violin lead throughout. "Septentrion" and "Will of the Species" meanwhile combines Ito's lyrical melodies with electronic and ethnic forces. If such mixes were present on the main soundtrack, the experience would have been much more immersive.

Toshiki Konishi surprisingly gives a downbeat interpretation of one of the most upbeat action tracks from the original, "Confrontation". Mixing gentle guitar performances with repetitive electronic frills, the track sounds too much like muzak for my tastes. "Challenge to the Fate" is considerably better with its hybrid of acoustic and electronic timbres, though still sounds quite thin and cheesy.

Seemingly an unused track, "B06" features a clichéd gothic opening for organ and chorus, before erupting into a fast-paced rocking jam for electric guitar and acoustic piano. It sounds exactly like one would expect for Kenji Ito crossing over into a demonic RPG series. Finally, the bonus track is a short but endearing chiptune remix of the main theme for the game that once again makes clear that Kenji Ito respects his humble origins.

Summary

The Devil Survivor 2 Special Soundtrack is a decent bonus with the game. Most of the tracks here feature stronger production values than the originals and most also present a unique spin on them, for better or worse. However, it is a little too sparing and inconsistent to be a must-listen.