Tampermonkey®
by Jan Biniok
Japanese voice acting in anime-style RPGs is often recorded with intense dramatic direction that matches the high-stakes apocalyptic atmosphere. Some players feel the Japanese performances for key antagonists (like the Divine Powers) carry a heavier, more sinister presence than the localized counterparts.
Why do players seek out the UNDUB version of Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse?
Apocalypse takes place in a world on the brink of destruction. A catastrophic event known as the "Great Flood" has devastated the planet, leaving only a few remnants of humanity. Players assume the role of a young samurai who awakens in the midst of this chaos. As they journey through the desolate landscapes, they discover that they are on a quest to find the Tower of Babel, a fabled structure that holds the key to saving or perhaps dooming humanity.
"Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse" (often abbreviated as SMT IV: Apocalypse or even SMT: Apocalypse) is an action role-playing game developed and published by Atlus, a Japanese video game developer. The game was released in 2016 for the Nintendo 3DS. It is part of the Shin Megami Tensei series, known for its post-apocalyptic settings, deep storytelling, and the ability to recruit and negotiate with demons. Shin Megami Tensei IV- Apocalypse -UNDUB- 3DS -...
💡 UNDUB tip: Listen for smirk voice lines (Japanese) — they’re unique per demon/character.
For the purist, the UNDUB version of SMT IV: Apocalypse offers a specific aesthetic consistency that aligns better with the game’s setting.
1. Atmospheric Consistency The game takes place in a dystopian Tokyo. Hearing the characters speak Japanese grounds the player in the setting. The dissonance of walking through a faithfully recreated Ginza while hearing American accents and slang can break immersion for players seeking an authentic "import" feel. Japanese voice acting in anime-style RPGs is often
2. Character Portrayals Japanese voice acting (seiyuu) is a massive industry, and the performances in Apocalypse are high-caliber.
3. The "Persona" Effect By the time Apocalypse released, Atlus had found massive success with Persona 4 and Persona 5. The localization of Apocalypse seemed to chase that anime-style, high-energy banter. However, mainline SMT is traditionally darker and more stoic. The UNDUB restores the somber, serious tone that mainline SMT fans cherish.
A new menu tab that records:
Introduction: The Redemption of the Divine Powers
Released in 2016 (JP) and 2017 (WW), Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse (often abbreviated as SMT IV:A) is not a sequel in the traditional sense. It is a parallel story to the Neutral route of Shin Megami Tensei IV. While the original SMT IV followed Flynn’s journey to save the Eastern Kingdom of Mikado, Apocalypse follows a new protagonist, Nanashi, a young Hunter who is resurrected by the god Dagda to become his "Godslayer."
The game refined the Press Turn battle system, introduced "Partner" characters who fight alongside you, and offered a darker, more character-driven narrative. However, for many purists and hardcore fans, the original English release came with a significant caveat: the censorship of the dub and the absence of the original Japanese voice track. 💡 UNDUB tip: Listen for smirk voice lines
Enter the UNDUB version. For the passionate modding community on the 3DS, the SMT IV: Apocalypse UNDUB is considered the holy grail of localized Atlus games. This article will dive deep into what the UNDUB is, why it matters, how to install the CIA, and the technical nuances you need to know.