Why Shin Megami Tensei: Nine Needs to Be on GOG
Shin Megami Tensei: Nine is one of the most obscure and fascinating entries in the SMT franchise — an Xbox-exclusive title released only in Japan in 2002. It was originally planned as an ambitious online RPG before being reworked into a single-player experience. Despite its limited release and niche appeal, it represents a crucial moment in Atlus history and deserves a second life on a global, DRM-free platform like GOG.
Why does it need to be on GOG? First, preservation. SMT: Nine is a lost relic of a bold experiment. Its cyberpunk themes, unique morality system, and early-2000s aesthetic make it a time capsule of the franchise’s willingness to take risks. GOG is the perfect home for forgotten classics and cult gems — and Nine fits that description perfectly.
Second, it’s an important piece of the Megami Tensei universe. It’s set after SMT II and explores deep philosophical ideas about reality, identity, and the digital future — themes that have only become more relevant. With GOG’s global reach, a long-overdue localization or fan-backed preservation effort could finally bring this game to a broader audience.
Lastly, it’s a tribute to fans who’ve supported Atlus through the years. Releasing SMT: Nine on GOG would show respect for the history of one of gaming’s most enduring RPG franchises — giving new players a chance to experience a hidden chapter, and longtime fans a way to revisit it, without needing a Japanese Xbox from 2002.