You can thank a bad Dungeons and Dragons DM for one of Shin Megami Tensei's coolest mechanics
The negotiation mechanic in the Shin Megami Tensei series was inspired by a frustrating experience with a Dungeons and Dragons Dungeon Master. Kazunari Suzuki, a former Atlus developer, wanted to negotiate with goblins instead of fighting them, but was told it wasn't allowed by the rules. This led him to create a system where players could communicate with monsters, highlighting the importance of dialogue in RPGs.
- ▪Kazunari Suzuki was frustrated with a D&D DM who wouldn't allow negotiation with goblins.
- ▪He believed that goblins, being sentient, should be open to dialogue instead of combat.
- ▪This frustration inspired the negotiation system in the Shin Megami Tensei series.
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Games RPG You can thank a bad Dungeons and Dragons DM for one of Shin Megami Tensei's coolest mechanics News By Joshua Wolens published 18 May 2026 Like all great inventions, it's all thanks to spite. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Atlus) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Many years ago, everyone made fun of one British Doom reviewer who lamented that you couldn't talk to the monsters in the beloved FPS.
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