Announced alongside the release window of Shin Megami Tensei 5 last year, the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 will be getting a port of Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne, bringing Atlus' 2003 cult-classic back for modern audiences. Since the enhanced release's unveiling, there's been very little information about when players can expect to get their hands on Nocturne, although it appears the re-release could be closer to launch than many might think.
As discovered by Gematsu, Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne HD Remaster has been rated by the ESRB and PEGI, with the two certification boards awarding it M17 + and 16 ratings respectively. Although there's no official confirmation of a release date, ratings can often signal a game is well on its way to launch, as was the case with the recently released Sinking City PS5 port which received a Tawainese rating back in January.
As for the rating itself, ESRB cites "acts of violence and blood" as well as "sexual material" as the main reasons behind its decision, referring to several sequences from the game. Meanwhile, PEGI states a variety of similar arguments as to why it has attached a 16 rating to the HD Remaster, referring to sexualized demons, scenes of intense violence, and frequent strong language in its breakdown of the certification. It'll be interesting to whether the listings hint that the Shin Megami Tensei 3 remaster is on its way soon.
For those who are unaware of Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne's return to screens, the re-release was unveiled during a Nintendo Direct Mini. The showcase provided a short glimpse of the title, which offers enhanced HD visuals and the ability to play the game on the go via the Nintendo Switch. The classic JRPG found a lot of acclaim over the years due to its unique gameplay and surreal story, following a high-school student who becomes imbued with demonic power after a cataclysmic event destroys Tokyo.
Considering Atlus has become bigger than ever through the franchise's immensely popular spin-off series, Persona, it seems now is the best time to bring Shin Megami Tensei back for modern audiences. The game will be getting a sequel later this year in Shin Megami Tensei 5, which will mark the first mainline iteration of Atlus' iconic series since Shin Megami Tensei 4 hit shelves back in 2013. The port of Nocturne appears to fall in line with the studio's new interest in bringing its most revered titles to modern platforms, with the team debuting Persona 4: Golden on Steam last year and reportedly being eager to re-release more games going forward.
Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne will release later this year on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.