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(Created page with "{{Stub|series=SMT}}{{Image|reason=Screenshot of event wanted}} The ''Great Cataclysm'' is an apocalyptic event where most of humanity is wiped out by God ==Game Appearances== ==={{link|game|SMT1}}=== The Great Cataclysm is initiated by American general Thurmond, secretly the god Thor, working with the forces of Law. ==Gallery== <gallery> </gallery> ==Notes== {{Notelist}} ==References== {{Reflist}} Category:Apocalypses")
 
 
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{{Stub|series=SMT}}{{Image|reason=Screenshot of event wanted}}
{{Stub|series=SMT|reason=Inclusion of info and more examples in different games desired. Confirm that this event isn't referenced in ''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Tokyo Revelation]]''}}{{For|the apocalyptic event in {{Link|Game|SMT4}} and {{Link|Game|SMT4A}}|[[God's Plan]]}}
[[File:SMT1 MCD Great Cataclysm 1 Screenshot.png|thumb|350px|Screenshot of the ICBMs exploding over Tokyo during the Great Cataclysm from the Mega-CD version of {{Link|Game|SMT1}}]]
The '''Great Cataclysm''' is a recurring apocalyptic event in the [[Megami Tensei (Franchise)|Megami Tensei franchise]], which takes place in {{Link|Game|MT2}} and {{Link|Game|SMT1}}. In the {{Link|Series|SMT-}}, "Great Cataclysm" can refer to either when the city of Tokyo was barraged by ICBMs{{Note|ICBM is an abbreviation of intercontinental ballistic missile}} in the year [[Tokyo 199X (Shin Megami Tensei)|199X]]<ref name=SMT1Messian>{{Cite Game|quote=Messian: ...It is our duty to live on, holding our faith in God in our hearts. 30 years ago, this world was shattered by the great Cataclysm.|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref><ref name=SMT2timeline>{{Cite Book|quote=199X 「東京大破壊」トールマンがICBMのボタンを押す。 203X 「東京大洪水」大規模な地殻変動により東京近郊が陥没、浸水|des=|chapter=|book={{Link|Game|SMT2}} Manual|publyear=1994|author=|publisher=Atlus|lang=Japanese|volume=|edition=|page=5|transl=|isbn=}}</ref>, or collectively to the ICBM launch and the [[Great Flood]] of Tokyo in [[Tokyo 203X (Shin Megami Tensei)|203X]].<ref name=SMTIflood>{{Cite Web|quote=I.C.B.M投下と大洪水の2つの災いは合わせて「大破壊」と呼ばれることとなる。|author=Tetsuya Katsuta|url=[https://www.4gamer.net/games/017/G001723/20060811000000/ 4Gamer]|archive=|published=September 22, 2006|retrieved=February 15, 2024|site=https://www.4gamer.net/|type=}}</ref>


The ''Great Cataclysm'' is an apocalyptic event where most of humanity is wiped out by [[God]]
{{OTOC}}


==Game Appearances==
==={{link|game|MT2}}===
{{Sectionstub}}


==Game Appearances==
==={{link|game|SMT1}}===
==={{link|game|SMT1}}===
The Great Cataclysm is initiated by American general [[Thurmond]], secretly the god [[Thor]], working with the forces of [[Law]].  
In the {{Link|Series|SMT-}}, the Great Cataclysm occurred in the year [[Tokyo 199X (Shin Megami Tensei)|199X]] when the American Ambassador to Japan, [[Thorman]], launched nuclear ICBMs at Tokyo, with the intent of totally obliterating the city.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Ambassador Thorman: In mere moments, Tokyo shall be hit by an ICBM. This tainted city of vanity must be wiped from the face of the world with the demons.|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref> During the missile barrage, a shelter near [[Shinagawa (Shin Megami Tensei)|Shinagawa]] received a direct hit, leaving no survivors.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Old Man: There was an underground shelter to the southeast. Many fled there when the Great Cataclysm happened. But I heard it took a direct hit from the missiles, and they all died...|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref>
 
Thorman claims this was done in attempt to stop the arrival of the demon lord [[Lucifer]] and the further spread of demons being summoned by the [[JSDF]] Colonel [[Gotou]].<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Ambassador Thorman: The problem is Gotou. He plans to summon the dread lord Lucifer to Tokyo. We must make sure stop him before that can happen.|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Game|quote=American Soldier: If the coup succeeds and demons take over Tokyo... Ambassador Thorman said that he would order missiles to be launched at Tokyo.|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref> However, Gotou claims the inverse, that he summoned demons in order to stop the Japan Annihilation Project, part of [[YHVH|God's]] plan to massacre anyone he deems unfit for the Millennium Kingdom, and that his demons were being used to protect Japan from missile launches.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Gotou: As prejudice, poverty, and war engulf the world, we have awakened ancient demons. This was done in order to prepare for the true crisis. That crisis is the Japan Annihilation Project! We have drawn on the power of the ancient gods to fight this horrific conspiracy.|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Gotou: Currently, there is a plan to create a "Millennium Kingdom" in the name of God. The Millennium Kingdom... The people living there are promised eternal peace and prosperity. However, only a handful, chosen by God, are allowed to enter. All others will be massacred by the US military in God's name. Even as we speak, the ancient gods of Japan protect this land from missile attacks...|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref>
 
{{Startspoiler|1}}
No matter which choice the [[Hero (Shin Megami Tensei)|Hero]] takes in the feud between Thorman and Gotou, the ICBMs are launched at Tokyo successfully, giving the party 30 seconds to respond. However, just before the blast, the [[Heroine]] sacrifices her life to cast [[Traport]], teleporting the Hero, [[Law Hero]], and [[Chaos Hero]] outside of the range of the explosion.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=At this rate, we'll both be killed! You have to survive! There's no time left. ...Goodbye, HERO. > HEROINE cast Traport.|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref> The remaining party members find themselves within the [[Diamond Realm]], where they remain while 30 years pass in Tokyo.<ref name=SMT1Messian></ref>
 
In the three decades after the Great Cataclysm, the landscape of Tokyo changed and the entire world has been ravaged,<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=En no Ozuno: You must know that the world you lived in has been utterly destroyed.|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref> but there are still survivors. Among them, the [[Messian Church]], sees the Great Cataclysm as a trial by God to test their faith.<ref name=SMT1Messian></ref><ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Messian: The Cataclysm 30 years ago was a trial sent to us by God. But now the world is recovering, thanks to the hard work of those who never lost faith. Faith in God...|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref> A major difference between Tokyo in 199X and [[Tokyo 203X (Shin Megami Tensei)|203X]] is that overtime the yen has become worthless in favor of a new currency, [[Macca]]. The Hero learns this firsthand when attempting to give yen to a beggar outside of [[Shinjuku (Shin Megami Tensei)|Shinjuku]] who rejects it.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Shabby Man: What the hell am I supposed to do with this...? Give me Macca, dammit! Damn cheapskates... I hope you end up as Ozawa's slaves in Shinjuku... ...Don't you even know where Shinjuku is? It's north from here, and then west. > The yen HERO had is now nothing more than scrap paper...|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref> Now, yen only has value as a collector's item and can be exchanged with an old man in Shinjuku for Macca.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Old Man: What do you want? Ah, you have yen that was used before the Great Cataclysm! Won't you let me have it?|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Old Man: My collection's even bigger now...|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref>
{{Endspoiler|1}}
 
====Visionaries====
More details concerning the Great Cataclysm and it's fallout were revealed in the [[Visionary]] cutscenes featured in the GBA and iOS versions of {{link|game|SMT1}}.
 
In "US Flag", Ambassador Thorman is shown convincing the President of the United States to approve his request to launch ICBMs at Tokyo. Initially, the President is unsure, but after Thorman tells him that there was likely a demon behind martial law getting instituted in Tokyo, he agrees, believing that some lives are worth sacrificing for the sake of order.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Thorman: This martial law they've enacted isn't to restore order in the city. I believe there's a high-ranking demon behind it all. President: You think the demons are taking advantage of the chaos to enslave humanity...? Then there's no getting around this purification of Tokyo. Some sacrifices are necessary to maintain order, after all.|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref>
 
In "Jade Ring", [[Law Hero's Girlfriend]] is confirmed to have been killed in the explosion, only remembering a bright light before passing.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Count Red: There we are... We must make this city a beautiful one for dear Alice. Resurrected ones! Given time, your appearance will be as it was before. May you all live joyful lives here in Roppongi! Law Hero's Girlfriend: What? I...There was a bright light, then... What happened afterwards?|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref>
 
In "Balisong", [[Ozawa]] hears the blast from a safe distance. He does not know what it was, but assumes that it means Gotou must've screwed up his plans.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=> Immediately after the Great Cataclysm… Ozawa: Oww… Shit. What WAS that just now…? Looks like that Gotou screwed up somewhere along the line.|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref>
 
In "Dog Collar", [[Pascal]] is shown searching for the Hero after the Great Cataclysm, but is disheartened, believing no human body could survive the blast. However, Pascal continues the search for years,<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Pascal: GRRR... *whine* NO SMELL HERO HERE EITHER.COULD NO SURVIVE THAT BLAST WITH HUMAN BODY. *whine* > A few years later...|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref> until coming across [[Echidna]] at [[Tokyo Destinyland]], who brainwashes them into becoming her servant.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Echidna: Soon...Soon your worthless memories will be no more... Here's an idea... I'll have you live beneath me as a gatekeeper. Hahaha...|title=Shin Megami Tensei|developer=|publisher=|platform=iOS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref>
 
==={{link|game|SMT2}}===
The Great Cataclysm is referenced in the monologue during ''Shin Megami Tensei II's'' opening cinematic: "Several decades after the great destruction… While cultivating the wilderness, fighting off packs of demons, and through countless deaths, humanity survived… But people were not strong enough to survive without someone or something to cling to or rely on… The [[Messian Church|Messian]] religion preached the advent of a savior, gathered together believers and built a city on the site of the old cathedral… This city came to be known as [[Tokyo Millennium]]."<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=大破壊より　数十年……　荒野を耕し　悪魔の群れと戦い　無数の生と死をくり返しながら　人は　生きのびていた……　だが　頼るもの　すがるもの無く　生きていけるほど人は強くない　人は明日への希望を探した……　メシア教は救世主の降臨を説き　信じた人が集い　街が出来た　かつて……　カテドラルと呼ばれた所に……　20XX年　かくして　トウキョウは　TOKYOミレニアムとなった|translquote=Several decades after the great destruction… While cultivating the wilderness, fighting off packs of demons, and through countless deaths, humanity survived… But people were not strong enough to survive without someone or something to cling to or rely on… The Messian religion preached the advent of a savior, gathered together believers and built a city on the site of the old cathedral… This city came to be known as Tokyo Millennium.|title=Shin Megami Tensei II|developer=ATLUS|publisher=|platform=SFC|version=|lang=|transl=[[Aeon Genesis]]}}</ref>
 
{{Startspoiler|2}}
This information is later restated by [[Mekata]] who briefly references the Great Cataclysm and the wasteland that was once Tokyo as part of the Messian Church's motivation to create the Tokyo Millennium and eventually start the [[Messiah Project]].<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=かつての大破壊後　世界は荒れ果てた　メシア教団は　人々を救うため　自らの手で千年王国を造ろうとした　これが”TOKYOミレニアム”だ　そして　救世主の出現を待ったのだが　彼らが待ち望んだ救世主は　……ついに　現れなかった　センター元老院は　自らの手で　自ら　望む救世主を　造り上げようとした|translquote=|title=Shin Megami Tensei II|developer=ATLUS|publisher=|platform=SFC|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref>
{{Endspoiler|2}}
 
==={{link|game|SMTN}}===
The Great Cataclysm is explained in Chapter 3 when the party visits the [[Ring of Gaea]] headquarters. [[Mubiora]] describes the event as "a great tragedy that will remain a stain on the history of mankind for all eternity,"<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Mubiora: Of course, use of nuclear weapons by the US military... It was a great tragedy that will remain a stain on the history of mankind for all eternity.|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Nine|developer=ATLUS|publisher=|platform=XB|version=|lang=English|transl=AlexHollins}}</ref> but doesn't know the details. A wise man reveals that this is because the [[Central Bureau of Administrative Services]] is hiding what really happened from the masses to maintain public trust in their government.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Mubiora: That's what happened to Tokyo... I've never heard such a story come from Administration. Wise Man: Of course not. In the end the Central Administration Bureau became the rulers, and have since grown fearsome of any information that would spawn distrust amongst users.|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Nine|developer=ATLUS|publisher=|platform=XB|version=|lang=English|transl=AlexHollins}}</ref> He describes the true events as occurring as follows: There was a man named [[Gotou]] who spread the word of Gaea and opposed the Americans. He had planned to use demons to create their ideal world, but the Americans feared the demon's great power, so the Ambassador [[Thorman]] responded with nuclear force destroying the entire city along with the demons.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Wise Man: He spread the word of Gaia to achieve the ideal world.|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Nine|developer=ATLUS|publisher=|platform=XB|version=|lang=English|transl=AlexHollins}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Wise Man: Gotou opposed Thorman, stood up against him. He needed the power of demons to create his ideal world. America - fearing that great power - reacted with nuclear force. Tokyo was buried along with the demons.|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Nine|developer=ATLUS|publisher=|platform=XB|version=|lang=English|transl=AlexHollins}}</ref>
 
==={{link|game|GMT}}===
''Giten Megami Tensei'' takes place on a parallel world to {{Link|Game|SMT1}} where similar events have taken place.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote=The comic version is on a different world line than the Sin-Megami-tensei series. The comic version and Giten-Megami-tensei are on the same world line.|author=[[Kazunari Suzuki]]|url=[https://x.com/baelzebub/status/1652335962805133313?s=20 Twitter]|archive=|published=April 29, 2023|retrieved=February 15, 2024|site=https://x.com|type=}}</ref> In this world, several demons suddenly began appearing in [[Tokyo (Giten Megami Tensei)|Tokyo]] when Commander [[Gotou]] of the [[JSDF]] began leading the Japanese military to suppress them. In response, the U.S. Marines began fighting both the demons and the JSDF, but were eventually forced to retreat. The American Ambassador [[Thorman]], believing that the suppression of Tokyo's demons was no longer possible ordered a submarine to launch nuclear missiles at the city. The damage caused from this explosion was comparable to that of the fallout from World War II. The Great Cataclysm is said to be part of the [[YHVH|Creator's]] plan to eliminate mankind.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=時は20世紀末。今まで散発的に現われては、 デビルバスター達によって秘密裏に処理されていた悪魔達が、 突如大挙して東京に現われた。 間髪を入れず、悪魔を制圧するという名目を掲げ、五島司令に率いられた自衛隊がクーデターを起こす。 米海兵隊は、悪魔と自衛隊の両方を敵に廻して戦い、ついには敗退する。同じ頃米大使トールマンは、魔神トールと化して悪魔率いる少年と戦い敗れていた。もはや東京の悪魔制圧は不可能と考えたトールマンは、今際の際に原子力潜水艦の核ミサイル発射命令を出す。東京はミサイルの直撃を受け、 太平洋戦争以来の未曾有の大破壊に見舞われた。この災厄は、創造主による、 堕落した人類抹殺計画の一部と言われており、多くの天使たちがこれに加担している。|translquote=It is the end of the 20th Century. Demons, whose sporadic appearances were secretly dealt with by Demon Busters, suddenly began to appear in Tokyo in large numbers. In no time at all, under the pretext of suppressing the demons, Commander Gotou led the JSDF in a coup d'état. Then, the US Marine Corps made enemies of both the demons and the JSDF, fighting them before finally withdrawing. Meanwhile, the American Ambassador Thorman, after transforming into the Deity Thor, had been defeated by a boy who was capable of controlling demons. No longer believing the suppression of Tokyo's demons to be possible, Thorman ordered a submarine to fire its nuclear missiles. Tokyo was directly hit by the missiles, resulting in a Great Cataclysm whose destruction was on a scale not seen since the Pacific War. This disaster is said to be a part of the Creator's plan to bring about the fall of man and destroy it altogether, a plan in which many of His angels are complicit.|des=|chapter=|book={{Link|Game|GMT}} Manual|publyear=1997|author=|publisher=Atlus|lang=Japanese|volume=|edition=|page=3|transl=[[User:24karatDVNO]]|isbn=}}</ref>
 
While Tokyo was demolished by nuclear missiles, the damage was somewhat mitigated by political leaders who anticipated the Great Cataclysm and managed to evacuate some of the populace to underground shelters before the attack.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=東京は核ミサイルにより大破壊に見舞われた。しかし、地位のある人々は、この大破壊を予見し、あらかじめ地下核シェルターに家族ごと避難していた。|translquote=In the Great Cataclysm, Tokyo was destroyed by nuclear missiles.  However, in anticipation of the Cataclysm, its leaders had evacuated many families to underground nuclear shelters beforehand.|des=|chapter=|book={{Link|Game|GMT}} Manual|publyear=1997|author=|publisher=Atlus|lang=Japanese|volume=|edition=|page=4|transl=[[User:24karatDVNO]]|isbn=}}</ref> However, these shelters quickly developed a caste system, literally instituting "citizen levels" which determines the resources and security priority granted to any given person.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=残ったシェルターでは「市民レベル」が設定され、 厳しい階級制が誕生した。 限ら生活物資(特に贅沢品)と安全を享受する優先権と、その優先権の永続性を支配者たちは欲したのである。|translquote=These remaining shelters have been assigned “citizen levels”, giving rise to a strict class system.  Commodities for daily life (especially luxury goods) are limited by the leaders to ensure safety and sustenance.|des=|chapter=|book={{Link|Game|GMT}} Manual|publyear=1997|author=|publisher=Atlus|lang=Japanese|volume=|edition=|page=4|transl=[[User:24karatDVNO]]|isbn=}}</ref> Conversely, the surface became a no man's land, overrun with bandits, killer robots, and mutants transformed from the fallout radiation.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=彼らは日本を地下からも支配できると考えていたが、地上はたちまち無政府状態となっていった。崩壊した首都圏で動くものは、 放射線の影響で生じたミュータントたちと、暴走するガーディアン・ロボットぐらいであった。|translquote=As they believed that Japan could be governed from underground, the surface quickly descended into a state of anarchy. Mutants developed from radiation and runaway guard robots roam the ruined metropolitan area.  Despite this, it overflows with criminals from the region who fight with the demons over control of it.|des=|chapter=|book={{Link|Game|GMT}} Manual|publyear=1997|author=|publisher=Atlus|lang=Japanese|volume=|edition=|page=4|transl=[[User:24karatDVNO]]|isbn=}}</ref> Much of the surface is controlled by demons who have taken claim of specific districts of Tokyo and aggressively attempt to conquer the territory of their rivals.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=悪魔たちは池袋のアバドン、六本木のイポス、品川のアシラトなど、それぞれに勢力圏を持ち、互いに覇権を争っていた。|translquote=The demons, such as Abaddon of Ikebukuro, Ipos of Roppongi, Asherah of Shinagawa, and others occupy their own spheres of power, each competing for supremacy.|des=|chapter=|book={{Link|Game|GMT}} Manual|publyear=1997|author=|publisher=Atlus|lang=Japanese|volume=|edition=|page=4|transl=[[User:24karatDVNO]]|isbn=}}</ref>
 
==={{Link|Game|SMTI}}===
The Great Cataclysm was sparked in the year 199X by the emergence of demons in Tokyo. This indirectly led to a series of nuclear wars across the Earth, and eventually, the end of modern society. All over the world, humans and demons are engaged in constant warfare.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Tokyo, 199X... A freak accident involving a teleportation device causes strange beings to appear in Kichijoji. The people who see them call them Demons. The event triggers a series of nuclear wars in every region in the world that eventually lead to the end of civilization. At the end of the century, humans and demons are still fighting a seemingly endless war.|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine|developer=Cave|publisher=Atlus|platform=WIN|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref> In 202X, the [[Great Flood]] occurs, killing the majority of the demons in Tokyo and ending the fighting.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=202X... A Great Flood drowns out the chaos of Tokyo. Very few demons survive the flooding, and people stop fighting each other.|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine|developer=Cave|publisher=Atlus|platform=WIN|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref> Rumors spread that Tokyo was saved by a young man, but there are no surviving records of what happened.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Rumors spread through the human population that it was a young man who saved Tokyo. |title=Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine|developer=Cave|publisher=Atlus|platform=WIN|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Web|quote=この混乱した状況沈静化させたのは1人の「少年」であったという。彼はI.C.B.M投下前の東京にも現われ、ゴトウやトールマンとも戦ったと言われるが、定かではない。大洪水の後に再び現われた少年はカテドラルに向かった。そこで何が起こったかは現在の記録にはないが、それを境に悪魔の出現が極端に減ったという。|author=Tetsuya Katsuta|url=[https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20060922/megami.htm Game Watch]|archive=|published=September 22, 2006|retrieved=February 15, 2024|site=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/|type=}}</ref>
 
After experiencing the Great Cataclysm, the citizens of [[Tokyo (Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine)|Tokyo]] were determined to rebuild the city and came together to create the [[Commune]], a communal society defined by cooperation beyond any ideological boundaries. During this period, the [[Messian Church]] and the [[Ring of Gaea]] reached a non-aggression pact. Though the Commune was originally founded through the leadership of the [[Seven Philosophers]], after the society was established, the group disbanded and relinquished their authority to General [[Furushima]], who would go on to create the [[Devil Buster Management Agency]].<ref>{{Cite Web|quote=大破壊を経験した人々は、破滅的な状況からの復活と、悪魔からの防衛を目的に、宗教や思想の枠を越えた人間達の調和と協調を呼びかけ、共同体社会を作り出す。この共同体社会は「7人の賢者」によって樹立された。ちなみにこの賢者の中にはメシア教団大司教「勤勉なるユダ」、ガイア教団大僧正「剛毅なる道灌」も名を連ねている。2つの教団は共同体社会の体制の下、不可侵協定を結んでいる。現在、共同体社会は7人の賢者の手から離れ、初代総帥である「古島」に全権がゆだねられている。「デビルバスター管理機関」は古島総帥によって設立されたものである。7人の賢者は共同体設立を期に解散している。|author=Tetsuya Katsuta|url=[https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20060922/megami.htm Game Watch]|archive=|published=September 22, 2006|retrieved=February 15, 2024|site=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/|type=}}</ref>
With Tokyo reduced to a wasteland, the civilians who lost their housing in the Great Cataclysm were forced to build underground nuclear shelters called "Homes" to avoid the demons on the surface. Over time, these Homes thrived to the point where they became urban centers comparable to the cities of the past.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote=“東京大破壊”によって住む場所を失い、悪魔の襲撃に怯える日々を余儀なくされた人々は、東京の各地に地下核シェルターを築いた。多くの人々が暮らすシェルターは“ホーム”と呼ばれ、地上からは失われた都市的な機能を持つまでに栄えた。悪魔召喚プログラムを手に入れ、デビルバスターとなるプレイヤーは、スギナミの“第三ホーム”から、“空白の時代”への第一歩を踏み出すこととなる。|author=|url=[https://www.4gamer.net/games/017/G001723/20060811000000/ 4Gamer]|archive=|published=August 11, 2006|retrieved=February 15, 2024|site=https://www.4gamer.net/|type=}}</ref> In order to support the daily lives of the survivors, the Commune established the Tokyo Revitalization Project to rebuild the city's infrastructure. This includes renovations, such as installing [[Terminal]] systems in Home shelters<ref>{{Cite Web|quote=共同体社会の「東京再生プロジェクト」によって配置されたターミナルコンピューターが設置されていて、人々の生活をサポートしている。|author=Tetsuya Katsuta|url=[https://www.4gamer.net/games/017/G001723/20060811000000/ 4Gamer]|archive=|published=September 22, 2006|retrieved=February 15, 2024|site=https://www.4gamer.net/|type=}}</ref>, and large-scale construction. The symbol of the Tokyo Revitalization Project is the [[Shinjuku Babel]], an enormous building with a height of 3000 meters, which is the most prosperous area in post-Great Cataclysm Tokyo. The complex contains a wide variety of facilities including offices and residences<ref>{{Cite Web|quote=大破壊後の新宿の地に、天を貫くかのようにそびえ立つ“新宿バベル”は、かつて七人の賢者によって進められていた“東京再生プロジェクト”の象徴とも言える建造物だ。その規模は半径400 メートル、高さ3000 メートルに至り、内部には行政をはじめ住居や各種施設が存在する。外装は既に完成済み。内部は未完成の状態ではあるが、一部の区画には人々が入居しており、大破壊後の東京において、最も活気のある都市として栄えている。|author=|url=[https://www.4gamer.net/games/017/G001723/20060811000000/ 4Gamer]|archive=|published=August 11, 2006|retrieved=February 15, 2024|site=https://www.4gamer.net/|type=}}</ref>, including a plant for bio-engineering artificial humans called [[Innocent]]s. This technology was developed to respond to the large demand for labor required to rebuild the demolished city. Unlike humans, Innocents are androids an obedient workforce that can be easily manufactured and controlled by the community society.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote=人造人間：イノセント 東京大破壊後、壊滅的な状況からの復興を目指す人々にとって、労働力の確保は重大な課題として重くのし掛かった。その問題を解決するための手段として生まれたのが“イノセント”である。イノセントは、“七人の賢者”の一人にして生体科学者の“叡智の久坂”によって作り出された“人造人間”である。イノセントは新宿バベル内部の“イノセントプラント”で製造されており、共同体社会の管理・統制の下、従順な労働力として東京の再生に貢献している。|author=|url=[https://www.4gamer.net/games/017/G001723/20060811000000/ 4Gamer]|archive=|published=August 11, 2006|retrieved=February 15, 2024|site=https://www.4gamer.net/|type=}}</ref>
 
The Great Cataclysm also drastically effected the landscape of Tokyo. Three mysterious obelisks have suddenly appeared in the districts of Nakano, Ichigaya, and Shibuya. It is unknown why they were built or what purpose they were intended to serve.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote=“東京大破壊後”の東京に突如現れた謎の3本の柱“オベリスク”は、いつ誰が、何を目的に建てられたのかは明らかではない。ナカノ、イチガヤ、シブヤの三ヵ所それぞれに種類の異なるオベリスクが建っており、オベリスクの発する力によって、周囲の環境と地殻は大きく変化している。オベリスクの周辺で悪魔を目撃したという報告は後を絶たない……|author=|url=[https://www.4gamer.net/games/017/G001723/20060811000000/ 4Gamer]|archive=|published=August 11, 2006|retrieved=February 15, 2024|site=https://www.4gamer.net/|type=}}</ref>
 
==={{link|game|DeSum}}===
The Great Cataclysm does not occur in ''Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner''{{'}}s timeline, but there a number of in-game references to the event.
 
A news report heard in [[Afro Teahouse]] mentions that an American military ICBM site in Arizona narrowly avoided an accidental launch, but the malfunction was quickly noticed by staff and the system was shut down before a missile was launched. The military is investigating the incident, but dismissed the idea that the missile was intentionally planned to be launched.<ref name=Arizona>{{Cite Game|quote=ＴＶ：……アメリカ、アリゾナ州のＩＣＢＭ基地で誤ってミサイルが発射されそうになる事故が起こりました。基地の係員が異常に気づき、発射装置を止めミサイルは発射されず、大事にはいたりませんでしたが、現在のところ原因は不明です。米軍が原因の調査を行っていますが、何者かが故意に発射させようとしたのではないかという見方について米軍側は否定しています。|translquote=|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner|developer=ATLUS|publisher=|platform=SS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref>
 
Other reports surrounding related figures can also be heard at separate points throughout the game. Ambassador [[Thorman]] is revealed to have died of a heart attack<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=ＴＶ：……アメリカのトールマン駐日大使が心不全で亡くなられました。６８歳でした。トールマン大使は、就任前は対日強硬派として知られていましたが、大使に就任後は日米友好に力をつくされ……。|translquote=|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner|developer=ATLUS|publisher=|platform=SS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref>, while Colonel [[Gotou]] was arrested for stockpiling weapons and confessed that he was preparing to take action for change.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=ＴＶ：……逮捕されたのは、陸上自衛隊五島公夫一等陸佐です。五島容疑者は、ピストル・ライフルなどの武器を大量にかくし持っていたもようです。調べに対し、五島容疑者は、自分は変革のための行動を起こそうとしていた、などと自供。しかし自供内容のつじつまがあわず、関係者の証言によると、五島容疑者の最近の言動には異常な点が多く見られたことから、警察では、五島容疑者の精神鑑定を行うことを検討しています……。|translquote=|title=Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner|developer=ATLUS|publisher=|platform=SS|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref>
 
==={{link|game|DSRK1}}===
 
{{Startspoiler|3}}
A lost soul in the [[Tokyo 199X (Shin Megami Tensei)|1990s]] section of the [[Akarana Corridor]] says [[Raidou Kuzunoha XIV]] has 30 seconds to take cover because the [[Thorman|ambassador]] has just launched the ICBMs at Tokyo.<ref name=Raidou>{{Cite Game|quote=Lost Soul: Wh-What are you doing!? Hurry, take cover! The ambassador has launched the ICBMs! In under 30 seconds, Tokyo will be... Here it comes!|title=Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army|developer=Atlus|publisher=|platform=PS2|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref>
 
At the end of the game, the [[Raidou Kuzunoha XL|Presence within Kaya]] is revealed to be a time-traveler from the 2050s<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Time tourist: So your name's Raidou, too? I know a Raidou. The teep was a Templar Knight, with some tera-level skills. Could have gone upstairs someday. But no, not that teep. Just vacated the Center one day, said 'I have a task greater than this.'|title=Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army|developer=Atlus|publisher=|platform=PS2|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref> who came from the future to stop the events from {{Link|Game|SMT1}} and {{Link|Game|SMT2}} from occurring.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Presence within Kaya: If all had gone as planned, history after Taisho 20 would have taken a different path... But because of you, no one will ever see the new future I dreamt of... Are you satisfied, judging right and wrong with your own eyes, blinded from the truth!? What you've done will result in a future ruled by vile fanatics... Society under total control... 'Freedom' as seen from within a cage!|title=Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army|developer=Atlus|publisher=|platform=PS2|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref> After being defeated by Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, XL warns XIV that a harsh future awaits both him and Tokyo.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=Presence within Kaya: I am lost... Fourteenth... remember my words... A harsh... unrelenting future... awaits the Capital... and you...|title=Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army|developer=Atlus|publisher=|platform=PS2|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref>
{{Endspoiler|3}}
 
==Novel Appearances==
===''[[Shin Megami Tensei: Final Story]]''===
{{Sectionstub}}
 
==Trivia==
*The [[Aeon Genesis]] translation of {{Link|Game|SMT2}}'s manual states that after the Great Cataclysm "global nuclear holocaust ensued",<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=The Great Destruction of Tokyo Thorman presses the button to launch nuclear-warhead-tipped ICBMs at Tokyo. Global nuclear holocaust ensues.|des=|chapter=|book={{Link|Game|SMT2}} Manual|publyear=1994|author=|publisher=Atlus|lang=Japanese|volume=|edition=|page=5|transl=[[Aeon Genesis]]|isbn=}}</ref> but this is not present in the original Japanese text.<ref name=SMT2timeline></ref>
*In ''Shin Megami Tensei II'', [[Satan]] references the Great Cataclysm in comparison to the [[Ark (Shin Megami Tensei II)|Megiddo Ark]], saying that it is capable of a "true Great Cataclysm" that will annihilate all evil.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=方舟には　もう1つ役目がある　再生のために行う　真の大破壊　……イレースだ　それは　強力なエネルギー光　メギド・アークを　地上にあびせ　全ての悪しき物を消滅させる|translquote=|title=Shin Megami Tensei II|developer=ATLUS|publisher=|platform=SFC|version=|lang=|transl=}}</ref>
*In {{Link|Game|SMTI}}, "Great Cataclysm" collectively refers to the ICBM launch and the [[Great Flood]]<ref name=SMTIflood></ref>
*In ''Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine'', Ichigaya is stated as being the epicenter of the ICBM explosion.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote=イチガヤのオベリスク 東京大破壊の引き金となったI.C.B.M.の爆心地周辺。地表にはマグマが噴き出し、危険なエリアと化している。|author=Tetsuya Katsuta|url=[https://www.4gamer.net/games/017/G001723/20060811000000/ 4Gamer]|archive=|published=September 22, 2006|retrieved=February 15, 2024|site=https://www.4gamer.net/|type=}}</ref> This is a reference to [[Gotou]]'s headquarters, [[Camp Ichigaya (Shin Megami Tensei)|Camp Ichigaya]]
*The ICBM site located in Arizona<ref name=Arizona></ref> mentioned in {{Link|Game|DeSum}} may be a reference to the real life location {{wp|Titan Missle Museum|Air Force Facility Missile Site 8}}, a former ICBM site active during the height of the Cold War. This site was previously equipped with the largest single warhead used in the American ICBM program and was capable of launching a nine megaton thermonuclear warhead within 58 seconds which could reach a target over 6000 miles away in less than 30 minutes. The site was made in response to public fears of the United States' nuclear capabilities in comparison to the Soviet Union.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote=Air Force Facility Missile Site 8 (571-7) Military Reservation in Green Valley, Arizona, is the sole remaining Titan II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) complex of the 54 that were "on alert" during the Cold War between 1963 and 1987. The Titan II missiles were contructed to survive a first strike nuclear attack from the Soviet Union and to retaliate. It is the single remaining example of the liquid-fueled ICBM missile launch facilities utilized by the Strategic Air Command. Titan II carried the largest single warhead used in the ICBM program and was capable of destroying targets that Atlas, Titan I and Minuteman I and II could not. Built in response to the "missile gap" panic of the late 1950s and early 1960s, Titan II Missile Site 571-7 provides a unique window into the design, construction and operation of a weapon system built to survive a first-strike nuclear attack and be able to launch its missile if so ordered.|author=Aviation: From Sand Dunes to Sonic Booms|url=[https://www.nps.gov/articles/air-force-facility-missile-site-8-5717-military-reservation.htm National Park Service]|archive=|published=November 26, 2017|retrieved=February 15, 2024|site=https://www.nps.gov/index.htm|type=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Web|quote=The Titan II was capable of launching from its underground silo in 58 seconds and could deliver a nine megaton thermonuclear warhead to its target more than 6,000 miles (approximately 10,000 km) away in less than thirty minutes.|author=|url=[https://titanmissilemuseum.org/about/ Titan Missile Museum]|archive=|published=|retrieved=February 15, 2024|site=https://titanmissilemuseum.org/|type=}}</ref>
*In {{Link|Game|DSRK1}}, a lost soul tells [[Raidou Kuzunoha XIV]] that he has 30 seconds to take cover for the incoming ICBMs as a reference to {{Link|Game|SMT1}} when the [[Hero (Shin Megami Tensei)|Hero]] is placed on a 30 second timer after [[Thorman]] launches the ICBMs.<ref name=Raidou></ref>
 
==Nomenclature==
{{Names
|ja=大破壊 ''Dai hakai''{{Exp App|SMT1}}<br>東京大破壊 ''Tōkyō dai hakai''{{Exp App|SMT2}}
|jaM=Great Destruction<br>Great Destruction of Tokyo
|zhS=
|zhSM=
|zhT=
|zhTM=
|fr=
|frM=
|de=
|deM=
|it=
|itM=
|ko=
|koM=
|es=
|esM=
}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
SMT1 MCD Great Cataclysm 2 Screenshot.png|Screenshot of the ICBM explosion during the Great Cataclysm from the Mega-CD version of {{Link|Game|SMT1}}
SMT1 MCD Great Cataclysm 3 Screenshot.png|Screenshot of the ICBM explosion during the Great Cataclysm from the Mega-CD version of {{Link|Game|SMT1}}
MT2 Great Cataclysm 1 Screenshot.png|Screenshot of the ICBM falling in {{link|game|mt2}}
MT2 Great Cataclysm 2 Screenshot.png|Screenshot of the ICBM explosion in {{link|game|mt2}}
MT2 Great Cataclysm 3 Screenshot.png|Screenshot of the ICBM explosion in {{link|game|mt2}}
MT2 Great Cataclysm 4 Screenshot.png|Screenshot of the ICBM aftermath in {{link|game|mt2}}
KMT MT2 Great Cataclysm 1 Screenshot.png|Screenshot of the ICBM falling in {{link|game|kmt}}
KMT MT2 Great Cataclysm 2 Screenshot.png|Screenshot of the ICBM explosion in {{link|game|kmt}}
KMT MT2 Great Cataclysm 3 Screenshot.png|Screenshot of the ICBM explosion in {{link|game|kmt}}
KMT MT2 Great Cataclysm 4 Screenshot.png|Screenshot of the ICBM aftermath in {{link|game|kmt}}
</gallery>
</gallery>


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{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


 
[[Category:Terminology]]
 
 
[[Category:Apocalypses]]
[[Category:Apocalypses]]
[[Category:Shin Megami Tensei (Game)]]
[[Category:Shin Megami Tensei II]]
[[Category:Shin Megami Tensei: Nine]]
[[Category:Giten Megami Tensei: Tokyo Revelation]]
[[Category:Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine]]
[[Category:Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army]]

Latest revision as of 23:48, 23 November 2024

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Reason: Inclusion of info and more examples in different games desired. Confirm that this event isn't referenced in Shin Megami Tensei: Tokyo Revelation
For the apocalyptic event in Shin Megami Tensei IV and Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse, see God's Plan.
Screenshot of the ICBMs exploding over Tokyo during the Great Cataclysm from the Mega-CD version of Shin Megami Tensei

The Great Cataclysm is a recurring apocalyptic event in the Megami Tensei franchise, which takes place in Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei II and Shin Megami Tensei. In the Shin Megami Tensei series, "Great Cataclysm" can refer to either when the city of Tokyo was barraged by ICBMs[a] in the year 199X[1][2], or collectively to the ICBM launch and the Great Flood of Tokyo in 203X.[3]

Game Appearances

Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei II

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Shin Megami Tensei

In the Shin Megami Tensei series, the Great Cataclysm occurred in the year 199X when the American Ambassador to Japan, Thorman, launched nuclear ICBMs at Tokyo, with the intent of totally obliterating the city.[4] During the missile barrage, a shelter near Shinagawa received a direct hit, leaving no survivors.[5]

Thorman claims this was done in attempt to stop the arrival of the demon lord Lucifer and the further spread of demons being summoned by the JSDF Colonel Gotou.[6][7] However, Gotou claims the inverse, that he summoned demons in order to stop the Japan Annihilation Project, part of God's plan to massacre anyone he deems unfit for the Millennium Kingdom, and that his demons were being used to protect Japan from missile launches.[8][9]

This section contains spoilers. (Skip Section)

No matter which choice the Hero takes in the feud between Thorman and Gotou, the ICBMs are launched at Tokyo successfully, giving the party 30 seconds to respond. However, just before the blast, the Heroine sacrifices her life to cast Traport, teleporting the Hero, Law Hero, and Chaos Hero outside of the range of the explosion.[10] The remaining party members find themselves within the Diamond Realm, where they remain while 30 years pass in Tokyo.[1]

In the three decades after the Great Cataclysm, the landscape of Tokyo changed and the entire world has been ravaged,[11] but there are still survivors. Among them, the Messian Church, sees the Great Cataclysm as a trial by God to test their faith.[1][12] A major difference between Tokyo in 199X and 203X is that overtime the yen has become worthless in favor of a new currency, Macca. The Hero learns this firsthand when attempting to give yen to a beggar outside of Shinjuku who rejects it.[13] Now, yen only has value as a collector's item and can be exchanged with an old man in Shinjuku for Macca.[14][15]

End of spoilers.

Visionaries

More details concerning the Great Cataclysm and it's fallout were revealed in the Visionary cutscenes featured in the GBA and iOS versions of Shin Megami Tensei.

In "US Flag", Ambassador Thorman is shown convincing the President of the United States to approve his request to launch ICBMs at Tokyo. Initially, the President is unsure, but after Thorman tells him that there was likely a demon behind martial law getting instituted in Tokyo, he agrees, believing that some lives are worth sacrificing for the sake of order.[16]

In "Jade Ring", Law Hero's Girlfriend is confirmed to have been killed in the explosion, only remembering a bright light before passing.[17]

In "Balisong", Ozawa hears the blast from a safe distance. He does not know what it was, but assumes that it means Gotou must've screwed up his plans.[18]

In "Dog Collar", Pascal is shown searching for the Hero after the Great Cataclysm, but is disheartened, believing no human body could survive the blast. However, Pascal continues the search for years,[19] until coming across Echidna at Tokyo Destinyland, who brainwashes them into becoming her servant.[20]

Shin Megami Tensei II

The Great Cataclysm is referenced in the monologue during Shin Megami Tensei II's opening cinematic: "Several decades after the great destruction… While cultivating the wilderness, fighting off packs of demons, and through countless deaths, humanity survived… But people were not strong enough to survive without someone or something to cling to or rely on… The Messian religion preached the advent of a savior, gathered together believers and built a city on the site of the old cathedral… This city came to be known as Tokyo Millennium."[21]

This section contains spoilers. (Skip Section)

This information is later restated by Mekata who briefly references the Great Cataclysm and the wasteland that was once Tokyo as part of the Messian Church's motivation to create the Tokyo Millennium and eventually start the Messiah Project.[22]

End of spoilers.

Shin Megami Tensei: Nine

The Great Cataclysm is explained in Chapter 3 when the party visits the Ring of Gaea headquarters. Mubiora describes the event as "a great tragedy that will remain a stain on the history of mankind for all eternity,"[23] but doesn't know the details. A wise man reveals that this is because the Central Bureau of Administrative Services is hiding what really happened from the masses to maintain public trust in their government.[24] He describes the true events as occurring as follows: There was a man named Gotou who spread the word of Gaea and opposed the Americans. He had planned to use demons to create their ideal world, but the Americans feared the demon's great power, so the Ambassador Thorman responded with nuclear force destroying the entire city along with the demons.[25][26]

Giten Megami Tensei: Tokyo Revelation

Giten Megami Tensei takes place on a parallel world to Shin Megami Tensei where similar events have taken place.[27] In this world, several demons suddenly began appearing in Tokyo when Commander Gotou of the JSDF began leading the Japanese military to suppress them. In response, the U.S. Marines began fighting both the demons and the JSDF, but were eventually forced to retreat. The American Ambassador Thorman, believing that the suppression of Tokyo's demons was no longer possible ordered a submarine to launch nuclear missiles at the city. The damage caused from this explosion was comparable to that of the fallout from World War II. The Great Cataclysm is said to be part of the Creator's plan to eliminate mankind.[28]

While Tokyo was demolished by nuclear missiles, the damage was somewhat mitigated by political leaders who anticipated the Great Cataclysm and managed to evacuate some of the populace to underground shelters before the attack.[29] However, these shelters quickly developed a caste system, literally instituting "citizen levels" which determines the resources and security priority granted to any given person.[30] Conversely, the surface became a no man's land, overrun with bandits, killer robots, and mutants transformed from the fallout radiation.[31] Much of the surface is controlled by demons who have taken claim of specific districts of Tokyo and aggressively attempt to conquer the territory of their rivals.[32]

Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine

The Great Cataclysm was sparked in the year 199X by the emergence of demons in Tokyo. This indirectly led to a series of nuclear wars across the Earth, and eventually, the end of modern society. All over the world, humans and demons are engaged in constant warfare.[33] In 202X, the Great Flood occurs, killing the majority of the demons in Tokyo and ending the fighting.[34] Rumors spread that Tokyo was saved by a young man, but there are no surviving records of what happened.[35][36]

After experiencing the Great Cataclysm, the citizens of Tokyo were determined to rebuild the city and came together to create the Commune, a communal society defined by cooperation beyond any ideological boundaries. During this period, the Messian Church and the Ring of Gaea reached a non-aggression pact. Though the Commune was originally founded through the leadership of the Seven Philosophers, after the society was established, the group disbanded and relinquished their authority to General Furushima, who would go on to create the Devil Buster Management Agency.[37]

With Tokyo reduced to a wasteland, the civilians who lost their housing in the Great Cataclysm were forced to build underground nuclear shelters called "Homes" to avoid the demons on the surface. Over time, these Homes thrived to the point where they became urban centers comparable to the cities of the past.[38] In order to support the daily lives of the survivors, the Commune established the Tokyo Revitalization Project to rebuild the city's infrastructure. This includes renovations, such as installing Terminal systems in Home shelters[39], and large-scale construction. The symbol of the Tokyo Revitalization Project is the Shinjuku Babel, an enormous building with a height of 3000 meters, which is the most prosperous area in post-Great Cataclysm Tokyo. The complex contains a wide variety of facilities including offices and residences[40], including a plant for bio-engineering artificial humans called Innocents. This technology was developed to respond to the large demand for labor required to rebuild the demolished city. Unlike humans, Innocents are androids an obedient workforce that can be easily manufactured and controlled by the community society.[41]

The Great Cataclysm also drastically effected the landscape of Tokyo. Three mysterious obelisks have suddenly appeared in the districts of Nakano, Ichigaya, and Shibuya. It is unknown why they were built or what purpose they were intended to serve.[42]

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner

The Great Cataclysm does not occur in Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner's timeline, but there a number of in-game references to the event.

A news report heard in Afro Teahouse mentions that an American military ICBM site in Arizona narrowly avoided an accidental launch, but the malfunction was quickly noticed by staff and the system was shut down before a missile was launched. The military is investigating the incident, but dismissed the idea that the missile was intentionally planned to be launched.[43]

Other reports surrounding related figures can also be heard at separate points throughout the game. Ambassador Thorman is revealed to have died of a heart attack[44], while Colonel Gotou was arrested for stockpiling weapons and confessed that he was preparing to take action for change.[45]

Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army

This section contains spoilers. (Skip Section)

A lost soul in the 1990s section of the Akarana Corridor says Raidou Kuzunoha XIV has 30 seconds to take cover because the ambassador has just launched the ICBMs at Tokyo.[46]

At the end of the game, the Presence within Kaya is revealed to be a time-traveler from the 2050s[47] who came from the future to stop the events from Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II from occurring.[48] After being defeated by Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, XL warns XIV that a harsh future awaits both him and Tokyo.[49]

End of spoilers.

Novel Appearances

Shin Megami Tensei: Final Story

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Trivia

  • The Aeon Genesis translation of Shin Megami Tensei II's manual states that after the Great Cataclysm "global nuclear holocaust ensued",[50] but this is not present in the original Japanese text.[2]
  • In Shin Megami Tensei II, Satan references the Great Cataclysm in comparison to the Megiddo Ark, saying that it is capable of a "true Great Cataclysm" that will annihilate all evil.[51]
  • In Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine, "Great Cataclysm" collectively refers to the ICBM launch and the Great Flood[3]
  • In Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine, Ichigaya is stated as being the epicenter of the ICBM explosion.[52] This is a reference to Gotou's headquarters, Camp Ichigaya
  • The ICBM site located in Arizona[43] mentioned in Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner may be a reference to the real life location Air Force Facility Missile Site 8, a former ICBM site active during the height of the Cold War. This site was previously equipped with the largest single warhead used in the American ICBM program and was capable of launching a nine megaton thermonuclear warhead within 58 seconds which could reach a target over 6000 miles away in less than 30 minutes. The site was made in response to public fears of the United States' nuclear capabilities in comparison to the Soviet Union.[53][54]
  • In Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, a lost soul tells Raidou Kuzunoha XIV that he has 30 seconds to take cover for the incoming ICBMs as a reference to Shin Megami Tensei when the Hero is placed on a 30 second timer after Thorman launches the ICBMs.[46]

Nomenclature

Names in Other Languages
Language Name Meaning
Japanese 大破壊 Dai hakaiShin Megami Tensei

東京大破壊 Tōkyō dai hakaiShin Megami Tensei II
Great Destruction
Great Destruction of Tokyo

Gallery

Notes

  1. ↑ ICBM is an abbreviation of intercontinental ballistic missile

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Messian: ...It is our duty to live on, holding our faith in God in our hearts. 30 years ago, this world was shattered by the great Cataclysm." Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "199X 「東京大破壊」トールマンがICBMのボタンを押す。 203X 「東京大洪水」大規模な地殻変動により東京近郊が陥没、浸水" Shin Megami Tensei II Manual (1994). Published by Atlus. Japanese. 5.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "I.C.B.M投下と大洪水の2つの災いは合わせて「大破壊」と呼ばれることとなる。" Tetsuya Katsuta, 4Gamer. Published September 22, 2006. Retrieved February 15, 2024. https://www.4gamer.net/.
  4. ↑ "Ambassador Thorman: In mere moments, Tokyo shall be hit by an ICBM. This tainted city of vanity must be wiped from the face of the world with the demons." Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  5. ↑ "Old Man: There was an underground shelter to the southeast. Many fled there when the Great Cataclysm happened. But I heard it took a direct hit from the missiles, and they all died..." Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  6. ↑ "Ambassador Thorman: The problem is Gotou. He plans to summon the dread lord Lucifer to Tokyo. We must make sure stop him before that can happen." Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  7. ↑ "American Soldier: If the coup succeeds and demons take over Tokyo... Ambassador Thorman said that he would order missiles to be launched at Tokyo." Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  8. ↑ "Gotou: As prejudice, poverty, and war engulf the world, we have awakened ancient demons. This was done in order to prepare for the true crisis. That crisis is the Japan Annihilation Project! We have drawn on the power of the ancient gods to fight this horrific conspiracy." Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  9. ↑ "Gotou: Currently, there is a plan to create a "Millennium Kingdom" in the name of God. The Millennium Kingdom... The people living there are promised eternal peace and prosperity. However, only a handful, chosen by God, are allowed to enter. All others will be massacred by the US military in God's name. Even as we speak, the ancient gods of Japan protect this land from missile attacks..." Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  10. ↑ "At this rate, we'll both be killed! You have to survive! There's no time left. ...Goodbye, HERO. > HEROINE cast Traport." Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  11. ↑ "En no Ozuno: You must know that the world you lived in has been utterly destroyed." Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  12. ↑ "Messian: The Cataclysm 30 years ago was a trial sent to us by God. But now the world is recovering, thanks to the hard work of those who never lost faith. Faith in God..." Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  13. ↑ "Shabby Man: What the hell am I supposed to do with this...? Give me Macca, dammit! Damn cheapskates... I hope you end up as Ozawa's slaves in Shinjuku... ...Don't you even know where Shinjuku is? It's north from here, and then west. > The yen HERO had is now nothing more than scrap paper..." Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  14. ↑ "Old Man: What do you want? Ah, you have yen that was used before the Great Cataclysm! Won't you let me have it?" Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  15. ↑ "Old Man: My collection's even bigger now..." Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  16. ↑ "Thorman: This martial law they've enacted isn't to restore order in the city. I believe there's a high-ranking demon behind it all. President: You think the demons are taking advantage of the chaos to enslave humanity...? Then there's no getting around this purification of Tokyo. Some sacrifices are necessary to maintain order, after all." Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  17. ↑ "Count Red: There we are... We must make this city a beautiful one for dear Alice. Resurrected ones! Given time, your appearance will be as it was before. May you all live joyful lives here in Roppongi! Law Hero's Girlfriend: What? I...There was a bright light, then... What happened afterwards?" Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  18. ↑ "> Immediately after the Great Cataclysm… Ozawa: Oww… Shit. What WAS that just now…? Looks like that Gotou screwed up somewhere along the line." Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  19. ↑ "Pascal: GRRR... *whine* NO SMELL HERO HERE EITHER.COULD NO SURVIVE THAT BLAST WITH HUMAN BODY. *whine* > A few years later..." Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  20. ↑ "Echidna: Soon...Soon your worthless memories will be no more... Here's an idea... I'll have you live beneath me as a gatekeeper. Hahaha..." Shin Megami Tensei (iOS).
  21. ↑ "大破壊より　数十年……　荒野を耕し　悪魔の群れと戦い　無数の生と死をくり返しながら　人は　生きのびていた……　だが　頼るもの　すがるもの無く　生きていけるほど人は強くない　人は明日への希望を探した……　メシア教は救世主の降臨を説き　信じた人が集い　街が出来た　かつて……　カテドラルと呼ばれた所に……　20XX年　かくして　トウキョウは　TOKYOミレニアムとなった" Translation: "Several decades after the great destruction… While cultivating the wilderness, fighting off packs of demons, and through countless deaths, humanity survived… But people were not strong enough to survive without someone or something to cling to or rely on… The Messian religion preached the advent of a savior, gathered together believers and built a city on the site of the old cathedral… This city came to be known as Tokyo Millennium." Shin Megami Tensei II (SFC). Developed by ATLUS. Translation by Aeon Genesis.
  22. ↑ "かつての大破壊後　世界は荒れ果てた　メシア教団は　人々を救うため　自らの手で千年王国を造ろうとした　これが”TOKYOミレニアム”だ　そして　救世主の出現を待ったのだが　彼らが待ち望んだ救世主は　……ついに　現れなかった　センター元老院は　自らの手で　自ら　望む救世主を　造り上げようとした" Shin Megami Tensei II (SFC). Developed by ATLUS.
  23. ↑ "Mubiora: Of course, use of nuclear weapons by the US military... It was a great tragedy that will remain a stain on the history of mankind for all eternity." Shin Megami Tensei: Nine (XB). Developed by ATLUS. English. Translation by AlexHollins.
  24. ↑ "Mubiora: That's what happened to Tokyo... I've never heard such a story come from Administration. Wise Man: Of course not. In the end the Central Administration Bureau became the rulers, and have since grown fearsome of any information that would spawn distrust amongst users." Shin Megami Tensei: Nine (XB). Developed by ATLUS. English. Translation by AlexHollins.
  25. ↑ "Wise Man: He spread the word of Gaia to achieve the ideal world." Shin Megami Tensei: Nine (XB). Developed by ATLUS. English. Translation by AlexHollins.
  26. ↑ "Wise Man: Gotou opposed Thorman, stood up against him. He needed the power of demons to create his ideal world. America - fearing that great power - reacted with nuclear force. Tokyo was buried along with the demons." Shin Megami Tensei: Nine (XB). Developed by ATLUS. English. Translation by AlexHollins.
  27. ↑ "The comic version is on a different world line than the Sin-Megami-tensei series. The comic version and Giten-Megami-tensei are on the same world line." Kazunari Suzuki, Twitter. Published April 29, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2024. https://x.com.
  28. ↑ "時は20世紀末。今まで散発的に現われては、 デビルバスター達によって秘密裏に処理されていた悪魔達が、 突如大挙して東京に現われた。 間髪を入れず、悪魔を制圧するという名目を掲げ、五島司令に率いられた自衛隊がクーデターを起こす。 米海兵隊は、悪魔と自衛隊の両方を敵に廻して戦い、ついには敗退する。同じ頃米大使トールマンは、魔神トールと化して悪魔率いる少年と戦い敗れていた。もはや東京の悪魔制圧は不可能と考えたトールマンは、今際の際に原子力潜水艦の核ミサイル発射命令を出す。東京はミサイルの直撃を受け、 太平洋戦争以来の未曾有の大破壊に見舞われた。この災厄は、創造主による、 堕落した人類抹殺計画の一部と言われており、多くの天使たちがこれに加担している。" Translation: "It is the end of the 20th Century. Demons, whose sporadic appearances were secretly dealt with by Demon Busters, suddenly began to appear in Tokyo in large numbers. In no time at all, under the pretext of suppressing the demons, Commander Gotou led the JSDF in a coup d'état. Then, the US Marine Corps made enemies of both the demons and the JSDF, fighting them before finally withdrawing. Meanwhile, the American Ambassador Thorman, after transforming into the Deity Thor, had been defeated by a boy who was capable of controlling demons. No longer believing the suppression of Tokyo's demons to be possible, Thorman ordered a submarine to fire its nuclear missiles. Tokyo was directly hit by the missiles, resulting in a Great Cataclysm whose destruction was on a scale not seen since the Pacific War. This disaster is said to be a part of the Creator's plan to bring about the fall of man and destroy it altogether, a plan in which many of His angels are complicit." Giten Megami Tensei: Tokyo Revelation Manual (1997). Published by Atlus. Japanese. 3. Translation by User:24karatDVNO.
  29. ↑ "東京は核ミサイルにより大破壊に見舞われた。しかし、地位のある人々は、この大破壊を予見し、あらかじめ地下核シェルターに家族ごと避難していた。" Translation: "In the Great Cataclysm, Tokyo was destroyed by nuclear missiles. However, in anticipation of the Cataclysm, its leaders had evacuated many families to underground nuclear shelters beforehand." Giten Megami Tensei: Tokyo Revelation Manual (1997). Published by Atlus. Japanese. 4. Translation by User:24karatDVNO.
  30. ↑ "残ったシェルターでは「市民レベル」が設定され、 厳しい階級制が誕生した。 限ら生活物資(特に贅沢品)と安全を享受する優先権と、その優先権の永続性を支配者たちは欲したのである。" Translation: "These remaining shelters have been assigned “citizen levels”, giving rise to a strict class system. Commodities for daily life (especially luxury goods) are limited by the leaders to ensure safety and sustenance." Giten Megami Tensei: Tokyo Revelation Manual (1997). Published by Atlus. Japanese. 4. Translation by User:24karatDVNO.
  31. ↑ "彼らは日本を地下からも支配できると考えていたが、地上はたちまち無政府状態となっていった。崩壊した首都圏で動くものは、 放射線の影響で生じたミュータントたちと、暴走するガーディアン・ロボットぐらいであった。" Translation: "As they believed that Japan could be governed from underground, the surface quickly descended into a state of anarchy. Mutants developed from radiation and runaway guard robots roam the ruined metropolitan area. Despite this, it overflows with criminals from the region who fight with the demons over control of it." Giten Megami Tensei: Tokyo Revelation Manual (1997). Published by Atlus. Japanese. 4. Translation by User:24karatDVNO.
  32. ↑ "悪魔たちは池袋のアバドン、六本木のイポス、品川のアシラトなど、それぞれに勢力圏を持ち、互いに覇権を争っていた。" Translation: "The demons, such as Abaddon of Ikebukuro, Ipos of Roppongi, Asherah of Shinagawa, and others occupy their own spheres of power, each competing for supremacy." Giten Megami Tensei: Tokyo Revelation Manual (1997). Published by Atlus. Japanese. 4. Translation by User:24karatDVNO.
  33. ↑ "Tokyo, 199X... A freak accident involving a teleportation device causes strange beings to appear in Kichijoji. The people who see them call them Demons. The event triggers a series of nuclear wars in every region in the world that eventually lead to the end of civilization. At the end of the century, humans and demons are still fighting a seemingly endless war." Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine (WIN). Developed by Cave. Published by Atlus.
  34. ↑ "202X... A Great Flood drowns out the chaos of Tokyo. Very few demons survive the flooding, and people stop fighting each other." Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine (WIN). Developed by Cave. Published by Atlus.
  35. ↑ "Rumors spread through the human population that it was a young man who saved Tokyo." Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine (WIN). Developed by Cave. Published by Atlus.
  36. ↑ "この混乱した状況沈静化させたのは1人の「少年」であったという。彼はI.C.B.M投下前の東京にも現われ、ゴトウやトールマンとも戦ったと言われるが、定かではない。大洪水の後に再び現われた少年はカテドラルに向かった。そこで何が起こったかは現在の記録にはないが、それを境に悪魔の出現が極端に減ったという。" Tetsuya Katsuta, Game Watch. Published September 22, 2006. Retrieved February 15, 2024. https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/.
  37. ↑ "大破壊を経験した人々は、破滅的な状況からの復活と、悪魔からの防衛を目的に、宗教や思想の枠を越えた人間達の調和と協調を呼びかけ、共同体社会を作り出す。この共同体社会は「7人の賢者」によって樹立された。ちなみにこの賢者の中にはメシア教団大司教「勤勉なるユダ」、ガイア教団大僧正「剛毅なる道灌」も名を連ねている。2つの教団は共同体社会の体制の下、不可侵協定を結んでいる。現在、共同体社会は7人の賢者の手から離れ、初代総帥である「古島」に全権がゆだねられている。「デビルバスター管理機関」は古島総帥によって設立されたものである。7人の賢者は共同体設立を期に解散している。" Tetsuya Katsuta, Game Watch. Published September 22, 2006. Retrieved February 15, 2024. https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/.
  38. ↑ "“東京大破壊”によって住む場所を失い、悪魔の襲撃に怯える日々を余儀なくされた人々は、東京の各地に地下核シェルターを築いた。多くの人々が暮らすシェルターは“ホーム”と呼ばれ、地上からは失われた都市的な機能を持つまでに栄えた。悪魔召喚プログラムを手に入れ、デビルバスターとなるプレイヤーは、スギナミの“第三ホーム”から、“空白の時代”への第一歩を踏み出すこととなる。" 4Gamer. Published August 11, 2006. Retrieved February 15, 2024. https://www.4gamer.net/.
  39. ↑ "共同体社会の「東京再生プロジェクト」によって配置されたターミナルコンピューターが設置されていて、人々の生活をサポートしている。" Tetsuya Katsuta, 4Gamer. Published September 22, 2006. Retrieved February 15, 2024. https://www.4gamer.net/.
  40. ↑ "大破壊後の新宿の地に、天を貫くかのようにそびえ立つ“新宿バベル”は、かつて七人の賢者によって進められていた“東京再生プロジェクト”の象徴とも言える建造物だ。その規模は半径400 メートル、高さ3000 メートルに至り、内部には行政をはじめ住居や各種施設が存在する。外装は既に完成済み。内部は未完成の状態ではあるが、一部の区画には人々が入居しており、大破壊後の東京において、最も活気のある都市として栄えている。" 4Gamer. Published August 11, 2006. Retrieved February 15, 2024. https://www.4gamer.net/.
  41. ↑ "人造人間：イノセント 東京大破壊後、壊滅的な状況からの復興を目指す人々にとって、労働力の確保は重大な課題として重くのし掛かった。その問題を解決するための手段として生まれたのが“イノセント”である。イノセントは、“七人の賢者”の一人にして生体科学者の“叡智の久坂”によって作り出された“人造人間”である。イノセントは新宿バベル内部の“イノセントプラント”で製造されており、共同体社会の管理・統制の下、従順な労働力として東京の再生に貢献している。" 4Gamer. Published August 11, 2006. Retrieved February 15, 2024. https://www.4gamer.net/.
  42. ↑ "“東京大破壊後”の東京に突如現れた謎の3本の柱“オベリスク”は、いつ誰が、何を目的に建てられたのかは明らかではない。ナカノ、イチガヤ、シブヤの三ヵ所それぞれに種類の異なるオベリスクが建っており、オベリスクの発する力によって、周囲の環境と地殻は大きく変化している。オベリスクの周辺で悪魔を目撃したという報告は後を絶たない……" 4Gamer. Published August 11, 2006. Retrieved February 15, 2024. https://www.4gamer.net/.
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 "ＴＶ：……アメリカ、アリゾナ州のＩＣＢＭ基地で誤ってミサイルが発射されそうになる事故が起こりました。基地の係員が異常に気づき、発射装置を止めミサイルは発射されず、大事にはいたりませんでしたが、現在のところ原因は不明です。米軍が原因の調査を行っていますが、何者かが故意に発射させようとしたのではないかという見方について米軍側は否定しています。" Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner (SS). Developed by ATLUS.
  44. ↑ "ＴＶ：……アメリカのトールマン駐日大使が心不全で亡くなられました。６８歳でした。トールマン大使は、就任前は対日強硬派として知られていましたが、大使に就任後は日米友好に力をつくされ……。" Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner (SS). Developed by ATLUS.
  45. ↑ "ＴＶ：……逮捕されたのは、陸上自衛隊五島公夫一等陸佐です。五島容疑者は、ピストル・ライフルなどの武器を大量にかくし持っていたもようです。調べに対し、五島容疑者は、自分は変革のための行動を起こそうとしていた、などと自供。しかし自供内容のつじつまがあわず、関係者の証言によると、五島容疑者の最近の言動には異常な点が多く見られたことから、警察では、五島容疑者の精神鑑定を行うことを検討しています……。" Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner (SS). Developed by ATLUS.
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 "Lost Soul: Wh-What are you doing!? Hurry, take cover! The ambassador has launched the ICBMs! In under 30 seconds, Tokyo will be... Here it comes!" Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army (PS2). Developed by Atlus.
  47. ↑ "Time tourist: So your name's Raidou, too? I know a Raidou. The teep was a Templar Knight, with some tera-level skills. Could have gone upstairs someday. But no, not that teep. Just vacated the Center one day, said 'I have a task greater than this.'" Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army (PS2). Developed by Atlus.
  48. ↑ "Presence within Kaya: If all had gone as planned, history after Taisho 20 would have taken a different path... But because of you, no one will ever see the new future I dreamt of... Are you satisfied, judging right and wrong with your own eyes, blinded from the truth!? What you've done will result in a future ruled by vile fanatics... Society under total control... 'Freedom' as seen from within a cage!" Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army (PS2). Developed by Atlus.
  49. ↑ "Presence within Kaya: I am lost... Fourteenth... remember my words... A harsh... unrelenting future... awaits the Capital... and you..." Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army (PS2). Developed by Atlus.
  50. ↑ "The Great Destruction of Tokyo Thorman presses the button to launch nuclear-warhead-tipped ICBMs at Tokyo. Global nuclear holocaust ensues." Shin Megami Tensei II Manual (1994). Published by Atlus. Japanese. 5. Translation by Aeon Genesis.
  51. ↑ "方舟には　もう1つ役目がある　再生のために行う　真の大破壊　……イレースだ　それは　強力なエネルギー光　メギド・アークを　地上にあびせ　全ての悪しき物を消滅させる" Shin Megami Tensei II (SFC). Developed by ATLUS.
  52. ↑ "イチガヤのオベリスク 東京大破壊の引き金となったI.C.B.M.の爆心地周辺。地表にはマグマが噴き出し、危険なエリアと化している。" Tetsuya Katsuta, 4Gamer. Published September 22, 2006. Retrieved February 15, 2024. https://www.4gamer.net/.
  53. ↑ "Air Force Facility Missile Site 8 (571-7) Military Reservation in Green Valley, Arizona, is the sole remaining Titan II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) complex of the 54 that were "on alert" during the Cold War between 1963 and 1987. The Titan II missiles were contructed to survive a first strike nuclear attack from the Soviet Union and to retaliate. It is the single remaining example of the liquid-fueled ICBM missile launch facilities utilized by the Strategic Air Command. Titan II carried the largest single warhead used in the ICBM program and was capable of destroying targets that Atlas, Titan I and Minuteman I and II could not. Built in response to the "missile gap" panic of the late 1950s and early 1960s, Titan II Missile Site 571-7 provides a unique window into the design, construction and operation of a weapon system built to survive a first-strike nuclear attack and be able to launch its missile if so ordered." Aviation: From Sand Dunes to Sonic Booms, National Park Service. Published November 26, 2017. Retrieved February 15, 2024. https://www.nps.gov/index.htm.
  54. ↑ "The Titan II was capable of launching from its underground silo in 58 seconds and could deliver a nine megaton thermonuclear warhead to its target more than 6,000 miles (approximately 10,000 km) away in less than thirty minutes." Titan Missile Museum. Retrieved February 15, 2024. https://titanmissilemuseum.org/.
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