Great Cataclysm

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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.

Game Appearances

Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei II

Shin Megami Tensei

In the Shin Megami Tensei series, the Great Cataclysm is the event when Thorman, the American Ambassador to Japan, launched nuclear ICBMs at Tokyo, with the intent of totally obliterating the city.[1] During the missile barrage, a shelter near Shinagawa recieved a direct hit, leaving no survivors.[2]

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.[3][4] 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.[5][6]

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.[7] The remaining party members find themselves within the Diamond Realm, during which 30 years pass in Tokyo.[8]

End of spoilers.

Visionaries

More details concerning the Great Cataclysm were revealed in the Visionary cutscene "US Flag" featured in the GBA and iOS versions of Shin Megami Tensei.

It shows Ambassador Thorman 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.[9]

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.[10]

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 the Messiah Project.[11]

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,"[12] but doesn't know the details. A wise man reveals that this is because the Central Administration Bureau hiding what really happened from the masses to maintain public trust in their government.[13] 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.[14][15]

Giten Megami Tensei: Tokyo Revelation

Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner

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

A news report heard in Afro Treehouse 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.[16]

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[17], while Colonel Gotou was arrested for stockpiling weapons and confessed that he was preparing to take action for change.[18]

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.[19]

At the end of the game, the Presence within Kaya is revealed to be a time-traveler from the 2050s[20] who came from the future to stop the events from Shin Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei II from occurring.[21] After being defeated by Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, XL warns XIV that a harsh future awaits both him and Tokyo.[22]

End of spoilers.

Anime Appearances

Shin Megami Tensei: Tokyo Revelation

Novel Appearances

Shin Megami Tensei: Final Story

Trivia

The Aeon Genesis translation of Shin Megami Tensei II's manual states that after the Great Cataclysm "global nuclear holocaust ensued",[23] but this is not present in the original Japanese text.[24]

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.[25]

The ICBM site located in Arizona[16] 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.[26][27]

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.[19]

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

  • Screenshot of the ICBM explosion during the Great Cataclysm from the Mega-CD version of Shin Megami Tensei

    Screenshot of the ICBM explosion during the Great Cataclysm from the Mega-CD version of Shin Megami Tensei

  • Screenshot of the ICBM explosion during the Great Cataclysm from the Mega-CD version of Shin Megami Tensei

    Screenshot of the ICBM explosion during the Great Cataclysm from the Mega-CD version of Shin Megami Tensei

Notes

References

  1. ↑ "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).
  2. ↑ "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).
  3. ↑ "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).
  4. ↑ "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).
  5. ↑ "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).
  6. ↑ "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).
  7. ↑ "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).
  8. ↑ "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).
  9. ↑ "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).
  10. ↑ "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.
  11. ↑ "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.
  12. ↑ "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.
  13. ↑ "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.
  14. ↑ "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.
  15. ↑ "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.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "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.
  17. ↑ "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.
  18. ↑ "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.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "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.
  20. ↑ "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.
  21. ↑ "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.
  22. ↑ "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.
  23. ↑ "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.
  24. ↑ "「東京大破壊」トールマンがICBMのボタンを押す。" Shin Megami Tensei II Manual (1994). Published by Atlus. Japanese. 5.
  25. ↑ "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.
  26. ↑ "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.
  27. ↑ "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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