Shin Megami Tensei Attack Reflection

[Abu2411]

Hey guys, so I was just reading an interview about SMT 1 and I found something interesting. In the interview, the interviewer asks the guy a question regarding a certain demon and why it can reflect attacks. The answer he gives is interesting:

Why does Tamamo repel swords? "Demons like Tamamo, Rangda or Girimekhala repel sword attacks because they actually trick their enemy into attacking themselves. These demons use their magic to form apparitions around them and cause the ones who approach them a kind of hallucinations. That is why one needs long distance attacks like guns and spells in order to avoid these apparitions."

So I was wondering if this means that attack reflection in the SMT verse is more along the lines of mind manipulation rather than outright attack reflection, and has a limited range?

 

[LordRhys365]

Good point.

NOTE: Not an expert on the fandom btw. Plus I'm going to assume the information you've provided is correct so will only go by the context given here.

But I do have a basic grasp of the abilities. So I shall attempt to dissolve it based on that.

For Attack Reflection, this should be noted: Attack Reflection is the explicit ability to turn one's opponent's attacks against them. This is a rather powerful ability, being able to perform offense and defense simultaneously by effectively turning one's efforts against them. Some common limitations include only working on attacks of a certain type or power level, a lengthy preparation time, or a specific requirement for use.

"only working on attacks of a certain type or power level" - - > This seems to initially support the fact that only long distance attacks work against these demons. Or the fact that range is limited.

And yet, this could a mere limitation for an ability that is not Attack Reflection. Here's why:

One should note what the wiki further says regarding the ability Attack Reflection: This is not to be confused with one using another's powers against them, as that is simple trickery rather than an ability tailored to reflect incoming attacks.

This along with the statements said from the interview such as: Demons like Tamamo, Rangda or Girimekhala repel sword attacks because they actually trick their enemy into attacking themselves. These demons use their magic to form apparitions around them and cause the ones who approach them a kind of hallucinations. - - - > Now this seems to hint at this being nothing more than trickery via Magic in the form of a hallucination.

Thus, it's technically not Attack Reflection in my book or going by what the vs Wiki states regarding the ability's definition.

Conclusion: In my view, from what's said in the interview, there is conclusive evidence that this is not Attack Reflection but Mind Manipulation via Magic. With limitations being inability to defend against long ranged attacks. So you are correct with this assumption.

NOTE: It is clear Demons use Magic to do this. However, since it mentions "hallucinations", whether its Mind Manipulation or Illusion Creation exactly is up for debate.

https://vsbattles.fandom.com/wiki/Attack_Reflection

Hope this helps.

 

[Abu2411]

Thanks, I should probably mention this in one of the recent smt revision threads.

 

[LordRhys365]

Thanks, I should probably mention this in one of the recent smt revision threads.

Happy to help. I kind of attempted to answer this blind without knowing too much context so it's definitely worth getting a second opinion from more Knowledgable members on this subject.

 

[Yobo_Blue]

Demons may do that, but there are still spells that can just reflect Physical Blows, so even assuming this was accepted most people that can do it with shields and what not.