History Sandbox / MagnificentBastardShinMegamiTensei

* ''VideoGame/DevilSurvivor'': Naoya is the PlayerCharacter's cousin, the mastermind behind the story and the biblical Cain. Creating the Demon Summoning Program, Naoya shares it with the Shomonkai, knowing they will use it to break the barrier between worlds and causing a divine crises. Keeping himself secure during the demonic invasion of Tokyo, Naoya allows his cousin free choice though tries to convince him to become the King of Bel. Having prepared himself for multiple scenarios and never losing his sarcastic, calm demeanour even in the the catastrophe of God’s Ordeal, Naoya manages to win in one way or another in almost all routes, only truly being defeated if his cousin sides with God and the angels.
* ''Videogame/DevilSurvivor2'': Yamato Hotsuin is the young and determined leader of [=JPs=]. Trained since his childhood, Yamato develops a merit-based SocialDarwinist worldview which he applies to his own life. When Polaris's trial begins and Japan is invaded for the Septentrione, Yamato leads [=JPs=] and ensures its survival, recruiting useful civilians while ignoring most of them. Willing to sacrifice and risk his allies if needed, Yamato eventually reveals his goal: to survive Polaris's trial and ask her to rebuild the world into his ideal meritocracy, where class, race and gender would be ignored in favor of merit. Yamato also tries to convince the PlayerCharacter to follow him while allowing him to choose otherwise. Sacrificing himself to save the protagonists--including his ideological rival Ronaldo--after acknowledging their merit in Ronaldo's route and committing suicide after losing in Anguished One's, Yamato always fights until the very end except on Daichi's route, where his friendship with the protagonist makes him accept his defeat. If the protagonist joins him, Yamato successfully leads his team to victory, creating a world where merit rules, the so-called useless ones are discriminated against and Yamato and his retinue rule over all.

* ''VideoGame/Persona1: Be Your True Mind'' by Shinshu Ueda:

-->--'''Takahisa Kandori''', ''Videogame/Persona1''

* ''VideoGame/{{Persona}}: Be Your True Mind'' by Shinshu Ueda:

** [[AGodAmI Takahisa Kandori]] is just as brilliant as his game counterpart. [[CorruptCorporateExecutive President of the Japanese branch of SEBEC]], Kandori--influenced by his other-self Nyarlathotep, creates the DEVA system, intending to use it to become God and judge humanity to--in his mind--save the world. Using [[{{Deuteragonist}} Maki Sonomura]] for his experiments, Kandori causes her identity to split and befriends Aki, the personification of Maki's vengeful side, eventually treating her as his adoptive daughter. Using Aki, Kandori starts his rise to godhood, dragging his own city to a bizarre dimension created by Maki's subconscious mind. Keeping himself above all the attempts of the heroes to stop him, Kandori eventually succeeds in reaching godhood before doubting his own actions in a philosophical speech before Nyarlathotep takes control of him. Ruthless yet philosophical and [[EvenEvilHasLovedOnes capable of loving]] a shadow as his own daughter, Kandori manages to take advantage of Nyarlathotep's defeat and [[DyingAsYourself die as himself]], apologizing for his actions and helping the heroes as much as he can, telling them the truth behind Maki Sonomura, asking her to confront her real self and avoid suffering the same fate as him.

** [[AGodIAm Takahisa Kandori]] is just as brilliant as his game counterpart. [[CorruptCorporateExecutive President of the Japanese branch of SEBEC]], Kandori--influenced by his other-self Nyarlathotep, creates the DEVA system, intending to use it to become God and judge humanity to--in his mind--save the world. Using [[{{Deuteragonist}} Maki Sonomura]] for his experiments, Kandori causes her identity to split and befriends Aki, the personification of Maki's vengeful side, eventually treating her as his adoptive daughter. Using Aki, Kandori starts his rise to godhood, dragging his own city to a bizarre dimension created by Maki's subconscious mind. Keeping himself above all the attempts of the heroes to stop him, Kandori eventually succeeds in reaching godhood before doubting his own actions in a philosophical speech before Nyarlathotep takes control of him. Ruthless yet philosophical and [[EvenEvilHasLovedOnes capable of loving]] a shadow as his own daughter, Kandori manages to take advantage of Nyarlathotep's defeat and [[DyingAsYourself die as himself]], apologizing for his actions and helping the heroes as much as he can, telling them the truth behind Maki Sonomura, asking her to confront her real self and avoid suffering the same fate as him.

* ''VideoGame/Persona1'': SEBEC Mikage-cho branch head Takahisa Kandori creates the DEVA system, intending to use it [[GodhoodSeeker to become God]]. When Kandori accidentally ends up manifesting Maki Sonomura's mind into the entire town of Mikage-cho, he manipulates Aki, the manifestation of Maki's rage, into trusting him and using Aki to reach his goal of becoming God. When confronted by the heroes, Kandori allows himself to be beaten so that he might "experience" death, graciously accepting his fate. Getting resurrected to help with the plans of Nyarlathotep in [[Videogame/Persona2 the sequel]], Kandori becomes one of the highest ranking members of the New World Order despite his lack of interest in advancement. A mere human who managed to become a god because of his own intelligence, Kandori stands out as a true genius in the [[Franchise/{{Persona}} Persona franchise]] and is easily one of its most diabolical characters.

* ''VideoGame/Persona1'': SEBEC Mikage-cho branch head Takahisa Kandori creates the DEVA system, intending to use it [[AGodIAm to become God]]. When Kandori accidentally ends up manifesting Maki Sonomura's mind into the entire town of Mikage-cho, he manipulates Aki, the manifestation of Maki's rage, into trusting him and using Aki to reach his goal of becoming God. When confronted by the heroes, Kandori allows himself to be beaten so that he might "experience" death, graciously accepting his fate. Getting resurrected to help with the plans of Nyarlathotep in [[Videogame/Persona2 the sequel]], Kandori becomes one of the highest ranking members of the New World Order despite his lack of interest in advancement. A mere human who managed to become a god because of his own intelligence, Kandori stands out as a true genius in the [[Franchise/{{Persona}} Persona franchise]] and is easily one of its most diabolical characters.

** Exclusively from this manga adaptation, [[EvilTwin Kazuya Toudou]] is the ghost of [[TheHero Naoya's]] long-deceased brother. Actually Naoya's [[ShadowArchetype other-self]], born from his guilt at the death of his brother, Kazuya allies with the powerful Aki with the intention of killing Naoya and taking his place [[PinocchioSyndrome to become a living human]]. Constantly following him, Kazuya tricks Naoya's friends into believing that he is him while driving Naoya away from them, aids Aki into driving Chisato Kasai into despair before trying to convince Aki to kill her while being impressed at her negative answer, and saves Eriko Kirishima from Kandori himself out of amusement and subconscious affection. Being betrayed by a broken and revengeful Aki despite their friendship, Kazuya is forgiven by Naoya, with them mutually accepting each other. Sarcastic and always ready with a trick to overcome all odds, Kazuya truly is Naoya's [[ArchEnemy most personal foe]].

* ''Videogame/ShinMegamiTenseiIV'':
** [[EnigmaticMinion Mastema]] is a angel who follows God's Will "in his own way" and disagrees with the Four Archangels and their plans to destroy Tokyo after creating the Eastern Kingdom of Mikado alongside them, preferring to keep the civilizations distanced instead. In the past, as shown in the DLC ''Clipped Wings'', Mastema--disguised as a human named M--works with a powerful demon hunter to seal three of the Four Archangels and spares Gabriel, allowing her to return to Mikado. Staying in Tokyo to protect its population from demons, Mastema works with the ruthless Asura-Kai and guards their Red Pill factories, knowing full well about the PeopleFarms used for the creation of the Pills, which Mastema [[NecessarilyEvil considers the only thing protecting Tokyo]] from chaos. When the Asura-Kai's leader Tayama dies and Tokyo becomes a battlefield again, Mastema warns Flynn about the consequences of his ideals, even sympathizing with his plight, while making plans for the future except on the Law Route, where Mastema dies fighting against Flynn.
** ''[[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiIVApocalypse Apocalypse]]'': Although in the Peace route [[BigGood Stephen]], the creator of the Demon Summoning Program, is a sympathetic ally to the PlayerCharacter, he shows more ruthlessness in the Massacre route. Siding with Nanashi and Dagda, Stephen aids them with their plan to destroy the universe and create a new one, [[DeaderThanDead without reincarnating the demons]] in the new world. Manipulating humans to join together in a Last Stand against Nanashi, knowing they would be slaughtered, Stephen admits he did this to test his own determination to his goal. Never losing his polite, friendly demeanour, Stephen warns Nanashi to avoid making the same mistakes as the other Gods before leaving, fascinated with the possibility of a world where humanity rules everything.

** [[GloriousLeader Ben-Shoah]] is a survivor from Blantica who seeks to rebuild his society and [[WellIntentionedExtremist prevent its mistakes]] by controlling Gea usage. Becoming part of the Council of the [[TheEmpire Polisian States]], Ben-Shoah ends the Polisian War by creating the Phelesteau Tower to farm the Gea of eternally sleeping people caught in a pleasant dream. Initially sparing the Shadow Walkers after sealing their unconvenient memories until Alek Mecenas rebels, Ben-Shoah orders their persecution and hires the cruel Banipal, causing innocent deaths and exiles. Meanwhile, Ben-Shoah consolidates his power by using fake news and organizing events to show his charming personality to the public, going so far as to liberate prisioners after the heroes win a tournament. When the Polisian Council rejects Ben-Shoah's proposal to invade the Magoku Kingdom, he rallies a mob to become dictator and promises to not let any Polisian die, fulfilling his promise by using the [[KillSat Archweapon]] to annihilate Magoku's best warriors and force them to surrender, succeeding at WorldDomination. Even after the destruction of the Arch-Weapon, Ben-Shoah takes it as a minor setback until a repentant Polisian Councilmen helps the heroes to defeat him.

** ''Royal'': [[DarkMessiah Takuto Maruki]] is the [[ArcVillain mastermind]] behind the events of the third term. When his girlfriend Rumi fell into a coma, Maruki awakened to a Persona that granted him the ability to alter other people's cognitions and used his power to help Rumi, and later others, cope with their trauma. Among his patients is Sumire Yoshizawa, who later believes herself to be her older sister Kasumi thanks to Maruki's power. While at Shujin, Maruki uses his natural charm to get the members of the [[Characters/Persona5ThePhantomThievesOfHearts Phantom Thieves]] to open up their heart's desires to him. During the Day of Reckoning, Maruki gains the ability to [[RealityWarper change reality itself]] and uses it to create a [[ModernStasis stagnant reality]] where everyone has what they want. When the Phantom Thieves discover his involvement in the new reality, Maruki is briefly able to lure Sumire to his side and drives her Persona berserk to fight the rest of the Thieves. Later during the final battle, Maruki uses [[{{Determinator}} sheer will power]] to prevent his Palace from immediately collapsing. After [[Characters/Persona5Joker Joker]] saves him from falling to his death, Maruki expresses admiration for the young man for always keeping his head up.

* ''VideoGame/Persona5:

* ''VideoGame/Persona5 Royal'': [[DarkMessiah Takuto Maruki]] is the [[ArcVillain mastermind]] behind the events of the third term. When his girlfriend Rumi fell into a coma, Maruki awakened to a Persona that granted him the ability to alter other people's cognitions and used his power to help Rumi, and later others, cope with their trauma. Among his patients is Sumire Yoshizawa, who later believes herself to be her older sister Kasumi thanks to Maruki's power. While at Shujin, Maruki uses his natural charm to get the members of the [[Characters/Persona5ThePhantomThievesOfHearts Phantom Thieves]] to open up their heart's desires to him. During the Day of Reckoning, Maruki gains the ability to [[RealityWarper change reality itself]] and uses it to create a [[ModernStasis stagnant reality]] where everyone has what they want. When the Phantom Thieves discover his involvement in the new reality, Maruki is briefly able to lure Sumire to his side and drives her Persona berserk to fight the rest of the Thieves. Later during the final battle, Maruki uses [[{{Determinator}} sheer will power]] to prevent his Palace from immediately collapsing. After [[Characters/Persona5Joker Joker]] saves him from falling to his death, Maruki expresses admiration for the young man for always keeping his head up.

* ''VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiIIINocturne'': Lucifer orchestrates events to ensure the PlayerCharacter becomes the commander of his demon army. Turning him into a Demifiend after the Conception, Lucifer manipulates the protagonist into investigating the Amala Labyrinth, hoping to make him fight other powerful Friends to test his strength before sending a feared demon hunter after them. If the Deminfiend chooses to break the cycle of the Conception, Lucifer congratulates him, before testing his power in a personal battle. When the Demifiend survives the fight, Lucifer graciously accepts him as the commander of his demon army and rejoices at the thought of beginning the war with what he calls the "Real Enemy". Ever gracious, if the Demifiend chooses any other route than breaking the cycle, Lucifer discretely steps aside and leaves the story, out of respect for his freewill. Manipulative to the core yet gracious and stylish, Lucifer proves himself to be one of the franchise's most dangerous and intelligent plotters.

* ''VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiIVApocalypse'': Although in the Peace route [[BigGood Stephen]], the creator of the Demon Summoning Program, is a sympathetic ally to the PlayerCharacter, he shows more ruthlessness in the Massacre route. Siding with Nanashi and Dagda, Stephen aids them with their plan to destroy the universe and create a new one, [[DeaderThanDead without reincarnating the demons]] in the new world. Manipulating humans to join together in a Last Stand against Nanashi, knowing they would be slaughtered, Stephen admits he did this to test his own determination to his goal. Never losing his polite, friendly demeanour, Stephen warns Nanashi to avoid making the same mistakes as the other Gods before leaving, fascinated with the possibility of a world where humanity rules everything.
* ''Videogame/ShinMegamiTenseiIV'': [[EnigmaticMinion Mastema]] is a angel who follows God's Will "in his own way" and disagrees with the Four Archangels and their plans to destroy Tokyo after creating the Eastern Kingdom of Mikado alongside them, preferring to keep the civilizations distanced instead. In the past, as shown in the DLC ''Clipped Wings'', Mastema--disguised as a human named M--works with a powerful demon hunter to seal three of the Four Archangels and spares Gabriel, allowing her to return to Mikado. Staying in Tokyo to protect its population from demons, Mastema works with the ruthless Asura-Kai and guards their Red Pill factories, knowing full well about the PeopleFarms used for the creation of the Pills, which Mastema [[NecessarilyEvil considers the only thing protecting Tokyo]] from chaos. When the Asura-Kai's leader Tayama dies and Tokyo becomes a battlefield again, Mastema warns Flynn about the consequences of his ideals, even sympathizing with his plight, while making plans for the future except on the Law Route, where Mastema dies fighting against Flynn.

-->--'''Takahisa Kandori''', ''Videogame/{{Persona}}''

* ''VideoGame/{{Persona}}'': SEBEC Mikage-cho branch head Takahisa Kandori creates the DEVA system, intending to use it [[AGodIAm to become God]]. When Kandori accidentally ends up manifesting Maki Sonomura's mind into the entire town of Mikage-cho, he manipulates Aki, the manifestation of Maki's rage, into trusting him and using Aki to reach his goal of becoming God. When confronted by the heroes, Kandori allows himself to be beaten so that he might "experience" death, graciously accepting his fate. Getting resurrected to help with the plans of Nyarlathotep in [[Videogame/Persona2 the sequel]], Kandori becomes one of the highest ranking members of the New World Order despite his lack of interest in advancement. A mere human who managed to become a god because of his own intelligence, Kandori stands out as a true genius in the [[Franchise/ShinMegamiTenseiPersona Persona franchise]] and is easily one of its most diabolical characters.

* ''VideoGame/DevilSurvivor'': Naoya is PlayerCharacter's cousin, the mastermind behind the story and the biblical Cain. Creating the Demon Summoning Program, Naoya shares it with the Shomonkai, knowing they will use it to break the barrier between worlds and causing a divine crises. Keeping himself secure during the demonic invasion of Tokyo, Naoya allows his cousin free choice though tries to convince him to become the King of Bel. Having prepared himself for multiple scenarios and never losing his sarcastic, calm demeanour even in the the catastrophe of God’s Ordeal, Naoya manages to win in one way or another in almost all routes, only truly being defeated if his cousin sides with God and the angels.

* ''VideoGame/DevilSurvivor'': Naoya is {{The Protagonist}}'s cousin, the mastermind behind the story and the biblical Cain. Creating the Demon Summoning Program, Naoya shares it with the Shomonkai, knowing they will use it to break the barrier between worlds and causing a divine crises. Keeping himself secure during the demonic invasion of Tokyo, Naoya allows his cousin free choice though tries to convince him to become the King of Bel. Having prepared himself for multiple scenarios and never losing his sarcastic, calm demeanour even in the the catastrophe of God’s Ordeal, Naoya manages to win in one way or another in almost all routes, only truly being defeated if his cousin sides with God and the angels.

* ''VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiIIINocturne'': Lucifer orchestrates events to ensure TheProtagonist becomes the commander of his demon army. Turning him into a Demifiend after the Conception, Lucifer manipulates the protagonist into investigating the Amala Labyrinth, hoping to make him fight other powerful Friends to test his strength before sending a feared demon hunter after them. If the Deminfiend chooses to break the cycle of the Conception, Lucifer congratulates him, before testing his power in a personal battle. When the Demifiend survives the fight, Lucifer graciously accepts him as the commander of his demon army and rejoices at the thought of beginning the war with what he calls the "Real Enemy". Ever gracious, if the Demifiend chooses any other route than breaking the cycle, Lucifer discretely steps aside and leaves the story, out of respect for his freewill. Manipulative to the core yet gracious and stylish, Lucifer proves himself to be one of the franchise's most dangerous and intelligent plotters.
* ''VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiIVApocalypse'': Although in the Peace route [[BigGood Stephen]], the creator of the Demon Summoning Program, is a sympathetic ally to TheProtagonist, he shows more ruthlessness in the Massacre route. Siding with Nanashi and Dagda, Stephen aids them with their plan to destroy the universe and create a new one, [[DeaderThanDead without reincarnating the demons]] in the new world. Manipulating humans to join together in a Last Stand against Nanashi, knowing they would be slaughtered, Stephen admits he did this to test his own determination to his goal. Never losing his polite, friendly demeanour, Stephen warns Nanashi to avoid making the same mistakes as the other Gods before leaving, fascinated with the possibility of a world where humanity rules everything.

* ''Videogame/DevilSurvivor2'': Yamato Hotsuin is the young and determined leader of [=JPs=]. Trained since his childhood, Yamato develops a merit-based SocialDarwinist worldview which he applies to his own life. When Polaris's trial begins and Japan is invaded for the Septentrione, Yamato leads [=JPs=] and ensures its survival, recruiting useful civilians while ignoring most of them. Willing to sacrifice and risk his allies if needed, Yamato eventually reveals his goal: to survive Polaris's trial and ask her to rebuild the world into his ideal meritocracy, where class, race and gender would be ignored in favor of merit. Yamato also tries to convince TheProtagonist to follow him while allowing him to choose otherwise. Sacrificing himself to save the protagonists--including his ideological rival Ronaldo--after acknowledging their merit in Ronaldo's route and committing suicide after losing in Anguished One's, Yamato always fights until the very end except on Daichi's route, where his friendship with the protagonist makes him accept his defeat. If the protagonist joins him, Yamato successfully leads his team to victory, creating a world where merit rules, the so-called useless ones are discriminated against and Yamato and his retinue rule over all.

[[AC:''[[Franchise/ShinMegamiTenseiPersona Persona]]'' sub-series]]