Preta

Preta, also known as Gaki (餓鬼, Gaki), are recurring demons in the series. They are infamous demons that are typically low leveled, however have abilities to reduce the player's Macca.

History
Gaki, also known as Preta from Buddhist and Hindu texts, are the spirits of greedy or jealous people who have become demons with an insatiable appetite. In the modern Japanese language, spoiled children are called "gaki", as a reference to this demon. In China, they are known as E-Gui, or hungry ghosts.

Appearances

 * Shin Megami Tensei: Yuuki Clan as Gaki
 * Shin Megami Tensei II: Yuuki Clan as Gaki
 * Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne: Haunt Race
 * Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE: Haunt Race
 * Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey: Haunt Race
 * Shin Megami Tensei if...: Yuuki Clan
 * Megami Ibunroku Persona: Haunt
 * Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Yuuki Clan
 * Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers: Yuuki Clan
 * Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon: Frost Order
 * Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner: Demon Class

Shin Megami Tensei
A Gaki is the very first demon that the protagonist actually encounters in Shin Megami Tensei, where he rips a civilian's throat in Kichijoji Mall and then procedes to attacks the player, leaving the scene after inflicting substantial damage

This event also leads the Hero to obtain his first weapon in the game from the dead man's body--an "Attack Knife"; and his wrongfully accusation of the man's murder that leads to his temporary incarceration and meeting with the other heroes.

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
A team of three Gakis is fought in the Shinjuku Hygienic Hospital in order to retrieve a necessary keycard.

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey
Preta sport their infamous Macca Beam which cut down 20% of the player's total Macca. They can usually be warded off if the player uses the talk option on them and chooses correct choices.