Michael

Michael (ミカエル, Mikaeru) is a recurring figure in the Shin Megami Tensei series. Michael often takes the role of the leader out of the four major archangels. In the Persona series, Michael instead appears as a high-level Persona, capable only to summon once players reached a high level.

History
Michael is an archangel, one of the principal 50 angels in Christian lore, and of the four archangels of Islamic tradition. In Christianity, he is viewed as the field commander of the Army of God and led it in the war against Satan and the fallen angels. He is also a saint and thus carries the title "St. Michael The Archangel." He is mentioned by name in the Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelations. In the book of Daniel, Michael appears as "one of the chief princes" who in Daniel's vision comes to the angel Gabriel's aid in his/her contest with the angel of Persia, and is also described there as the advocate of Israel and "great prince who stands up for the children of your people". In Islam, Mikail serves as one who delivered bounty and sustenance to all living things as commanded by God.

Appearances

 * Shin Megami Tensei: Final boss in CHAOS and NEUTRAL paths
 * Shin Megami Tensei II: Daitenshi Clan
 * Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne: Seraph Race
 * Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner 2: Optional Boss
 * Persona 2: Innocent Sin: Judgement Arcana
 * Persona 2: Eternal Punishment: Judgement Arcana
 * Persona 3: Judgement Arcana
 * Persona 3: FES: Judgement Arcana
 * Persona 4: Judgement Arcana
 * Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Red Book
 * Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Black Book
 * Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children White Book
 * Shin Megami Tensei: DemiKids: Light Version
 * Shin Megami Tensei: DemiKids: Dark Version
 * Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Fire Book
 * Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Ice Book
 * Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children Black Book/Red Book (PS)

Shin Megami Tensei
As the one responsible in leading the forces of the Messian Church in order to erect the Great Cathedral and bringing forth the Thousand Year Kingdom of God, Michael stands in his chambers located on the heart of the last floor of the messian cathedral as the last enemy and final boss fight the protagonist must face in Chaos and Neutral alignments; while serving as a non-playable ally if he is Law aligned, providing aid in the attainment of the "Angel Ring"--a valuable item needed for the final showdown against Asura to become available. In constrast to this, Michael's own throne room is inaccessible unless the player has the "Devil Ring" in his possession, but only if he follows the Chaos route. No item is required in the Neutral path.

He poses as the leader of the Seraph angels and serves as the most powerful servant of God in Earth, instructing the Law Hero in his Messiah persona and the other angels from behind the curtains in the completion of the messian fortress, being in the escorting of servants from Shinagawa to aid in the construction, and spreading the messian religion through the television broadcastings on Tokyo Tower.

Michael firmly believes that, as a human, the hero has no right whatsover in deciding what is right and what is wrong for the world. That only God has such power, and so, judges the protagonist actions as a way to proclaim that he is "better than God". With that said, Michael proceeds to engage the heroes in the final battle, where he is slain and the balance of the world finally restored.

Shin Megami Tensei II
Michael appears in the guise of one of the senate elders (the one in the red robe). After defeating Raphael and Uriel earlier, he will reveal himself to Aleph and his party, where he will fight them. After he is defeated, a false projection of YHVH will appear.

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
Michael appears as a Seraph-race demon in Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne. Unlike the previous installments, Michael bears the distinction of not fighting the player characters. Michael, however, can only be summoned by fusing Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel together during a full Kagutsuchi.

In the updated re-release of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne, titled Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne Maniax (Lucifer's Call in the PAL release), players can gain access to a higher class Seraph race demon, Metatron, which serves as the strongest Seraph race demon.

Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner 2
Michael can be fought as an optional boss in Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner 2, after the events of Sera's awakening, a Karma Facility scientist released four Seraph based Atma demons, hoping to stop the turmoil and chaos. Should Gale be able to successfully interrogate with the scientist, he will reveal the presence of the Seraphs, unlocking the option to challenge them.

Should players defeat the first three Seraphs, Uriel, Raphael, and Gabriel, Michael will await the party in the ground area of the Occupied Sector, where the Sun shines down. The player must then defeat the first three Seraphs continuously, where Michael fights the party finally. He calls the party 'fools' for ignoring the "Great Will", and asks God to give him power to destroy the party's ignorance and sins. Interestingly, Michael, along with the three Seraphs' speech reminiscence the events and their role in Shin Megami Tensei II.

Players will unlock the "Dragon Slayer" mantra, which grants several of Michael's skills as well as the Gospel ammo upon defeating him.

Persona 3
Michael appears as a Persona of the Judgement Arcana in Persona 3. The Protagonist can summon him after reaching Lv. 72 or above. In reference towards his role as a skilled swordsman among the archangels, Michael possesses his unique Slash-based physical attack, aptly named Heaven's Blade.

Persona 3: FES
Michael returns as a Persona of the Judgement Arcana in Persona 3: FES. In FES also introduces the Weapon Fusion system, where fusing Michael with a Nihil weapon grants the second strongest rapier-classed weapon, Deus Xyphos.

In the playable epilogue of FES, titled The Answer, Aigis can also summon Michael with the appropriate Personae in the Velvet Room.

Persona 4
Michael returns as a Persona of the Judgement Arcana in Persona 4. He is available to be summoned once the Protagonist reaches Lv. 72 or above. It should also be noted that Michael in Persona 4 no longer holds the distinction of learning the skill Heaven's Blade, as Metatron is able to learn the skill as well.

Persona
Michael appears as Eriko Kirishima's (Ellen in Revelations: Persona) ultimate Persona. He is a Persona of the Judgement Arcana.

Trivia

 * The illustration of Michael in Shin Megami Tensei, along with his in-game model continuity, resembles the sculpture of St. Michael's Victory over the Devil by Sr. Jacob Epstein in Coventry Cathedral.
 * Based on this page, the original Shin Megami Tensei contains data for Michael as a regular demon among the other seraphim, with similar stats but very different resistances.
 * Even with his signature attack referencing swords, Michael has never be seen using a sword.