What do stats do in this game?

What do stats do in this game?

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse uses the character stats in the following way:

Strength – Physical attack power
Dexterity – Gun-based attack power
Magic – Magical attack power
Agility – Speed in battle and chance to surprise enemy
Luck – Critical hit rate

Unlike in previous Shin Megami Tensei games, there isn’t really much in the way of defensive stats or magical resistance. Your primary focus will be increasing your ability to kill your enemy as quickly as possible without giving them as many turns. This is done through increasing your firepower, your speed, and abusing the smirk system as much as possible.

As your Agility remains high, you’ll also have the option to Flee any undesired encounter, saving you some headaches and wasted time.