The Moon Phase System or [//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ lunar phase] (月齢?, lit. "lunar age") is a component of a vast majority of Megami Tensei games. The various phases of the moon often affect battle, negotiation, and fusion, and often affects other aspects of the game as well. The moon phase often functions as a counter for item and spell effects, such as a spell lasting until the next new moon. Regardless of what variation the system takes, the cycle of the moon phase is always as follows: