Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance has just been released on June 14 for the PS5, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch. How does the definitive version of the critically acclaimed Shin Megami Tensei V fare to people who bought the original? Here are our first impressions as we revisit its dark lore, unnerving atmosphere, and beautiful and monstrous demons.
The original Shin Megami Tensei V was released on November 11, 2021. Revealed back when the Nintendo Switch was first showcased in 2017 the game was the first to be made by ATLUS in Unreal Engine 4. Taking the franchise in a new direction, the game was open-world, featured adjustments to established formulas, and a new visual style.
We played the game on our PC, despite having a save file on the Switch. We chose the PC version to truly appreciate the game with a fresh perspective. Players of the original version will have the chance to import up to 3 demons from their demon compendium. They would also be able to avail of bonuses depending on the route they ended up choosing. We will say that seeing the overworld in 60 FPS for the first time made us step back and appreciate all the improvements.
The world has changed
The story revolves around you, the player, being transported to a post-apocalyptic version of Tokyo called Da’at or the Netherworld. A war between Angels and Demons is being waged as the player is saved by the being, Aogami. You and Aogami merge to form a Nahobino, a being neither human nor demon, but more so a deity. Fighting against various forces that want to rule, you have the power to reshape the world as you see fit.
The turn-based RPG is built on two systems: Press-Turn and Demon Negotiation and Fusion. The Press-Turn System revolves around targeting weaknesses to maximize the number of turns a player gets. Demon Negotiation and Fusion is all about recruiting demons to fight by your side and later fuse them to create an even deadlier demon. A robust skill system for the Nahobino, a vast open-world
The original SMT V on the Switch, while a good game, suffered from performance issues and an underbaked story. Despite the world being open and vast, there was not much to do in it besides fight demons, engage in quests, and collect various items. The branching paths, while posing interesting questions and scenarios, cut short just as it was getting good. Not to mention the performance on the Switch felt like it was being hampered by the hardware.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance takes what was good about the original and refines it to a fine diamond.
We’re happy to say ATLUS took all the criticism of the original game and improved on every aspect. Aside from new zones, over 40 new demons, and a new story path, the gameplay tweaks is where it really shines. First of all, we were really happy to see that we could save anytime, no matter the difficulty. The SMT games have been known to be some of the hardest JRPGs out there, even its easier entries are still going to test your patience. The games is still challenging, but being set back because of a bad encounter has been mitigated greatly.
Navigation of the barren wasteland has been made streamlined. Added landmark markers, map icons, and more have made the tedious parts less so. Magatsu Rails, new interactive spots you can encounter in the netherworld to access new areas, have been added to exploration. Managing quests has also been improved as Demon navigators also now leave trails and highlight spots, saving you on time. Innate Skills and Group Attacks unique to each demon has been added. Seeing it for the first time was a real surprise as being fans of the original demon designs, seeing them rendered in HD was a true treat!
The original version of the story is available at the start as the ‘Canon of Creation.’ Vengeance adds a new second route available at the start of the game called ‘Canon of Vengeance’. This is where a lot of the new content appears with new character Yoko Hiromine (VA: Chiwa Saitō) in Da’at. Without spoilers, let’s just say it has changed our perspective on the story into something that ranks high among the franchise.
A culmination of a 7 year odyssey
In the end, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance brings the franchise to new heights. It fully develops the story and characters and showcases its best aspects. The new features capture the appeal of the franchise and show why Shin Megami Tensei V is truly a must-play RPG.
We give Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance 3.5 stars out of 4.
