From the get-go,Shin Megami Tensei Vwas set to be bigger than its predecessors. A vast open world, dozens of demons, a wide-spread narrative and grueling combat. While the original fell short in a few ways back in 2021, the re-release,Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, picks up those pieces and slightly stitches them back up to create the definite version of the title.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance,when announced, got a bit of a bad reputation. For one, it was a re-release, and typically, they opt for adding small bits and pieces to it instead of doing anything new. Second, while the original wasn’t perfect, it was far from a bad title, so adding more may be overkill. Over time, that perception changed as the promise of a whole new narrative, separate from the base game’s, would be available, and seemingly, amending the story issues found in the original.
The Devil’s in the Details
Gameplay-wise,Vengeancebrings the pain, pleasure and prestige the original created. As it was many people’s biggest compliment, little fine-tuning was done to ensure it performed as expected. The combat makes you actively approach each and every battle and requires you to think far in advance if you want to stand a chance against the fierce demons. Plus, with characters like Tao, Dazai and Yuzuru joining the fray as party members, it expands the variety of your party aside from the over 250 demons, new and returning. Still, anyone can still get into the game, as a few difficulty levels are available, from a shockingly easy Safety level to an insane Godborn. It’s an RPG, and a long one at that. One playthough can last around 60-80 hours, give or take, but it’s well worth the time, even doing the many fetch-quest side missions.
The combat makes you actively approach each and every battle and requires you to think far in advance if you want to stand a chance against the fierce demons
Review: Shin Megami Tensei V
Shin Megami Tensei V is a standout Nintendo Switch game that should not be passed up on.
One of the clearest improvements is, of course, the graphics. This review was done on the PlayStation 5, which brought 60 FPS gameplay and major graphical improvements compared to the Nintendo Switch version. Running around the Netherworld and transitioning from place to place and fight to free-roam feels seamless, with little to no downtime in loading outside of cutscenes. Despite the game running on Unreal Engine 4, some scenes look incredible and attack cutscenes like Heavenly Ikuyumi and Paraselene Blur never get old.
The music inShin Megami Tensei Vwas among the best of the series, as a whole.Vengeancebrings its A-game and rocks the house yet again. Balancing a mixture of genres and making mundane fights feel like intense showdowns is a hard thing to pull off and composer Ryota Kozuka does it with ease. It’s deep, it’s tense and perfect for the themes and setting. It strikes a gutteral chord that sends chills down your spine and adrenaline through your veins.
A Brand New World
Outside of Canon of Vengeance, the new additions of demons, Shakan and Virtual Trainer help make the re-release worthwhile for those who played the original. Furthermore, within the new campaign are a new set of villains, the Qadištu, and party member Yoko Hiromine. The Qadištu fill in for the antagonist hole that the original didn’t have outside of Lucifer. The members (Naamah, Eisheth, Agrat and Lilith) are unique in their own right, each with a different design and battle style. They fit right into the story and don’t feel shoved in. Yoko, on the other hand, can feel too inserted into the narrative in the beginning, but quickly shows their unique personality and adds a more complex note to certain situations. The contrast between her and Tao, now given an even more involved role, is an interesting touch.
Yoko, on the other hand, can feel a bit too inserted into the narrative in the beginning but quickly shows their unique personality and adds a more complex note to certain situations.
Shakan is a new dungeon only available in the Canon of Vengeance storyline. One of the original’s problems was that the dungeons didn’t feel all too special or cool. Shakan, while coming far into the narrative, spices up the exploration and brings more fun and challenge to the dungeon experience. Enemies popping up in your way or chasing you down as you find your way through the many halls was, for me, rather memorable. While more dungeons would have added more variety, it does its job and does it well.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Summons New Gameplay Improvements, Additions
Revealed in an overview video, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance showcases many of the improvements and enhancements made to the original 2021 title.
Canon of Vengeance’s story is one fueled by the concept of revenge. It tells a tale of getting back at those who wronged them and the ways they’d go to do it. The story can go fast at times and slow in others. While much of what happens feels natural, it does leave a bit to be desired in terms of how quickly things happen. With the differences betweenCanon of Vengeance and Canon of Creation, there were a lot of plot points taken from the latter, yet still enough new to make it its own, especially at the end. That is, of course, in part due to the new characters.
In a way, it feels like Canon of Vengeance is meant to be the definitive plot ofShin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, hence why certain plot devices and memorable moments are ripped from Canon of Creation instead of made fully new. It’s not a bad thing, as what’s done works well and further develops the philosophical depths the original wanted to have. For those who aim to play both storylines, however, it does spoil some plot points, like the ending, for each and can feel repetitive, especially when playing them one after another.
…it feels like Canon of Vengeance is meant to be the definitive plot ofShin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance…
One Hell of a Time
The world ofShin Megami Tensei V: Vengeanceis one varied in scope. Many of the spots in Da’at are desolated cityscapes with rusting cars and barren buildings. They do seem to mesh together at times and don’t feel too special compared to when open-air locations like Minato appear. It’s understandable that it is Tokyo, but more life in its cities in terms of color or contrast would make grinding those places a touch more memorable. Still, grinding on Magasuhi Rails and finding hidden areas with new quests and rare items adds excitement to exploring Da’at.
The demons that inhabit these cityscapes do feel unique to their regions. Having groups of them huddled together like a pack or on destroyed vehicles waiting to pounce is a neat touch. The designs of the demons, done by Masayuki Doi, are great and fit the abstract-yet-diverse style the series is known for. Even in battle, they each feel special and their unique moves and combo skills showcase each of their flair. Fusing new ones via the World of Shadows still feels like a necessity in order for you and your demons to adapt and grow. As the game is insistent on one that requires constant change and attention, however, it works great. It makes you think about how to cover more ground for skills and gives you ample room to plan accordingly.
One of the biggest questions returning fans had was whether Vengeance would be worth it for those who played the original. The answer is absolutely. All of the new content elevates what came before it and Canon of Vengeance is well worth playing through, even if the streets of Da’at are familiar territory. Plus, the graphical update and gameplay improvements make the game that much more palatable and unique. For newcomers, Vengeance is the perfect starting point for the Shin Megami Tensei series due to its vast open-world, engaging combat, and profound story.
Closing Comments:
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance stakes its claim as the definitive version of the original and sticks the landing. It changes what needed to be fixed and keeps what worked intact. While it doesn’t go too above and beyond what was before it, that by no means makesVengeanceanything less than great. The original was one of 2021’s best RPGs and nowVengeancecan claim a high spot among 2024’s best and brightest. It’s a hardcore, fantastic and rich experience that should be on everyone’s must-play list.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
Version Reviewed: PlayStation 5
Atlus' Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance is the definitive version of the Switch JRPG, one that also includes a new storyline.
