PLATFORM: PC / PS4/5 (REVIEWED) / XBOX ONE/SERIES / SWITCH | RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
After its original release in 2021, Atlus has re-released Shin Megami Tensei V on multiple platforms (the original was Switch exclusive) with a brand new storyline and a host of other additions – but is this JRPG worth your time?
In Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengence (SMTV:V), the base narrative has you control a high school student who is sucked into a post-apocalyptic realm known as Da’at, where demons and angels are feuding over the control of the fabric of the world after Lucifer kills the Creator and vows to ‘remake’ the world. As the protagonist, you must recruit demons and fuse them to challenge Lucifer to save the world.
The JRPG genre is a stacked subgenre in gaming so there is a lot to compare to from the get-go, including Atlus’ very own Persona series. Whereas SMTV:V boasts a similar art style and overall feel, for us, the special spark that captures the heart of the player in Persona just isn’t here in SMTV:V. For starters, the introduction to the characters and world is a tad basic and slow and a lot of the early game, as you build up your roster of mythical-esque team members, is incredibly repetitive. It’s not until later on that things really get going – but for us, that was just a little too long and felt like a real slog. That point goes for both the original storyline (Canon of Creation) and the new Canon of Vengeance narrative.
There are many strong points in favour of SMTV:V, the main one being that it has one of the key elements that make Atlus great – turn-based combat. The combat is exciting and tactical, especially during the boss fights, and the art style is visually appealing to keep you engaged long enough to get over the initial slog.
Overall, SMTV:V is a decent and worthwhile JRPG and addition to the Shin Megami Tensei franchise; however, it never quite peaks the influence and charm of its sibling peer Persona.
