MSRP: $59.99
Rating: DT Editors’ Choice
“Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance elevates an already exceptional RPG to new heights.”
Pros:
- Engaging new story path
- Significant gameplay enhancements
- Improved quality-of-life features
- Enhanced performance
Cons:
- Demon recruiting remains tedious
Purchase Options:
When Shin Megami Tensei V launched on the Nintendo Switch in 2021, it thrilled RPG fans by introducing an open-world format to the series.
Developer Atlus successfully transitioned from the segmented dungeon maps of previous entries. Now, Atlus has enhanced this experience with Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, adding new features, story content, and quality-of-life improvements.
Enhanced Experience
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance addresses the original game’s shortcomings, notably its sparse story and subpar Switch performance.
The new Canon of Vengeance storyline offers a more coherent and engaging narrative, with supporting characters playing a more active role. Unlike the original Canon of Creation, which felt disjointed and vague, the Canon of Vengeance provides clear motivations and a more streamlined RPG experience.
The new storyline introduces the Qadistu faction as more defined antagonists and adds a new explorable region, Shinjuku.
This region replaces Chiyoda from the original game, offering a visually refreshing white sand landscape. This change not only diversifies the game’s aesthetics but also adds replayability for those familiar with the original.
Gameplay Enhancements
While the core turn-based gameplay remains intact, Vengeance introduces human party members and new demons, enriching the battle system.
Human allies can now join battles, and new demon abilities and Magatsuhi Skills (ultimate attacks) open up new strategies. These additions significantly enhance party synergy, adding depth to the already intricate battle mechanics.
Demon negotiation, a series staple, sees some improvements. New minigames, such as silhouette guessing, offer fun ways to recruit demons. Additionally, Gold Cards allow for automatic recruitment under certain conditions, though negotiation still involves a degree of luck.
Quality-of-Life Improvements
Vengeance brings several quality-of-life improvements, making the open-world exploration more enjoyable. Players can now save anywhere on the map and use Magatsu Rails for quick travel. Quest destinations are color-coded on the map, simplifying navigation and exploration.
The move to more powerful platforms like PC, PlayStation, and Xbox eliminates the performance issues seen on the Switch. On the PlayStation 5, for example, load times are shorter, and frame rates are stable, enhancing the overall experience.
Conclusion
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance builds on the strengths of the original game, addressing its flaws and adding substantial new content.
The enhanced story, improved gameplay mechanics, and quality-of-life features make it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike. This upgraded version not only surpasses the original but sets a new standard for the series.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance was tested on PlayStation 5.