Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Review

The Shin Megami Tensei series is among the most extensive RPG franchises to date, and Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance on the next-gen console is a remarkable entry in the franchise, representing a true realization of what the original Shin Megami Tensei V aimed to achieve back in 2021. This enhanced version features numerous qualities of life improvements, a plethora of new demon designs, and a brand-new storyline, Canon of Vengeance, that weaves a more cohesive narrative. Let’s dive into the changes and highlights that make this game shine.

Shin Megami Tensei V, originally exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, has now been revamped and reintroduced as Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, making its way to almost all available platforms. Atlus, the developer behind this acclaimed series, has seen significant success in recent years with titles like Persona 3 Reload, Persona 5 Royal, and Catherine: Full Body. Their ability to craft immersive and challenging RPG experiences has solidified their reputation in the gaming industry.

With SMT V: Vengeance, Atlus has not only enhanced the original game with quality-of-life improvements and new content but also reimagined the storyline to create a more cohesive and engaging experience. Is this updated version worth your time? Absolutely—it’s a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.

Straight out of the gate, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance offers players two distinct story modes: the Canon of Creation, a faithful retelling of the original narrative, and the Canon of Vengeance, a brand-new tale featuring the enigmatic Qadistu faction. The choice between these paths is presented early on through a pivotal cutscene, ensuring clarity for players selecting their preferred storyline. While the decision might seem straightforward at first glance, the game confirms your choice afterward, leaving no room for confusion.

The Canon of Vengeance introduces a new antagonist group, the Qadistu, who play a central role throughout the game. Their motives and goals intertwine with the existing narrative, adding depth and complexity. Without diving into spoiler territory, I can say their inclusion enriches the story, adding layers to the classic law versus chaos dynamic. This new content enhances the pacing, making the overall experience feel more robust.

However, despite these additions, the core storyline remains familiar. This isn’t a complete overhaul like SMT IV to SMT IV Apocalypse; rather, it feels like a retelling with significant extra content. You’ll notice some of the same story beats, albeit presented in a slightly different way. Interestingly, some events from the original game that occurred in now-removed areas still happen but are shown off-screen. This approach isn’t perfect and can feel a bit disjointed, but overall, the narrative improvements outweigh these quirks.

The introduction of the Qadistu faction serves as a pivotal narrative device, assuming the role of primary antagonists throughout much of the game. Their inclusion not only adds layers of complexity to the overarching conflict between order and chaos but also enriches the storytelling by introducing new dimensions to the struggle for world supremacy. While I must remain vague to avoid spoilers, the Qadistu’s goals and motivations intertwine intriguingly with the protagonist’s journey, contributing to a more nuanced narrative experience.

One of the most notable improvements in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is the refined gameplay balancing, particularly regarding level scaling. In the original SMT V, facing enemies 20 levels above you was often a recipe for disaster. The level scaling was unforgiving, making progression feel like a grind.

Thankfully, Vengeance addresses this issue head-on. The harsh level scaling has been eliminated, allowing for a more balanced and fair combat experience. This shift places greater emphasis on character stats and skill sets rather than sheer level difference, making battles feel more strategic and less punishing.

Moving into the gameplay improvements of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, there’s been an across-the-board refinement that significantly enhances the experience. A standout adjustment is the reworked gameplay balancing, particularly the removal of the challenging level scaling system presented in the original SMT V. If you recall struggling against enemies just slightly higher in level, rejoice—Vengeance has mitigated that frustration. Now, success hinges more on strategic stat management and skill selection, fostering a more balanced and rewarding gameplay loop.

Another significant enhancement is the party customization and demon-building system. This aspect of SMT has always been a highlight, but Vengeance takes it to the next level with the introduction of Demon Haunts. Accessible from any part of the netherworld, Demon Haunts allows you to spend time with your demons, listen to their stories, and motivate them to level up and learn new skills. This mechanic also applies to your protagonist through interactions with Aoghami, the demon you fuse with at the game’s start. This system adds depth to party customization, making it more engaging and rewarding. It’s worth visiting these haunts regularly to maximize your party’s potential.

The introduction of Demon Haunts not only enriches the gameplay experience but also underscores its strategic depth. Spending time here isn’t just about boosting stats; it’s about forging connections and tailoring your team to suit your playstyle. It’s a satisfying aspect of gameplay that encourages exploration and experimentation beyond the usual RPG mechanics.

Furthermore, the shift towards emphasizing skill management over raw levels marks a progressive leap in gameplay philosophy. It empowers players to craft their characters in a more personalized manner, where every decision—from skill acquisition to party composition—holds tangible weight and impact.

Visually, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a treat. Running at 60fps on the PlayStation 5, the game has never looked better. While the original game on the Switch had impressive visuals despite some technical limitations, the PlayStation 5 version elevates the visual experience with higher fidelity and smoother performance. The environments are stunning, and the game’s aesthetic shines through with greater clarity. Although 60fps may not be essential for a turn-based RPG, it certainly enhances the overall experience, making every moment more immersive.

The soundtrack of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance retains much of the original’s fantastic music, but the Canon of Vengeance introduces new battle themes and exploration tracks that are absolutely phenomenal. SMT games are known for their exceptional music, and Vengeance is no exception. The new tracks blend seamlessly with the original score, enhancing the atmosphere and adding to the game’s already rich audio landscape.

No SMT game is complete without its iconic soundtrack, and Vengeance is no exception. While retaining many beloved tracks from its predecessor, the Canon of Vengeance introduces fresh compositions that breathe new life into battle sequences and exploration phases alike. It’s a testament to the series’ commitment to delivering a memorable auditory experience that complements its rich narrative and gameplay elements.

The soundtrack complements gameplay with a diverse selection of tunes that adapt to on-screen actions, effectively setting the mood. Transitioning from intense battle themes to subdued tones during demon negotiations adds a dynamic layer to the experience. While the game features full voice acting, the protagonist remains silent, which I find detracts from immersion. The disparity between voiced NPCs and the silent protagonist during significant conversations feels jarring, although the overall quality of voice acting is commendable.

In the end, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a stellar RPG that builds upon the strengths of the original while addressing many of its weaknesses. The game is now more accessible than ever, thanks to its multi-platform release. Fans of the original will appreciate the improvements, and newcomers will find a rich, engaging experience waiting for them.

If you were disappointed by the base story of SMT V, the Canon of Vengeance might not completely change your mind, but it offers more character depth and better pacing. The gameplay overhaul, particularly the removal of the punishing level scaling, makes for a much more enjoyable experience. Party customization is deeper and more satisfying than ever, making every battle feel rewarding.

With its enhanced visuals, improved performance, and fantastic soundtrack, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance sets a new standard for the series. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the franchise, there’s a lot to love here.

Atlus has successfully addressed many of the issues that plagued the 2021 version, offering a more balanced gameplay experience, enriched narrative, and visually stunning presentation on next-gen consoles. The introduction of the Canon of Vengeance storyline provides a fresh perspective and deeper engagement, while the enhancements in gameplay mechanics and demon customization elevate the overall experience.

For fans of the franchise, this iteration feels like a refined homage to what made SMT beloved. For newcomers, it serves as a perfect entry point into the complex, thrilling world of Shin Megami Tensei. In a landscape crowded with RPGs, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance stands out as a must-play title, blending challenging combat, strategic depth, and a compelling story into a cohesive package that’s hard to put down.