Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, published by SEGA and developed by ATLUS, brings back a deeply engaging RPG experience to today’s consoles in an expanded version. This new iteration takes players through two distinct story paths – Canon of Vengeance and Canon of Creation – each one rich with moral dilemmas and existential conflict. Does this one stand the test of time?
The narrative of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a dual saga that finds players against the backdrop of the chaotic remnants of Tokyo. In the Canon of Vengeance, you follow a revenge-driven tale with new characters and the mysterious Qadištu demons, who harbor their own shadowy ambitions. This storyline diverges significantly from the traditional angel-demon dynamics you might be used to, offering a fresh perspective even if you’re familiar with the Shin Megami Tensei universe.
Conversely, the Canon of Creation delves more into the eternal struggle between angels and demons, with the protagonist ultimately determining the fate of the world in a no pressure kind of situation. Both paths are full of complex choices that significantly impact the game’s outcome, ensuring that players are continually engaged with the narrative’s depth and nuance while also offering the prospect of replay value for a subsequent playthrough.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance retains the core of the series’ original turn-based combat system, but with notable enhancements that improve accessibility and strategic depth. The game features almost 300 different demons to recruit and command, each with unique abilities and lore. This extensive roster not only enriches gameplay but also encourages diverse strategies and party compositions as you experiment with them.
The demon recruitment system is as engaging as ever, blending negotiation and combat to secure new allies. The improved battle mechanics, including new skill interactions and tactical options, make each encounter feel dynamic and rewarding. However, you’re likely to run into difficulty spikes that can disrupt the game’s pacing, especially on an initial playthrough.
Navigating the post-apocalyptic version of Tokyo that’s featured in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a visually striking experience, thanks to the game’s new high-definition graphics and excellent environmental design. The controls are intuitive and responsive, enhancing the overall exploration and combat experience. Outside of the city, players can also roam expansive wastelands and uncover hidden items and demons, adding layers of discovery and immersion.
Field exploration is markedly improved over the original, with greater freedom and more interactive environments. The new areas introduced in this version are richly detailed and contribute to the game’s immersive atmosphere, though some players can find the vast open areas a bit daunting, as they can occasionally feel empty or repetitive compared to the city environments.
The audiovisual presentation in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is excellent, lifting the experience to 2024 standards. The dark, atmospheric graphics are enhanced for modern consoles, showcasing the game’s grotesque demon designs and a decimated Tokyo in haunting detail. The game’s soundtrack that backs this up is composed of both new and familiar tracks, perfectly complementing the dark tone and intense narrative. In addition, the voice acting is superb, bringing characters and demons to life with emotional depth. This also elevates the storytelling, making key narrative moments more impactful and memorable.
In conclusion, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance on the PlayStation 5 is a prime example of RPG storytelling and strategic gameplay. Its dual narratives offer compelling and morally complex journeys, while the enhanced combat system and very extensive demon roster provide deep, engaging mechanics. Despite occasional pacing issues and somewhat daunting exploration segments, the game’s stunning visuals and exceptional audio create an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Score: 8.6/10
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