Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengenance
Released: June 14, 2024
Developer(s): ATLUS
Publisher(s): SEGA
Platform(s):
Completed on Switch Docked, using original V bonuses, replaying Canon of Creation, and advancing through NG+ to Canon of Vengeance on Normal.
HowLongToBeat Time: 43 1/2 hours | My Clear Time: 43hrs 18mins
Background
Shin Megami Tensei V began its development for the Nintendo Switch in 2016, marking the first mainline console entry since 2004’s Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne on the PS2. The development process was long and arduous, partly due to the necessity of recreating everything from scratch after previous entries were on the Nintendo 3DS. Additionally, the team chose to use Unreal Engine 4 combined with the OPTPiX SpriteStudio plug-in for programming, citing the “quick ability to create and see” what they were making (OPTPiXBlog, 2022).
The main team behind SMT V includes:
- Director: Shigeo Komori (Etrian Odyssey II, III, V, Nexus)
- Writer(s): Yoh Haduki (Devil Survivor 1), Tatsuya Watanabe (Strange Journey, Nocturne), Takahiro Yamamoto (Etrian Odyssey, Devil Survivor, Radiant Historia)
- Composer: Ryota Kozuka (Persona 4, Devil Survivor, Shin Megami Tensei IV)
- Designer: Yoshinori Asakura (Devil Survivor, SMT IV: Apocalypse, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE)
- Artist: Masayuki Doi (Shin Megami Tensei IV, IV Apocalypse, Trauma Center)
- Producer: Kazuyuki Yamai (Nocturne, Devil Summoner Raidou, Strange Journey, Shin Megami Tensei IV) (MobyGames, 2021).
Pre-release information indicated that the game would explore themes such as unemployment, uneasiness about life in retirement, terrorism, and nuclear weapons, aiming to resonate with contemporary issues (Sato, 2017).
Ultimately, these themes were not as prominent due to various issues during development. In response, Atlus sought feedback through surveys as early as 2022, considering options like a sequel similar to SMT IV: Apocalypse or a director’s cut akin to Nocturne’s Maniax and Persona 5: Royal.
What we received instead was Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, an expansion and refinement that incorporates both approaches. It features over 80 hours of new content, including the original SMT V game with over 40 new demons from the Vengeance route, along with numerous quality of life changes and all the Demon DLC from Shin Megami Tensei V. SMT V: Vengeance was released on June 14th, 2024 for the Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series, and PC platforms, marking the first mainline SMT game to be available on Xbox since the 2002 Japanese-exclusive SMT: NINE on the original Xbox (Reggy, 2024).
Experience
As a longtime fan of the SMT series, I’ve played numerous entries, including SMT III: Nocturne, SMT IV, SMT IV: Apocalypse, Digital Devil Saga, Soul Hackers, Soul Hackers 2, Devil Survivor: Overclocked, Strange Journey, Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, and Shin Megami Tensei V. My familiarity with Atlus extends to titles like Trauma Center, Persona, Catherine, Etrian Odyssey, and their upcoming IP Metaphor: ReFantazio (back when it was known as ReFantasy).
I’m also well-acquainted with Masayuki Doi’s art, from his earlier work on Trauma Center: Under The Knife 2, Shin Megami Tensei IV, and Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse, to his later work on Shin Megami Tensei V and now Vengeance.
Impressions
Canon of Creation
Choosing Canon of Creation means opting to play the original Shin Megami Tensei V story from its initial release on November 12, 2021, for the Nintendo Switch, but with the addition of new quality of life enhancements. The story includes the familiar Law, Chaos, Neutral, and secret ‘True Neutral’ endings, the latter of which can only be obtained in New Game+. Choices still accumulate unseen points towards the alignment scale, but their impact is less significant compared to previous entries, as players can now directly choose their desired ending or purchase a new one with macca (the in-game currency).
The addition of new demons not locked to the Vengeance route enhances the Canon of Creation experience. These demons can be fought, negotiated with, and fused in typical SMT fashion. Quality of life improvements are numerous but not limited to:
- Save Anywhere: Adds flexibility by allowing players to save their progress at any point.
- Magatsu Rail Mechanic: Facilitates interaction with spiritual power, creating shortcuts and uncovering new areas during exploration. Some rails require assistance from demon companions.
- Demon Haunt: Expanded from an experiment in Soul Hackers 2, this hub at most Leyline Founts (excluding portals) allows players to engage with their demons, offering gifts and engaging in conversations that can lead to new skills or stat increases. Aogami now comments on the story, providing deeper character development and a stronger player connection.
- Auto Battle: Enables automatic skill usage, enhancing efficiency during strategic battles.
- Minimap Rotation Toggle: Enhances navigation by allowing players to adjust the minimap rotation as needed.
- Bulk Item Usage: Simplifies the application of growth items such as XP increases, incenses, and balms.
- Attack Animation Skipping and Skill Distribution Speed Modification: Streamlines combat by allowing players to skip attack animations and adjust the speed of skill distribution.
- Stat Redistribution for Nahobino: Introduces a new item for complete stat reallocation, providing flexibility in character builds.
- Seamless Difficulty Changes: Retains the ability to adjust difficulty settings conveniently from the options menu outside of battle.
- Upgraded Combat System: Magatsuhi mechanic has been overhauled by adding new talismans to both routes, allowing for tag-team special moves and other skills such the iconic Friekuegel EX and many more.
- Reworked Demons: Demons now have their own unique passive that does not take up a skill slot, distinguishing them beyond just favorites or ‘fusion fodder’.
These enhancements make the Canon of Creation route more accessible and enjoyable, significantly improving the overall gameplay experience while preserving the core narrative. However, the story itself remains relatively barebones. Significant events can feel disjointed, and the limited character interaction diminishes the emotional impact of pivotal moments.
Canon of Vengeance
Selecting to take her hand at the beginning of the game starts the Canon of Vengeance narrative, where the true essence of Shin Megami Tensei V unfolds. All the quality of life changes mentioned in Canon of Creation are also present here, alongside an entirely new and compelling storyline. Initially, Canon of Vengeance may appear similar to Canon of Creation, but it quickly introduces subtle deviations, notably evident as early as encountering the train beyond the tutorial.
What makes this narrative particularly engaging is not only its initial divergence from Canon of Creation, transforming what initially felt shallow and barren into a deeper, more meaningful experience—it almost feels as if Canon of Creation were a commentary on nihilism, providing an interesting contrast. Moreover, Canon of Vengeance thematically explores the human condition under pressure, delving into themes of manipulation and the corrupting influence of power, offering rich ideas for contemplation.
Character development takes center stage here, contrasting sharply with Canon of Creation. Spending significant time with characters allows decisions to carry emotional weight, akin to the impactful storytelling seen in Strange Journey and SMT IV. The game features 89 new songs, introduces an entirely different antagonist, presents new superbosses, and includes a New Game Plus mode that raises the level cap from 99 to 150 with added difficulty, unlocked by fulfilling secret requirements. This mode not only enhances replay value but also offers a greater challenge tailored for SMT veterans, providing a fresh experience with heightened difficulty and strategic depth.
- Narrative Depth: Explores complex ethical dilemmas and character motivations, challenging players to confront consequences and shaping multiple story outcomes.
- Character Evolution: Significant growth and transformation of characters influenced by player choices, deepening immersion and emotional investment.
- Additional Content: Introduces over 80 new music tracks, multiple antagonists, challenging superbosses, and a robust New Game Plus mode with increased level caps and difficulty settings, unlocked through secret requirements.
- Unique Endings and Locations: Offers diverse narrative resolutions based on player decisions, along with new locations that expand the game world and uncover hidden secrets.
- Refined Gameplay Mechanics: Incorporates refined mechanics like Save Anywhere, Magatsu Rail Mechanic, and Demon Haunt, enhancing navigation, immersion, and interactions.
- Enhanced Replayability: Invites players to revisit the game with new challenges and strategies in New Game Plus, ensuring lasting engagement and exploration.
Canon of Vengeance offers comprehensive exposition, fleshing out both beloved and disliked characters. Noteworthy voice acting talent, including Ami Koshimizu, Chiwa Saito, Shizuka It?, Hidenari Ugaki, Atsuko Tanaka, Reina Ueda, and others, enriches the experience. Some new sidequests allow players to control demons, reminiscent of the Raidou Kuzunoha games.
Impressively, Canon of Vengeance stands out as a significant improvement over the Canon of Creation path. Newcomers are encouraged to experience Canon of Creation first to appreciate the substantial enhancements in Canon of Vengeance.
Verdict
Canon of Creation
Opting for the Canon of Creation route in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance allows players to revisit the original story released in 2021 on the Nintendo Switch, now enhanced with numerous quality of life improvements. Features such as save anywhere, streamlined combat mechanics, and demon interaction hubs like demon haunt significantly enrich gameplay. Throughout the game, Aogami’s insights via the demon haunt mechanic subtly enhance the narrative experience, offering deeper engagement without unnecessary complexity.
Demon Haunt, in particular, evolves from a mere gameplay mechanic into a storytelling tool, providing valuable insights that contribute to the world-building and character development. These interactions with Aogami add layers to the narrative, encouraging players to explore deeper themes and motivations within the game’s universe.
However, while these enhancements make the journey more accessible and enjoyable, the narrative still feels somewhat barebones. The story’s pacing can make significant events feel disconnected, and character development remains limited, which impacts emotional engagement.
Canon of Vengeance
Opting for the Canon of Vengeance route in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance presents a narrative that diverges early from Canon of Creation, introducing subtle changes that lead to a wholly distinct experience. This route enriches the game with deeper storytelling exploring themes of human frailty, power dynamics, and moral dilemmas. Character development takes center stage here, offering meaningful interactions and decisions that significantly influence the storyline.
Gameplay is enhanced with tougher bosses, new superbosses, expanded side quests, and additional content such as new locations and endings. Quality of life improvements from Canon of Creation, like save anywhere and demon haunt, further polish the experience. Canon of Vengeance also delves into character exposition, fleshing out both beloved and controversial figures. The inclusion of new notable voice acting talent enhances immersion, with sidequests that allow players to control demons reminiscent of the Raidou Kuzunoha series.
Overall, Canon of Vengeance stands out as a significant improvement over the Canon of Creation path, offering a richer and more immersive journey through Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. For players seeking a more nuanced and engaging experience, starting with Canon of Creation to appreciate the enhancements and narrative depth of Canon of Vengeance is recommended.
TLDR
Rating: 8.5/10
In Summary: Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance significantly surpasses its predecessor with numerous quality-of-life enhancements and over 80 hours of new content, including the original game and the expansive Canon of Vengeance route. With more than 80 new songs and a compelling narrative, the game addresses initial criticisms by refining gameplay mechanics and introducing deeper narrative elements. Canon of Vengeance explores themes of power dynamics, human frailty, and moral dilemmas, enriching the overall experience.
Atlus’s decision to delist the original from the Switch eShop suggests a recognition of Vengeance‘s superior quality. While some may have praised Shin Megami Tensei V, my rating for the original remains at 6/10, as anything higher would be overly generous. Nonetheless, it is recommended to play Canon of Creation first to fully appreciate the new Vengeance content especially as the Vengenance route relies on prior knowledge of the Creation route to fully enjoy.
References
- OPTPiXBlog. (2022, April 15). [Interview] Renewed UI development flow with the first new work in 5 years! “Shin Megami Tensei V” realized the division of labor between designers and programmers. OPTPiX Labs Blog. Retrieved from https://www.webtech.co.jp/blog/products/spritestudio/15819/
- MobyGames. (2021, November 11). Shin Megami Tensei V credits (Nintendo Switch, 2021). Retrieved from https://www.mobygames.com/game/174498/shin-megami-tensei-v/credits/switch/
- Sato, I. (2017, October 24). Shin Megami Tensei V is being made to sympathize with the world’s current troubles. Siliconera. Retrieved from https://www.siliconera.com/shin-megami-tensei-v-made-sympathize-worlds-current-troubles/
- Reggy. (2024, February 21). Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance announced for June 21, 2024 release on Nintendo Switch, PS5/PS4, Steam, Xbox, Windows. Persona Central. Retrieved from https://personacentral.com/smt-v-vengeance-announcement/
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