With Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, Atlus again gives us the ultimate edition of an already superb game. Vengeance is both for the player who loved Shin Megami Tensei V (and who didn’t?) and for the players who have yet to dip their toes into post-apocalyptic Tokyo. Read on to know why you should give the edition a go.
Filled with stuff for new and old alike.
As always with Atlus second round with a game, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is filled with everything good from the original with quality-of-life fixes since release, but also with a new storyline and new ending so top it off. Vengeance is also released for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation aside from Switch, making it accessible for all players.
At the start of the game, you are given a choice that either sets you down the original story or a newly written one that remixes the original and adds a ton of new stuff, including a new ending. No matter what choice you make, there are still a ton of new sidequests to enjoy.
Join or be killed
The game’s combat system is also a highlight. Players can recruit demons to fight alongside them, and the game encourages experimentation and strategy when it comes to building a party. Different demons have different strengths and weaknesses, and players must carefully consider which demons to take into battle to emerge victorious. The negotiation system, which allows players to try to persuade demons to join their team, adds an extra layer of complexity and depth to the combat.
The game’s post-apocalyptic setting is also well-realized. The city of Tokyo is depicted as a desolate wasteland, filled with the ruins of familiar landmarks and haunted by the ghosts of the past. The game does an excellent job of creating a sense of isolation and despair, while also offering a glimmer of hope as the player uncovers the truth behind the apocalypse.
Music and story that stays with you
The game’s soundtrack, composed by Toshiki Konishi, is also worth mentioning. The music perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of the game, and the Battle Themes are especially memorable and help to get players pumped up for battles. I tend to play JRPGs without sound when grinding or doing side quests, especially while playing handheld (Shin Megami Tensei V Vengeance works great on Steamdeck), but here I ended up playing with sound all the time.
The characters in the game are also well-written and developed. The new story arc added with its characters is even better than the original, which is still one of the best JRPGs to date. The supporting cast, both new and old, is also diverse and interesting, and the game does a good job of fleshing out their backstories and motivations.
Conclusion
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengence is an outstanding role-playing game that offers a refreshing take on the genre with its unique blend of Japanese mythology and post-apocalyptic setting. The game’s emphasis on negotiation and strategy when encountering demons sets it apart from other RPGs and adds a layer of depth that is both challenging and rewarding. If you liked the original, you really should give this game a go and if you still haven’t experienced the original, this is the version to get. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance manages to be my favorite game in the series, which is no small task to accomplish.
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