Attention demon tamers and apocalypse aficionados. Craving a reason to return to the desolate world of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, or perhaps you tragically missed the original? Well, fret no more! Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance has arrived, promising the definitive Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance experience. But the burning question remains: is it worth another demonic descent?
This review delves into the exciting new content offered by Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. We’ll dissect the all-new story path, the fresh crop of demons to recruit into your ranks, and the welcome quality-of-life improvements. We’ll also analyze whether these additions warrant a return visit to the world, especially for those who triumphed over the original Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. So, fear not hardened Nahobinos and curious newcomers alike, this review will equip you with the knowledge to decide if Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance deserves a prime spot in your demon-battling arsenal.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is an enhanced version of the role-playing game Shin Megami Tensei V, released just recently on February 2nd, 2024. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
- New Story Path: Vengeance offers a brand-new storyline called “Canon of Vengeance” which focuses on revenge and introduces new characters and demons. There’s also a separate story path from the original Shin Megami Tensei V.
- Expanded Content: Each campaign in Vengeance is reported to clock in at around 80 hours (about 3 and a half days), meaning there’s a massive amount of demon-slaying goodness to sink your teeth into.
- Improved Gameplay: The core turn-based combat gets a revamp, with tweaks to systems like demon fusion and potentially the difficulty balance. Quality of life improvements like better map functionality and the ability to save anywhere are also welcome additions.
- Visual Upgrades: Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance takes advantage of modern consoles to deliver stunning visuals, making the dark and demonic world even more immersive.
Franchise: – Shin Megami Tensei
Platform(s): – PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Switch
Released: – June 14, 2024
Developer(s): – Atlus
Publisher(s): – Atlus, SEGA
Genre(s): – JRPG
ESRB: – M For Mature 17+ Due to Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
Who Should Play It?
- Newcomers to SMT: Vengeance seems like a great entry point for those unfamiliar with the series. The core gameplay is fantastic, and the option to play the original story (Canon of Creation) acts as a nice intro.
- SMT V Veterans: The new story and gameplay improvements might be enough to entice returning players, especially if they found the original story lacking. However, some may feel the core experience is too similar.
A Branching Narrative: Unveiling the Canon of Vengeance
Vengeance throws you a narrative curveball. You can choose between experiencing the original canon of creation from the base game or embark on a completely new storyline – the canon of vengeance. This promises a fresh perspective on the world and its conflicts, taking the narrative in an exciting new direction. Whether you’re a series veteran or a newcomer, this branching path offers a compelling reason to invest yourself in Vengeance.
Double the Length, Double the Replay Value
Brace yourself for an epic RPG journey – each campaign in Vengeance is estimated to be a whopping 80 hours (about 3 and a half days) long. That’s a staggering amount of content, especially considering the strategic turn-based combat and demon negotiation that are staples of the SMT series. Whether you choose to revisit the familiar path or explore the uncharted territory of the canon of vengeance, you’re guaranteed a lengthy and rewarding RPG experience.
Quality-of-Life Enhancements Streamline the Experience
The core gameplay of SMT V has been revitalized in Vengeance. Quality-of-life improvements like the ability to save anywhere and a revamped map system make navigating the post-apocalyptic wasteland a breeze. These tweaks may seem minor, but they significantly enhance the overall flow and enjoyment of the game, especially for those who found the original SMT V a bit cumbersome.
Deeper Demon Mastery
Atlus hasn’t forgotten what makes the series truly unique: its demon recruitment and fusion system. Vengeance promises enhancements to this core mechanic, making it even more strategic and engaging. You’ll delve deeper into demon lore as you meticulously negotiate with demons to join your party or ruthlessly fuse them to create even more powerful entities. These improvements ensure that demon management remains a thrilling and vital part of the SMT V experience.
Critical Acclaim and Player Reception
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance has been critically acclaimed, receiving a near-perfect score of 36/40 from Famitsu, a respected Japanese gaming magazine. This strong critical reception underscores the quality and appeal of the revamped experience. Fan reception leans towards recommending the new story campaign (Canon of Vengeance) for those who played the original, as it offers a more fleshed-out narrative. However, the choice remains yours – the original campaign is still available for those who want to revisit it or experience it for the first time.
A Must-Have for RPG Fans
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance stands out as a substantial improvement over the original. It delivers a compelling new story, refines the core gameplay loop, and offers a massive amount of content. Whether you’re a fan of the series or a newcomer to the world of SMT, Vengeance is a strong contender for your RPG playtime. It injects new life into the post-apocalyptic world and challenges you to make strategic choices, negotiate with cunning demons, and forge your own path through a demon-infested wasteland. This definitive edition promises an unforgettable RPG experience.
Things to Consider
- Remaster vs Re-release: Vengeance isn’t a full remake, but an enhanced version of the original. If you already own SMT V, the value proposition might be lower.
- Original Story: Reviews suggest the original story wasn’t particularly strong. If you prioritize narrative, starting with the Canon of Vengeance might be the way to go.
Conclusion
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a must-have for RPG fans, especially those who enjoy dark, challenging games and strategic demon collecting and battling. It offers a substantial amount of new content, including a fresh storyline in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, improved gameplay mechanics, and quality-of-life improvements.
Whether you’re a newcomer to the series or a veteran who found the original Shin Megami Tensei V story lacking, Vengeance has something to offer. However, if you already played through the original Shin Megami Tensei V and enjoyed it, you might want to consider the value proposition before diving into this enhanced edition.
