Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance has cleared up every issue I had with the original game and then added even more awesomeness to the package. Well worth the purchase.

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In "Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" , players can explore two story paths: the "Canon of Vengeance," a tale of revenge centered around new characters and demons, or the original "Canon of Creation," an eternal conflict between angels and demons. The game features a modern-day Tokyo setting and multiple storylines that dictate the fate of existence. This definitive version includes new locations, demons, and choices.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

97%

Audience ScoreBased on 3,600 reviews

story242 positive mentions

grinding96 negative mentions

Significant improvements over the original game, including enhanced graphics, smoother performance, and new content.
Engaging turn-based combat system with the Press Turn mechanic, allowing for strategic gameplay and demon customization.
The new storyline in Canon of Vengeance offers better character development and a more cohesive narrative compared to the original.

The story remains weak in parts, with some characters feeling underdeveloped and certain plot points lacking depth.
Exploration can become tedious due to repetitive environments and a lack of meaningful side quests.
The game requires multiple playthroughs to experience all endings, which can feel like a grind for completionists.

story
1,357 mentions
18 % positive mentions
75 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The story of "Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a significant improvement over the original "Canon of Creation." While the new storyline adds depth and character development, particularly through the introduction of new characters and quests, some still find it lacking compared to other entries in the series, such as "Persona." Overall, the game is praised for its engaging gameplay and quality-of-life improvements, but the narrative remains a secondary focus, appealing primarily to those who prioritize combat and exploration over a compelling story.
- “I think the story is well fleshed out, and the vengeance storyline really completes the game as a whole.”
- “Vengeance improves upon SMTV's gameplay and story greatly. I loved the original game, but even I thought the story was kind of lacking. Thankfully, with the canon of vengeance, there is much more story ironing out the small flaws I had with the original game.”
- “The new storyline in the vengeance path was a bit better than the original but still nothing mind-blowing or entirely new for the SMT series.”
- “The story is mediocre, and that's me being gracious.”
- “The story is terrible, the characters are totally forgettable, and the music is average.”
- “The story was incredibly basic with characters who may as well not exist since they barely impact the plot, barely have any characterization that isn't surface level.”
gameplay
495 mentions
38 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" has received widespread acclaim for its strategic depth and engaging mechanics, particularly the refined press-turn system and the introduction of new features like innate skills and the magatsuhi gauge. Players appreciate the addictive demon negotiation and fusion mechanics, which enhance customization and team-building, while the overall combat experience is described as challenging yet rewarding. Despite some criticisms regarding the story and pacing, the gameplay is consistently highlighted as the standout aspect, making it a must-play for fans of turn-based RPGs.
- “Vengeance improves upon SMTV's gameplay and story greatly. I loved the original game, but even I thought the story was kind of lacking. Thankfully, with the canon of Vengeance, there is much more story ironing out the small flaws I had with the original game, along with new demons and way more music. This is one of my favorite games of the year!”
- “The gameplay is incredibly satisfying and it has been a great entry to the series for me.”
- “The gameplay is superb, a delight, a supreme display of turn-based design excellence in a modern game.”
- “The prevalence of one-hit mechanics and instant loss on KO instead of resurrectability, the non-slot refilling on res, and the inability to load or leave the game mid-battle is frustrating.”
- “The pacing towards the end is fantastic, but the mid-game and beginning are terrible because you will get breadcrumbs of story exposition after hours of gameplay.”
- “The game primarily takes place across a few big areas, but the areas really lack in gameplay difference and don't make themselves stand out between each other.”
music
410 mentions
52 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in "Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its exceptional quality and diversity. Composed by Ryota Kozuka, the soundtrack features a mix of genres, including metal, orchestral, and ambient tracks, enhancing the game's atmosphere and gameplay experience. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the best in the series, with numerous standout tracks that elevate both combat and exploration.
- “The music is phenomenal, the new characters are fantastic, and the gameplay and turn-based combat, as always, is fantastic.”
- “The soundtrack is an absolute triumph that offers a unique intensity that sets it apart from Persona’s style — hauntingly beautiful while heart-pounding at the right moments.”
- “The music is god tier; every song has been stuck in my head.”
- “The story is terrible, the characters are totally forgettable, and the music is average.”
- “The soundtrack is a questionable experience in dissonant tones.”
- “Music is very forgettable, which is disappointing, as music is a big deal in games nowadays.”
graphics
160 mentions
39 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" have received widespread praise for their significant improvements over the original Switch release, showcasing stunning art styles and detailed character designs that enhance the overall experience. While some users noted minor issues like texture pop-ins and a lack of graphical options, the transition to modern hardware has allowed for smoother performance and higher fidelity visuals, making it a standout title in its genre. Overall, the game's aesthetics, combined with its engaging soundtrack, contribute to a visually captivating experience, despite some criticisms regarding environmental variety and repetitive asset use.
- “The graphics are gorgeous and it's a real treat to see your favorite demons looking so good, and the soundtrack is absolutely rockin' (especially battle music).”
- “The game's art direction is nothing short of stunning, with intricate details and a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from other RPGs.”
- “The improved performance and visuals alone make this game a treat to play, transforming the stuttering cutscenes into visuals that actually do justice to the team's art style.”
- “Poor framerate, questionable design choices, and rough textures/graphical features were all things that ruined the experience of the game.”
- “The visuals are, in my opinion, awful...and I'm not talking about the graphics, it's simply that you'll spend many hours in a red wasteland with the same assets of broken buildings, cars, and streets over and over; it's kind of tiresome and completely uninteresting.”
- “Graphically, I was disappointed.”
optimization
123 mentions
27 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
19 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with players noting significant improvements over the original Switch release. Many report smooth performance across various platforms, including the Steam Deck and PCs, achieving stable frame rates of 60 fps or higher, and enhanced graphics that do justice to the game's art style. Overall, the remastered version is praised for fixing previous performance issues, making it a definitive edition that enhances gameplay and visual fidelity.
- “Great performance, clean graphics, infinite build combos, incredible replayability, amazing soundtrack... and this Vengeance version fixes everything that was wrong with the original SMT5 Switch release.”
- “Not only does the game look gorgeous, it's also very optimized (despite having Denuvo) and very mod-friendly (the game was made with Unreal Engine 4 after all).”
- “The improved performance and visuals alone make this game a treat to play, transforming the stuttering cutscenes into visuals that actually do justice to the team's art style.”
- “Now, one of the biggest reasons why many people didn't like this game as much is due to the fact that it was released on Nintendo Switch, which negatively impacted the game's performance.”
- “The performance on the Switch was miserable, but playing on the Steam Deck, all of the pop-in and slow down that you had on the Switch is non-existent.”
- “The original one was already good, but the Switch's poor performance dragged it down.”
grinding
98 mentions
1 % positive mentions
1 % neutral mentions
98 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback from players. While some find the farming loop and combat engaging, many criticize the game for being excessively grindy, especially in the late game without DLC support, which can significantly reduce the time spent grinding. Overall, players suggest that while grinding can be minimized through strategic play and the use of DLC, it remains a notable part of the experience, often leading to tedious gameplay.
- “Once you understand that this game is about strategizing and not grinding for hours until you're overleveled, you'll have much more fun.”
- “Some of the characters are still a little weak plot-wise, and doing late-game stuff can be rather grindy and time-consuming without some of the DLC.”
- “The rest of the game after this moment is dull, grindy, and bland.”
- “The only downside to this game is that if you strive to complete every content there is in the game, you may want to purchase the mitama DLC to help with grinding.”
atmosphere
51 mentions
55 % positive mentions
39 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and haunting qualities, enhanced by a standout soundtrack that complements the visuals and gameplay. Reviewers highlight the dark, oppressive settings and unique demon designs, creating a compelling world that balances tension with moments of levity. While some note a lack of consistency compared to previous entries, the overall ambiance is described as captivating and integral to the game's appeal.
- “The dark, atmospheric settings combined with beautifully horrifying demon designs create a compelling world that is both enticing and menacing.”
- “The atmosphere is unmistakable.”
- “It boasts stunning visuals and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere of the game.”
- “It was just missing the atmosphere and charm Nocturne and IV had.”
- “Lackluster atmosphere.”
- “Where Nocturne builds a constant atmosphere of dread with tinges of a strangely punk style of irreverence, V feels very unfocused in this regard, with its aim seeming to sway from one arc to the next.”
character development
36 mentions
47 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the improvements made in the "Canon of Vengeance" update compared to previous entries, while others feel that character growth is often rushed or lacks depth, particularly for secondary characters. Although the character designs are widely praised, many players express a desire for more dynamic interactions and substantial development throughout the story, especially in the final act. Overall, while there are standout moments and characters, the game still struggles with delivering consistent and meaningful character arcs.
- “The character development is solid, and the story is interesting.”
- “Dazai carried the game for me with his character development, though Yakumo was not bad.”
- “Cutscenes that previously amounted to filler now offer actual exposition and character development.”
- “I wish we got more character development and more dynamic interaction in the final act of the game; it kind of feels like it's trying to wrap things up sort of quickly.”
- “Almost every side and secondary character is dull, with their character development just as bland.”
- “The biggest issue with the previous game was its real lack of character development with the main cast and their overall lack of importance to the story.”
humor
27 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as chaotic and hilarious, with players enjoying the quirky dialogue and comedic interactions, particularly during demon negotiations. The character Yoko is noted for her cringe-worthy yet entertaining lines, while the game's blend of dark themes and whimsical elements creates a unique atmosphere. Overall, the humor is a standout feature, providing both levity and charm amidst the game's more serious undertones.
- “It’s chaotic, hilarious, and somehow the key to saving the world.”
- “You recruit your demons through negotiation mechanics that can be very unpredictable and quite funny.”
- “The sense of humor and whimsy in the characterization of the demons and the strange world they live in is lovely, and it doesn't ever undermine the haunting, otherworldly, ethereal feeling that hangs over your time exploring the world of vengeance.”
replayability
23 mentions
52 % positive mentions
35 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability, featuring two distinct story paths, six endings, and numerous optional bosses that encourage multiple playthroughs. Players appreciate the vast amount of content, including unique gameplay mechanics and self-imposed challenges, which significantly enhance the overall experience. While some may find the replay experience can become tiring after several runs, the depth and variety offered keep many engaged for hours.
- “Additionally, replay value is very good, since both the original Switch story path and the new story path are playable; it's almost like having two different games within the same world.”
- “Despite this, the dual-path approach allows for varied gameplay experiences, appealing to those who value replayability and depth in their RPG adventures.”
- “The vengeance story has a ton of new things, quests, and demons to discover, which gives the game more replayability.”
- “There are two distinct story paths and six endings between them with seemingly endless optional bosses leading to a massive amount of replay value.”
- “Let's recap: unique gameplay, striking art style, demon design, Pokémon-like party and fusion of demons, dark narratives, and colossal replayability.”
emotional
21 mentions
86 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
14 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight a mixed emotional experience across various games, with some players feeling a lack of attachment to characters and a disconnect from the story. While certain character developments, like Yuzuru's, resonate deeply, others find the narratives either boring or lacking emotional depth. Overall, while some moments and music evoke strong feelings, many players feel that the emotional engagement is inconsistent and often overshadowed by gameplay issues.
- “This game fleshes them out way more and some of the emotional beats did hit for me; I did feel something.”
- “Yuzuru's development was just amazing and extremely emotional; his relationship with his sister just touched me so much.”
- “The narrative is rich and emotionally engaging, driving me to complete the game with an unwavering determination.”
- “I came from SMT4 on 3DS, and there's literally no comparison; it's as if they stripped all that made the series amazing and left it with a bunch of busy quests while cutscenes try to tell you a very boring story.”
- “Boring gameplay, boring maps, boring story, boring OST.”
stability
21 mentions
52 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
48 % negative mentions
The game's stability is mixed, with many players reporting smooth performance on platforms like Steam Deck and Linux, while others experience significant issues such as frequent crashes and graphical glitches. Some users have successfully played for extended periods without problems, but others face persistent loading and freezing issues, particularly during critical moments in the game. Overall, while the game runs well for some, it is marred by bugs and stability concerns for others.
- “The game runs great on Linux and is very well optimized.”
- “Runs great on my Steam Deck and gaming PC.”
- “Runs great on Steam Deck!”
- “I made it about 10-12 hours into the story, and now on a boss fight (after two cutscenes) the game freezes and crashes every single time I make it to the post-battle results screen.”
- “Game is good, but it is also very buggy and crashes almost every time I try to load into the game. I have to do it like 20 times before I can actually play. The community also claims it's my PC's fault that the game is crashing.”
- “So through various troubleshooting and reinstalling the game, I figured this would resolve the issue until I was given an error and sent to a Denuvo page saying the game could not be reauthenticated for 24 hours.”
monetization
2 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Reviewers criticize Atlus for their aggressive monetization strategies, labeling their practice of re-releasing games at full price as greedy and exploitative. This has led to perceptions of the company prioritizing profit over player experience.
- “Atlus can make good games, but my god, are they ever so greedy when it comes to the monetization of their games.”
- “Atlus re-releases a game and sells it at full price, which feels scummy and like a cash grab as always.”