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.

92%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

grinding, monetization

97% User Score Based on 7,200 reviews

Critic Score 87%Based on 30 reviews

Platforms

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About

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

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance screenshot

97%

Audience ScoreBased on 7,230 reviews

story489 positive mentions

grinding193 negative mentions

Significant improvements over the original game, including enhanced graphics, smoother performance, and a more engaging story.
The combat system is highly strategic and rewarding, with the Press Turn system and new Magatsuhi skills adding depth to battles.
The game features a vast array of demons to collect and fuse, providing extensive customization options for team composition.

The story, while improved, still lacks depth and can feel disjointed, with some characters remaining underdeveloped.
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 and may deter some players.

story
2,734 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
75%
7%
The story in "Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a significant improvement over the original "Canon of Creation." While some appreciate the added depth and character development in the new storyline, others feel that it still lacks the compelling narrative found in previous entries like "SMT IV." The new story introduces more engaging characters and plot points, but some players criticize it for being formulaic or not fully realizing its potential. Overall, while the gameplay remains a highlight, the story is often seen as secondary, with many players suggesting that those primarily interested in narrative should temper their expectations.
- “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 kinda 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 vengeance storyline significantly improves the narrative, adding depth to characters and choices.”
- “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 felt flat all throughout, which is to be expected in mainline smt, you're not going to expect a super enthralling story from start to end, but even by the end i was wanting a lot more than what i got.”
gameplay
1,001 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
60%
2%
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 balance of challenge and accessibility, with many noting the significant quality-of-life improvements over the original game, such as the ability to save anywhere. Overall, the gameplay is described as addictive, rewarding, and a standout experience in the JRPG genre, making it a must-play for fans of tactical turn-based combat.
- “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 fun and the combat is challenging but rewarding. At the beginning, the game introduces a bunch of mechanics which can be confusing, but once you get it, you will appreciate how deep the customization of your character and the party members can go.”
- “Vengeance takes the fantastic gameplay and fine-tunes it, making the best implementation of the press turn system in mainline SMT, while also finally giving it the story it deserves.”
- “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 can be hard sometimes; you will want to cry and want to destroy your whole setup, but the mechanics are really easy to understand.”
music
823 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
46%
2%
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. With over 100 tracks, including numerous new additions, the soundtrack is considered one of the best in the series, often described as "god tier" and a significant improvement over the original game's music.
- “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 in this game is absolutely insane.”
- “The story is terrible, the characters are totally forgettable, and the music is average.”
- “It offers an expensive, grindy trek through several map designs that are very well done, a mediocre soundtrack, a wonderfully mute hero with ridiculously long hair that people only care about because he'll beat that ass, and side characters that you don't even think about when they're not on screen.”
- “Music is very forgettable, which is disappointing, as music is a big deal in games nowadays.”
graphics
324 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
54%
6%
The graphics of "Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" have received widespread praise for their significant improvements over the original Switch version, showcasing stunning art styles and detailed demon designs. Players appreciate the enhanced performance, with many noting the game runs smoothly at high frame rates, allowing the visuals to shine without the limitations of the Switch hardware. However, some critiques mention a lack of graphical options and occasional texture issues, suggesting that while the overall aesthetic is impressive, there are still areas for improvement.
- “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.”
- “Being able to play at a constant 60 fps with some gorgeous visuals makes this easily the best way to play Shin Megami Tensei 5 and makes for an excellent entry into the series for anyone coming from Persona, or anyone who has never touched SMT or its spin-offs.”
- “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
252 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
54%
19%
The optimization of "Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with players noting significant improvements over the original Switch release. The game runs smoothly at 60 FPS on various platforms, including the Steam Deck, and features enhanced graphics and zero load times, making it a definitive version for both new and returning players. Overall, the performance upgrades and quality-of-life enhancements have transformed the gameplay experience, addressing previous issues and allowing for a more immersive adventure.
- “Not only the game looks 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.”
- “Amazingly optimized and plays beautifully on Steam Deck.”
- “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 particle effects could be kind of sloppy at times, the framerate was a *huge* issue, and some of the more involved animations would make the performance tank something fierce.”
- “The switch performance was awful and it completely ruined the experience of the original.”
grinding
197 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
1%
98%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players noting that while grinding can be tedious and time-consuming, it is often made easier with the purchase of DLC, particularly the mitama packs. Some players appreciate the strategic elements that reduce the need for grinding, while others find the game excessively grindy, especially in late-game content and when attempting to complete all side quests. Overall, grinding is seen as a significant part of the experience, but opinions vary on whether it enhances or detracts from the enjoyment of the game.
- “Once you understand that this game is about strategizing and not grinding for hours until you're overleveled, you'll have much more fun.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “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.”
- “One thing that I could say that could be the downside for this game is almost the necessity to purchase the DLC for the mitamas for experience building, because grinding in this game is a pain, and without this DLC the number of hours that I have here could have almost doubled.”
- “Let's be honest - this game is really, really poorly balanced, grindy, and has very little plot compared to other SMT series games.”
atmosphere
103 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
42%
3%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its dark, immersive qualities, enhanced by a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that complements the visuals and gameplay. Reviewers highlight the compelling world created by the art style and demon designs, which evoke a mix of tension and intrigue, making it a standout feature of the experience. While some note a lack of focus compared to previous entries, the overall ambiance remains a significant draw for players, contributing to the game's addictive nature and replayability.
- “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 that 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
73 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
45%
8%
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 often stalls or wraps up too quickly. Many noted that while the main and secondary character designs are visually appealing, the depth of character interactions and development is lacking, particularly in the final act and for many side characters. Overall, while there are moments of solid character development, the pacing and execution leave room for improvement.
- “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.”
- “That being said, SMT:V, after its Vengeance update, includes two routes the player can go through: the original canon of creation, which mimics the structure of SMT:III Nocturne, and the newly added titular canon of vengeance, which feels like a callback to earlier SMT entries due to the stronger focus on alignment representatives and genuine character development.”
- “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.”
- “Character development that goes nowhere (or goes too quickly).”
humor
54 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is described as chaotic and hilarious, with players enjoying the unpredictable and funny dialogue during demon negotiations and side quests. The characterization of demons and the whimsical elements of the narrative provide a delightful contrast to the game's darker themes, making the experience both entertaining and engaging. Overall, the humor is a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's charm and addictiveness.
- “It's chaotic, hilarious, and somehow the key to saving the world.”
- “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.”
- “The negotiations are absolutely covered in painfully funny dialogue, so you have an incentive to negotiate a lot, even if you're fusing most of your demons.”
replayability
46 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
41%
7%
The game boasts exceptional replayability, featuring two distinct story paths, six endings, and numerous optional bosses that provide a wealth of content and challenges. Players appreciate the freedom in team building and character progression, which enhances the overall experience, although some note that repeated playthroughs can become tiring. Overall, it offers a rich and varied gameplay experience that encourages multiple runs.
- “There are two distinct story paths and six endings between them with seemingly endless optional bosses leading to a massive amount of replay value.”
- “Despite this, the dual-path approach allows for varied gameplay experiences, appealing to those who value replayability and depth in their RPG adventures.”
- “This is a fantastic direction for the series due to this newfound freedom in designing your party and therefore offers amazing replay value, even for someone like myself who tends to only really play RPGs for a single run.”
- “The vengeance story has a ton of new things, quests, and demons to discover, which gives the game more replayability.”
- “There is also plenty of replayability and potential for self-imposed challenges, so I might do something like that sooner or later as well.”
- “Was looking for a replayable, well-made RPG, with lots of time investment and features, and this is it.”
emotional
42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
86%
14%
The emotional aspect of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players finding certain character developments, particularly Yuzuru's, deeply moving and impactful, while others criticize the overall narrative for lacking emotional depth and attachment. Although some emotional scenes resonate, many feel disconnected from the characters, leading to a less engaging experience. The music and storytelling elements are praised for their richness, yet the integration of new and old story elements sometimes detracts from the emotional payoff.
- “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.”
- “Cannon of Creation has a somewhat boring story; I haven't done Cannon of Vengeance yet, but I bet that it is really good.”
stability
42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
48%
The game's stability is mixed, with many users reporting smooth performance on platforms like Steam Deck and Linux, while others experience significant issues such as frequent crashes and graphical glitches. Some players have noted that despite these bugs, they can still enjoy the game, but others face frustrating loading problems that require multiple attempts to start. Overall, while the game runs well for some, it is plagued by stability issues for others, particularly during critical moments in gameplay.
- “Runs great on steam deck.”
- “The game runs great on Linux and is very well optimized.”
- “It runs great on my PC as well.”
- “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, and the community also claims it's your 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
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Reviewers criticize Atlus for their aggressive monetization strategies, particularly highlighting the practice of re-releasing games at full price, which many consider to be exploitative and indicative of a cash grab mentality.
- “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.”