Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Review

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (Image credit: Altus)
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (Image credit: Altus)

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance – A Bold Expansion

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance elevates the original game with new characters, story paths, and enhanced gameplay. Originally released in 2021, Shin Megami Tensei V impressed fans with its dark atmosphere, challenging combat, and stunning art. Now, Atlus has brought a revamped multiplatform edition with improved features, smoother performance, and added story content. This release makes Shin Megami Tensei V even more engaging and accessible.

A Smoother, Faster Experience Across Platforms

The first noticeable upgrade in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is its improved performance. While visuals remain mostly unchanged, the art style still captivates with its mix of stunning angels, terrifying demons, and eerie landscapes. This updated version lets players experience the game’s intricate world with much more polish and consistency.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance – Announce Trailer | NSW, PS4/5, Xbox Series One, X|S, Steam, PC

New Story Paths in Canon of Vengeance

One of the biggest additions is the Canon of Vengeance, a fresh storyline featuring Yoko Hiromine, a new character who introduces unique story elements and expands the game’s depth. Yoko, a skilled exorcist, brings added tension to the plot as she pursues her own motives. Alongside her are the Qadištu, four powerful female demons who influence the story in unexpected ways. This new path provides twists and fresh perspectives on existing events, though early segments mirror the original plot, which may feel familiar to veteran players.

A New Ally Mechanic for Fresh Combat Dynamics

The new guest-character mechanic adds versatility to the combat system, letting plot-essential characters join as temporary allies. These guests don’t occupy demon slots and come with a variety of abilities, giving players useful tools for specific encounters. Though these characters appear only temporarily, their skills enhance strategic options and add narrative significance to battles, making each fight feel connected to the overarching story.

Deepening the Demon Connection with the Demon Haunt

The Demon Haunt, accessible at leyline locations, creates an engaging way to bond with demon companions. Here, players can chat with demons, receive gifts, or boost stats, reinforcing the player-demon connection. This cheerful area contrasts sharply with the otherwise dark atmosphere of the game, allowing players to enjoy brief moments of levity before returning to the intense story.

Improved Navigation and Magetsu Rails

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance makes exploration easier with updated maps and Magetsu Rails. These rails act as shortcuts, helping players reach key areas without repetitive platforming, while new map details make topography clearer. Demon NPCs now find items and hidden areas, adding further convenience. Additionally, the new save-anywhere feature lets players secure their progress at any point, reducing the need for frequent backtracking.

A Refined Combat System with New Skills and Miracles

Combat now includes upgraded Magatsuhi skills and additional Miracles that offer powerful new strategies. Certain Magatsuhi skills can remove enemy turns, giving players a critical advantage in tough battles. The combat also feels slightly easier, possibly due to these new features and other player-friendly changes. For those craving a challenge, the “Godborn” difficulty in New Game Plus delivers an intense experience.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance – A Must-Play Evolution

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance has retained everything fans loved about the original, while also refining and expanding it. With engaging new story paths, improved combat options, and quality-of-life updates, it’s a must-play for returning fans and newcomers. This enhanced version makes the journey through Da’at even more immersive, offering a perfected version of one of the genre’s best RPGs.

Get the game here.