Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Review

Atlus has once again demonstrated its expertise in revitalizing older titles with the re-release of a three-year-old game, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. This Nintendo Switch exclusive JRPG from 2021 now feels remarkably fresh, thanks to a wealth of new features and enhancements, but more importantly, it is now available across all major platforms.

Atlus has a history of successful re-releases, as seen with Persona 3 FES, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal. Now, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance continues this tradition, truly living up to its name as the game is now back with a vengeance.

Choose your own adventure

It wouldn’t be fair to compare Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance with other similar re-releases, simply because Vengeance offers significantly more. The most notable addition is the brand-new Canon of Vengeance story route, and unlike simply expanding the existing narrative, an early choice in the game leads to an entirely different storyline, and consequently, another ending that answers lingering questions.

Characters from the original storyline, now referred to as the Canon of Creation, do appear in the new Vengeance route. However, the introduction of the new character Yoko and the antagonist group Qadištu sets Vengeance apart from Creation, making it a worthwhile playthrough. That said, the game is still as hardcore as ever, and while it is similar to Persona titles in a sense, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance deals with heavier topics and more punishing gameplay.

Returning players will experience a virtually new narrative, while newcomers will enjoy the equivalent of two different games in one package. The inclusion of the new Shinjuku Ward and the Shakan dungeon makes exploring the Vengeance route worthwhile, and the value proposition of this two-in-one is an offer that’s hard to refuse, especially when all previously released DLC are included as well.

Additionally, various gameplay changes make Vengeance less burdensome compared to the base game. The ability to save anywhere is a welcome addition that eases the difficulty and is a very welcome sight for players wanting to dive into this world.

Playing on more powerful hardware like the PS5 and PC will finally bring the game to 60fps with improved load times. If you played the original version on the Nintendo Switch, you’ll know how much of a godsend this will be.

For strategic players, the introduction of Magatsuhi skills will test your party-building skills, and experimenting with different demon combinations to utilize these Magatsuhi skills adds satisfaction. This doesn’t sound like much, but it showcases the additional depth that players can employ during battles.

Call a Demon

Demons and their systems are the main draw in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, and this facet of the game also takes on various improvements. The new Demon Haunts feature allows players to interact with the demons they’ve collected, providing another avenue of distraction from exploration and battles. These hubs offer opportunities to converse with your demons and observe them using the Free Camera Mode.

The game also notifies you if your demons have gifts, making it worthwhile to spend time with them. Additionally, you can engage in beneficial conversations with Aogami, who will be of service to the protagonist by providing crucial stat boosts. With over 270 demons to play around with, 40 of which are new to the game, there’s a lot to chew on here.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance beautifully portrays a post-apocalyptic world where demons roam the ruins of Tokyo. The graphics are smooth and stylish, with characters and demons moving fluidly across the world. This is a definite step up from the original release, no questions asked, and it is almost a night and day difference thanks to the power of the more current platforms.

The game’s sound design complements its dark and sometimes dreary atmosphere. Haunting themes enhance the sense of darkness, with some tracks being catchy despite their somber tones. Even the battle music against the Qadištu conveys a sense of dread and unease, capturing their sinister nature effectively.

Verdict: Buy it!

The term “definitive” is often overused, especially with game re-releases, but it perfectly encapsulates Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. The latest additions and gameplay changes make this the ultimate version to own, and if you played the original, taking the dive once again on more powerful hardware will yield impressive results.

Atlus has meticulously crafted Vengeance to cater to both newcomers and veterans who have completed the original game. Shin Megami Tensei V returns, now more accessible to a broader audience, and it truly lives up to its name.

*Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance was reviewed on PC/Steam Deck with a review code provided by the publisher.