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Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
Item: Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Single Player

AvailableJun 13, 2024

PlatformNintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox Series X

DeveloperAtlus

Overview

Embark on this definitive version of the critically acclaimed Shin Megami Tensei V, massively expanded with a brand-new storyline featuring new locations, demons, and choices to make that will dictate the fate of all existence.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance hits hard with a gripping narrative and engaging character development, especially with the new Canon of Vengeance. While critics praise its emotional depth and exploration of dark themes, some point to pacing issues and limited character development. Despite mixed reviews, the game is seen as a notable improvement over its predecessor, offering a compelling story that appeals to both new and returning players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

85%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance has garnered a largely positive reception among critics, with many praising the introduction of the new Canon of Vengeance. Reviewers like Dexerto and Pure Nintendo have highlighted the engaging narrative improvements, emphasizing the depth added by new characters such as Yoko Hiromine. Critics have noted that the new storyline offers unexpected twists and consequences, enhancing the emotional core of the game. CGMagazine and GameSpot echoed this sentiment, appreciating the strong character-driven elements and the overall enhancement of the narrative experience. The game’s exploration of dark themes, such as vengeance and existentialism, has also been well received, with reviewers like Hey Poor Player and Game Informer commending its mature tone and philosophical depth. However, not all feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Some critics have pointed out pacing issues and a lack of personal investment in the narrative. For instance, Noisy Pixel criticized the Canon of Vengeance for being poorly paced and mishandling character choices. Additionally, TheSixthAxis described the plot as "paper thin," suggesting that it requires considerable effort to unlock its potential. Twinfinite also noted that while the new storyline introduces new demons, it lacks detailed character development, focusing more on gameplay than narrative depth. These criticisms indicate that while the game has made strides in storytelling, there are still areas that some players feel could be improved. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, with the majority praising its engaging narrative and character development. The introduction of the Canon of Vengeance has been particularly well-received, with many reviewers, including those from GameCritics and PCGamesN, noting that it addresses previous criticisms of the original's thin plot. Despite some dissenting opinions regarding pacing and character depth, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game offers a compelling and immersive story experience, making it a worthwhile addition to the franchise for both newcomers and returning players alike.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance impresses with quality-of-life improvements, enhanced mechanics, and strategic turn-based combat, making exploration and battles more enjoyable. Critics praise its addictive gameplay and new features like unique demon skills and easier navigation. However, the steep difficulty might frustrate newcomers, and some feel enemy balance could be off. Overall, it's a strong evolution of the series, appealing to both seasoned players and newcomers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

97%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance has garnered considerable praise from critics, highlighting numerous quality-of-life improvements and engaging mechanics that enhance the overall experience. Reviewers like Dexerto and GameSpot noted the ability to save at any time and navigate the game world more easily, which significantly reduces frustration during exploration. Additionally, the introduction of new traversal options and demon mechanics, such as unique passive skills and the Demon Haunt area for social interactions, has been positively received, as mentioned by Vooks and Hobby Consolas. Critics also appreciated the strategic depth of the turn-based combat system, which emphasizes exploiting enemy weaknesses and managing a diverse team of demons, as highlighted by CGMagazine and IGN. The overall gameplay loop, which involves exploration, leveling up, and engaging in challenging encounters, has been described as enjoyable and rewarding. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks that may affect the gameplay experience. While the combat system is praised for its challenge, some players may find it punishing, as noted by Movies Games and Tech and Hey Poor Player. The steep difficulty curve could deter newcomers to the series who might struggle with the tactical demands of the game. Additionally, while many reviewers acknowledged the improvements made, some felt that certain aspects of the gameplay, such as enemy strength and balance, could feel overtuned, as mentioned by ZTGD. This could lead to a frustrating experience for players who are less accustomed to the series' traditional mechanics. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance delivers a compelling gameplay experience that successfully builds upon the series' established foundations. The majority of reviewers, including Pure Nintendo and LevelUp, emphasized the game's engaging mechanics and quality-of-life enhancements, which contribute to a more enjoyable exploration and combat experience. Critics like TheXboxHub highlighted the addictive nature of the gameplay, with a variety of activities that keep players invested. While there are some concerns regarding difficulty and balance, the general sentiment is that the game is a significant step forward for the franchise, making it an appealing choice for both veterans and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance dazzles with stunning visuals and a captivating post-apocalyptic world, earning praise for its art direction and immersive environments on next-gen consoles. Critics commend the rich aesthetic and solid performance, though some point out a lack of intricate detail in certain areas, particularly with NPC designs. Despite these minor criticisms, the game balances artistic ambition with technical prowess, solidifying its status as a standout title in the genre.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

68%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance have garnered a largely positive reception among critics, who praise the game's unique aesthetic and immersive environments. Reviewers from Pure Nintendo and Movies Games and Tech highlight the stunning world of Da'at, describing it as visually compelling and beautifully designed, with environments that evoke a rich post-apocalyptic atmosphere. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and GameCritics emphasize the impressive character models and art direction, noting that the dark ambience is effectively conveyed through the graphics. Additionally, the technical performance on next-gen consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X has been commended, with many reviewers, including GameSpot and Push Square, appreciating the stable frame rates and improved resolution that enhance the overall visual experience. However, while the majority of critics express satisfaction with the visuals, some have pointed out certain shortcomings. For instance, Hey Poor Player and Metro GameCentral mention that the graphics lack intricate detail, and while the art design is stunning, there are criticisms regarding the low-tech appearance of some elements. GamersRD and ZTGD also note that certain textures and NPC designs do not meet the high standards set by the game's overall visual quality, suggesting that while the game excels in many areas, there are still aspects that feel dated or underdeveloped. This sentiment is echoed by RPGamer, who points out that while the character designs are impressive, generic NPCs could use more attention in terms of facial expressions and overall design. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance offers a visually captivating experience that is significantly enhanced on modern hardware. The game's art direction and atmospheric design have been praised by many, including Hobby Consolas and TheSixthAxis, who highlight the game's ability to create an immersive world. Despite some critiques regarding the level of detail in certain areas, the majority agree that the graphics and visual design contribute positively to the game's experience. The reviews collectively suggest that the game successfully balances artistic ambition with technical performance, making it a standout title in the genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a critical hit for its immersive sound design and music, praised for its "discordant and striking" tracks that elevate the game's dark atmosphere. With over 80 new tracks, the blend of rock and synth creates a compelling experience, though minor critiques include repetitive voice lines and lack of Spanish voice acting. Overall, the game’s audio elements significantly enhance gameplay, solidifying its status as a standout title in the genre.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

12%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance have garnered widespread acclaim from critics, highlighting the game's ability to create an immersive atmosphere that complements its dark themes. Digitally Downloaded praised the "discordant and striking music," noting how it enhances the overall ambiance. Similarly, GameCritics emphasized the new rock and atmospheric synth music, which effectively elevates the game's mood. Critics like Movies Games and Tech lauded the "badass synth metal for battles" and "eerie creepy tones for exploration," while RPGamer pointed out the vast repertoire of over 80 new tracks that add depth to various gameplay scenarios. Overall, the soundtrack and sound design have been described as phenomenal, with many reviewers, including LevelUp and IGN, applauding the quality of the voice acting and sound effects, which further enrich the gaming experience. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are some criticisms regarding specific aspects of the sound design. Push Square mentioned that while the voice acting is well executed, the demon navigators' barks can become repetitive, which may detract from the immersion. Additionally, Generación Xbox noted the absence of Spanish voice acting, which could limit accessibility for some players. While these points are relatively minor compared to the overall praise, they indicate areas where the game could have improved its audio experience. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance excels in sound design and music, significantly enhancing the gameplay experience. The majority of reviewers, including GamersRD and Dot Esports, agree that the soundtrack effectively sets the mood and complements the game's dark aesthetic, contributing to a compelling atmosphere. With a combination of impressive music, quality voice acting, and immersive sound effects, the game has successfully captured the attention and admiration of critics, solidifying its status as a standout title in its genre.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance receives an overall positive technical performance review, especially on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, where smooth 60 fps gameplay and faster loading times shine. While the Nintendo Switch version boasts quality-of-life improvements, it struggles with frame rate drops and quest issues. Despite some performance hiccups across all platforms, critics largely commend the enhancements and solid gameplay experience, solidifying its status as a worthy franchise addition.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

82%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

18%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance has garnered a largely positive reception across various gaming platforms. On the Nintendo Switch, critics like Pure Nintendo highlighted quality-of-life enhancements, such as the ability to save progress at any time, which significantly improves the player experience. Vooks noted that performance has been stabilized through tweaks, even if it comes at the cost of some visual fidelity. On the more powerful platforms, such as the PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, the game shines with smooth 60 fps gameplay and faster loading times. Critics like GameCritics and Hey Poor Player praised the PS5's improved technical performance, emphasizing the elimination of inconsistent frames and load times, while Generación Xbox noted significant enhancements in the Xbox version, including stable 4K resolution. However, despite the overall positive feedback, there are notable criticisms regarding technical performance, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. Universo Nintendo pointed out persistent frame rate drops and problematic quest distribution, indicating that while improvements have been made, technical issues remain that detract from the experience. On the PS5 and PC, while the performance is generally praised, some critics, such as PCGamesN and ZTGD, mentioned occasional pop-in and frame rate drops, especially in comparison to the Switch version. This suggests that while the game performs well on more powerful hardware, it still carries over some inconsistencies from its original release. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance offers a commendable technical performance across all platforms, with the majority expressing satisfaction with the improvements made. The enhancements on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC are particularly lauded, with critics like Noisy Pixel and Worth Playing noting the smooth and enhanced gameplay experience. While the Switch version has its share of technical issues, the positive sentiment surrounding the game’s quality-of-life improvements and performance enhancements across platforms indicates a strong reception overall. The majority of reviewers agree that the game delivers a solid experience, particularly on more powerful hardware, making it a worthwhile addition to the franchise.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is hailed for its high replay value, featuring two distinct story routes with around 80 hours of gameplay each, multiple difficulty levels, and diverse endings. Critics praise the extensive content and exploration options, appealing to both newcomers and veterans. However, some note issues like repetitive elements and design flaws that could limit replayability. Overall, the game is considered a worthwhile experience with significant replay potential, making it a strong choice for fans of the series.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

73%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

27%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is largely positive, with many critics praising the game for its extensive content and replayability options. Several reviewers, such as Universo Nintendo and Hobby Consolas, highlighted the two distinct story routes, each offering around 80 hours of gameplay, which significantly enhances replay value. The inclusion of multiple difficulty levels, new demons, and side quests also adds layers of depth, making the game appealing to both newcomers and veterans. Critics like CGMagazine and Checkpoint Gaming emphasized the meaningful mechanics and new exploration options that provide incentives for multiple playthroughs, while others like Noisy Pixel and RPGamer pointed out the diverse endings and narrative choices that encourage players to delve back into the game. However, some critics did express concerns about certain aspects that could limit replayability. Dexerto noted that some repetitive elements might deter players from revisiting the game, while Metro GameCentral pointed out that underlying design flaws and similarities between the new and original campaigns could restrict the replay value. Additionally, Vooks mentioned that the new content may not justify a full-priced purchase for those who have played the original game, suggesting that some players might feel less inclined to engage with the title again. Twinfinite also highlighted potential limitations in replay value due to the absence of upgrade files or party porting, which could affect the overall experience for some players. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance offers substantial replay value, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the franchise. The majority of reviewers agree that the combination of dual storylines, extensive gameplay hours, and new content significantly enhances the game's appeal. Critics like Stevivor and Game Informer reinforced this notion by emphasizing the multiple narrative paths and the depth added through side quests. Ultimately, while there are some reservations regarding certain aspects, the overwhelming majority of critics view the replay value of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance as very good, ensuring that it remains an engaging title for both new and returning players.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

96%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its numerous enhancements over the original game. Reviewers such as CGMagazine and GameSpot highlight the game's status as a potential game of the year contender and commend its polished gameplay, improved graphics, and engaging narrative depth. Critics from various platforms, including Pure Nintendo and LevelUp, emphasize the quality-of-life improvements and new content that make this version a highly recommended experience for both newcomers and series veterans. The game's combat system, exploration options, and character additions have also been well-received, with Checkpoint Gaming and Digitally Downloaded noting that these elements contribute to a compelling Dungeon RPG experience. However, some criticisms have emerged regarding Vengeance, particularly concerning its narrative execution and the justification for its full-priced release. Vooks raises the point that, while the game is an improvement, it may not fully justify its price tag and could have been better suited as a paid DLC. Critics like Noisy Pixel and TheSixthAxis mention that while the gameplay excels, the story lacks the depth found in similar titles like Persona, which may deter players who prioritize narrative in their RPG experiences. Additionally, some reviews, such as those from Metro GameCentral and Voxel, acknowledge that despite the significant improvements, certain technical issues and storytelling shortcomings persist. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a definitive edition that enhances the original game in meaningful ways, making it a must-play for JRPG enthusiasts. The majority of reviewers, including those from IGN and PCGamesN, agree that the game offers a rich, content-filled experience that caters to both new players and returning fans. While some concerns about pricing and narrative depth have been raised, the positive feedback regarding gameplay, graphics, and overall enjoyment suggests that Vengeance successfully fulfills its role as an upgraded version of a beloved title.

TL;DR

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a standout JRPG with polished gameplay, vibrant graphics, and a rich narrative, earning rave reviews and game of the year buzz. While some critics question its full-price tag and narrative depth compared to Persona, the overall sentiment is that it’s a must-play for fans, featuring significant enhancements and quality-of-life improvements. Despite minor technical issues, it successfully redefines the original for both newcomers and veterans alike.

MONSTER

Reviews

111 reviews found

100

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 5

Jun 13, 2024