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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

PlatformXbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

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 has received largely positive reviews, praised for its enhanced narrative and character depth, particularly with the new "Canon of Vengeance" storyline. Critics commend the engaging twists and moral dilemmas that enrich the experience for both new and returning players. However, some point out flaws like pacing issues and shallow character development, suggesting that while improvements are notable, there's still room for refinement. Overall, the game is viewed as a strong entry in the franchise, successfully addressing past criticisms and resonating well with 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 overall sentiment regarding the story of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the enhancements made in this installment. Reviewers such as Dexerto and Pure Nintendo highlight the introduction of the "Canon of Vengeance," which features new characters like Yoko Hiromine, adding depth and complexity to character interactions. Critics like CGMagazine and Checkpoint Gaming emphasize the strong character-driven elements and significant narrative changes that enhance the overall storytelling experience. The addition of unexpected twists and moral dilemmas, as noted by Digitally Downloaded and GameSpot, further enriches the narrative, making it engaging for both newcomers and returning players. The game is recognized for its exploration of dark themes, existential questions, and the philosophical underpinnings that have become a hallmark of the series. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics have pointed out weaknesses in the story. For instance, Noisy Pixel expressed disappointment with the pacing and character choices in the Vengeance route, suggesting a lack of personal investment in the narrative. Similarly, TheSixthAxis described the plot as "paper thin," indicating that it may require effort to unlock its deeper meanings. Critics like Twinfinite noted that while the new storyline introduces fresh demons, it does not significantly expand on character details, which could leave some players wanting more depth in character development. These critiques suggest that while the narrative improvements are commendable, there are still areas that could benefit from further refinement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance offers a compelling and improved narrative experience compared to its predecessor. The majority of reviewers, including those from IGN and PCGamesN, agree that the new story paths and characters significantly enhance the original plot, addressing previous criticisms of a thin narrative. While there are some dissenting voices regarding pacing and character depth, the prevailing sentiment is one of satisfaction with the game's storytelling. This positive reception indicates that the developers have successfully crafted a narrative that resonates with players, making it a noteworthy entry in the Shin Megami Tensei franchise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance impresses with quality-of-life upgrades and engaging mechanics, earning rave reviews for its anytime-save feature and rewarding exploration. Critics praise the strategic combat and new gameplay elements like playable allies, enhancing tactical depth. However, its challenging difficulty may alienate casual players, and some mechanics could feel overly punishing. Overall, it's a must-play for JRPG fans, blending rich combat, exploration, and demon management into a standout experience.

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 overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting several quality-of-life improvements and engaging mechanics that enhance the overall experience. Reviewers such as Dexerto and Pure Nintendo praised the ability to save anytime outside of combat and the new traversal options, which address issues of repetitiveness and make exploration more rewarding. Critics like CGMagazine and GameSpot noted the challenging combat system, which remains tense and strategic, emphasizing demon negotiation and fusion. The addition of new mechanics, such as playable human allies and expanded demon abilities, as highlighted by Vooks and Hobby Consolas, further enriches the gameplay, allowing for deeper party management and tactical planning. Despite the many positives, some critics pointed out a few drawbacks. The challenging nature of the combat, while appreciated by many, may deter casual players who find the difficulty level punishing, as noted by Movies Games and Tech. Additionally, while the game introduces new features and mechanics, some reviewers like ZTGD mentioned that certain elements could feel overtuned, potentially leading to frustration in encounters. The reliance on tactical depth and grinding for XP, as mentioned by TheSixthAxis, might also be a turn-off for players who prefer a more straightforward gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance delivers a highly engaging and rewarding gameplay experience, particularly for fans of the JRPG genre. The majority of reviewers, including Game Informer and PCGamesN, acknowledged the successful integration of quality-of-life improvements and new mechanics that cater to both returning players and newcomers. The game’s strategic turn-based combat, coupled with the rich exploration elements and demon management systems, has left a strong impression, making it a standout title in the series.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is visually stunning, especially on PS5, earning praise for its immersive world and art direction. Critics highlight significant graphical upgrades, but some textures and NPC designs feel dated, leading to mixed perceptions of overall quality. Despite criticisms, the game's graphics are a strong point, enhancing the post-apocalyptic atmosphere and making it a standout entry in the franchise.

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 from critics across various platforms. Many reviewers praised the game's unique world of Da'at, describing it as visually stunning and compelling to explore. Pure Nintendo highlighted the game's captivating environments, while CGMagazine and Digitally Downloaded noted the transformative experience offered by the silky smooth framerate and gorgeous character models on more powerful consoles like the PS5. Critics such as GameCritics and Movies Games and Tech emphasized the significant graphical improvements, with the latter pointing out the game's beautiful world design and comic book-inspired character models. The overall art direction received accolades from several reviewers, including Hobby Consolas, who described it as contributing to a fabulous RPG experience. However, not all feedback was entirely positive, as some critics pointed out areas for improvement. While the PS5 version showcased significant upgrades, Metro GameCentral and GamersRD mentioned that certain textures and NPC designs felt dated or lacking in detail. Hey Poor Player noted that graphics were not the game's strongest suit, despite improvements in technical performance. Additionally, some critics, like Dot Esports and ZTGD, highlighted that while character designs were impressive, the environments and backgrounds sometimes felt unaltered or dated compared to the revamped character models. This inconsistency in visual fidelity across different aspects of the game led to a mixed perception regarding the overall graphical quality. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance delivers a visually appealing experience, especially on current-gen consoles and PC, with many praising its art direction and immersive world design. Critics like IGN and PCGamesN emphasized the significant visual upgrades, including higher resolutions and frame rates, which enhance the overall experience. While there are criticisms regarding certain textures and NPC designs, the majority of reviewers agree that the game successfully creates a captivating post-apocalyptic atmosphere, making it a noteworthy addition to the franchise. Overall, the graphics and visual design are seen as a strong point of the game, contributing positively to the player's experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance boasts an acclaimed sound design and music that amplify its dark themes, featuring over 80 new tracks praised for their immersive blend of synth-infused metal and atmospheric tones. While critics rave about the standout soundtrack and voice acting, some note issues with repetitive sound effects and a lack of language options. Overall, the game's audio elevates the experience, solidifying its status as a standout in the franchise.

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 received overwhelmingly positive feedback 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 game's aesthetics. Similarly, GameCritics emphasized the addition of new rock and atmospheric synth music, which enriches the overall mood. Critics like Movies Games and Tech celebrated the "badass synth metal" for battles and the eerie tones for exploration, while LevelUp commended the phenomenal soundtrack and well-executed voice acting. The game features over 80 new tracks, as noted by RPGamer, which further adds to the cinematic experience, making the sound design a standout aspect of the game. Despite the acclaim, there are some criticisms regarding the sound design and music in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. While the voice acting has generally been well-received, Push Square mentioned that the demon navigators' barks can become repetitive, which may detract from the overall experience. Additionally, while the English voice acting was praised by several critics, some noted the absence of other language options, such as Spanish, which Generación Xbox pointed out. This lack of inclusivity could limit the game's appeal to a broader audience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance excels in sound design and music, creating a captivating auditory experience that enhances gameplay. The majority of reviewers, including IGN and PCGamesN, highlighted how the soundtrack effectively sets the mood with its unique blend of synth-infused metal and ambient tunes. The combination of new tracks and reworked original songs has been widely appreciated, contributing to the game's immersive atmosphere. Critics agree that the sound design is a significant strength of the game, elevating the overall experience and making it a noteworthy entry in the franchise.

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" shines on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X with smooth 60 fps, 4K resolution, and impressive quality-of-life improvements. Critics praise its technical performance, but the Nintendo Switch version struggles with frame rate drops and visual fidelity issues, hindering the overall experience. While advanced platforms deliver a solid game, the Switch's shortcomings are a notable drawback.

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 platforms, particularly on the PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X. Critics such as GameCritics and Hey Poor Player praised the PS5 version for its impressive enhancements, achieving stable 60 fps and faster loading times, which contribute to a smooth gameplay experience. Similarly, Generación Xbox highlighted the Xbox Series X's significant technical improvements, including 4K resolution and overall quality of life enhancements. On PC, reviewers like IGN and Game Informer noted the game's smooth performance, higher resolutions, and improved draw distances, further solidifying the technical prowess of the title on more powerful hardware. However, the Nintendo Switch version has faced criticism for ongoing technical issues. Universo Nintendo pointed out persistent frame rate drops and problematic quest distribution, indicating that while there have been improvements, the experience is still marred by technical shortcomings. Vooks noted that while performance was improved through stability tweaks, it came at the cost of visual fidelity. This suggests that the Switch version, while featuring some quality-of-life enhancements, is still lagging behind its counterparts in terms of overall technical performance. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" delivers a commendable technical performance, especially on more advanced platforms like the PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X, where it runs smoothly and efficiently. Critics generally agree that the game’s quality-of-life improvements, such as the ability to save anywhere and enhanced navigation features, significantly enhance the player experience. However, the Switch version remains a point of contention, with several reviewers noting that it still suffers from technical issues that detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite these drawbacks, the majority of critics affirm that the game is a solid technical achievement, particularly on platforms with greater processing power.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance scores high on replay value with its dual story paths offering around 80 hours each, diverse gameplay, and multiple difficulty settings that cater to all skill levels. Critics praise the new demons, side quests, and mechanics that enrich the experience. However, some worry the content might not justify its price for those who played the original, and there are limitations like lack of upgrade files that could hinder replay enjoyment. Ultimately, the game is seen as a robust addition to the RPG genre, promising an engaging experience for both veterans and newcomers.

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 predominantly positive, with many critics praising the game's extensive content and diverse gameplay options. Reviewers like Universo Nintendo and Hobby Consolas highlighted the dual story paths, each offering around 80 hours of gameplay, which significantly enhances replayability. The inclusion of multiple difficulty settings, as noted by Dot Esports and GameSpot, caters to a wide range of players, from newcomers to veterans, ensuring that everyone can find a suitable challenge. Additionally, the introduction of new demons, side quests, and mechanics, as mentioned by CGMagazine and GamersRD, adds depth and variety that encourages players to revisit the game multiple times. However, some critics pointed out certain limitations that could affect replay value. For instance, Vooks expressed concerns that the new content might not justify a full-priced purchase for players who have already experienced the original game. Metro GameCentral also noted that while the game improves upon its predecessor, some underlying design flaws and similarities between the new and original campaigns could limit the incentive for replaying. Furthermore, Twinfinite mentioned a lack of upgrade files or party porting, which may restrict players from fully enjoying the replay experience. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance offers substantial replay value, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the series. Most reviewers, including Dexerto and Checkpoint Gaming, agree that the combination of multiple story routes, new content, and engaging mechanics provides a rich and rewarding gameplay experience. The game's enhancements and additional features create a compelling reason for both returning players and newcomers to dive into its expansive world, solidifying its reputation as a highly replayable title within the RPG genre.

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 predominantly positive, with many critics praising the game for its significant improvements over the original release. Reviewers like CGMagazine and Digitally Downloaded highlight the new content, enhanced graphics, and gameplay refinements that contribute to a more engaging experience. Critics such as Pure Nintendo and Universo Nintendo also commend the game for addressing previous issues, making it a highly recommended title for both newcomers and seasoned fans of the JRPG genre. The addition of quality-of-life improvements, as noted by multiple critics, further elevates the gameplay experience, making it more accessible and enjoyable. However, the game is not without its criticisms. Some reviewers, like Vooks and Noisy Pixel, express concerns about the game's value as a full-priced release, suggesting it might have been better suited as paid DLC rather than a standalone title. Additionally, while many critics acknowledge the improvements, they also point out lingering technical issues and shortcomings in narrative depth. For instance, TheSixthAxis and Voxel mention that while the gameplay is strong, the story may not resonate as deeply as some players would prefer, particularly when compared to other titles in the genre, such as Persona. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a noteworthy enhancement of the original game, with many declaring it the definitive version for both new players and returning fans. Critics like LevelUp and Game Informer emphasize that the game successfully addresses previous flaws while offering a rich, challenging experience filled with content. Despite some criticisms regarding its pricing and narrative execution, the majority of reviewers agree that the game is a must-play for JRPG enthusiasts, solidifying its place as a significant title in the genre.

TL;DR

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance receives mostly positive reviews for its enhanced graphics, new content, and gameplay refinements, making it a strong recommendation for both new and returning players. Critics praise its improvements over the original, though some question its full-price status and note lingering technical and narrative issues. Overall, it’s seen as a must-play for JRPG fans, despite some concerns about value and story depth.

MONSTER

Reviews

111 reviews found

100

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 5

Jun 13, 2024