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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, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, 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" is mostly praised for its enhanced narrative, particularly the "Canon of Vengeance," which adds depth with new characters like Yoko Hiromine and philosophical themes that keep players engaged. Critics commend its character-driven storytelling, though some raise concerns about pacing and character development. Despite mixed reviews, the consensus is that it significantly improves on its predecessor, offering a compelling experience that balances its post-apocalyptic setting with rich interactions.

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 to the narrative compared to the original. Reviewers like Dexerto and Pure Nintendo highlight the introduction of the "Canon of Vengeance," which is lauded for its engaging narrative and the depth it adds through new characters, particularly Yoko Hiromine. Critics such as CGMagazine and Checkpoint Gaming emphasize the strong character-driven elements and the significant changes that enhance the storytelling experience. The narrative's exploration of philosophical themes, as noted by Hey Poor Player and Game Informer, resonates well with players, making the story feel rich and layered, while introducing unexpected twists that keep the audience engaged. However, not all feedback is uniformly positive. Some critics express concerns about pacing and character development. For instance, Noisy Pixel describes the "Canon of Vengeance" as disappointing, citing issues with pacing and a lack of personal investment in the narrative. Similarly, TheSixthAxis refers to the plot as "paper thin," suggesting that while the game introduces intriguing elements, it may not fully deliver on depth. Twinfinite also mentions that while new demons are introduced, there is a lack of detail regarding character development, which may leave some players wanting more. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that "Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance" significantly improves upon its predecessor's story. Critics like GameSpot and PC Invasion affirm that the new narrative paths and character additions create a more compelling experience, addressing previous shortcomings. The majority of reviewers agree that the game successfully combines its post-apocalyptic setting with engaging character interactions and philosophical themes, making it a worthwhile experience for both newcomers and returning players. This positive reception highlights the game's ability to evolve and enhance its storytelling, solidifying its place within the franchise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a hit with critics, praised for its quality-of-life upgrades, engaging mechanics, and improved exploration. Key features like anytime saving, new traversal options, and strategic combat enhance gameplay, though its punishing difficulty may deter newcomers. While some find elements overtuned, the game successfully revitalizes the series with fresh mechanics and deep combat, making it a strong JRPG contender.

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 been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting numerous quality-of-life improvements and engaging mechanics that enhance the overall experience. Reviewers from various platforms, including Dexerto and Pure Nintendo, praised the ability to save anytime outside of combat, which significantly reduces frustration and encourages exploration. The introduction of new traversal options and the ability to skip or speed up cutscenes were also noted as enhancements that make the gameplay more rewarding. Critics such as Universo Nintendo and Vooks emphasized the game’s focus on dungeon exploration, demon recruitment, and the strategic depth of turn-based combat, which remains a hallmark of the series. The addition of new mechanics, such as playable human allies and unique demon abilities, further enriches the gameplay experience, making it feel fresh and engaging. While the majority of reviews are positive, some critics pointed out areas that could be improved or aspects that may not resonate with all players. For instance, CGMagazine and Movies Games and Tech noted the game's punishing difficulty and the need for strategic planning, which could be overwhelming for newcomers to the series. Additionally, some reviewers, like ZTGD, mentioned that certain gameplay elements might feel overtuned, potentially leading to frustration during challenging encounters. The reliance on traditional turn-based mechanics, while beloved by many, might not appeal to those seeking more innovative gameplay styles. Critics such as GameSpot and Hey Poor Player acknowledged the demanding nature of the combat system, which, while rewarding, may deter casual players looking for a more accessible experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance delivers a compelling gameplay experience that successfully builds on the franchise's legacy. The enhancements in exploration, combat mechanics, and quality-of-life features have been widely appreciated, as noted by critics like Game Informer and PCGamesN, who highlighted the game's ability to address previous criticisms while providing a fresh take on familiar mechanics. The strategic depth of the turn-based combat, combined with the engaging demon recruitment and fusion systems, has resonated well with both series veterans and newcomers alike. Ultimately, the game is seen as a strong entry in the JRPG genre, with the majority of reviewers concluding that it offers a satisfying and immersive experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance impresses with its striking graphics and immersive world, earning praise for its unique aesthetic and art direction. Critics applaud the stunning visuals, smooth frame rates, and overall atmospheric design, especially on current-gen consoles. However, some note inconsistencies in visual detail, particularly on older platforms, and find certain elements feeling outdated. Despite this, the consensus is that the game's visuals are a significant upgrade, enhancing the RPG experience and solidifying its place 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 overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its unique aesthetic and immersive world-building. Critics like Pure Nintendo highlighted the "visually stunning" world of Da'at, noting that it becomes increasingly compelling as players progress. Similarly, CGMagazine and Digitally Downloaded lauded the game's presentation on more powerful consoles, emphasizing the silky smooth framerate and gorgeous character models that enhance the dark ambiance. The art direction received accolades from multiple reviewers, including Hobby Consolas, who described it as being "at another level," contributing significantly to the RPG experience. The game's ability to run at a stable 60 fps on current-gen consoles, as noted by GameSpot and LevelUp, further bolstered the positive reception of its graphics. However, there were some criticisms regarding the visual fidelity and detail, particularly when comparing the game across different platforms. While many reviewers acknowledged the improvements on PS5 and PC, some, like Metro GameCentral and ZTGD, pointed out that the visuals still felt low-tech or dated by modern standards, especially in terms of environmental detail and the design of generic NPCs. Critics such as Hey Poor Player and GamersRD noted that while the technical performance improved, the graphics were not necessarily the game's strong suit. Additionally, Dot Esports mentioned that the unaltered backgrounds compared to the revamped character models and demons could feel lacking, indicating a disparity in visual quality that some players might notice. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance offers a visually appealing experience that successfully captures the essence of its post-apocalyptic setting, with many praising its art design and atmosphere. While there are some concerns about the level of detail in certain aspects, the majority of reviewers agree that the game's graphics are a significant improvement over its predecessor, particularly on more powerful hardware. Critics like IGN and Game Informer highlighted the substantial upgrades in resolution and frame rates, reinforcing the notion that the game's visual design is a strong point that enhances the overall experience, making it a worthy addition to the franchise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance shines with standout sound design and music, praised for enhancing its dark themes and immersive atmosphere. Critics applaud its "phenomenal" blend of rock and synth, enriching gameplay during exploration and battles. While minor drawbacks like repetitive voice lines and lack of Spanish dubbing exist, they don't overshadow the overall acclaim. With over 80 new tracks and emotional voice acting, the audio elements are a key highlight, solidifying the game's appeal 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 garnered significant praise from critics, who highlight the game's ability to enhance its dark themes and immersive atmosphere through its audio elements. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and GameCritics commend the discordant and striking music, noting how it effectively complements the game's aesthetics and mood. The soundtrack, described as "phenomenal" by LevelUp, features a blend of rock and atmospheric synth music that enhances the overall experience during both exploration and intense battle sequences. Additionally, Movies Games and Tech emphasizes the "badass synth metal" for battles and "eerie creepy tones" for exploration, showcasing the game's diverse audio landscape. The voice acting also receives accolades, with RPGamer noting the emotional depth conveyed through the English dub, further enriching the characters and storytelling. While the overall reception is overwhelmingly positive, some critics point out minor drawbacks. Push Square mentions that the demon navigators' voice lines can become repetitive, which may detract from the immersion during extended gameplay. Additionally, Generación Xbox highlights the absence of Spanish voice acting, which could limit accessibility for non-English speaking players. However, these criticisms are relatively minor compared to the overall acclaim for the sound design and music, suggesting that they do not significantly detract from the game's quality. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance excels in its sound design and music, creating an engaging and atmospheric experience that enhances the gameplay. Most reviewers, such as IGN and PCGamesN, agree that the soundtrack, with its blend of synth-infused metal and ambient tunes, effectively sets the mood for the game's apocalyptic setting. The impressive array of over 80 new tracks, as noted by RPGamer, alongside high-quality voice acting, contributes to an immersive experience that resonates with players. Overall, the sound design and music are regarded as standout features of the game, solidifying its status as a compelling 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 and Xbox Series X with smooth 60 FPS, enhanced visuals, and faster loading times, earning widespread praise. PC gamers enjoy improved performance, but some encounter minor issues. In contrast, the Nintendo Switch version suffers from frame rate drops and visual compromises, leaving it lagging behind. Overall, the game is a technical triumph on powerful platforms, but Switch users may face a bumpy ride.

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 received a largely positive reception across various platforms, with many critics praising the enhancements made for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. On the PS5, reviewers like CGMagazine and GameCritics highlighted the improved performance, noting the elimination of inconsistent frame rates and faster loading times, which contribute to a smoother gameplay experience. GamersRD and Noisy Pixel echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the game's ability to run at a stable 60 FPS with enhanced visuals, showcasing significant upgrades over the Nintendo Switch version. Similarly, the Xbox Series X version was commended by Generación Xbox for its stable 60 FPS and 4K resolution, further enhancing the quality of life for players. PC players also reported a smooth experience, with IGN and Game Informer praising the higher resolutions and frame rates, along with quality of life improvements like better draw distances. However, the Nintendo Switch version has faced criticism for its technical shortcomings. Critics like Universo Nintendo pointed out persistent frame rate drops in certain regions and problematic quest distribution, which detracts from the overall experience. While Vooks acknowledged some stability tweaks, they also noted that visual fidelity was sacrificed for performance, indicating that the Switch version still struggles with technical issues. On the PC front, while most reviews were positive, PCGamesN mentioned occasional instances of pop-in and frame rate drops, hinting that even the more powerful hardware does not completely eliminate performance inconsistencies. ZTGD also noted that the PC port felt somewhat barebones, lacking modern support features, which could affect the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance demonstrates significant technical improvements across most platforms, particularly on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. The majority of reviews reflect a sentiment of satisfaction, with many praising the enhancements that have been made since the original release. Despite the technical issues noted on the Nintendo Switch, the game still offers quality-of-life improvements that enhance the player experience, as highlighted by Pure Nintendo's mention of the ability to save anywhere. The general agreement among critics, including those from Hey Poor Player and LevelUp, is that the game runs exceptionally well on more powerful hardware, making it a worthwhile experience for players across all platforms, albeit with some reservations for Switch users.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is praised for its extensive content and dual story routes, offering around 80 hours of gameplay and high replay value. Critics commend its varied difficulty settings and new features, enhancing the experience for both newcomers and veterans. However, some express concerns about design flaws and content justifying a full-priced purchase for returning players. Overall, the consensus is that it delivers an engaging experience with significant replayability, making it a valuable addition to the franchise, despite some reservations.

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 among critics, with many praising the game's extensive content and multiple pathways. Reviewers like Universo Nintendo and Hobby Consolas highlight the dual story routes, each offering around 80 hours of gameplay, which significantly enhances replayability. The inclusion of various difficulty settings, as noted by Dot Esports and Stevivor, caters to a wide range of players, from newcomers to seasoned veterans. Additionally, the game introduces new demons, side quests, and quality-of-life improvements, which critics such as GamersRD and Voxel emphasize as factors that enrich the gameplay experience and encourage exploration. However, some critics express concerns regarding the potential limitations of replay value. For instance, Metro GameCentral points out that underlying design flaws may hinder the replay experience, while Vooks mentions that the new content might not justify a full-priced purchase for those who have already played the original game. Additionally, Twinfinite notes a lack of upgrade files or party porting, which could limit the incentive for players to replay the game. These critiques suggest that while there is substantial replay value, it may not be universally appealing for all players, particularly those familiar with the previous iteration. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance offers a robust replay value, primarily due to its dual narratives, extensive content, and varied gameplay options. Critics like CGMagazine and Checkpoint Gaming affirm that the enhancements and new features make it worthwhile for both returning fans and newcomers. Despite some reservations regarding the game's repetitiveness and the necessity of the new content, the majority agree that the game provides an engaging experience that encourages multiple playthroughs, making it a strong addition to the Shin Megami Tensei franchise.

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 regarding Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the game for its substantial improvements over the original release. Reviewers like Dexerto and Pure Nintendo highlight the new content, characters, and quality-of-life enhancements that make this version an ideal entry point for newcomers. Critics such as CGMagazine and Digitally Downloaded go further, labeling it as "game of the year material" and "the ultimate version," respectively, thanks to its engaging narrative, refined gameplay mechanics, and enhanced graphics. The game is recognized for its depth and replay value, appealing to both seasoned fans and those new to the series, as noted by LevelUp and Hooked Gamers. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics pointed out notable shortcomings. Vooks raised concerns about whether the game justifies its full-priced release status, suggesting it might have been better suited as paid DLC. Additionally, Noisy Pixel and TheSixthAxis mentioned that while the gameplay excels, the narrative execution could be lacking compared to other titles in the genre, particularly when compared to the Persona series. Technical issues were also noted by Universo Nintendo, indicating that while the game offers a compelling Dungeon RPG experience, it is not without its flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance represents a significant step forward for the franchise, with most reviewers affirming it as a must-play title for JRPG enthusiasts. The improvements and new content have been well-received, making it a definitive edition that enhances the original experience. Critics like GameSpot and Metro GameCentral encapsulate this sentiment by emphasizing the game's polished and engaging experience, despite some minor critiques regarding narrative depth and pricing. Ultimately, the game stands as a strong recommendation, appealing to a broad audience while addressing many of the original's shortcomings.

TL;DR

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a hit, garnering praise for its major upgrades over the original. Critics hail it as "game of the year material" with engaging storytelling, refined mechanics, and impressive graphics, making it a top choice for both veterans and newcomers. However, some question its full-price status and note narrative shortcomings compared to competitors like Persona. Despite minor flaws, it’s lauded as a must-play JRPG that significantly enhances the franchise—definitely worth checking out!

MONSTER

Reviews

112 reviews found

100

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 5

Jun 13, 2024