Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

The majority of critics praised the narrative of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, highlighting its enhanced depth and engaging storytelling. Dexerto emphasized that the "Canon of Vengeance" stands out as a superior path, particularly due to the impactful addition of Yoko Hiromine, who enriches the cast and deepens character interactions. Universo Nintendo noted that the Vengeance Canon diverges early from the original, offering unexpected twists and consequences that make the story more compelling. Other reviewers, such as CGMagazine and GameCritics, lauded the game’s character-driven elements, with the new route providing a stronger emotional core that aligns with the series’ philosophical themes. The inclusion of new characters, enemies, and gameplay mechanics was frequently cited as a significant improvement, with Hobby Consolas and Stevivor describing it as a "practically new experience" that revitalizes the original. Themes of vengeance, existentialism, and moral ambiguity were also celebrated, as seen in the analyses by Hey Poor Player and GamersRD, who appreciated the game’s exploration of humanity and self-worth. However, a smaller subset of critics raised concerns about the Vengeance path’s execution. Noisy Pixel criticized it as "disappointing and poorly paced," arguing that character choices felt mishandled and lacked personal investment. TheSixthAxis described the plot as "paper thin," requiring players to "unlock" its substance, while Twinfinite noted that the route introduced new demons but offered minimal character development, focusing instead on "demonesses." These critiques suggest that while the story’s framework is strong, some felt the narrative’s pacing or depth fell short of expectations. Additionally, Voxel mentioned that the Vengeance route "lacks depth" despite its focus on societal ideals and gameplay, indicating that not all reviewers were fully satisfied with the balance between story and mechanics. Despite these reservations, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the Vengeance storyline being seen as a major enhancement to the original. Most reviewers, including Checkpoint Gaming, Digitally Downloaded, and PC Invasion, emphasized that the new path adds meaningful context, twists, and character growth, making it a fresh and engaging experience. While a few noted minor flaws, the majority agreed that the narrative’s complexity, philosophical themes, and improved pacing elevated the game’s storytelling. The addition of branching paths and multiple endings, as highlighted by Push Square and Movies Games and Tech, further solidified its appeal, offering players a richer, more dynamic experience. This critical reception underscores that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance successfully expanded on its predecessor’s foundation, delivering a story that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers.

The gameplay of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is widely lauded for its refined mechanics and accessibility improvements, with critics highlighting its evolution while retaining the series’ core identity. Many praised the quality-of-life (QoL) enhancements, such as the ability to save anytime outside of combat, faster traversal options (like Magatsuhi rails for fast travel), and the option to skip or speed up cutscenes, which reduce tedium and make exploration more rewarding. Universo Nintendo and Vooks noted the addition of vertical level design, new exploration mechanics, and features like the Demon Haunt for deeper demon interactions, while CGMagazine and GameSpot emphasized the challenge of gauntlets, rest areas, and combat systems that demand strategic thinking. The turn-based combat, described as "punishing" and "strategic" by GameSpot and IGN, was commended for its depth, with elements like demon negotiations, fusions, and the Press Turn system adding layers of complexity. Critics like GameCritics and Voxel also appreciated the expanded demon variety, new abilities, and the increased level cap, which cater to both veteran and new players seeking tactical engagement. These updates collectively make the game feel more polished and engaging, addressing past criticisms while preserving the series’ signature difficulty and depth. While the majority of reviews celebrated the gameplay, a few noted minor shortcomings. ZTGD mentioned that some elements may feel overtuned, particularly with the introduction of dodge tank playstyles and new abilities, which could slightly disrupt balance. Additionally, the game’s high difficulty, while praised by many as a hallmark of the series, might deter players seeking a more relaxed experience. However, these critiques were relatively isolated, with most reviewers framing the challenge as a strength rather than a flaw. TheXboxHub and Stevivor acknowledged the addictive nature of the gameplay, but even their comments leaned toward positive, emphasizing the satisfaction of overcoming tough encounters. The only recurring "negative" was the occasional frustration with the game’s demanding nature, which, in context, is more of a design choice than a flaw, as it aligns with the series’ traditional approach to turn-based strategy. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with SMT V: Vengeance being celebrated as a strong entry in the franchise. The gameplay’s blend of classic JRPG elements—exploration, demon recruitment, and tactical combat—with modern QoL updates and new mechanics (like human allies, subquests, and expanded demon variety) has been widely appreciated. Reviews from GameSpot, IGN, and TheXboxHub highlighted the game’s addictive, strategic core, while Dexerto and Universo Nintendo stressed how improvements in navigation and exploration make the experience more enjoyable. Even the few critiques about balance or difficulty were framed as part of the game’s intentional design, not as major drawbacks. The majority of critics, including GameCritics and PCGamesN, emphasized that the game’s challenges and depth are rewarding, making it a standout title for fans of the genre. This balance of tradition and innovation solidifies Vengeance as a highly cohesive and fulfilling experience.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance as a significant improvement, emphasizing its artistic and technical strengths. Pure Nintendo highlighted the "unique and visually stunning" world of Da’at, noting that areas become increasingly compelling as the game progresses. CGMagazine and Digitally Downloaded commended the "silky smooth framerate" and "gorgeous character models," respectively, while GameCritics and Voxel celebrated the 4K resolution, 60 FPS performance, and enhanced textures on PS5, PC, and Xbox. Stevivor and Push Square praised the "huge maps" and "semi-open regions" that mirror real-world Tokyo, creating immersive, dense environments. Hobby Consolas and LevelUp also highlighted the "fabulous RPG experience" and "phenomenal soundtrack," with the latter noting that the visual upgrades on current-gen consoles, like stable 60fps and improved detail, elevated the exploration and storytelling. The art direction, particularly the "stunning art design" of angels, demons, and environments, was a recurring highlight, with critics like GameSpot and TheSixthAxis appreciating the confident, stylized approach that aligns with the game’s dark, mythic tone. However, some critics pointed out limitations, particularly in areas where the visuals fell short of modern expectations. TheSixthAxis noted that while demon and character designs were overhauled, "some NPCs are depicted as faceless creatures," a choice that felt "strange" to some. ZTGD and Dot Esports criticized the environments and character models as "dated" and "lacking detail," especially on PC, where unaltered backgrounds contrasted with more refined 3D elements. Metro GameCentral acknowledged that visuals "are still criticized for being low-tech," and Vooks mentioned that the Switch version "sacrificed visual fidelity for stability," which might not satisfy purists. Additionally, some reviewers, like PCGamesN, observed that while the game’s "cinematic cutscenes" and "detailed environments" were impressive, the overall aesthetic occasionally felt constrained by its retro-inspired style, which could clash with the high-end hardware of next-gen consoles. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus among critics leans heavily toward admiration for the game’s visual presentation. The PS5 and PC versions, in particular, were lauded for their technical polish, with Voxel and IGN noting the elimination of frame rate drops and pop-ins, alongside "enhanced textures" and "higher resolutions." While some flaws exist—such as the "faceless NPCs" or "dated" elements—the art direction and atmospheric design were universally celebrated as defining strengths. Critics like Hobby Consolas and Generación Xbox emphasized how the "beautiful post-apocalyptic landscapes" and "visually diverse demons" contributed to a "fabulous RPG experience," reinforcing the idea that Vengeance’s visuals, though not flawless, are a major step forward for the series. The combination of improved performance, stylized art, and immersive world-building has solidified the game’s reputation as a visually compelling entry in the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, with many reviewers agreeing that the graphical upgrades justify the experience.

The Sound Design and Music of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance received widespread acclaim from critics, with many highlighting its strong atmospheric contributions and immersive quality. Digitally Download praised the "discordant and striking music" that complements the game's dark themes, while Movies Games and Tech lauded the "magic in the music" with "badass synth metal for battles" and "eerie creepy tones for exploration." IGN noted that the soundtrack "effectively sets the mood with synth-infused metal and ambient tunes," and PCGamesN described it as an "epic rock soundtrack" that enhances gameplay. TheXboxHub emphasized the "intense background music during cutscenes and battles," and Twinfinite called it "exquisite," further reinforcing the consensus that the audio elements significantly elevate the game's experience. Additionally, LevelUp and GamersRD both praised the soundtrack for its cinematic quality, with the latter noting that new tracks and reworked songs contribute to a more engaging and immersive narrative. Despite the overall positive reception, some critics pointed out minor issues with the sound design. Push Square noted that while the voice acting is "well done," the "demon navigators' barks can become repetitive," which may detract from the experience over time. Generación Xbox mentioned that the game "lacks Spanish voice acting," which could be a drawback for some players. While these critiques are relatively minor, they indicate that while the music and sound design are largely praised, there are areas where repetition or language options could be improved to better serve a broader audience. In summary, the majority of critics were highly impressed with the Sound Design and Music of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, emphasizing its role in enhancing the game's dark, apocalyptic atmosphere and overall immersion. Reviews from outlets like Movies Games and Tech, IGN, and Digitally Download consistently highlighted the soundtrack's effectiveness, with many noting the unique blend of rock, synth, and ambient elements that create a compelling auditory experience. While some critiques pointed to minor issues, the overwhelming consensus was that the audio design is a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's identity and emotional impact.

Summary unavailable

The technical performance of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance received widespread praise across all platforms, with critics highlighting significant improvements in stability, frame rates, and quality-of-life features. On the PlayStation 5, reviewers like CGMagazine and GameCritics noted smoother 60fps gameplay, reduced load times, and enhanced visuals, while Hey Poor Player and Voxel emphasized the game running "flawlessly" with improved resolution and texture quality. The PC version, as praised by IGN and Game Informer, offered higher resolutions, better draw distances, and stable performance, though PCGamesN and ZTGD acknowledged minor issues like pop-in and a lack of modern features like DLSS. The Xbox Series X version, highlighted by Generación Xbox, delivered 4K resolution, stable 60fps, and reduced loading times. Even the Nintendo Switch saw improvements, with Vooks and Universo Nintendo noting stability tweaks and save-anywhere mechanics, though some visual compromises were made. GameCritics and Push Square also praised the inclusion of save-anywhere and fast travel, which enhanced accessibility across platforms. Despite these positives, some technical drawbacks were noted, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. Universo Nintendo and Vooks pointed to persistent frame rate drops and problematic quest distribution, while Voxel and Worth Playing acknowledged that the Switch version still lagged behind other platforms in terms of visual fidelity and performance. On PC, PCGamesN and ZTGD mentioned occasional pop-in and frame rate drops, as well as a "barebones" port lacking features like DLSS or FSR. While PS5 and Xbox versions were largely praised, GamersRD and Metro GameCentral noted minor visual inconsistencies inherited from the Switch release. These issues, however, were often framed as minor compared to the overall improvements, with GameSpot and LevelUp emphasizing that technical problems from the Switch were largely resolved on more powerful hardware. The overall consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance represents a major technical upgrade, particularly on PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X. While the Switch version still faces limitations, the majority of reviewers, including GameCritics, Hey Poor Player, and LevelUp, agreed that the game runs smoothly and stably on modern hardware. The inclusion of quality-of-life features like save-anywhere and fast travel, as highlighted by Push Square and Stevivor, further enhanced the experience. Even critics who noted minor flaws, such as PCGamesN and ZTGD, acknowledged that the technical performance was vastly improved compared to the original Switch release. This collective praise underscores a strong sense of satisfaction with the game’s technical execution across platforms, with the majority of critics agreeing that the technical performance is "very good," as emphasized in the prompt.

The majority of critics praised the replay value of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, highlighting its substantial content and multiple paths for players to explore. Many reviewers noted that the game features two distinct story routes, each offering around 80 hours of gameplay, which significantly enhances its longevity. Dexerto, Universo Nintendo, and Voxel all emphasized that the game's new narrative paths, combined with expanded demon collections, fusion options, and side quests, make it a compelling experience for fans of the series. Additionally, the inclusion of new demons, such as those from Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse via DLC, and the ability to revisit the game with different choices or difficulties, as noted by CGMagazine and GameSpot, provide strong incentives for players to return. The game also offers a true ending and multiple endings, which, as pointed out by Hey Poor Player and Push Square, adds depth and encourages multiple playthroughs. For those who enjoyed the original, Digitally Downloaded described Vengeance as the "ultimate version," with enhancements that make it Worth Playing again. Despite the overall positive sentiment, some critics expressed concerns about the game’s replay value being limited by certain design elements or content choices. Metro GameCentral noted that while the game is an improvement, its replay value may be constrained by underlying design flaws and the similarity between the new and original campaigns. Vooks suggested that the new content might not justify a full-priced purchase for those who already played the original, and ZTGD mentioned that DLC gating powerful demons could deter some players from replaying. Additionally, Twinfinite pointed out that the lack of upgrade files or party porting between playthroughs might reduce the appeal for some, especially those looking for a more streamlined experience. These critiques, while less common, highlight that the replay value may not be universally appealing, particularly to those who are not deeply invested in the series or its mechanics. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance delivers an excellent replay value, especially for fans of the franchise and the RPG genre. With multiple story arcs, new demons, expanded content, and difficulty options, the game offers a rich and varied experience that encourages players to explore different paths and outcomes. Reviewers like Push Square, LevelUp, and TheXboxHub emphasized the addictive gameplay and strategic depth, which further support the game’s replayability. While some concerns were raised about content repetition or DLC mechanics, the majority of critics, including those from GameSpot, IGN, and Digitally Downloaded, agreed that the game’s enhancements and additions make it a worthwhile and highly replayable title. The combination of new narratives, deeper exploration, and improved systems has solidified Vengeance as a standout entry in the Shin Megami Tensei series.