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

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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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 majority of critics praised Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance for its enriched narrative structure and deeper character engagement. Reviewers like Dexerto highlighted the introduction of the Canon of Vengeance, which they deemed superior due to the impactful addition of Yoko Hiromine, who added emotional depth and complexity to the cast. Universo Nintendo noted that the Vengeance Canon diverges significantly from the original, offering unexpected twists and consequences that elevate the story’s intrigue. Digitally Downloaded lauded the game’s dark, existential themes and well-researched mythologies, while GameCritics emphasized the stronger emotional core that aligns with the series’ philosophical tone. Many critics, including CGMagazine and Checkpoint Gaming, celebrated the new story routes, characters, and gameplay mechanics as distinct improvements over the original, creating a more immersive experience. The Vengeance path’s focus on vengeance and moral ambiguity resonated strongly, with Hey Poor Player and Hobby Consolas noting its fresh take on the series’ signature themes of order vs. chaos. However, some critics found flaws in the narrative execution. Noisy Pixel criticized the Canon of Vengeance as poorly paced and lacking personal investment, while TheSixthAxis described the plot as “paper thin” despite its philosophical ambitions. Voxel pointed out that while the story introduces new characters and demons, it sacrifices depth for gameplay emphasis, and Twinfinite noted that the Vengeance route added new demons but failed to flesh out character backstories adequately. Additionally, TheXboxHub acknowledged the complex narrative but suggested that its intensity and moral dilemmas required more effort to engage with fully. These critiques highlight occasional shortcomings in pacing, character development, and thematic consistency, though they were less prevalent than the positive feedback. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance significantly improved upon its predecessor. The Canon of Vengeance was widely regarded as a compelling addition, offering fresh storytelling and emotional resonance, as noted by RPGamer and PC Invasion, who praised its ability to address previous criticisms of thin plots. While a few reviewers, like Noisy Pixel and TheSixthAxis, found the narrative lacking in certain areas, these were outliers compared to the majority. The game’s blend of philosophical themes, branching paths, and character-driven moments created a memorable experience that many felt elevated the series’ legacy. As GameSpot and IGN noted, the Vengeance route not only expanded the story but also deepened its exploration of morality and human agency, solidifying its place as a standout entry in the Shin Megami Tensei franchise.

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story and narrative

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Gameplay Mechanics

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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 is widely praised for its refined mechanics, quality-of-life improvements, and engaging depth. Critics like Dexerto highlight the ability to save anytime outside combat, new traversal options, and faster cutscene skips, which address repetitiveness and make exploration more rewarding. Universo Nintendo notes that vertical level design and large regions enhance dungeon exploration, while Vooks applauds the Demon Haunt area for adding social interaction depth with demons. CGMagazine and Checkpoint Gaming emphasize challenging gauntlets and combat tweaks, such as camera shifts and demon negotiation systems, which add tactical layers. The inclusion of playable human allies (Vooks) and expanded demon fusion mechanics (GamersRD) further enriches the experience, making the game feel both familiar and fresh for series veterans. GameSpot and Hey Poor Player also praise the balance between punishing difficulty and strategic rewards, with features like auto-battle options and increased level caps improving accessibility without diluting challenge. While most critics celebrate the gameplay, some note its unrelenting difficulty and niche appeal. Movies Games and Tech describes the combat as "brutal and unforgiving," requiring meticulous planning and exploitation of enemy weaknesses, which could frustrate casual players. ZTGD mentions that certain mechanics, like dodge tank playstyles, might feel overtuned, while IGN acknowledges the need for strategic patience in demon negotiation and fusion systems. Additionally, PCGamesN compares the combat to "Persona on hard mode," suggesting that its complexity may not resonate with all audiences. These critiques highlight that Vengeance leans into the series’ traditional challenges, which could alienate players seeking lighter experiences, but they are framed as intentional design choices rather than flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Game Informer and TheXboxHub calling it "stupendously addictive" and "a fresh experience for returning players." The game’s core gameplay—exploration, demon recruitment, and turn-based combat—remains intact while receiving meaningful upgrades. CGMagazine, Voxel, and But Why Tho? all emphasize how quality-of-life tweaks like fast travel and save-anytime features make the game more approachable without sacrificing its depth. While some critics note that the difficulty curve and niche mechanics may not appeal to everyone, the majority agree that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance successfully modernizes the series’ legacy while retaining its tactical soul. As IGN and PC Invasion observe, the game’s strategic richness and iterative improvements solidify its place as a standout entry in the franchise.

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gameplay mechanics

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Graphics and Visual Design

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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 received widespread acclaim, with many critics highlighting its artistic ambition and technical improvements across platforms. Pure Nintendo praised the "unique and visually stunning" world of Da’at, emphasizing how its environments became more compelling as the game progressed. On PS5 and PC, reviewers like CGMagazine noted a "transformative experience" with silky smooth framerates, pristine presentation, and no technical issues, while Digitally Downloaded and GameCritics lauded the "gorgeous character models," "dark ambience," and "significant graphics improvements" that reached 4K and 60 FPS. The art direction was particularly celebrated, with Hobby Consolas calling it "at another level" and Push Square highlighting the "glossy graphical upgrade" and semi-open regions inspired by real-world Tokyo. Critics also praised the game’s atmospheric design, such as the "stunning desert environment" (Movies Games and Tech) and the "lonely, oppressive" post-apocalyptic aesthetic (PC Invasion), which reinforced its dark, mythic tone. Despite these positives, some critics pointed to notable shortcomings. Vooks noted that the Switch version sacrificed visual fidelity for stability, while Hey Poor Player described the graphics as "not a strong suit," though they acknowledged improved performance on PS5. TheSixthAxis critiqued faceless NPCs as a "strange creative choice," and ZTGD argued the game looked "dated by modern standards" with environments and character models lacking detail, especially on PC. Additionally, some reviewers, like Movies Games and Tech, felt that unaltered backgrounds contrasted poorly with revamped 3D characters, and RPGamer noted generic NPCs and underdeveloped facial expressions. These critiques suggested that while the game’s art direction was strong, certain technical or design choices fell short of expectations, particularly in areas like character customization and environmental detail. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority praising Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance for its artistic vision and technical enhancements. Even reviewers who acknowledged flaws, such as GameSpot and Metro GameCentral, emphasized that the game’s "stunning art design" and "beautiful angels, demons, and environments" compensated for any lack of intricate detail. The PS5 and PC versions saw significant upgrades, with Voxel highlighting "enhanced textures and 4K resolution," while IGN noted "higher resolutions, frame rates, and draw distances" across platforms. Despite some critiques about dated visuals or NPC design, the general sentiment was that the game’s visual presentation elevated its immersive, mythic storytelling. As GameCritics put it, the "rock and atmospheric synth music" paired with "beautiful angels and demons" created a "fabulous RPG experience," reinforcing the idea that Vengeance’s graphics and art direction were a major strength.

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graphics and visual design

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Music and Sound Design

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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 received widespread acclaim for their immersive and atmospheric qualities. Critics consistently praised the soundtrack’s ability to amplify the game’s dark, apocalyptic themes through a blend of discordant, synth-driven tracks and intense rock elements. For instance, Movies Games and Tech highlighted “badass synth metal for battles” and “eerie creepy tones for exploration,” while IGN noted the “synth-infused metal and ambient tunes” that create a unique atmosphere. Digitally Downloaded emphasized how the music’s “discordant and striking” nature complements the game’s aesthetic, and GamersRD pointed to new battle tracks and reworked songs that enhance cinematic moments. The soundtrack’s variety was also lauded, with PCGamesN describing an “epic rock soundtrack” and PC Invasion noting “dissonant whispers” and electric guitar that evoke a hellish vibe. Additionally, LevelUp and RPGamer praised the voice acting and sound effects for their role in deepening immersion, with RPGamer specifically highlighting over 80 new tracks that “complement gameplay well.” While the majority of reviews were positive, some critics noted minor drawbacks. Push Square mentioned that demon navigators’ barks could become repetitive, a critique that slightly detracted from the otherwise cohesive sound design. Similarly, Generación Xbox pointed out the absence of Spanish voice acting, which might disappoint non-English speakers. Though these issues were not widespread, they underscored that while the audio elements excelled in most areas, certain aspects—like repetitive dialogue or language support—fell short of perfection. However, such criticisms were overshadowed by the general consensus on the soundtrack’s strength. Overall, the critics overwhelmingly celebrated Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance’s sound design and music as a standout feature. The majority of reviews emphasized how the audio elements effectively reinforced the game’s dark, immersive world, with Movies Games and Tech calling it “top-notch” and Twinfinite noting an “exquisite soundtrack.” Even critics who mentioned minor flaws acknowledged the overall excellence, such as IGN’s praise for “new music tracks and improvements” enhancing the audio experience. The combination of atmospheric soundscapes, dynamic battle music, and strong voice acting created a cohesive and memorable auditory experience, solidifying the game’s reputation as a technical and artistic success in its genre.

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music and sound design

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Voice Acting

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voice acting

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Technical Performance

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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 been widely praised across multiple platforms, with notable improvements in stability, frame rates, and quality-of-life features. On the Nintendo Switch, reviewers like Pure Nintendo highlighted essential quality-of-life upgrades, such as the ability to save anywhere, which enhances accessibility and reduces frustration. However, Universo Nintendo and Vooks noted persistent technical issues, including frame rate drops and visual compromises for stability. For the PS5, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive: CGMagazine, GameCritics, and Hey Poor Player praised smooth 60fps performance, faster load times, and enhanced visuals, with LevelUp emphasizing stable 60fps across all platforms. On PC, critics like IGN and Game Informer lauded the game’s improved resolution, frame rates, and reduced loading times compared to the Switch version, though ZTGD pointed out a lack of modern features like DLSS/FSR. The Xbox Series X also saw significant upgrades, with Generación Xbox noting 4K resolution, stable 60fps, and streamlined gameplay. Despite these positives, some platform-specific drawbacks were mentioned. On the Switch, technical limitations remained a concern: Universo Nintendo criticized inconsistent frame rates and problematic quest distribution, while Vooks highlighted sacrificed visual fidelity for stability. For PC, ZTGD noted a "barebones" port lacking modern optimizations like DLSS/FSR, though the game itself ran smoothly. While most PS5 reviewers praised its performance, PCGamesN mentioned that occasional pop-in and frame rate drops persisted on the Switch version, which was never fully resolved. These issues underscored the challenges of adapting a title originally designed for less powerful hardware to more advanced platforms. Overall, the majority of critics agreed that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance delivered strong technical performance, particularly on the PS5 and PC, where it showcased smoother gameplay, enhanced visuals, and improved stability. While the Switch version saw notable improvements over its predecessor, lingering issues like frame rate inconsistencies and visual trade-offs were acknowledged by Universo Nintendo and Vooks. The cross-platform release demonstrated significant strides in technical execution, with GameSpot, Hey Poor Player, and LevelUp emphasizing that the PS5 and PC versions felt "flawless" or "smooth." Despite minor criticisms, the consensus was clear: the game’s technical performance was a major step forward, especially for players on more powerful hardware.

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technical performance

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Replay Value

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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 majority of critics praised Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance for its robust replay value, emphasizing its expansive content and multiple pathways. Reviewers like Dexerto, Universo Nintendo, and Hobby Consolas highlighted the game’s two distinct story routes, each spanning around 80 hours, which provide substantial depth for players seeking varied experiences. CGMagazine and Checkpoint Gaming noted that new content, including demons, DLC, and difficulty options, caters to both newcomers and veterans, while Digitally Downloaded and Voxel praised the enhanced narrative and gameplay mechanics that make revisiting the game rewarding. The inclusion of multiple endings, side quests, and strategic combat elements—such as Push Square’s mention of over 270 demons and new Magatsuhi skills—further solidified the game’s appeal for fans looking to explore every facet of its world. Critics like IGN and PCGamesN also emphasized how the Vengeance storyline, with its fresh narrative paths and expanded content, offers a compelling reason to replay. However, some critics pointed out limitations that could dampen replayability for certain players. Dexerto noted repetitive sections might deter some from revisiting, while Vooks argued that the new content may not justify a full-price purchase for those who played the original. Metro GameCentral criticized underlying design flaws and similarities between campaigns, suggesting limited replay value despite improvements. Twinfinite highlighted the lack of upgrade files or party porting as a drawback, and ZTGD mentioned DLC gating powerful demons as a potential turn-off. Additionally, Hey Poor Player and Vooks observed that veteran players might find the incentives to repurchase at full price insufficient, particularly given the game’s reliance on existing content from the original release. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive regarding replay value. Most reviewers, including GameSpot, TheXboxHub, and RPGamer, emphasized that the game’s multiple story arcs, difficulty settings, and quality-of-life improvements create a highly engaging experience for both new and returning players. While some noted minor drawbacks—such as repetition or limited incentives for veterans—the sheer volume of content, strategic depth, and narrative diversity (as highlighted by Noisy Pixel and LevelUp) ensured that the game remained a strong contender for replayability. The combination of expanded storytelling, fresh mechanics, and extensive exploration options positioned Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance as a standout title in the series, with its replay value being a key selling point for fans of the RPG genre.

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replay value

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Overall Verdict

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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 overwhelming consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a significant and worthwhile upgrade to the original game, with numerous positives highlighted across multiple reviews. Critics like Dexerto and Pure Nintendo emphasize its improvements in content, characters, and quality-of-life features, calling it the ideal experience for newcomers and a refined version for returning players. Universo Nintendo praises its narrative depth and gameplay enhancements, while CGMagazine hails it as "game of the year material" for turn-based RPG enthusiasts. The game’s expanded storylines, improved combat systems, and enhanced visuals are frequently cited as standout features. Checkpoint Gaming, Digitally Downloaded, and GameSpot all commend its polished mechanics and engaging exploration options, with LevelUp and Metro GameCentral noting it as a "definitive edition" that addresses previous flaws. The game’s replayability and accessibility for both newcomers and veterans are recurring themes, with RPGamer describing it as a "polished RPG experience" that balances challenge and depth. While the majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some critics point to specific shortcomings. Vooks argues that Vengeance may not justify its full price tag, suggesting it could have been better suited as paid DLC. Noisy Pixel critiques the narrative execution, stating it falls short for players prioritizing story over combat and exploration. Similarly, TheSixthAxis notes that while the game excels in gameplay and music, its plot lacks the depth of Persona titles, and Twinfinite mentions the new story “lacks depth” despite strong turn-based battles. Voxel also highlights a gap in narrative substance, though it acknowledges the game’s technical and combat improvements. These critiques are relatively minor compared to the broader acclaim, with most reviewers agreeing that the enhancements outweigh these issues. Overall, the critical reception of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is overwhelmingly positive, with critics across platforms (Nintendo Switch, PS5, PC, and Xbox) praising its refinements, expanded content, and accessibility. CGMagazine, IGN, and PCGamesN all label it the “definitive version” of the game, while Hooked Gamers and TheXboxHub highlight its addictive gameplay and vast content. Even critics with reservations, like Vooks and Noisy Pixel, acknowledge its value as a polished and engaging RPG. The consensus is that Vengeance successfully builds on the original’s foundation, offering a compelling experience for fans of the series and an inviting entry point for newcomers. As RPGamer concludes, it “serves as a great entry point” while maintaining the depth expected from a Shin Megami Tensei title, reinforcing its status as one of the best JRPGs in recent years.

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MONSTER

Reviews

112 reviews found

100

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 5

Jun 13, 2024