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Shin Megami Tensei V, upon its initial release, held the promise of being a pivotal moment for Atlus. While the game delivered a compelling experience with its intricate combat, captivating art style, and a more accessible yet profound narrative, its impact was somewhat muted by its exclusivity to the Nintendo Switch. Now, with the arrival of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, the game has a second chance to shine. Does this enhanced version live up to its potential? Let’s delve back into the world of Da’at and uncover the truth.

A World Reborn

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance – Da'at environment

The original Shin Megami Tensei V boasted impressive visuals for the Switch, even pushing the hardware to its limits. The post-apocalyptic Tokyo, teeming with meticulously designed demons and surreal structures, provided a captivating world to explore. Every corner held a potential secret, from hidden quests and rare demons to breathtaking vistas. The towering figures of formidable demons hinted at challenging battles and intriguing side quests, while the ruins whispered tales of a bygone era.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance – Exploration

Vengeance elevates this experience significantly. Unbound by the Switch’s hardware constraints, the game can now be experienced in stunning 4K resolution at high frame rates, showcasing the artistry of its world in breathtaking detail. The enhanced lighting and textures add depth and vibrancy to every element, bringing Da’at to life in a way previously impossible.

Furthermore, Vengeance introduces two new areas: the Shinjuku overworld and the Shakan dungeon. These locations offer unique designs that contrast intriguingly with the original game’s environments. Shinjuku is now more expansive, featuring colossal trees, sprawling grasslands, and vast salt flats, while Shakan captivates with intricate wall decorations and seamlessly integrated puzzles.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance – Nahobino

The auditory experience is equally enhanced. Along with improved audio quality, Vengeance boasts a staggering 89 new musical tracks, nearly doubling the original game’s soundtrack. Composer Ryota Kozuka crafts a more innovative and mystical soundscape, further immersing players in the world, whether in combat, exploring Da’at, or experiencing the narrative.

A Tale of Vengeance

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance – Battle Scene

Vengeance doesn’t just enhance the presentation; it expands the narrative with the “Canon of Vengeance” storyline. Running parallel to the original “Canon of Creation,” this new chapter introduces Yoko Hiromine, a compelling new character who accompanies the protagonist, Nahobino, and confronts a mysterious group of antagonists known as the Qadištu. While intertwining with the original narrative, “Canon of Vengeance” addresses, expands, and clarifies ambiguities, fleshing out characters like Dazai, Yuruzu, Tao, and even Nahobino himself.

Shinjuku environment

Yoko Hiromine embodies the core conflict between chaos and order, challenging both the player and the established characters. Her development, alongside the four Qadištu sisters, anchors the new storyline, constantly questioning the player’s place in the world and posing profound questions about power and responsibility. “Canon of Vengeance” avoids the simplistic choices of the original narrative, instead tracking the player’s decisions throughout the game, revealing their true nature as they approach the conclusion.

Demon conversation

Refined Gameplay

Yoko Hiromine

Beyond the narrative and visual enhancements, Vengeance refines the gameplay with thoughtful additions. Magatsu Rails offer a new method of traversal, allowing Nahobino to quickly glide between locations, connecting distant points or leading to hidden secrets. The Demon Haunt provides a space to interact with demons, offering humorous exchanges, valuable items, and even opportunities for leveling up.

Over 40 new demons join the roster, each with unique skillsets. Existing demons also receive passive skills and powerful Magatsuhi abilities. The level cap is raised to 150, and a new “Godborn” difficulty challenges the most hardcore players. New bosses, side quests, and a refined boss hunting system offer even more customization and freedom.

Demon designs

Lingering Shadows

Despite these improvements, Vengeance isn’t without its flaws. While the new narrative expands on the original, it still spends time addressing lingering plot points from “Canon of Creation,” impacting pacing. Additionally, the assumption that players have experienced the original story can leave newcomers confused. A technical shortcoming sees the game using lower-resolution cutscenes from the Switch version, creating an jarring disconnect in quality.

Nahobino and demons

Conclusion

Combat gameplay

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a substantial improvement over the original, finally realizing the game’s full potential on more powerful hardware. The enhanced visuals, expanded narrative, and refined gameplay create a more immersive and engaging experience. While minor flaws remain, Vengeance offers a compelling reason to revisit Da’at or experience it for the first time.