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The highly anticipated Shin Megami Tensei V finally arrived on the Nintendo Switch after a four-year wait, marking the return of the mainline series to home consoles. Did the five-year development cycle deliver a worthy successor? Let’s delve into the post-apocalyptic world of Tokyo and discover what awaits.

A Stunning Post-Apocalyptic Tokyo

Shin Megami Tensei V is visually captivating, showcasing the most striking art style in the series to date. The ruined cityscape of Tokyo is brought to life with breathtaking detail, offering a hauntingly beautiful world to explore.

Minato, a desolate desert landscape in Shin Megami Tensei V

The game features four main explorable areas, each with distinct visual themes and captivating environments. Minato, the first area, presents a vast, shimmering desert punctuated by iconic landmarks like the Tokyo Tower and the National Diet Building, now silent and desolate. The visual storytelling effectively conveys the devastation, with remnants of civilization scattered amidst vast canyons and barren mountains.

Unlike previous entries, the world of Shin Megami Tensei V feels alive with roaming demons. These meticulously designed creatures, no longer random encounters, add a dynamic element to the environment, further immersing players in this desolate world.

Demons roaming the desolate landscape

Character and demon designs by Masayuki Doi are exceptional, building on the legacy of Kazuma Kaneko. Characters like Dazai Ichiro, the Yutsuru brothers, Tao Isonokami, Nuwa, Yakumo Shohei, Aogami, and the protagonist, Nahobino, exude a captivating blend of mystery and personality.

Complementing the visuals is a superb soundtrack. While not as memorable as some previous Megami Tensei titles, it effectively enhances the gameplay experience. The voice acting, available in both English and Japanese, is top-notch, adding depth and emotion to the characters. Even the demons have unique voice lines, a significant improvement over previous games.

The Protagonist, Nahobino, in Shin Megami Tensei V

A Compelling Narrative of Choice and Consequence

Shin Megami Tensei V’s 40-hour narrative follows a Tokyo high school student thrust into a desolate world teeming with demons. Rescued by the enigmatic Aogami, he merges with the deity to survive this hostile new reality.

The story blends environmental storytelling with a linear main plot. While the first half may feel slower paced, the rising tension and conflict in the latter half create a compelling narrative.

Exploring the world of Shin Megami Tensei V

As with previous entries, players are presented with choices that align with the Law, Chaos, and Neutral paths. These choices serve as narrative bridges, exploring the philosophical underpinnings of each alignment. While potentially divisive, this approach effectively develops the game’s themes.

The characters representing each path embody compelling ideals shaped by their personal experiences. Their beliefs, fears, and motivations are humanized, allowing players to connect with them on an emotional level. This makes the choices more impactful, driven by empathy rather than simply pursuing a “good” ending.

Nahobino confronting a demon

The overarching themes explore humanity’s place in the universe, faith, and power. While complex, these themes are made accessible through the relatable characters, making the philosophical musings engaging and thought-provoking.

Refined Combat and Demon Negotiation

Shin Megami Tensei V retains the familiar turn-based combat system while introducing valuable additions. The Press Turn system rewards exploiting enemy weaknesses and critical hits with extra turns, allowing for strategic maneuvering. The Magatsuhi skill adds a powerful tool to turn the tide of battle.

Combat in Shin Megami Tensei V

However, both Press Turn and Magatsuhi are available to enemies, creating tense encounters where every decision matters. Refined mechanics like “affinity” and streamlined buff/debuff applications further enhance the combat experience.

Demon negotiation returns, allowing players to recruit demons to their party. Improvements make this process more streamlined, and the humorous dialogue adds a layer of entertainment.

Negotiating with demons

Fusion returns, allowing players to combine two demons to create stronger ones. While limiting fusions to two demons might disappoint some, it simplifies the system for newcomers. Reverse Fusion and Reverse Compendium Fusion offer more control over demon creation.

Nahobino’s progression is managed through Miracles and Essence Fusion. Miracles provide passive upgrades, while Essence Fusion allows for skill and affinity customization. These systems are seamlessly integrated with exploration, making the search for rare items and essences a rewarding endeavor.

Demon Fusion

Minor Shortcomings

Despite its strengths, Shin Megami Tensei V has some minor flaws. Some side quests are difficult to find, potentially frustrating newcomers. The “Demon King Castle” segment feels jarring, with tedious design and frustrating trap mechanics.

Exploring the environments

Conclusion

Shin Megami Tensei V delivers a compelling RPG experience with a captivating world, refined combat, and engaging narrative. While minor flaws exist, the overall package is a worthy addition to the series and a must-play for JRPG fans.