Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance – A Definitive Upgrade for an Acclaimed JRPG

The highly anticipated expanded re-release of Shin Megami Tensei 5, titled Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance, was recently announced at the Nintendo Direct showcase. Set to release on June 21, 2024, for various platforms including Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC, this definitive version of the game promises exciting new content and improvements that will enhance the overall experience.

Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance aims to provide players with 80 hours of additional content, primarily focusing on the middle and final parts of the game’s story. This expanded storyline will introduce a new route known as the Canon of Vengeance, featuring four female demons called the Qadištu, who oppose the protagonist in pursuit of their own goals. Additionally, a new ally character named Yoko Hiromine will join the high school hero, adding depth to the narrative and participating in combat.

Enhanced Gameplay and Exciting Additions

The gameplay improvements in Vengeance are diverse and plentiful. Players will now have the ability to interact with their ally demons in the game world, adding a new layer of immersion. The update also introduces more quests and grants players greater freedom in exploration. The Da’at overworld has been revamped with a new dungeon and features that facilitate smoother exploration. Over 40 new demons have been added, allowing players to defeat, fuse, and collect a wider variety of creatures. Furthermore, a collectible demon called Nahobiho, featuring a chibi rendition of the protagonist’s demigod form, has been included. The combat system has also been enhanced with more features to improve the strategy aspect of battles, as well as improved auto battle behavior.

Controversy and Considerations

Similar to Persona 5 Royal, Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance has faced criticism for its limited options for players who already own and played the base game. Atlus and Sega have chosen to release the updated version as a separate entity, rather than offering it as an add-on. As a result, save files cannot be transferred, with only three demons being transferable to the new game’s Compendium collection. While some minor bonuses are provided for players with save data from the original game, the inability to transfer progress may disappoint some fans. However, the allure of playing the game on new-gen consoles or PC may overshadow these concerns.

Conclusion

Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance is an exciting expansion and upgrade to an already acclaimed JRPG. With its new storyline, gameplay enhancements, and improved visuals, the definitive version of the game promises to captivate both newcomers and returning players. Despite the controversy surrounding the upgrade, the additions and improvements in Vengeance make it a must-play title for fans of the genre. Finally, the wait is over as Shin Megami Tensei 5 prepares to make its long-awaited global debut.