Shin Megami Tensei V is the latest game in the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, a long-running JRPG series by Atlus. The past few Shin Megami Tensei games have been out exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, and SMT V is no different. Out now on the Nintendo Switch, Shin Megami Tensei V review scores have actually been trickling over the past two weeks, thanks to an early embargo lifting for the game. Reviewers have been generally positive about the game so far, and here's what they have to say:
Shin Megami Tensei V Review Scores: 87 Metascore on Metacritic
Shin Megami Tensei V has been highly-anticipated by fans of the series and of JRPG fans ever since it was revealed alongside the Nintendo Switch. Now, four years into the console's lifespan, the game is finally here. Fans have long waited for the next entry into what many would consider as one of the most hardcore JRPG franchises today.
And so far, SMT fans and JRPG fans alike will be pleased to know that Shin Megami Tensei V appears to be exactly what it's supposed to be – a gritty, existential and thought-provoking JRPG experience. Shin Megami Tensei V takes place in both real-world Tokyo and an alternate apocalyptic Tokyo completely taken over by demons. As a hybrid between human and deity, you as the player character have the capacity to dictate the fate of Tokyo. Will you be their savior, or will you rule over mankind?
A few games review websites gave SMT review scores of perfect 10s and 100s. GameSkinny‘s review reads:
“Minor graphical hiccups aside, Shin Megami Tensei V is an outstanding RPG, made all the more so by its countless improvements over its older siblings. It's tough but enthralling, and brimming with style. More importantly, perhaps, it has great ideas executed to something near perfection. It's been a long wait since Atlus first announced SMT V at the Switch reveal show, but it was absolutely worth it.”
Gaming Age‘s review reads:
“All in all, I’ve absolutely enjoyed my time spent with Shin Megami Tensei V. If you’re looking for a good, meaty RPG to sink your teeth into this holiday season, it definitely fits the bill. The small additions made to the Shin Megami formula work out really well here, and the game doesn’t feel hindered on Switch hardware. It’s nice to see the series leap away from a handheld platform and back to a mainline console release, and hopefully this will draw more attention to Shin Megami Tensei as a whole. So yeah, definitely consider checking this one out when it drops on November 12th, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.”
Meanwhile, Siliconera‘s review summarizes briefly:
“Shin Megami Tensei V is an incredible and memorable experience. It does some extraordinary things, both in terms of gameplay and its story.”
Of course, not all reviews provide a bed of roses for the game. There are still some criticisms to be made on Shin Megami Tensei V, including those in the reviews of Gamers Heroes, We Got This Covered, and VG24/7.
Gamers Heroes, who gave the game a review score of 70%, reads:
“While Shin Megami Tensei 5 is rough around the edges, fans of the series will be satisfied. However, newcomers to the series and those not impressed by the previous entries best approach with caution.”
We Got This Covered gave the game a 3.5/5, reading:
“It's not winning any awards for graphics, but Shin Megami Tensei V is a well-designed JRPG that has just a little too much combat. Even with such an interesting story and themes to explore, it instead focuses on grinding and fighting the same enemies over and over.”
Finally, VG24/7 gave the game its most scathing review, saying:
“Shin Megami Tensei 5’s combat is great, punishing and rewarding in equal measure without ever tipping the scales too far in one direction. Mixing and matching your deck of demons makes for great fun as well, and spurs you to look to all corners of the ruined world for allies of all shapes and sizes. It’s everything outside of the battling and grungy soundtrack where Shin Megami Tensei 5 badly misses the mark, with one-note characters that you’re never given the chance to better know, and a paper-thin plot that feels dragged out over dozens of hours. Shin Megami Tensei 5 is a good RPG battler, but it’s not good at much else.”
But of course, all eyes are on IGN right now, thanks to its infamous description of SMT V as “Persona without a heart.” The game got an 8/10 from IGN, with a review reading:
“With extensive and satisfying party customization, excellent combat, and challenging enemies, Shin Megami Tensei V never left me feeling bored or burned out across its epic length. Exploration and platforming sections lend some much-needed variety when you're fighting so many similar battles in a row. I just couldn't shake the feeling that this was Persona without the heart – without the unforgettable companion characters, the potent personal story, the incredible soundtrack, and the jaw-dropping twists and turns. Still, if you're looking for a meaty, demanding, endlessly deep, and overall outstanding JRPG to sink your teeth into, Shin Megami Tensei V has heaping portions of it.”
Of course, even though the reviewer did give the game a good review score, calling Shin Megami Tensei V – a game from the main series – a Persona without a heart didn't sit well with fans at all. A lot of angry fans aside, IGN‘s review still showcased just how good SMT V is.
Conclusion: Is Shin Megami Tensei V good? Is it worth your time and money?
Most reviews do indicate that Shin Megami Tensei V is a great game. It's currently at the peak of JRPG gameplay and story-making, and anyone looking for those two will definitely get their money's worth. But those who aren't too keen on the grind and don't really enjoy general JRPG gameplay – turn-based, level-dependent gameplay won't find anything that will change their mind here, not even with Shin Megami Tensei‘s signature demon-collectin, summoning, and negotiating mechanics and general bleakness.
Follow Us
Subscribe