No matter how the video game industry changes, there will always be JRPGs that rely on a formula established decades ago. An example of this is Megami Tensei which has been around since 1987. It is a monumental franchise that includes IPs like Persona and the main game – Shin Megami Tensei, Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne, Shin Megami Tensei IV and, actually, the fifth part, which we are talking about today. this.
Although Persona is an offshoot of Megami Tensei, it is now—especially in the West—long established as a brand that stands out more than its forefathers. It’s clear why: better adapted to Western audiences, distinguished by memorable stories, they were much easier for our buyers to understand. I myself have commented enthusiastically about Persona 5 Royal, and now it’s time to get acquainted Shin Megami Tensei V.
I’m not hiding my favorites – I’m on the Persona team. Its unique story, interesting style and lively gameplay I think is a beautiful blend of modern ideas and classic formulas. But his father as Shin Megami Tensei V prefers to stick to conservative ideas. It’s more grim, and there’s no social simulator element here. But I’ll try not to make more comparisons: now and everyone is discussing Shin Megami Tensei in the context of “Persona”, which is illogical, because these games are different.
Also read: Persona 5 Royal review – There is no limit to perfection
Shin Megami Tensei V is the first and foremost RPG. It’s complicated the old way, unhurried and demanding the old way. Have you ever played a JRPG? Well, for example, modern ones like Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes from an Incomprehensible Age. Do you think there is a slow pace and a lot to do? After all: this is child’s play compared to the heroes of our story. This is a first warning for those who complain about the lack of time: if you value your time, you shouldn’t start Shin Megami Tensei V right now. He will spend a lot of your time without trying to regret it. But there’s one big plus: we’re talking Nintendo Switch exclusives — the eternal companions of hardworking people. You can grind it both in the subway and in bed before going to bed. And many other places. This doesn’t mean that the game will be any less creepy, but sometimes there’s nothing better on an empty morning head than hacking demons, mentally drawing the heads of their horrific counterparts.
The screenshots and descriptions give an overview of a typical JRPG, but this series has some unique features. For example (hello Persona, I promise not to mention you…), during the fight you can take your time and talk to demons. A good speaker can recruit opponents. So you can be with anyone – this kind of demonic Pokemon is for adults. The mechanics are familiar, but SMT does it better, without the predictive element as before. But persuading a reptile to become a defector is not easy: you need not only to guess what its temperament is, but also to know its English, because its novelty is not localized. But fans of the genre are not used to it.
Collecting unclean animals is the key to success. You can’t do without it. Each reptile has its own weaknesses, and the more impure you have in your collection, the more likely you are to pass. Here you can not pump someone alone and go through the whole game like that.
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By many indicators, Shin Megami Tensei V is not only on the same level, but better than its predecessor series and its spin-offs. This also applies to fighting games, which will please all lovers of slow turn-based combat. But an RPG without a good story won’t stand out, and this is where SMT falls short. He presents the plot awkwardly and jerkily, and the cat cries at the story itself. Most often, players perform the same tasks from those that do not stick in memory at all. You wouldn’t want to die for them – you wouldn’t even recognize them. This unnamed game is completely different. If there every character is presented with care and evokes strong emotions, then here one stupid anime takes the place of another. Mechanically, Shin Megami Tensei V is all about strength. It’s funny for this genre, and I wanted to listen to the music even after it played, but I never found the plot interesting. No plot – no motivation. And in a game with dozens of hours of content, motivation is needed.
Also read: Metroid Dread Review – Nintendo’s Adult Side
Decision
Like many other JRPGs, Shin Megami Tensei V not very friendly with newcomers. Its convoluted story and slow combat system might deter the uninitiated, but fans of the genre and series will be delighted. SMT has never looked and sounded so good.