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CRITIK

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
Item: Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Single Player

AvailableJun 13, 2024

PlatformXbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

DeveloperAtlus

Overview

Embark on this definitive version of the critically acclaimed Shin Megami Tensei V, massively expanded with a brand-new storyline featuring new locations, demons, and choices to make that will dictate the fate of all existence.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, highlighting the addition of the new Canon of Vengeance storyline as a significant improvement over the original narrative. Critics like Pure Nintendo and Universo Nintendo appreciated the more engaging and interesting narrative with unexpected twists and consequences. The introduction of new characters, such as Yoko Hiromine, was lauded for adding depth to character interactions and enhancing the overall storytelling experience. CGMagazine and GameCritics commended the strong character-driven elements and emotional core that the new story content brought to the game, aligning well with the dark and existential themes explored in the narrative. On the flip side, some critics like Noisy Pixel and Twinfinite expressed disappointment with the Canon of Vengeance route, citing issues with pacing, mishandled character choices, and a lack of depth in character development. Noisy Pixel specifically mentioned a lack of personal investment in the narrative, indicating a disconnect that hindered the overall storytelling experience for some players. Additionally, Twinfinite noted that while the new demons were a welcome addition, the focus on demonesses at the expense of character detail was a missed opportunity for deeper storytelling and character exploration. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. The majority of reviewers found the new storyline, characters, and plot twists to be compelling and engaging, elevating the overall narrative experience of the game. Critics like GameSpot, Push Square, and PCGamesN highlighted the enhancements brought by the Canon of Vengeance route, with its new plot threads, character developments, and thematic explorations. Despite some criticisms regarding pacing and character depth, the general sentiment is that the addition of the Vengeance storyline significantly enriches the game's narrative, making it a must-play for both newcomers and returning players seeking a fresh and immersive storytelling experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics laud Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance for its compelling new Canon of Vengeance storyline, praising its engaging narrative, unexpected twists, and character depth. While some critics express concerns about pacing and character development issues, the majority agree that the new storyline elevates the game's narrative experience, making it a must-play for fans old and new.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include quality-of-life improvements such as the ability to save anytime outside of combat, new traversal options, and the ability to skip or speed up cutscenes, as mentioned by Dexerto. These changes address repetitiveness and make exploration more rewarding, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Additionally, Universo Nintendo praised the game for continuing the series tradition of Dungeon RPGs with a focus on exploring dungeons, battling, and improving demon teams, with the addition of large regions with vertical level design and new exploration mechanics. On the flip side, while the general consensus was highly favorable, some critics did point out potential negatives. For instance, CGMagazine mentioned challenging gameplay with tough gauntlets and boss-rush challenges, which might be a drawback for players seeking a more casual experience. Voxel highlighted that some elements in the game may feel overtuned, potentially leading to frustration for certain players. These criticisms suggest that the game's high difficulty level and demanding combat mechanics could be a barrier for some players looking for a more relaxed gaming experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. Critics like Pure Nintendo, GameSpot, and Push Square appreciated the quality-of-life improvements, new demon mechanics, and challenging combat system that make the game engaging and enjoyable. The strategic depth, rewarding exploration, and variety of demons to interact with were commonly praised elements that contributed to the game's appeal. Despite some minor criticisms regarding difficulty levels and potential overtuning, the majority of reviewers found the gameplay experience to be highly satisfying, with a good balance of traditional JRPG elements and innovative mechanics. The game successfully builds upon the strengths of the series while introducing new features that enhance the overall gameplay experience, making it a standout title in the genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics overwhelmingly praised Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance gameplay for its quality-of-life improvements, engaging combat, and rewarding exploration. While some mentioned challenging gameplay and potentially frustrating elements, the majority found the game highly satisfying with a good balance of traditional and innovative mechanics. Overall, the game excels in building upon the series' strengths, making it a standout title in the genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, highlighting various positive aspects. Pure Nintendo commended the unique and visually stunning world of Da'at, with areas evolving to become more compelling as the game progresses. CGMagazine lauded the transformative experience on the PS5, noting the silky smooth framerate, pristine presentation, and absence of technical issues. GameCritics emphasized significant graphics improvements on multiple platforms, reaching up to 4k resolution and 60 FPS, accompanied by new atmospheric music that complements the dark mood of the game. Voxel appreciated the enhanced textures and stable 60 fps on the PlayStation 5, creating a more immersive post-apocalyptic Tokyo. PCGamesN also noted the high-resolution graphics, improved character models, detailed environments, and cinematic cutscenes, making it a visually appealing experience. However, some critics pointed out certain negatives regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. Hey Poor Player mentioned that while graphics were not a strong suit, technical performance had improved on the PS5 with smoother frame rates and faster load times. Dot Esports highlighted that unaltered backgrounds compared to revamped 3D characters and demons may feel lacking on next-gen hardware. ZTGD expressed that while the art design and animation work were impressive, the game looked dated by modern standards, especially on the PC port, with environments and character models lacking detail. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. Critics such as Hobby Consolas praised the game for its art direction and visual design, describing it as being at another level and contributing to a fabulous RPG experience. Push Square appreciated the glossy graphical upgrade running at a consistent 60 frames per second and the dense open-air dungeons full of demons. TheXboxHub highlighted the visually diverse demons and characters, with outstanding demon designs and a wide range of races and skills. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of critics found the game's Graphics and Visual Design to be very good, enhancing the overall immersive experience of exploring the post-apocalyptic world of Vengeance.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics unanimously praise Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance for its stunning graphics, smooth framerates, and immersive world design, with minor criticisms mostly revolving around dated visuals on certain platforms.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like Movies Games and Tech, LevelUp, and IGN commended the game for its exceptional soundtrack, featuring elements like synth metal for battles, eerie tones for exploration, and ambient tunes that effectively set the mood and complement the dark themes of the game. The voice acting was also highly regarded, with critics such as Worth Playing and RPGamer appreciating the solid voice performances that brought the characters to life and conveyed emotions accurately. Additionally, the inclusion of new tracks, as mentioned by GameCritics and RPGamer, added depth to the overall audio experience, enhancing the immersive nature of the game. While the overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance was overwhelmingly positive, there were a few criticisms raised by some reviewers. Push Square noted that while the voice acting was well done, the demon navigators' barks could become repetitive, potentially affecting the overall experience for some players. This minor issue with repetitive voice lines was a point of contention for some critics, although it did not detract significantly from the overall high-quality sound production and music of the game. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance excels in its Sound Design and Music, with the majority of reviewers praising the game for its exceptional soundtrack, immersive soundscapes, and top-notch voice acting. Critics like TheSixthAxis and Digitally Downloaded highlighted the excellent music and its contribution to the overall experience, while IGN and PCGamesN appreciated the unique atmosphere created by the soundtrack. Despite minor criticisms regarding repetitive voice lines, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with critics acknowledging the game's sound design and music as a significant strength that enhances the dark and immersive world of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics laud Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance for its outstanding sound design and music, praising the exceptional soundtrack with synth metal for battles and eerie tones for exploration. Voice acting is also highlighted for bringing characters to life, although some critics mention repetitive demon navigators' barks as a minor drawback. Overall, reviewers unanimously agree that the game's audio elements greatly enhance its immersive and dark themes.

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

voice acting

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Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In analyzing the technical performance of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance across different gaming platforms, it is evident that the majority of critics found the improvements to be substantial and commendable. On the Nintendo Switch, Pure Nintendo appreciated the quality-of-life enhancements that prevented frustration, while Universo Nintendo and Vooks noted persistent technical issues such as frame rate drops and sacrifices in visual fidelity for stability. Moving to the PlayStation 5, GameCritics, Hey Poor Player, and Metro GameCentral praised the improved performance with smoother gameplay at 60fps, enhanced resolution, and quality of life additions like save anywhere features. Similarly, on the PC platform, IGN and Hooked Gamers highlighted the higher resolutions, smoother gameplay, and absence of bugs or crashes, indicating good technical performance and stability. Generación Xbox also lauded the significant technical improvements on the Xbox Series X, including stable 60fps, 4K resolution, and reduced loading times. Despite the overall positive sentiment towards the technical performance of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, some drawbacks were mentioned by critics across different platforms. On the Nintendo Switch, Universo Nintendo pointed out frame rate drops and problematic quest distribution, while Vooks highlighted sacrifices in visual fidelity for stability. PCGamesN mentioned occasional instances of pop-in and frame rate drops on PC, especially on platforms like the Nintendo Switch. ZTGD noted inconsistencies in performance on the Switch version and the lack of modern support features on the PC port. Despite these criticisms, the general consensus was that the technical improvements outweighed these issues, leading to a more enjoyable gaming experience overall. In conclusion, the critics' opinions collectively indicate that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance showcased significant technical enhancements across various gaming platforms. The majority of reviewers praised the smoother gameplay, improved performance, enhanced visuals, and quality of life additions such as the ability to save anywhere. Game Informer highlighted the smooth technical performance on PC, while Generación Xbox emphasized the stable 60fps and 4K resolution on the Xbox Series X. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily towards a positive assessment of the technical performance of the game, with the improvements being widely appreciated and contributing to a more polished and enjoyable gameplay experience for players across different platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics rave about the technical improvements in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance on various platforms, with smoother gameplay, enhanced visuals, and quality-of-life features like save anywhere. While some drawbacks were noted, like frame rate drops and sacrifices in visual fidelity, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, making for a more enjoyable gaming experience overall.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of multiple critics regarding the Replay Value of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance highlight several positive aspects. Dexerto and Universo Nintendo both emphasize the presence of two distinct story paths, each offering around 80 hours of gameplay, which significantly enhances the replayability of the game. Pure Nintendo and Checkpoint Gaming appreciate the multiple difficulties and meaningful mechanics that cater to different player preferences, providing incentives for replaying the game. Additionally, GameSpot and Push Square praise the new additions, adjustments, and multiple endings that offer diverse content and unique experiences for both newcomers and returning players. On the other hand, some critics point out potential drawbacks that may affect the overall replay value of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. Vooks mentions that the new content and changes might not justify a full-priced purchase for those who played the original game, which could deter some players from revisiting the game. Metro GameCentral highlights underlying design flaws and similarities between the new and original campaigns, suggesting that these aspects might limit the replayability of the game for certain players. Twinfinite also notes limited replay value due to the absence of upgrade files or party porting, which could impact the overall experience for players looking to explore different narrative paths. Overall, the majority of critics express a positive sentiment towards the replay value of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. Critics like Hobby Consolas and Worth Playing commend the extensive content, multiple story routes, and additional optional content that contribute to a total playtime of approximately 200 hours, making the game highly replayable. The consensus among the critics is that the game offers a wealth of new content, diverse gameplay options, and enhancements that not only cater to fans of the series but also provide a compelling experience for newcomers. Despite some minor concerns raised by a few critics, the overall sentiment leans towards the game's strong replay value, making it a worthwhile investment for players looking for a deep and engaging RPG experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance for its high replay value, with two distinct story paths, multiple difficulties, and new content offering around 200 hours of gameplay. Some critics caution about potential drawbacks like lack of new content justification for full price and limited replayability due to design flaws. Overall, critics agree that the game offers diverse gameplay options and enhancements, making it a compelling RPG experience for both series fans and newcomers.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the Overall Verdict of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, it is evident that the game received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Dexerto commends the game for being a step up from the original release, offering new content, characters, and quality-of-life improvements, making it an ideal experience for newcomers. Pure Nintendo and Universo Nintendo also highlight the game's great update, new content, gameplay enhancements, and engaging narrative, with Universo Nintendo specifically mentioning the significant replay value it offers. CGMagazine and LevelUp praise Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance as the definitive version of the game, with enough new content and improvements to make it a must-play for fans of the series. On the flip side, a few critics raised some concerns about Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. Vooks suggests that the game may not justify its existence as a full-priced release and could have been better suited as paid DLC, indicating a potential issue with the pricing strategy. Noisy Pixel points out that the game excels in gameplay but falls short in narrative execution, which might be a drawback for players who prioritize story over combat and exploration. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the game remains overwhelmingly positive. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a highly recommended and definitive version of the game that offers a compelling and refined JRPG experience. Critics like Game Informer and Hooked Gamers commend the game for its improvements over the original, engaging new content, and captivating story that adds depth and replay value. The game is praised for its technical enhancements, gameplay improvements, enhanced visuals, and challenging combat, making it a must-play for both fans of the series and newcomers. With the majority of critics expressing satisfaction with the game and considering it a standout entry in the JRPG genre, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is widely regarded as a very good overall experience that successfully builds upon its predecessor and delivers a compelling gameplay experience for players of all levels of experience.

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance for its new content, gameplay enhancements, and captivating story. Despite some minor concerns about pricing and narrative execution, the consensus is highly positive. The game is seen as a definitive version that offers a compelling and refined JRPG experience with technical enhancements, engaging new content, and challenging combat, making it a standout entry in the genre for both fans and newcomers.

CRITIK

Reviews

107 reviews found

100

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 5

Jun 13, 2024