Shin Megami Tensei V: Modernizing A Classic RPG

The adage ‘old is gold’ holds true for many classic RPGs, and Shin Megami Tensei is no exception. With its strategic combat and philosophical themes, it has been a fan favorite since its inception in 1987. However, with the release of Shin Megami Tensei V on the Nintendo Switch, the game has received a much-needed modern update while retaining its core gameplay mechanics.

In this article, we will explore the modernization of Shin Megami Tensei V, highlighting its approachable mechanics and challenging boss fights. We will delve into the game’s storyline, gameplay features, release, and reception to provide an objective and impersonal analysis of the latest entry in the classic RPG series.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, this article will provide a comprehensive overview of Shin Megami Tensei V and its evolution into a modern classic.

Key Takeaways

Shin Megami Tensei V is a modernized turn-based combat RPG game with philosophical themes and large worlds to explore.
The game retains its strategic combat but is less frustrating than previous entries.
Players play a high schooler in modern-day Tokyo who gains god-like powers and navigates a post-apocalyptic world named Da’at.
The game features fluid, strategy-based combat with the Press Turn battle system, demon fusion, and unpredictable demon recruitment.

Shin Megami Tensei V Overview and Storyline

The overview and storyline of Shin Megami Tensei V, a modernized turn-based combat RPG game, feature a high schooler in modern-day Tokyo who gains god-like powers and navigates a post-apocalyptic world named Da’at.

The player’s journey through this world is marked by philosophical themes and a focus on ideological conflicts within Da’at. The game’s plot is centered around exposition, with the player gaining insight into the game’s lore and characters as they progress through the game.

As the player progresses through the game, they will encounter various factions and characters with differing ideologies. These ideological conflicts serve as the driving force behind the game’s plot, with the player being forced to make difficult decisions and navigate complex moral dilemmas.

The game’s narrative is well-crafted, with intriguing characters and a thought-provoking storyline that will keep players engaged throughout their journey.

Gameplay Features

Fluid and strategy-based combat is one of the gameplay features of this modernized turn-based RPG, enhanced by the Press Turn battle system and the new Magatsuhi Gauge. With the Press Turn battle system, players have to strategize their attack and defense moves, as every action taken in battle costs a turn. In this way, a player can gain additional turns by exploiting the enemy’s weaknesses, while missing or attacking an enemy with a strength they possess can result in the loss of turns for the player. This system adds a layer of depth and strategy to the combat, making it more engaging and challenging.

The Magatsuhi Gauge is another addition to the combat system, which allows players to unleash devastating attacks or summon powerful demons. The gauge fills up as the player battles and can be used strategically to turn the tide of a fight or defeat a tough boss.

The demon fusion system is also present in Shin Megami Tensei V, allowing players to combine demons to create stronger ones and customize their party. While the combat system may seem complex, the game’s traditional mechanics have been carefully updated to add new ideas and additional layers of strategy, making Shin Megami Tensei V the most approachable series entry to date.

Shin Megami Tensei V Release and Review

Developed and published by Atlus/Nintendo, the turn-based combat game Shin Megami Tensei V was released on November 12, 2021, for the Nintendo Switch.

The game has approachable mechanics, which carefully updated traditional mechanics to add new ideas and additional layers of strategy. The game features quality of life changes, such as clearly marked NPCs and sidequests on the map, which made it more accessible than previous entries in the series. However, some returning features were deemed unfair at times.

Overall, the review suggested that Shin Megami Tensei V is a modernized turn-based combat RPG, which retains its strategic combat and philosophical themes, while adding large worlds to explore and friendlier touches to its systems.

Shin Megami Tensei V Frequently Asked Questions

How does Shin Megami Tensei V compare to previous entries in the series?

Shin Megami Tensei V builds upon the strategic combat and philosophical themes of previous entries in the series while introducing larger worlds to explore and friendlier touches to its systems. The game retains its challenging difficulty, but is the most approachable entry to date.

Is the game beginner-friendly, or is it more suited to experienced players?

The game’s mechanics are carefully updated to add new ideas and additional layers of strategy, making it approachable to players of all levels. However, some features may be unpredictable or unfair, requiring some trial and error, making it more suited to experienced players.

Are there any new gameplay mechanics introduced in Shin Megami Tensei V?

Introducing new gameplay mechanics is a common way to refresh a game franchise. In Shin Megami Tensei V, the Magatsuhi Gauge is a new addition to the series, which provides players with additional strategic options during battles.

How does the demon fusion system work, and is it a crucial aspect of gameplay?

The demon fusion system in Shin Megami Tensei V allows players to combine and create stronger demons. It is a crucial aspect of gameplay, providing strategic depth and allowing for customization of the player’s party.

How does Shin Megami Tensei V utilize the Nintendo Switch’s hardware features?

Shin Megami Tensei V utilizes Nintendo Switch’s hardware features by providing high-quality graphics, smooth gameplay, and the use of Joy-Con controls for battle commands. The game also features Amiibo support for unlocking additional content.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shin Megami Tensei V offers a modernized take on the classic RPG series that retains its strategic combat and philosophical themes while adding larger worlds to explore and friendlier touches to its systems. The game’s approachable mechanics and challenging boss fights make it a worthy addition to the franchise, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers.

Metaphorically speaking, Shin Megami Tensei V is like a well-crafted sword that has been sharpened and honed over time. Its blade may be familiar to those who have wielded it before, but its newly polished edges and refined handle make it a joy to hold and use once again.

As such, the game stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Shin Megami Tensei series, and a testament to the power of a good game to captivate and entertain players for years to come.