Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Hands-On Preview: "Undeniably Intriguing"

Summary Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance expands the story with new characters and demons while keeping the core experience intact.

Players can choose between the original story and the new Vengeance path, which includes the mysterious character Yoko Hiromine.

The game adds 40 new demons, updated graphics, and runs in 60 FPS, offering an enhanced and immersive gameplay experience.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance will soon be the definitive way to experience the story of the Nahobino, expanding the world and narrative while still keeping the core of what made the original great. The upcoming Atlus title adds a brand-new storyline and character, as well as additional demons, fresh areas, and overhauled graphics. Screen Rant recently got a few hours of hands-on time with the game to see the biggest changes it has to offer.

Similar to the differences in releases like Persona 5 Royal, Vengeance builds upon the foundation already established in the initial fifth entry of the SMT franchise. Players will be able to choose between the original storyline and the new Vengeance path, which adds the character of Yoko Hiromine. The game now runs in beautiful 60 FPS - save for the Switch - making the details of Da'at and its demons quite stunning. The preview for the title consisted of two different hour-long sections, one near the start of the game, and another midway into the new story.

Related Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance - Release Date, Gameplay & Pre-Order Details Everything to know about Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, a redux version of the most recent installment in the long-running SMT franchise.

Vengeance's New Storyline Is Intriguing

The Mysterious Yoko Hiromine & Qadištu

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The new character Yoko was introduced right away in the preview, described as someone the group met during a demon attack in Da'at. The mysterious student is a senior at St. Marina Academy, and referred to as a saint due to her proficiency with magic. There's clearly much more about the character's backstory that wasn't revealed in the preview, but inklings of the character's penchant for revenge were clear almost immediately, particularly after a scene where she casually states fellow student Sahori's bullies should be killed.

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Yoko isn't the only additional character inVengeance-there are also the main antagonists known as the Qadištu. Also called the Goddesses of Vengeance, the group is made up of leader Lilith, Naamah, Eisheth Zenunim, Agrat bat Mahlat, and servant Glasya-Labolas; they serve as the main focus of the new storyline. The connection between the goddesses, Yoko, and the protagonist isn't quite clear just yet, but the second half of the preview dove a bit into an investigation of the evil group's goals in Da'at.

Exploring The Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Preview

New Plot Threads, Demons, & Locales

The first section of the preview was largely cutscene focused, giving a better idea of the dynamics between the characters. It began with the protagonist being welcomed into the Bethel organization and learning how the original Tokyo had been destroyed by demons years prior, prompting an exact recreation by God. From there, it delved a bit into the bullies tormenting Sahori, culminating in a rooftop conversation with Tao and Yoko about possibly intervening. The first half culminated in a fight at the train station against Naamah and Glasya-Labolas, who frequently used her seductive nature to charm members of the party.

The latter half of the preview was much more combat and exploration oriented, taking place in the Shinjuku ward, an entirely new area of Da'at included in Vengeance. A lush, mountainous region, this locale was home to several demons from other games players will recognize, like Gogmagog and Cherubim. The party had journeyed there as part of their Qadištu investigation, at one point running into Shohei Yakumo and Nuwa who were doing the same. Considered intruders by the area's angels despite pleas otherwise, the group had to face off against many waves of them while there.

One of the biggest improvements to combat is a new autobattling system, which helps make smaller fights go by faster and feel less repetitive.

SMTV Combat & The Biggest Changes In Vengeance

Autobattles, Demon Skills, And Quality-Of-Life Additions

Much of the combat systems present in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance will feel familiar to fans of the original, as its core mechanics remain the same. Players will face enemies in turn-based fights, exploiting the different weaknesses of enemies while working to fill up the Magatsuhi gauge to perform special moves. However, now allied demons will have passive skills that help differentiate each one, providing boons like increasing crit damage for certain demon races.

One of the biggest improvements to combat is a new autobattling system, which helps make smaller fights go by faster and feel less repetitive. Outside of fights, a game-changing mechanic has arrived: the ability to save anytime, anywhere. It could be argued that this addition takes away some of the tension and challenge of the game, but it's hard not to view it as a largely net-positive change.

Final Thoughts On Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

More Questions Raised Than Answered

This preview largely raised more questions about Vengeance than it answered, but in the best way possible. The bits that were teased from the new storyline are clearly part of a much bigger picture, and the mysterious nature of both Yoko and the Qadištu is undeniably intriguing. There was much of the Shinjuku ward left to be explored when the preview ended, and with a total of 40 demons added, many new enemies left to encounter as well.

The SMT series celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2022, and this being the first release following such a large milestone seems like a great direction for the franchise. The graphical overhaul and soundtrack have helped the game's narrative beats and terrifying enemies feel more impactful, and the expanded narrative makes an already-rich lore even deeper. Whether players are new to the series or seasoned veterans, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance looks like it will offer something for everyone when it releases this summer.