Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Switch Review – Atlus Delivers the Definitive RPG Experience

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Switch Review – Atlus Delivers the Definitive RPG Experience When Shin Megami Tensei V first launched on Nintendo Switch in 2021, Atlus reinforced its position as a preeminent developer in the JRPG world.

Now, less than three years since the acclaimed debut, Atlus—alongside publisher SEGA—returns with Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, an expanded re-release that raises the bar for the franchise.

Released worldwide on June 14, 2024, Vengeance arrives as the most comprehensive version of this RPG epic to date, reimagining the original while introducing sweeping improvements. A Revamped Narrative: Canon of Vengeance vs.

Canon of Creation The headline-grabbing addition in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a brand-new narrative route: the Canon of Vengeance.

This path offers an emotionally charged, character-driven story, contrasting the original Canon of Creation, which placed central conflict over personal development.

Throughout Vengeance, returning locations and familiar objectives remind veterans of their past journeys, but significant divergences at key moments fundamentally alter the competition’s progression and ultimate resolution.

Notably, characters such as Yoko Hiromine—an entirely new and deeply developed protagonist—take on enhanced narrative roles, offering fresh perspectives and driving the story’s evolution.

Series regular Tao serves as a narrative anchor, and her dynamic with Yoko is at the heart of the game’s enriched storytelling.

The dialogue is more impactful, with binary choices leading to distinctly different conclusions. Expanded Gameplay and Enhanced Quality of Life Atlus has built on player feedback to introduce critical quality-of-life updates.

Magatsu Rails, for instance, streamline navigation through the vast landscapes of Da’at, reducing travel tedium and granting easier access to rest points known as Leyline Founts.

Combat continues to emphasize strategic, turn-based engagements, but now features new Magatsuhi skills—unique abilities that diversify party composition.

Demon allies have been further individuated via exclusive skills and the Demon Haunt system, which allows for greater interaction, growth, and narrative engagement outside of battle.

The demon roster itself has grown, integrating both new creatures and returning classics from the Megami Tensei franchise. Additional improvements, such as batch item usage, enhanced demon compendium navigation, battle speed adjustments, auto-battle options, minimap tweaks, and a new top-down camera, all help smooth the player experience.

While gameplay remains as challenging as ever—a hallmark of the series, even at Casual difficulty—the newly introduced Challenge Arena and Godborn difficulty mode create imposing targets for veterans seeking an even greater test. Technical Performance and Platform Considerations The Nintendo Switch version of Vengeance maintains the high visual standard set by its predecessor, although it continues to push the hardware’s limits.

Frame rate dips and longer load times may occur in later zones, though these issues do little to overshadow the game’s robust presentation. Verdict: A Worthy Re-Release on Nintendo Switch Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance delivers a definitive, content-rich reimagining that builds upon the success of the original.

By integrating a new narrative route, expanded demon mechanics, substantial quality-of-life improvements, and retaining the classic challenge, Atlus has ensured that both series veterans and newcomers will find something fresh to enjoy.

Whether your focus is on deep storytelling or strategic battle, Vengeance on Nintendo Switch is the essential way to experience this modern JRPG masterpiece. Review copy provided by the publisher.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Atlus Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Shin Megami Tensei Switch Shin Megami Tensei V Vengeance SEGA Shin Megami Tensei V Vengeance Canon of Vengeance Canon of Creation Yoko Hiromine Tao Qadishtu Da'at Magatsu Rails Fire Emblem