Shin Megami Tensei V is the newest game in the famous demon battling series Shin Megami Tensei. SMTV tells the tale of a high schooler who finds themselves surviving the end of the world and becoming the Nahobino. One school day, catastrophe strikes, and as he follows an acquaintance, the world seems to end, now demons roam free, and he’s given unimaginable power.
The Nahobino is a magical form that he now possesses. Using this form, he can interact with Aogami, an intense spirit who knows more than he might let on at times. The Nahobino can use an array of attacks, from Dia to Zionga, commune with demons, and even add demons to his party. The Nahobino will have everything riding on him as he works to find a way to fix things.
The characters in this game are fantastic, and each sits at different sides of the table. The choices matter, and if the Nahobino isn’t careful they could side with the wrong side. There are four potential endings, one of which is secret, choose wisely, the world’s fate depends on it.
The Nahobino has a few choices of allies. An easy choice might be to side with Bethel as his school friends work there. But maybe the player wants to side with the demons; they seem to have a lot of fun. Other demons might have goals, so listen and react accordingly; demons can be tricksters.
Battling in SMTV is not always easy. The Nahobino must uncover the foes weaknesses to fight smart. Once the Nahobino figures out the weaknesses, they will gain the upper hand. Be warned, the enemies can use these advantages too, and one wrong move could end the Nahobino’s life.
The battle screen is overhauled and resembles Tokyo Mirage Sessions. It’s nice the characters are front and center, and it provides a little more life to the battle screen. The battles flow nicely too, and the player can auto-attack if they are sure they will win.
The newest addition to battle is the Magatsuhi gauge. As the player fights, they gain Magatsuhi. Once the bar is full, the Nahobino can unleash powerful abilities. One makes every attack for that turn critical which can turn the tide of battle. Other Magatsuhi skills pertain to certain demons or have a type, but it’s up to the hero to use the right move.
The Nahobino can also court the demon to join him. Though this time around, the demons seem a little greedier. They will ask for health, money or to rip off his arm for instance. React accordingly, and try to coerce them, sometimes they will run, but it’s not likely there won’t be another chance. The demons all stay at the same level, which does help, as they become less of a problem. If the demon is stronger, they will ask for the Nahobino to power up. When the Nahobino is strong enough they will join without question.
Abscesses are a new feature to the series, and it’s always fun taking them down. Nahobino will need to either dodge the foes that pour out of them or take them on. Once, they get to the abscess, a battle will begin. If the Nahobino wins the battle, they will gain new miracles. The miracles give the Nahobino extraordinary powers with Sophia’s help.
Sophia is a powerful entity that will be a great asset to the Nahobino. Sophia can help the Nahobino fuse demons together and even with himself. She’ll take their essence and use it to make him stronger. Demons are locked behind levels and require certain demons, but it is worth it to summon them. Sophia will always be there for the player, so work with her to fulfill Nahobino’s wishes. I enjoy the idea that fusion works with music, it’s a classy touch.
Sophia can effectively change everything about the Nahobino. Sophia can alter his stats and spells if he provides her with the correct essence. Changing his skills and weaknesses can change the tide of an arduous battle. If the attack is weak to him, the enemy will lose turns, so use this feature often.
Gustave is another stalwart ally, as the player procures goods from him. He might be a strange green skeleton sitting on a gold throne, but he has all the Nahobino needs to survive. Gustave will ask the Nahobino early on to find his associates the Miman; finding them will grant the Nahobino some lovely prizes. If he has the coin, the Nahobino can count on Gustave to lend a hand.
The open-world nature of the game is thrilling, there are many demons for this hero to take on. The demons don’t appear as silhouettes, so it’s easy to see what’s coming for him. There are soda machines to check for precious goods, and dead monsters lay hidden. Players may find essence from demons turned to stone or chunks of the energy lying out in the open. Take it all, and bring it to Sophia to upgrade the Nahobino.
Shin Megami Tensei is an evolution for the Shin Megami series. I cannot wait to see where the series goes from here; the new battle system is clean, the story thrilling, and the demons will tear the Nahobino a new one with words or claws. It might be challenging, but with perseverance, anyone can enjoy this game. The Nahobino needs help saving the world; will the player be the angel or the demon on his shoulder?
Disclaimer: A review key was provided