Shin Megami Tensei V

 Switch
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Nov 12, 2021
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 760 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 554 out of 760
  2. Mixed: 47 out of 760
  3. Negative: 159 out of 760
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  1. Kotovskiy85
    Nov 18, 2021
    10
    Absolutely incredible game! Gameplay, graphics, music, plot, direction, characters, quests are all on a solid 10. You just turn it on and disappear for a few hours.
    The first thing that struck me was of course the gameplay - now you can jump and actively explore the area, the second is the graphics - WOW, this is a BOTW level, and the third is of course the bosses - I was able to defeat    Absolutely incredible game! Gameplay, graphics, music, plot, direction, characters, quests are all on a solid 10. You just turn it on and disappear for a few hours.
    The first thing that struck me was of course the gameplay - now you can jump and actively explore the area, the second is the graphics - WOW, this is a BOTW level, and the third is of course the bosses - I was able to defeat the first one only on the third attempt, and from the second I got such a strong kick in the ass that I had to raise the level for several hours and assemble a suitable team. This is simply amazing considering that this is a normal level of difficulty.
    JRPG elements work just great and make you think in almost every battle, especially with bosses. The last time I remember such a high-quality fight was in FFX.
    At first I didn't like the fact that all the icons, menus and style are straight from Tokyo Mirage Sessions FE, but after a few hours you start to see and understand their depth and difference - it's very cool.
    Endless gratitude to ATLUS for giving us this masterpiece!    … Expand
  2. Pockit
    Nov 18, 2021
    10
    This game despite being in the oven for a very long time, managed to still exceed my expectations and deliver an amazing experience to which I'll never forget. This was not my first game for the series nor it was the second, but i firmly believe that anyone can pick up and play this game and enjoy it just the same. I can only hope that Atlus continues to create more products that can be this good.
  3. fireshm
    Nov 18, 2021
    10
    great game, One of the best RPGs of this year

    Buy this game, support it, we need more of this types of game, good job ATLUS
  4. vitorzehel
    Nov 18, 2021
    10
    O jogo é uma delícia de jogar e passar tempo. Sua dificuldade é ideal para os amantes de jrpg.
  5. LEMAZZATE
    Nov 18, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Scusate ragazzi, vorrei farmi piacere 'sto gioco ma non c'è La Mecca. Grande occasione sprecata… Expand
  6. squallara
    Nov 18, 2021
    10
    Nice game. Feels like an adult version of pokemon. Gotta catchem all (demons)
  7. PandaBass
    Nov 18, 2021
    10
    Despite a few technical hiccups (pop in & a few rare cases of fps drops) it's truly a stellar game!
  8. SurTails101
    Nov 18, 2021
    10
    I'm at around 35 hours in at the moment of writing this review. Wow what a game. I must agree with some reviewers here that the story is probably not the strongest point but verything else is amazing. I don't expect third party games that look like this to perform all that well on the switch and in all honestly I think the performance exceeded my expectation so I'm impressed on that part.I'm at around 35 hours in at the moment of writing this review. Wow what a game. I must agree with some reviewers here that the story is probably not the strongest point but verything else is amazing. I don't expect third party games that look like this to perform all that well on the switch and in all honestly I think the performance exceeded my expectation so I'm impressed on that part.

    After SMT IV, I had big expectation for the soundtrack and boy does it not disappoint. Banger after banger. Eargasm after eargasm.

    Gameplay is fantastic. Fusing and gathering demons is addicting. The platforming/exploring is surprisingly fun and enjoyable. Combat is great, but I admit, if you're not into turn by turn, this may not be your cup of tea (though I could say the same about P5)

    The art direction in this game is excellent. The ambiance throughout the game is unique.

    9.5/10 (let's round it up shall we)    … Expand
  9. Peetja
    Nov 18, 2021
    10
    I absolutely love this game It is the perfect level of difficulty similar to that of dark souls where you get the rush after finally besting the boss
  10. BaronInjust
    Nov 17, 2021
    10
    This game is beyond amazing the sole reason I bougth a switch all those years ago and it delivers. The game of the decade just buy it.
  11. Gaioti
    Nov 17, 2021
    10
    After playing P3:fes and P4 Golden and loving both, it was time to try SMT, and wow, please give it a try, this is without a doubt one of the best JRPGs ever made.
  12. JohnDoeVin
    Nov 17, 2021
    9
    Some story pacing and performance issues aside, SMT V is without a doubt the JRPG of the year for me. It brings back the fun strategic combat the series is known for and adds many customizable options for not only your main character but also your demons. I easily lost many hours simply focusing on building a better team to use in battle because I enjoyed this aspect so much. There areSome story pacing and performance issues aside, SMT V is without a doubt the JRPG of the year for me. It brings back the fun strategic combat the series is known for and adds many customizable options for not only your main character but also your demons. I easily lost many hours simply focusing on building a better team to use in battle because I enjoyed this aspect so much. There are over 200 playable demons and many of them with the right skills and attributes can be useful party members. It really just depends on how much work you’re willing to put into each one of them. While in past games some lower level demons served merely as fusion material for stronger ones, now you can build them in a way that they can be useful even at the end of the game. Demon negotiations have never been more fun as the dialogues are frequently hilarious and even though the outcomes can be just as unpredictable as previous games there is definitely a strategy to them. Visually the game looks beautiful running on Unreal Engine 4 and I can safely say that the demons and environments have never looked better! The post-apocalyptic areas are all intricately designed and nearly every nook and cranny is filled with a surprise for you to discover. Last but certainly not least is the amazing soundtrack. I still have some of the battle tracks looping in my head as I’m writing this. Bottom line: If you have even a slight interest in monster-collecting games or even just JRPG’s in general, I would highly recommend this game.… Expand
  13. DoraWill
    Nov 17, 2021
    10
    Amazing gameplay and soundtrack just like other Atlus titles. Exploration is super fun which is the nice direction of SMT series. New demon designs are great .But I hope there will be more dungeon like tradition SMT game. Easily one of my favourite JRPG.
  14. Jochristian
    Nov 17, 2021
    10
    This game is so much fun I have a ps5 and because of this game I have stopped playing it very addicting I’m playing on hard mode and is definitely very challenging you have to level up and grind a little to defeat some of the bosses but wow is this game Amazing!! Graphics 9 Gameplay 10
    Story 9
    Fun factor 10
  15. yellowbeebee
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    This is the first SMT game I've ever played, but because I played persona 3,4, and 5, I have some experience with Atlus's JRPGs. I honestly didn't really know what to expect going into this game. However, I am very pleased with just how enjoyable it is. The only noticeable downside I noticed from my time playing this game was the framerate of some of the demons in the background. It hurtsThis is the first SMT game I've ever played, but because I played persona 3,4, and 5, I have some experience with Atlus's JRPGs. I honestly didn't really know what to expect going into this game. However, I am very pleased with just how enjoyable it is. The only noticeable downside I noticed from my time playing this game was the framerate of some of the demons in the background. It hurts the eyes a bit, but nothing too bad. I highly recommend this game.… Expand
  16. grit7
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    Just buy it. It will be one of the best games you got yourself on switch. You'll love it!
  17. Lazarus93
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    What a game, what a game indeed. Only negatives are docked mode performance issues.
  18. Ars_Arcanum
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    Another great entry in the SMT series. Great graphics and lots of content. Don't sleep on it!
  19. Karellen
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    With Shin Megami Tensei V the series finally came back with a bang on a more modern and powerful hardware and skyrocketed its presentation and production value quite a lot. The game also streamlined a lot of things, but I think its for the best; at its core it still is Shin Megami Tensei, even with its changes and "simplifications". The Xenoblade-ification of the level design, mixed withWith Shin Megami Tensei V the series finally came back with a bang on a more modern and powerful hardware and skyrocketed its presentation and production value quite a lot. The game also streamlined a lot of things, but I think its for the best; at its core it still is Shin Megami Tensei, even with its changes and "simplifications". The Xenoblade-ification of the level design, mixed with the post apocalyptic setting and the removal of random battles (plus: the chance to see what demons you are going to face VS the "holograms" in IV), is a gift from heaven. I love the 1st person dungeon crawling of the past entries, but from here I can't just go back. The exploration is rewarding and the sense of place is unmatched. The OST is a banger, too: with Ryota Kozuka you can't go wrong. The soundtrack is almost at the same level of IV and Apocalypse. As for the characters and the story, I think that they did a good job. There's nothing really remarkable here in my opinion, but its enough to keep you invested in the events. The demons, however, gained a lot of personality. Everyone of them is finely animated and voiced. They never felt so alive. And last but not least: the press turn system is as granitic as ever. Go buy it (and play it) people! Shin Megami Tensei deserves to gain the same recognition as its youngest brother Persona.… Expand
  20. jonmurrs
    Nov 16, 2021
    9
    This game is incredible. It runs smooth and looks good. Probably one of the better games available on the switch. I am excited to play more. Giving it a 9 because persona 5 is just better-not a switch game, though.
  21. KevWen
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    This is definitely my game of the year for Nintendo Switch! Enjoyed more than Monster Hunter Rise and even Metroid Dread. 10/10
  22. Red_Meridian
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    Definitely a huge step up for the series and for Atlus itself. Impressive and well worth the wait.
  23. cntrl
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    Atlus delivered yet another SMT mainline game and this one certainly does not disappoint!
    If you're in for a challenging RPG with a great Press Turn Battle System and a dark storyline then SMT V is definitely worth a try!
  24. hokemi
    Nov 14, 2021
    10
    Dungeon crawling. Demon fusion. Fun overworld movement. Collectibles. Classic amazing smt battle system. This is probably the best jrpg for switch this year please pick it up.
  25. Kkodss
    Nov 16, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The first area was really great. But then you finish it, and this is what follows:

    There is a pretty crude exposition dump, with a bizarre tone shift and an introduction of a new character that we're supposed to care about even though we just met her

    There is a high school 'dungeon' area which looks borderline PS1 in terms of look and textures, and runs at about 10fps

    The second large area is exactly the same as the first, only with a red filter, and a further performance hit, making the game run largely as a slideshow    … Expand
  26. MinatoArisato
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    It’s best SMT EVER!!! Nahobino looks Awesome. 12/10!!! And nice graphics for Nintendo Switch.
  27. Davel33123
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    Good gameplay, incredible music, unique original fantasy setting absolute must have ! This is why I bought a switch on launch day .
    I've waited a long time but man was it worth it .!
    Atlas are such a fantastic developer
  28. Yuushio
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    If you like JRPGs, turn-based (press-turn) combat or jusz SMT in general, you won't be disappointed at ALL! This has to be the most accessible SMT game by far. It's fairly difficult,but easy to get used to. The new essence system makes fusing even more fun!
  29. liathwulf
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    I never ever go out of my way to write reviews on metacritic, but this is hands down the best rpg I've played in god knows how long. For fans of the series, play it on hard, it does not disappoint. This game made me realize, where the **** did exploration go in RPGs? This game made me realize how much I miss that. There are tons of demons and nooks and crannies and treasure and side questsI never ever go out of my way to write reviews on metacritic, but this is hands down the best rpg I've played in god knows how long. For fans of the series, play it on hard, it does not disappoint. This game made me realize, where the **** did exploration go in RPGs? This game made me realize how much I miss that. There are tons of demons and nooks and crannies and treasure and side quests tucked away that you may just randomly end up stumbling back upon while re exploring areas and asking yourself, how did I miss this? Or how the hell would I have ever known this was here?

    Party customization? Top notch, like pokemon status amount of demon choices, but better because through the fusion system you can perform all sorts of amazing tricks with your demons. Your main character can also be built in all sorts of ways, and in hard mode, you will find yourself wracking your brain, scrambling through items, or doubling back to get a demon with zan to make certain trash mobs easier to kill. Oh, and **** can kill you. Fast. Trash or not, saving often is a must. This is one of the few games where "escape with 100% chance" items will be good friends of yours. Strategically, its everything an RPG should be (I can't speak for normal mode, but I'd imagine it would be plenty hard if you were brand new).

    Also like all SMT games, this has a super weird mysterious occult storyline with branching ending choices.
    If you like GREAT rpgs that make you work for wins and wrack your brain for strategic upper hands, do it! Buy this game!    … Expand
  30. Rpg89
    Nov 15, 2021
    10
    Don't mind the 0 ratings. If you're into JRPG do yourself a favor and purchase the game you won't regret your investment. This game is better than all the SMT games before it in every way I can think of.
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Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Best Switch Game of 2021
6
#6 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 98 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 98
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 98
  3. Negative: 0 out of 98
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Mar 7, 2022
    80
    What a journey! After eight years of waiting, the fifth installment of MegaTen is finally here, and it manages to deliver a satisfying experience. It may not have the deepest plot or most interesting cast of human characters, but it's fun, and I appreciate that it challenged me to think more about myself, my beliefs and how I view the world around me. And how many games can do that? [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 76]
  2. Universo Nintendo
    Mar 5, 2022
    90
    SMTV brought everything I expected from a new chapter in the series of one of the first RPG games made, always renewing and innovating. We have an adventure that will make you stay for more than 40 hours hoping it doesn't end. It's really a great must-have for SMT fans and highly recommended for any RPG fan.
    Read full review
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 18, 2022
    80
    Comparing with an adored Persona cannot be avoided, but it is still a quite different experience for a different audience. Great fights, growing demons, excelent graphics and atmosphere. This JRPG succeeded.
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