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. Gamingking007
    Nov 28, 2021
    10
    Stunning game ! You have to be patient and grind but it’s worth it because the world is beautiful even though it’s on a switch . The monsters are awesome and the system is very deep . It’s not persona ! It’s a dark , angels vs demons story driven adventure which is really worth trying if you enjoy jrpg and a deep but not unfair system . It is difficult so be ready for that .
  2. 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
  3. Steyraus
    Mar 22, 2022
    10
    I generally want to like JRPFs , but find the endless exposition and grinding to get to be to much after about 20 hours...I am 70 hours in SMTV and still loving it..The exposition is kept to a minimum and the leveling and progesion systems are so satisfying that it keeps you compelled to continue the grind..Most of all I love the demon designs,,, SMTV has some of the coolest and sexistI generally want to like JRPFs , but find the endless exposition and grinding to get to be to much after about 20 hours...I am 70 hours in SMTV and still loving it..The exposition is kept to a minimum and the leveling and progesion systems are so satisfying that it keeps you compelled to continue the grind..Most of all I love the demon designs,,, SMTV has some of the coolest and sexist character designs I've seen in ages..And at a time in gaming where developers seem to make all their characters , boring, cringe and puriton this level of freedom and imagination is appreciated. There is no averting of the male gaze here, and red blooded hetro males and very much catered for.. it's great and rare.… Expand
  4. germanik
    Dec 10, 2021
    10
    Очередной шедевр в серии! Идеальный сюжет, классическая боевка из 90х, безумно красивая проработка монстров. Строго рекомендую всем, даже не фанатам классических пошаговых РПГ.
  5. CtrlAltDefeat
    Nov 15, 2021
    10
    After a long, LONG wait - we've received the best iteration of the SMT formula yet. The combat system is more refined and customizable than ever, without sacrificing the difficulty that these games are known for. The demons are all beautifully modeled and animated, and it's obvious that the art team gave it their all. Paired with the phenomenal soundtrack, fantastic as usual worldAfter a long, LONG wait - we've received the best iteration of the SMT formula yet. The combat system is more refined and customizable than ever, without sacrificing the difficulty that these games are known for. The demons are all beautifully modeled and animated, and it's obvious that the art team gave it their all. Paired with the phenomenal soundtrack, fantastic as usual world building, and improved depth of exploration, this is a must play JRPG if you consider yourself a fan of the genre.

    To address the elephant in the room, Shin Megami Tensei is not Persona. Persona was created in an attempt to do something new with the SMT formula. Mainline games have never been focused on their characters (with a few exceptions) or social aspects. You will not find them here, and that's definitely okay, as this game aims for a different experience. I could go on for longer, but that strays outside of review territory.

    This game delivers on everything it promises to be and more. Easy recommend.    … Expand
  6. 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!
  7. guiletheguiles
    Jan 26, 2022
    10
    I'm not even sure what I'm supposed to write here other than THIS IS THE BEST SMT GAME I'VE EVER PLAYED!
    Even with a few nitpicks towards a few aspects of the game, it finally feels like they have perfected the formula that they've been using for decades.
    Everything in itshines from the moment you boot it up. The first thing I want to mention is just how PERFECT the soundtrack is!    I'm not even sure what I'm supposed to write here other than THIS IS THE BEST SMT GAME I'VE EVER PLAYED!
    Even with a few nitpicks towards a few aspects of the game, it finally feels like they have perfected the formula that they've been using for decades.

    Everything in itshines from the moment you boot it up. The first thing I want to mention is just how PERFECT the soundtrack is! There isn't a single bad track. Every single song is superb, aiding in building a fantastic atmosphere and an epic experience, wether you're in a boss fight or fusing demons.
    And speaking of atmosphere, like almost every other SMT game, its just fantastic. The unique apocalyptic and high-stakes challenges and moments that you go through are very immersive and just absolutely engaging. In addition to how immersive it plays and how perfect it sounds, it's also worth mentioning how good it looks. Especially for a Switch game. It does take a MAJOR hit in how it runs, as you can clearly see the fps taking huge dips. But with that said, it's also incredible to see how marvelous the environments and designs are. The devs managed to pull it off.

    The highlight of SMT V is certainly how accessible and refined the gameplay is. From battling to fusing, it feels like a modern and necessary take on an old functional formula.
    The combat system is familiar, with quality life changes that makes it the series best. Fusion system is magnificent and works smoothly and with ease unlike previous games. Most sidequests are good, balancing challenging and rewarding tasks. And the bosses... they're a delight to fight. From optional to mandatory ones. They all hit the right notes. Especially the final boss and the game's super boss. Two of the greatest JRPG bosses I've fought in a while.

    It's amazing to see that one of my biggest gripes with previous games of the series feels resolves. I hated how unbalanced and unfair they could get at times, and I didn't feel that at all with SMT V. Sure, rng can still catch you by surprise, but it's rare and usually just happens to the unprepared.
    Grinding can also be done pretty quickly. In fact, I only felt the need to grind for the super boss.

    If there's anything bad to say about this game, it's certainly two things:

    1 - The story can be quite shallow. It's good, packs a nice ominous vibe, at times it's as minimalistic as SMT 3 - but it just lacks depth! The characters are cool, the setting is good, protagonists are interesting and the whole conumdrum is bleak enough to keep you interested, but there's just something missing. It feels a little undercooked.

    2 - Exploration sucks. It's the worst part of the game. The first and second area are great, but the third and fourth are MAZES! It can be quite frustrating, especially if you're trying to get everything, like the fun little Mimans and all amalgams. The environments, depiste how beautiful they look, can also look bland and repetitive sometimes.

    But that's it. That's my long and loving review of the perfect game that is SMT V. It's definitely not for everyone, because it can often feel pretty niche. But it's a rare diamond. One that looks, sounds and plays perfectly.    … Expand
  8. senorcarbone
    Nov 14, 2021
    10
    A masterpiece! Love the art direction and mechanics. It’s a fusion of the best parts of megaten and other jrpg series. Gives great power and freedom to the player without sacrificing fun.
  9. Racsoul
    Nov 21, 2021
    10

    The game is beautiful and for a switch game, they have done well giving us such an outstanding entry like this. One of the most fun and engaging combat over of all the main smt games. I amply recommend this
  10. Goodnightmoon
    Nov 22, 2021
    10
    This game had a User Score of 9.0 when there was 200 reviews and suddenly more than 80 zero out 10 reviews came in and the game wen down to 7.1. Some people are really angry this game is on the switch and getting praise, this is yet another metabombing which is just sad. Dont trust the user score, this game is outstanding and one of the best rpgs of the generation. 9.5/10.
  11. MinatoArisato
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    It’s best SMT EVER!!! Nahobino looks Awesome. 12/10!!! And nice graphics for Nintendo Switch.
  12. Cutloso
    Nov 26, 2021
    10
    El juego es perfecto , no le hagan caso a los loquitos toxicos que dicen que es malo.
    Recomendado, comprenlo ya.
    No se lo pueden perder.
  13. gq_foine
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    WOW! GAME OF THE YEAR!! Ignore all the ridiculous 0 or less than 8 on this!

    This was the most addicting most exciting game of the series! I have over 70hrs into the game and still feel like I need to play through again for the final True ending! ABSOLUTELY THE BEST GAME ON THE SWITCH! People who don't like the game either don't understand how to play and die all the time or they    WOW! GAME OF THE YEAR!! Ignore all the ridiculous 0 or less than 8 on this!

    This was the most addicting most exciting game of the series! I have over 70hrs into the game and still feel like I need to play through again for the final True ending! ABSOLUTELY THE BEST GAME ON THE SWITCH! People who don't like the game either don't understand how to play and die all the time or they too unintelligent to understand how the game works!

    It's hands down the BEST Turnbase game!! I loved Persona 4 and 5 but Shin Megami is a darker more difficult game! It is the Souls of Turnbase!    … Expand
  14. lolhhh
    Nov 13, 2021
    10
    I really enjoy the monster collecting and harder the story is also pretty good so far difficulty definitely one of the best jrpgs this year
  15. deadfox
    Nov 15, 2021
    10
    I bought a Switch for this game, and I don't regret it one bit, the game is such a blast, and it's fun to traverse and recruit demons. This series is my favorite for a reason.
  16. 5xdangp
    Nov 23, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Excellent game with a ton of potential. Highly recommend to anyone who likes JRPGs.… Expand
  17. 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
  18. chaotickclock
    Nov 23, 2021
    10
    A great addition to the SMT series. Wonderful character designs, a mysterious post apocalyptic world to explore, and tons of entertaining conversations to be had with demons in and out of battle. The story might be a bit lacking for some peoples tastes but the game more then makes up for it with the personality of the demons you find on your way. itstutters a bit when opening menus, butA great addition to the SMT series. Wonderful character designs, a mysterious post apocalyptic world to explore, and tons of entertaining conversations to be had with demons in and out of battle. The story might be a bit lacking for some peoples tastes but the game more then makes up for it with the personality of the demons you find on your way. itstutters a bit when opening menus, but aside from that no noticeable performance issues.… Expand
  19. bot199269
    Nov 23, 2021
    10
    SMT V has:
    A vastly world to explore with a ton of stuff to do.
    A fantastical battle system with a lot of customization. The magatsuhi skills are visually impressing
    A challenging difficult

    The story is very slow but the gameplay is amazing and highly enjoyable.

    I wish this game had a PS4 release with graphical improvements because the artstyle is gorgeous and it deserves an HD version
  20. Hyrule34
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    Shin Megami Tensei V is a wonderful JRPG, I have been playing the game for so many hours, it's fantastic. The game looks beautiful, the combat is great and the soundtrack is a banger. I also love the story and the characters. To anyone complaining that this game is hard: Just play in easy or the free DLC one which is safety mode. If you chose Normal or Hard, then yes the game is hard asShin Megami Tensei V is a wonderful JRPG, I have been playing the game for so many hours, it's fantastic. The game looks beautiful, the combat is great and the soundtrack is a banger. I also love the story and the characters. To anyone complaining that this game is hard: Just play in easy or the free DLC one which is safety mode. If you chose Normal or Hard, then yes the game is hard as hell. So I really don't get your complaint since there's difficulty options for a reason.
    Anyway, while the game looks wonderful on Switch, the frame rate might dip a bit but it's nothing serious. It doesn't hinder the experience. All in all, SMT V is a good SMT game and a great RPG.    … Expand
  21. wsharp91
    Nov 23, 2021
    10
    Es un gran juego, debería estar para otras consolas ya que switch tiene un hardware limitado, aun asi shin megami tensei no deja de ser una gran saga.
  22. diegoywea
    Nov 22, 2021
    10
    Amazing SMT game, I've been playing JRPG's for almost all my life since FF3. SMT is my favorite saga and SMT V must be the best JRPG of this year, and maybe one of the best Main SMT series games.
    It has a reasonable difficulty, great demon designs, GREAT MUSIC, a nice story, a very interesting story and mechanics, a lot of improve from the latest series in terms of QOL introduced.
    It is    Amazing SMT game, I've been playing JRPG's for almost all my life since FF3. SMT is my favorite saga and SMT V must be the best JRPG of this year, and maybe one of the best Main SMT series games.
    It has a reasonable difficulty, great demon designs, GREAT MUSIC, a nice story, a very interesting story and mechanics, a lot of improve from the latest series in terms of QOL introduced.
    It is really funny that people is downvoting this masterpiece of the Nintendo Switch, maybe they are Persona fans trying to get some attention. And what I need to tell you, haters, is that we must unite and support Atlus because they gave us a really great game, it has a lot of charms and love, you can feel the love put in this.
    All around, masterpiece of this JRPG era, if you don't like the difficulty just go away and play the repetitive and BRAND NEW (ha, jokes) Pokemon.
    Art: 10/10
    Music: 10/10
    Graphics:10/10
    Replayabilty: 10/10 (lots of different endings as usual)
    Gameplay: 9/10 (Magatsuhi mechanics are interesting for player and enemies)
    Story: 8/10
    Characters: 8/10
    Difficulty: Hard if you don't play SMT main series, if not, the difficulty is around SMTIV levels I would say. Easier than Nocturne.
    Support Atlus, this is a great game, don't downvote just because you are bad or want to cry because Persona 5 isn't on the Switch. This is way better than Persona 5.    … Expand
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. manute12
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    This is probably the best entry in the series, combat is better than ever open world feels great and makes exploring fun and rewarding. The demon negotiations are hilarious. Amazing game overall.
  26. Sunshadow87
    Dec 21, 2021
    10
    La saga SMT (sin contar las decenas de spin-off) es una de las sagas más clásicas del mundo del RPG, que se caracteriza por conservar muy bien ciertos aspectos que la acompañan desde sus inicios, provocando a veces que tenga un cierto sabor añejo para la época en la que aparecen cada una de sus entregas (lo cual siempre ha tirado atrás a muchos que no saben donde se meten y vienen con otraLa saga SMT (sin contar las decenas de spin-off) es una de las sagas más clásicas del mundo del RPG, que se caracteriza por conservar muy bien ciertos aspectos que la acompañan desde sus inicios, provocando a veces que tenga un cierto sabor añejo para la época en la que aparecen cada una de sus entregas (lo cual siempre ha tirado atrás a muchos que no saben donde se meten y vienen con otra idea en la cabeza, más hoy en día que uno de sus spin-off le ha superado en fama por méritos propios). Aun cumpliéndose esto y teniendo las características de un juego de la saga principal, en este SMT V se ve una importante evolución de la saga: tomando mecánicas de mundo semi-abierto al estilo de Xenoblade (y volviéndose abierto en el mapeado del último cuarto del juego), o permitiendo ver a los enemigos en el mapa, pudiendo evitarlos o no (eliminando así uno de las mecánicas que más pesadas se sentían actualmente en SMT: sus elevadas tasas de encuentro en juegos pasados).

    No solo eso, si no que, hablando de la JUGABILIDAD EN EL COMBATE, este juego consigue algo que he visto en muy muy pocos RPGs, y es mantener el nivel de desafío y de evolución del personaje (recordar que en la saga principal pasamos la mayor parte del tiempo combatiendo y explorando) hasta el final del juego y sin tener que "grindear" absolutamente nada. Mi primera partida fue en dificultad normal, ya que ya escarmenté de empezar en esta saga directamente en dificil en anteriores juegos... (aunque aquí se puede bajar la dificultad a mitad partida, pero no subirla). Sin embargo no tuve que pararme a subir niveles en ningún momento. Avanzando el juego enfrentandome a los nuevos demonios que me iban saliendo al paso para reclutarlos para mis filas (la mecánica tipo POKEMON de la saga) era suficiente para que mis niveles estuvieran a la par con los diferentes bosses que me salían al paso, y esto se mantuvo hasta el final del juego (solo leveando una hora para alcanzar nivel 99 y enfrentarme a los superbosses en la primera partida). Eso no quiere decir que sea un juego fácil, ya que he muerto un buen puñado de veces, especialmente contra los bosses, pero prácticamente no se siente injusto, ya que tras una muerte contra un boss solo tenia que ir al mundo de las sombras, reajustar mi equipo, cambiar debilidades del protagonista, y enfrentarme de nuevo al problema (y poder minimizar las muertes con enemigos normales al poder evitarlos).

    Luego esta la HISTORIA: francamente, la historia de los SMT es más profunda de lo que parece y generalmente siempre rompe clichés en el genero, aunque debido a la brújula moral que nos lleva a diferentes finales en función de nuestras elecciones (CAOTICO, NEUTRAL u ORDEN), es más la historia del mundo y su trasfondo, su "lore", así como sus personajes secundarios, lo que es realmente bueno en la saga, más que la historia contada directamente que suele ser mucho más escasa. Para explicarlo con un juego moderno, es algo similar a lo que hace Zelda Breath of the Wild (salvando las distancias) que tiene seguramente la historia más bestia de cualquier Zelda pero la gente que se queda en la superficie no es capaz de verlo. Este SMT V cumple con creces en el punto de la historia, presentándonos buenos personajes, ahondando en el universo de SMT y dando nuevos matices a la verdadera naturaleza de personajes icónicos de la saga como Lucifer o Dios y sus acciones en anteriores entregas también. Creo que es cuestión de gustos si es mejor o peor que en anteriores entregas, pero desde luego el nivel lo mantiene alto.
    Y otro aspecto interesante a nivel argumental es, esa brújula moral que mencionamos antes (Caos, Neutralidad, u Orden), no se ha asociado nunca a concepciones de Bien y Mal, estando los siervos del Orden tan sumamente mal de la azotea o peor incluso que los demonios del Caos a lo largo de toda la saga; pues bien, esa brújula que se fragmentaba a lo largo de la saga, se termina prácticamente de romper en este juego. El Caos abraza el orden, el Orden abraza la neutralidad y la Neutralidad abraza el Caos, perdiendo gran parte de su significado, y acabando más bien como simples banderas en una guerra a tres bandas. No es una crítica, si no más bien lo contrario, me parece magistral cómo se lleva a cabo esto en el juego culminando lo que ya empezó SMT 1.

    En definitiva, tanto por su historia, como especialmente por su gameplay excesivamente adictivo de combate y exploración, y bien llevado hasta el final, este SMT V es un juego que conservando mecánicas clásicas y sabiendo donde adaptarse a los nuevos tiempos, clava todas sus mecánicas para traernos un RPG moderno con un toque añejo que es completamente redondo en todos sus aspectos    … Expand
  27. MYSTIC7
    Nov 15, 2021
    10
    I waited a long time for this game and I can easily say that it did not disappointed. I had the best time in a long time and thank you Atlus for this masterpiece of a game!
  28. LustLain
    Nov 13, 2021
    10
    Incredible game, the exploration aspect adds a lot to the game. Soundtrack's killer as always. Don't be scared to try hard mode (you can always lower it later if you need to), it's a lot of fun and super rewarding when you finally manage to defeat a hard boss.
  29. 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
  30. Kadanka
    Nov 26, 2021
    10
    Game is very good and very fun. All the negative stuff people are saying are what make it good. These reviewers have bad taste. Best RPG I’ve played in a very long time. V.Recommend
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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.
See all critic reviews »