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Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Gets More Character, Gameplay Details

by Alex Fuller · April 11, 2024

Atlus released new details and media for Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, its enhanced version of 2021 Nintendo Switch title Shin Megami Tensei V. The update introduces more characters and gameplay elements, accompanied by new screenshots and artwork, plus a three-minute trailer. The game will release worldwide for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on June 14, 2024.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance will feature two story scenarios that can be selected at the beginning of the game. The “Canon of Creation” is the full story of the original Shin Megami Tensei V, while the “Canon of Vengeance” is a new story created for this release. Both stories start with the same premise, however, the Canon of Vengeance’s story changes drastically during the second half of the game with a completely different outcome.

The game follows a high school student who wakes up in a new Tokyo that has been ravaged by an apocalypse and given then name Da’at. Before he is killed by hostile demons, he is saved by a mysterious being who merges with him to form a Nahobino. A powerful being that is neither human nor demon, he is caught in the conflict between the order-keeping organisation Bethel and the chaos-seeking demons. The new Canon of Vengeance story sees him meeting and travelling with a woman named Yoko Hiromine, while a group of four female demons called the Qadištu, led by Lilith, also play a major role.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance includes a new form for the Nahobino protagonist — voiced by Casey Mongillo — wearing a face-mask and wielding a sickle-like blade. Other characters include Hayo Koshimizu (VA: Sean Crisden), the prime minister of Japan and head of Bethel’s Japan branch who gives characters access to the Demon Summoning Program to fight against demons, and Abdiel (VA: Cissy Jones), an archangel and commander of Bethel who has absolute faith in the order of God. Meanwhile, Shohei Takumo (VA: Ben Lepley), a mysterious man who calls himself the “exterminator of demons” and who works with the demon Nuwa (VA: Laura Post), with the two confronting the protagonist in the game. In addition, Mastema (VA: Doug Erholtz) is an archangel and member of Bethel who is said to have permission of God to tempt humans and who is pursuing the Qadištu.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance will feature more demons than the original Shin Megami Tensei V, bringing the total to over 270 demons with both new demons and returning demons from previous games. Nahobeeho is a Jack Frost in a new form that resembles the Nahobino, while Amabie is a new demon based on a Japanese yokai said to have appeared in Higo Province during the Edo period.

The game’s setting of Da’at is a netherworld roamed by demons in the supposed ruins of Tokyo. Its landscape ranges from deserts to collapsed buildings to surreal geometric structures. The new Canon of Vengeance story will include a new area in the former Shinjuku ward, which has a sacred atmosphere caused by an object resembling a huge tree.

Various elements within Da’at can hinder or aid the protagonist’s exploration. Magatsuhi Crystals can be collected to replenish different meters: green crystals recover HP, yellow crystals restore MP, and red crystal increase the Magatsuhi Gague. Meanwhile, the Magatsu Rail is a set of paths between locations in Da’at allowing for shortcuts between locations and access to otherwise unreachable hidden spots. Abscesses are large red obstacles that grow in the player’s path with powerful enemies nearby that can be defeated to awaken new Miracles, and other powerful enemies come in Magatsuhi Demons that are cloaked in a special aura.

Relics can be found from vending machines scattered around Da’at, and can be exchanged for money. Yellow objects found in chests also provide items and money, while silver objects provide Glory necessary to learn new Miracles. In addition to those demons that make up the party, players can enlist the aid of Demon Navigators, which will search for items, Magatsu Rails, and more, informing the player of their findings. Players can also visit Demon Haunts by accessing leyline founts in Da’at. Here, the protagonist’s demons gather and can be interacted with through conversations, gift giving, and photo taking. Special conversations can occur based on battles, game progression, exploration, and more, and may provide stat and ability bonuses.

Also accessible through leyline founts is Cadaver’s Hollow, a shop run by Gustave (VA: David Errigo Jr.) who will purchase Relics. Gustave is also looking for his relic-hunting pawns called Miman, and will provide rewards for reporting their locations back to him. Another important facility accessed through the leyline founts is the World of Shadows. Here players are assisted by its ruler Sophia (VA: Erin Yvette) in performing fusions to create more powerful demons. In addition to regular two-demon fusions, there are other special fusions involving up to four demons. Most skills from demons involved can be inherited by their demon that results from the fusion.