Shin Megami Tensei V Score: Dark JRPG Depth
The Shin Megami Tensei series has long been revered for its unflinching embrace of dark themes, complex moral dilemmas, and punishing yet rewarding gameplay. With Shin Megami Tensei V (SMT V), Atlus delivers another masterclass in the art of the dark JRPG, blending its signature philosophical depth with modernized mechanics and a hauntingly beautiful open-world design. This entry not only upholds the series' legacy but also pushes it forward, offering both veterans and newcomers a gripping, thought-provoking experience.
A World on the Brink: The Apocalyptic Narrative
SMT V thrusts players into a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, now a desolate wasteland known as Da’at—a realm where angels, demons, and gods wage war for dominance. The protagonist, a high school student transformed into a Nahobino (a half-human, half-demon entity), must navigate this fractured world, making choices that will determine the fate of existence itself.
Unlike many JRPGs that rely on clear-cut heroism, SMT V revels in moral ambiguity. The game’s branching narrative forces players to align with factions representing Law, Chaos, or Neutrality—each with its own unsettling consequences. Law promises order at the cost of free will, Chaos embraces freedom but descends into anarchy, and Neutrality seeks balance, often requiring brutal sacrifices. There are no easy answers, and the game’s writing refuses to shy away from the bleak implications of each path.
Strategic Depth: The Press Turn Combat System
Combat in SMT V is a refined iteration of the series’ iconic Press Turn system, where exploiting enemy weaknesses grants additional actions while mistakes can cripple a player’s turn economy. Battles demand meticulous planning—knowing when to buff, debuff, or exploit elemental affinities is the difference between victory and annihilation.
The demon recruitment and fusion mechanics return, allowing players to negotiate with enemies, recruit them, and fuse them into stronger entities. This system encourages experimentation, as each demon brings unique skills and resistances. The thrill of crafting the perfect party to counter a boss’s devastating attacks is unmatched, reinforcing SMT V’s reputation as a thinking player’s JRPG.
A Hauntingly Beautiful Hellscape
Da’at is a visual triumph, blending eerie beauty with oppressive dread. The ruined remnants of Tokyo are juxtaposed against surreal, otherworldly landscapes—towering skeletal structures, blood-red skies, and twisted angelic figures loom in the distance. The art direction leans heavily into the series’ occult aesthetic, making exploration as unsettling as it is mesmerizing.
The soundtrack, composed by Ryota Kozuka, complements this atmosphere perfectly. Haunting choral chants, industrial beats, and melancholic piano pieces underscore the game’s themes of despair and transcendence. It’s a score that lingers long after the console is turned off.
Challenges and Criticisms
While SMT V excels in many areas, it isn’t without flaws. The open-world design, while visually striking, can feel barren at times, with long stretches of traversal between major story beats. Additionally, the game’s difficulty—though a hallmark of the series—may alienate newcomers. Boss fights are brutal, often requiring multiple retries and party adjustments.
Some players may also find the narrative’s pacing uneven, with certain plot threads feeling underdeveloped. However, these criticisms are minor when weighed against the game’s strengths.
Conclusion: A Dark JRPG Masterpiece
Shin Megami Tensei V is a testament to the enduring power of mature, challenging JRPGs. Its unrelenting difficulty, morally complex storytelling, and deep strategic combat make it a standout in a genre often dominated by more forgiving, idealistic narratives. For those willing to embrace its darkness, SMT V offers one of the most rewarding experiences in modern gaming—a journey through hell that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is viscerally thrilling.
