Explore the dark and gripping world of Shin Megami Tensei V in this in-depth review, examining its themes of vengeance, faith, and survival in an apocalyptic abyss.

The Shin Megami Tensei (SMT) series has long been synonymous with dark, philosophical storytelling, exploring themes like morality, faith, and the struggle between law and chaos.

Shin Megami Tensei V (SMT V), the latest installment in the franchise, takes these concepts to new depths with a haunting narrative set against the backdrop of a world teetering on the edge of ruin.

Released for the Nintendo Switch, SMT V captures the essence of the series while delivering a fresh, modern experience. This review delves into how the game’s theme of vengeance ties into its core narrative, and how faith plays a pivotal role in a world engulfed by the abyss.

Story and Setting: A World on the Brink

Shin Megami Tensei V introduces players to a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, where the line between life and death has blurred. The protagonist, an ordinary high school student, is thrust into this chaotic wasteland after a mysterious event known as The Conception.

This cataclysmic occurrence leaves the world in ruins, populated by angels, demons, and mythological entities vying for control.

From the moment the protagonist awakens in this shattered reality, the game sets a tone of desolation and dread, reinforced by stunning visuals that depict a world caught between survival and destruction.

In this abyss, players must navigate through the Netherworld, a desolate parallel version of Tokyo, where gods and demons vie for dominance.

The protagonist soon fuses with a powerful being known as Aogami, becoming the Nahobino, a forbidden entity capable of wielding godlike power.

This transformation is at the heart of the game’s narrative, as the Nahobino must grapple with the duality of their existence—human and divine—while confronting ancient forces of law and chaos.

Vengeance and Morality: The Heart of Conflict

At the core of Shin Megami Tensei V is a theme that has long defined the series: the struggle between different moral alignments—law, chaos, and neutrality. However, what sets SMT V apart is its focus on vengeance and how it intertwines with these moral choices.

As the protagonist journeys through the wreckage of Tokyo, they encounter characters consumed by their thirst for vengeance—whether it’s demons seeking retribution for ancient grudges, humans betrayed by the gods they once worshipped, or celestial beings looking to restore order by any means necessary.

Each of these factions has their own vision for the future of the world, and players are forced to make difficult decisions about who to align with. The paths of law and chaos are not black-and-white; they are driven by deeply personal motivations.

The law faction, led by archangels, seeks to reimpose divine order at the cost of human free will, while the chaos faction embraces freedom but at the price of anarchy and destruction. Meanwhile, the neutral path challenges players to reject both extremes and forge a new future for humanity.

These choices are not just philosophical—they’re deeply emotional, especially as the protagonist’s friends and allies also grapple with their own versions of vengeance. Some seek to destroy the gods for abandoning them, while others cling to the hope of redemption.

The player’s decisions shape the fate of the world, culminating in multiple possible endings, each reflecting a different resolution to the question of vengeance and faith.

Faith in the Abyss: A Struggle for Belief

Faith is another central theme in Shin Megami Tensei V, explored in both religious and personal contexts. In the game’s desolate world, the gods have largely abandoned humanity, leaving mortals to fend for themselves. Yet, faith persists—not just in divine figures, but in ideals, friends, and personal convictions.

The protagonist’s journey is marked by questions of faith: What does it mean to have faith in a world where gods betray their followers? Can humanity survive without divine intervention, or must it forge a new faith in itself?

The game doesn’t provide easy answers. As the Nahobino, players are torn between the promises of salvation offered by celestial beings and the harsh realities of a world governed by demons.

The existential question posed by SMT V—where should one’s faith lie when even the gods are fallible?—resonates throughout the game. It challenges players to consider what they believe in, and whether vengeance can ever truly be reconciled with faith.

Gameplay: Tactical Depth Meets Modern Innovation

In terms of gameplay, Shin Megami Tensei V by LI Games refines the traditional turn-based combat system that the series is known for, while introducing new mechanics that add layers of strategy.

The Press Turn system rewards players for exploiting enemy weaknesses, allowing for additional attacks and strategic depth. However, this also applies to enemies, making combat challenging and requiring players to carefully manage their party’s abilities.

Recruiting demons is a hallmark of the SMT series, and SMT V builds on this mechanic with an expanded negotiation system. Players can recruit demons to fight alongside them, fusing them to create even stronger allies.

The vast demon compendium offers hundreds of options, each with unique skills and attributes. Building the right team for different encounters is essential, and mastering demon fusion is key to surviving the game’s more punishing battles.

The open-world exploration of the Netherworld adds a modern twist to the series’ traditional dungeon-crawling roots. Players can roam vast landscapes, discovering hidden items, side quests, and powerful enemies.

This freedom of movement gives the game a more immersive feel, allowing players to engage more deeply with the world around them.

Conclusion: A Dark Masterpiece of Faith and Vengeance

Shin Megami Tensei V is a masterclass in blending dark, philosophical themes with deeply engaging gameplay. The game’s focus on vengeance, morality, and faith creates a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally gripping.

With challenging combat, a vast array of demons to recruit, and multiple paths to explore, SMT V offers an experience that will leave players questioning their choices long after the credits roll.

For fans of the series and newcomers alike, Shin Megami Tensei V is a must-play, delivering an unforgettable journey into the abyss.