Common Sense Media Review
By David Chapman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dark, mature take on the "Gotta catch 'em all" formula.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Shin Megami Tensei V
What's It About?
SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI V takes players on an epic quest to stop a war of biblical proportions. All of humanity is at stake when it's caught in the latest struggle between angels and demons, breaking down the boundaries that separate the netherworld from our own. As a last-ditch effort to stave off the apocalypse, a powerful being known as Aogami chooses to fuse with a human to become a Nahobino, a forbidden entity that exists as neither human nor demon. Now, as the Nahobino, it falls to you to use your newfound power and alter the course of humanity's pending extinction. You won't be alone in your mission though, as you join forces with old friends and new allies to face the supernatural head on. But to save your world, you'll need to help of the very foes you face. You'll negotiate with the creatures of the netherworld and recruit them to your cause, then further enhance their powers through mystic rituals, miracles, and fusion techniques. Players will have to raise their forces, confront their foes, and find a way to end the war once and for all. But will you be the savior that humanity needs? Or will you be the harbinger of its doom?
Is It Any Good?
The best way to describe this series to newcomers would be to imagine a more horror themed version of Pokémon for mature audiences. Shin Megami Tensei V dives even deeper into this concept. Instead of cute and cuddly critters perfect for kiddie cartoons and toy shelves (though there are a few of those), players here build their collection of creatures from the darker side of their imaginations. Some are elegant in their appearance while others are nightmare fuel, but all are powerful and packed with potential. This is a double-edged sword though because, as powerful as these demons may be when they're on your side, they're just as powerful when they're fighting against you as well. In fact, they're often more powerful. The game doesn't shy away from its steep difficulty curve. In order to progress, much less succeed in battles, players will need to spend a lot of time tweaking and enhancing their creatures' abilities, elements, and more, even bulking them up before offering them up as a sacrifice in a fusion ritual. In a series known for its demon management, Shin Megami Tensei V cranks it up to a whole new level.
All of the Shin Megami games have a unique presentation, and this latest entry is more gorgeous than ever. A least it is while everything is static. In motion, the game's animations feel unnaturally stiff. It doesn't really affect the gameplay at all, but it does create a bit of a disconnect from the rest of the game's artistic appeal. The story, while interesting and engaging, can be a bit hard to follow. As an added quirk, you don't always know how a decision you make in the moment will affect the gameplay and story much later down the line. In spite of this, it's still a treat to watch as everything unfolds. Plus, the gameplay elements are extremely well-balanced. Sure, players might need to roam a bit to pick up specific demons, but new features like the passing of the lunar phases mix things up and keep the players from falling into too much of a repetitive loop.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in video games. Is the impact of the violence in Shin Megami Tensei V affected by the depiction of violence in a strategic game setting? How does this compare to the more in your face violence of an action shooter? How much can artistic style affect the impact of a game's violence on its audience?
How do some movies, TV shows, games, etc., use mythologies and religions as influences and inspirations in entertainment? Can these portrayals encourage a positive discussion on other cultures' beliefs and history?
Game Details
- Platform : Nintendo Switch
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Atlus
- Release date : November 12, 2021
- Genre : Role-Playing
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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