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So, you’ve played Shin Megami Tensei 5, but you’re at least a little curious aboutShin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance, Atlus' updated and expanded relaunch of one of 2021’s best RPGs. But are you curious enough to potentially shell out a bunch of money all over again?
If your decision hinges on just how valuable an upgrade you think Vengeance will be, or if you’re simply wondering about the new stuff you’ll enjoy after making the decision to give it a shot, we’ve compiled a list of things that the developers have altered to improve the SMT 5 experience. Good news: there’s a lot.
An All-New Story Path
Let’s get the biggest thing out of the way first, shall we? In Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance,an entirely new storyline has been added. But when we say “added,” we don’t mean you’re able to’t play the original anymore as well.
Indeed,at the very beginning of the game, you’ll make a critical decisionto eithertake a mysterious girl’s hand or leave her be; you’re warned that helping her will hasten the world’s ruin, but hey.
If you opt to do so anyway,the story will eventually shift to accommodate a new path, Canon of Vengeance. On the other hand (no pun intended), not doing so meanssticking with the default story, Canon of Creation.
You can play them both, just obviouslynot at once. Newcomers to Shin Megami Tensei 5 may wish to experience the original route first, though there’s no big reason not to try Canon of Vengeance first instead.
Even thecasts of characters differ a fair bitbetween the two Canons, so expect massive deviations.
More Demons, More Demon Guides, And More
Shin Megami Tensei 5 already had a high number ofrecruitable and fusion-acquired demons, but Vengeance ups the ante with40 more demons, including a handful of them that are entirely new to the Megami Tensei franchise.
Additionally,the number of demon guides has climbed from six to 17. Demon guides assist you in your exploration of SMT 5’s vast maps, pointing out a plethora of hidden treasures(including the new shortcut-savvy railways that make traversal less taxing).
Further Sub-Quests
File this under “Shin Megami Tensei 5 was already pretty good about it” as well, but whereas the original game hada variety of optional side quests, Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance tosses inseveral more, all of which are of excellent quality.
These side quests, or as the game refers to them, “sub-quests”, not only offer rich rewards; they’re also wonderful forgetting more personality and backstory out of many of the IP’s most beloved demons.
This sort of stuff just can’t be found in the super-successful Persona spin-off series, so if you’re a Persona-only newcomer to mainline SMT, and you’ve always wanted some characterization in this regard? Enjoy!
The Demon Haunt
Speaking of personality and backstory, say hello to theDemon Haunt, a place where you’re able to kick back and unwind with your current party lineupwhile learning more about their many-splendored eccentricities.
In a bit of a “Persona Lite” experience,battling alongside your demons will unlock conversationswith them. Along the way, your demons will not onlygive you items, but better yet, they willgain new powersas a result of your efforts.
New Level Cap, New Difficulty
Did you think Shin Megami Tensei 5’s level cap of 99 was too low? We, uh, honestly kind ofdidn’t, but we’ll never say no to more.Vengeance raises the level cap from 99 to 150, granting power-savvy players plenty more might.
Put those newfound skills to the test via thevirtual trainer, a new NPC who lets you take on story bosses in stronger rematches. Completing the game’s story (either route) unlocksthe Godborn difficulty, which seriously amps up the strength of your foes.
Tweaks Galore
Name a gameplay aspect, and there’s a decent chance that Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance has improved upon it at least a little bit.
A new dungeon, Shakan,awaits you in the Canon of Vengeance route.Innate skillshave been added to demon stats listings, and they cansynergize with certain other demons to produce powerful effects.
Speaking of synergizing,Magatsuhi Skills allow specific combinations of demons to execute powerful attacks, lending increased weight to your party composition decisions.
you may now encounterstronger variants of common foeson occasion. You can sometimesbattle several waves of enemies back-to-back for better EXP and cash.Sub-quests include recommended levelsso you won’t be so surprised by an abruptly tough adversary.
Abscesses, harrowing portals that spew out demons until destroyed,no longer block off portions of the maps.They’re still worth tackling, but they never feel like a hassle when you just want to mosey.
