To think we are only a few short days away from the release of Shin Megami Tensei V. From the new protagonist, the new map of another Tokyo, and all the demons, angels, and mythological creatures, there is just so much to take in with this newest entry to Shin Megami Tensei. With the recent demonstration, new creatures being introduced every day till release, the excitement is reaching its apex. For me, here are five things I’m looking forward to Shin Megami Tensei V.
1. Embracing Godhood
For the first time in the series, we will be adopting the powers of a god. Players were either human or as a demi-fiend in the prior games and the recent Shin Megami Tensei 3 Remaster. Here, we are introduced to the power of the Nahobino. When the protagonist is met with the strange being of Aogami, he joins with him to be granted the powers of a Nahobino to defend against the demons and angels that exist in Another Tokyo. As with the theme of all the games, you can use your new god powers to create a world of order, chaos, or somewhere in between. How will you wield your power?
2. Demons, Angels, and Jack Frost
The ever-going conflict of demons and angels continues on. With God apparently gone from Another Tokyo, chaos is happening, and war is inevitable. But at least there are those who will lend you aid and safety. Seeking out all these demons and creatures is always a delight throughout the games. You never know who you will encounter next. For any long-time fans, there are many familiar faces that you expect to return. Like with ATLUS’ mascot of Jack Frost. Course when you see Jack Frost, you can expect that Pryo Jack his fire counterpart to follow up.
Not just demons and angels, but full-on Gods and deities. As with the initial teaser trailer, we see an HD model of the Norse King God Odin. Will we be able to recruit him? Will he be boss? We even saw Surt in the second trailer. What other gods can we expect? That is a surprise that I can’t wait to unravel. And, of course, Mara.
3. Your Classmates and the War Between Law and Chaos.
With a new entry, we have a new cast of characters that will. ATLUS shows your classmates and how they are involved in your quest. If the previous games are any hints, these characters will have their ideologies and motives that fall in the scale of law, chaos, and neutrality. Some are based on survival. Others determined to shape Japan and the world. Whether it be allying themselves to the Angels or Demons, it will be up to you which side of the conflict you want to support. Or forge your own path. I look forward to the character’s motivations and what kind of situations they will lead in the story.
4. Combat and Powers of a God
There is something nostalgic about the combat of Shin Megami Tensei in general. The press turn system returns, and it makes the flow of battle so much more engaging. When either striking an enemy’s weakness or getting a critical hit, you gain an extra turn. But miss an attack or hitting them with an element they absorb, you lose a turn or lose all of them. So one can easily make the four turns you start with into eight. Making battles either easy or difficult. A new feature that is special is the Magatsuhi meter. Once filled up, you are able to do a unique special skill that only you have. As seen from prior trailers, this ranges from summoning floods or using your energy blade to fury cut in an anime fashion. I cannot wait to see what other Magatsuhi skills are available.
5. Facing the Demi-fiend Once Again
While it is unfortunate that this one is locked as DLC content, this may be the one fight fans will be willing to spend. To face the True demon again, the Demi-fiend. You may have faced him prior in Digital Devil Saga for PS2, but now we are able to see him in full HD glory. Course, we have to face the fiends who hold the candelabras and the four horsemen of the apocalypse before we have a chance to face him again. But the fight should be what hardcore fans are waiting for. Plus, the return of his companion of Pixie accompanies him. Pray that it is not the Ultimate Pixie that you got in Nocturne. Ready your team. You want to be in top form when facing him.
These are just five things that I’m personally looking forward to when the game comes out on November 12. There is just so much excitement for this game that it may be the JRPG for the Nintendo Switch to wrap up this year. From the story to the many demons and angels to recruit, this is definitely a game ATLUS fans should not miss. It won’t be much longer now.
Shin Megami Tensei V releases on November 12, 2021, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
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