Attack of the Fanboy - Diego Perez - 4.5 / 5 stars
Although it's been a while since the last mainline game, Shin Megami Tensei V lives up to the hype. This is a JRPG you won't want to miss.
CGMagazine - Zubi Khan - 9 / 10
Shin Megami Tensei V is an excellent Switch exclusive worthy of its name, with the game feeling like the natural next step in the long-running series while introducing new elements that elevate it above even its contemporaries while not straying too far from its roots, offering fans a must-play experience and for everyone else, a JRPG worth jumping into.
COGconnected - Nicola Kapron - 90 / 100
Shin Megami Tensei V is an incredible achievement. While it comes off as less of a horror game than previous entries in the series, its sheer scale and eerie presentation more than make up for the lack of dedicated scares. In some ways, I feel that gaming technology has finally reached the point that it’s able to convey the tone and feel that Shin Megami Tensei has been trying to capture since the 80s. There’s a lot packed into this game, especially if you play on a higher difficulty, which I definitely recommend doing. If you’re allergic to grinding, there is an optional Safety difficulty that will let you focus on the story instead, but you’ll still probably spend a lot of time exploring the expansive game world and getting lost between buildings.
Cerealkillerz - Nick Erlenhof - German - 9 / 10
Shin Megami Tensei V feels like a natural symbiosis from Nocturne and Apocalypse, packs on it a lot of new features and solves some of the problems of the older games. The verticality and collecting are extremly fun, the story is great and offers interesting characters. It only suffers a bit from being exclusive on the Nintendo Switch
Daily Mirror - James Ide - 4 / 5 stars
If you like weird, deep, engaging and often challenging tactical combat, Shin Megami Tensei V is a devilishly good time that offers plenty to sink your teeth into.
Destructoid - Chris Carter - 9 / 10
The seemingly endless possibilities of Shin Megami Tensei V directly fueled my desire to play it from the moment I got my copy. It’s overwhelming, but compartmentalized. The world is technically finite, but feels limitless. It’s just what a lot of people want out of an RPG, and the strong personality-driven throughput helps propel it past a lot of its competition.
Digital Trends - De'Angelo Epps - 4.5 / 5 stars
Shin Megami Tensei 5 is yet another gem for the Nintendo Switch that every JRPG fan needs to check out.
EGM - Mollie L Patterson - Unscored
I’ve still got more to get through before I’ve finished the story, so for now, I’m not quite ready to give a score just yet. What I can say for now is that Shin Megami Tensei V is one hell of a game. No, I don’t love everything about it. And sure, it’s hard not to see it as a soft reboot of Nocturne on some level. But, more than any of that, it’s a sign that the Atlus I once came to love does still exist, and—more importantly—isn’t ready to soften the rough edges of the Shin Megami Tensei series just yet.
Everyeye.it - Francesco Cilurzo - Italian - 9 / 10
Shin Megami Tensei V is both an evolution and a twist in the formula that has made the Atlus saga famous all over the world. From the point of view of the combat system, it introduces new mechanics such as Magatsuhi Abilities and Essences, which complete a harmonious mosaic and give some of the most memorable boss fights ever.
Game Rant - Robert Dolen - 4.5 / 5 stars
Several years after SMT4, Shin Megami Tensei 5 is a huge revitalization of Atlus' flagship JRPG that new and returning fans will enjoy thoroughly.
GameSkinny - Josh Broadwell - 10 / 10 stars
Shin Megami Tensei V is a triumph, boasting a stellar narrative and combat system with unique style all its own.
GameSpot - Heidi Kemps - 8 / 10
Shin Megami Tensei V may be slow-paced, but its strategic turn-based combat and dark, foreboding atmosphere deliver a challenging and rewarding RPG experience.
Gamepur - Junior Miyai - 9 / 10
I have now spent over 50 hours playing Shin Megami Tensei V — a game that I adore, but also one with a few faults. This RPG on the Nintendo Switch will bind you in its tangled, storied web of angels versus demons, of power struggles to see who will take the Throne of God, but the web is marred by some unfortunate navigation and technical issues.
Gamers Heroes - Johnny Hurricane - 70 / 100
While Shin Megami Tensei 5 is rough around the edges, fans of the series will be satisfied. However, newcomers and those not impressed by the previous entries best approach with caution.
GamingBolt - Pramath - 9 / 10
A staggering scope of ambition paired with a frankly absurd amount of mechanical depth make Shin Megami Tensei 5 one of the most impressive role playing games ever, and a must play for any and all fans of the genre.
GamingTrend - David Flynn - 90 / 100
Shin Megami Tensei V is a masterfully made JRPG and fascinating work of art. While the characters could have used more fleshing out and the leveling curve is wildly uneven, it's still incredibly fun with thrilling combat and a gripping plot.
God is a Geek - Chris White - 8.5 / 10
Shin Megami Tensei V has a deep and satisfying combat system making every fight a challenge, as well as an engaging story and great visuals.
Hardcore Gamer - Adam Beck - 4 / 5
Shin Megami Tensei V is one of the best RPGs of 2021.
Hey Poor Player - Kenny McKee - 4.5 / 5
It’s not a stretch to say that Shin Megami Tensei V has set a new standard for JRPGs. It’s amazing to see how far along this series has come since the initial inception of Megami Tensei, and the fact that ATLUS can continue to improve the series without compromising its core features. Shin Megami Tensei V has been a long time coming, but the wait has absolutely been worth it—and I’m more excited than ever to watch the SMT franchise continue to grow.
Hobby Consolas - Álvaro Alonso - Spanish - 90 / 100
Shin Megami Tensei V trascends divinity achieving a perfect balance between heaven and hell: it's and ode to the classics, to those JRPG's that weren't afraid of being complex and challenging, but it's also a modern game, adapted to current times and trends..
IGN - Leana Hafer - 8 / 10
Shin Megami Tensei V's excellent JRPG combat and deeply rewarding customization shine bright, even when it sometimes feels like Persona without the heart.
IGN Italy - Biagio Etna - Italian - 9 / 10
Shin Megami Tensei V is a severe JRPG, at times even a bit 'heavy, but capable of standing out thanks to its flawless integralism in building an extraordinary gameplay.
Shin Megami Tensei V is the Shin Megami Tensei game fans have been waiting for. Not only it does improve the core gameplay, but it also offers a dark-gritty storyline that exceeds previous efforts. There is so much to do in Shin Megami Tensei V that could make you easily forget how long you’ve been playing. If you have been a fan of the SMT games, Shin Megami Tensei V is a must-buy, and for JRPG gamers, it is a game you don’t want to miss.
Nintendo Enthusiast - John Friscia - 9.5 / 10
Shin Megami Tensei V on Nintendo Switch retains all the strategic combat elements the Atlus franchise is known for, all while radically revolutionizing its world design to create an adventure that is completely addicting and flawlessly complements the battle system. It's a truly remarkable achievement. In fact, while some people think SMT should borrow more from its spinoff Persona franchise, Shin Megami Tensei V makes me wonder if maybe Persona could learn a thing or two from its older brother.
Nintendo Life - Mitch Vogel - 9 / 10
Shin Megami Tensei V is a modern masterpiece. It successfully delivers on all the aspects that have made the series thus far so popular with fans-namely through its high difficulty, heavy narrative themes, and expansive team-building options-while polishing up and tightening the weaker aspects. Things like a more easily navigable map and more difficulty options to cater to players of all skill levels comfortably make this the most approachable entry in the series, and it feels like there's more things to do in the world than ever before. If you are at all a fan of RPGs or have been looking for a good entry point into this oft overlooked series, we would strongly encourage you to pick this up as soon as you can. Shin Megami Tensei V was worth the wait, Atlus has successfully stuck the landing with this one.
Nintendo Wire - Ricky Berg - 9 / 10
Shin Megami Tensei V succeeds in not just living up to that legacy, but being a glorious RPG in its own right.
NintendoWorldReport - Donald Theriault - 9 / 10
Now that we've finally closed the book on the 2017 Switch presentation, I think Shin Megami Tensei V might be my favourite game to emerge from that show. That's not a comparison I make lightly given the other games that appeared that night, but for my money and time it was worth the wait. Pokemon might be ending the year of RPGs on Switch, but SMT V is the best monster catcher for your buck yet.
Polygon - Diego Arguello - Unscored
There are more quality-of-life updates that go beyond combat. While roaming through areas, you will now stumble upon orbs that can recharge your health, SP (mana for magic attacks), or Magatsuhi gauge. The return pillar allows you to return to the last checkpoint you interacted with on a whim without any penalization (perfect to save your game, restore health to your party for a small fee, visit the merchant, or fuse demons). Loot is fairly generous as well; a companion character who follows you around pinpoints item spots that sometimes lead to fights, but more often than not just grants you an item.
Prima Games - Lucas White - 9 / 10
If I could describe the latest MegaTen joint with one phrase, it would have to be “a lot.” This game is a lot.
RPG Fan - Izzy Parsons - 92 / 100
It's finally here and it was worth the wait.
RPG Site - Adam Vitale - 9 / 10
Atlus has never made a game like Shin Megami Tensei V before, for better and for worse. Despite some changes, the fifth entry is a solid continuation of a long-lived series.
Screen Rant - Cody Gravelle - 4.5 / 5 stars
Shin Megami Tensei V revels in JRPG traditions and, while it does mark a leap forward for the franchise, its excellence is at odds with its approach.
Shacknews - Donovan Erskine - 8 / 10
The Shin Megami Tensei games have often been some of the most mechanically inventive and unique, and that remains the case with SMT5. Combat is challenges and dynamic, and the party-building options are limitless. My only issues with the game boiled down to JRPG tropes that likely won’t bother hardcore fans. It’s not only an excellent JRPG, but a wonderful new entry in one of the genre’s most influential games.
Siliconera - Jenni Lada - 10 / 10
Shin Megami Tensei V is an incredible and memorable experience. It does some extraordinary things, both in terms of gameplay and its story. I’d even say the experience could be daunting, but in the most positive way. It is going to test you and make you think.
Spaziogames - Gianluca Arena - Italian - 8.7 / 10
Shin Megami Tensei successfully builds over the third entry in the franchise, upping the ante with a great combat system and more freedom to explore. One of the best JRPGs in the last few years and a great exclusive for the Nintendo Switch.
The Escapist - Marty Sliva - Unscored
Video Review - Quote not available
Twinfinite - Zhiqing Wan - 4 / 5
At the end of the day, I’m not so sure that Shin Megami Tensei V really pushes the envelope forward for the series. It doesn’t have the emotional brevity of the excellent Nocturne, nor does it present the same kind of moral quandaries that IV did. It certainly looks better and plays incredibly well, and from a gameplay perspective, this would easily be the most accessible entry of the bunch.
VG247 - Hirun Cryer - 3 / 5 stars
Shin Megami Tensei 5’s combat is great, punishing and rewarding in equal measure without ever tipping the scales too far in one direction. Mixing and matching your deck of demons makes for great fun as well, and spurs you to look to all corners of the ruined world for allies of all shapes and sizes. It’s everything outside of the battling and grungy soundtrack where Shin Megami Tensei 5 badly misses the mark, with one-note characters that you’re never given the chance to better know, and a paper-thin plot that feels dragged out over dozens of hours. Shin Megami Tensei 5 is a good RPG battler, but it’s not good at much else.
Wccftech - Francesco De Meo - 9.5 / 10
Featuring a new approach to exploration and extremely solid gameplay, Shin Megami Tensei V masterfully balances innovation and tradition to offer an excellent JRPG experience. While the technical issues can get in the way, the game's quality is so high that most will be willing to look past them, as Shin Megami Tensei V is one of the best entries in the series and one of the best JRPGs released in 2021.
We Got This Covered - Cheyenne Clark - 3.5 / 5 stars
It's not winning any awards for graphics, but Shin Megami Tensei V is a well-designed JRPG that has just a little too much combat. Even with such an interesting story and themes to explore, it instead focuses on grinding and fighting the same enemies over and over.
Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 9 / 10
Shin Megami Tensei V is pretty much the sequel that fans have been waiting for. There are a few potentially controversial decisions, such as the emphasis on an open-world area instead of the franchise classic dungeons, but they ended up working out in the end. The gameplay was fun from start to finish, and the 40-hour runtime seemed to fly by thanks to excellent pacing. If you liked Nocturne but wished it were more modern, SMT5 is the game you've been waiting for.
https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/shin-megami-tensei-v
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What do you guys think? I am trying to not read much into the reviews, but it is what I expected.
I am sure it is going to be one of the top RPG's on Switch.
Last edited by youngbr - on 04 November 2021
