Scott Boyce ’22, Staff Writer
Shin Megami Tensei V has been out for a few weeks and Cardinal Courier Staff Writer Scott Boyce has put some time into it.
For the most recent game in the mainline Shin Megami Tensei franchise — right years after SMT IV and five years after SMT IV Apocalypse — SMT V comes out swinging for the fences and franky, I believe it to be a complete hit.
If you’re looking to jump into SMT V, be very wary. This franchise can be cruel, unforgiving, and overall hard, but for those who are looking for a proper challenge and a game that really envelopes you in an apocalyptic land, this is a game for you.
However, V is not entirely cruel since at the beginning of the game you’re allowed to select the difficulty and they range from Casual, to Normal, to Hard.
Fair warning, do not choose hard for your first playthrough in this game, enemies take less damage, they do more damage, and you’re going to be caught in a variety of walls.
This is mainly coming from experience since I’ve had time with the franchise, however, the point should still be made.
Normal is still rough but manageable, however, there’s always casual for those who are unsure and want to get a taste of SMT V without really pushing themselves too hard.
It’s still recommended that you learn how to engage with the game and its mechanics, despite your difficulty.
Wander the Netherworld and explore the vast, sandy wastes of Tokyo now inhabited by demons and monsters alike, monsters that you could very well kill or recruit into your party.
SMT V might be an RPG, however, it’s still a game that asks you to strategize and use the “press turn system” to its fullest. One wrong move and it could very well be your life.
What’s the press turn system? Well if you hit an enemy’s weakness or even get a critical hit, you spend “half” of a turn, so if you have a full party of four, you could double your turn count for a total of eight turns!
On the other hand, you could very well lose turns for hitting reflects, nulls, absorbs, or just straight up missing.
However, the enemies can use the mechanic just as you can, so be very careful or abuse it to your heart’s content.
SMT V’s narrative is not the happiest, so if you’re looking for a happier RPG, you’re looking in the wrong place for it. This is a game where angels and demons are stuck in a seemingly endless war for power and knowledge.
This is also a game with multiple endings and it’s all based on your alignment of law, chaos, or neutrality.
Make your choices, your own, and experience the game at your own pace and your own discretion. This is your playthrough and your choices — so play and decide, see where it takes you.
Endings will vary but also so will your endgame content.
Overall, SMT V is worth a shot for those looking to expand their RPG horizons or for those who are seeking a challenge in and of themselves.
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