Shin Megami Tensei V was a game that left a lasting impression on players, with its challenging combat, stunning art design, and dark atmosphere. But Atlus didn't stop there, and the revised and expanded multiplatform release, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, offers a fresh take on the original. So, what's new and improved in this latest iteration?

Firstly, let's talk about performance. Gone are the days of chugging Switch hardware; Vengeance now runs smoothly at 60fps, making it a more enjoyable experience overall. The visuals, however, remain largely the same, with environments and character models lacking the intricate detail you'd expect from current-gen consoles. But don't worry, the art design still shines, filling the world with beautiful angels, goddesses, and demonic hellspawn.

One of the most notable additions to Vengeance is the Canon of Vengeance story path, which allows players to choose a new narrative direction from the get-go. Meet Yoko Hiromine, a student from a neighboring school who's trained in exorcism and harbors a grudge against her institution. This new take on the SMT V story introduces Yoko and her fellow female demons, the Qadištu, who have their own objectives in the ongoing story struggle. The presence of these characters transforms the narrative in unexpected ways, with additional story scenes, enemy encounters, and plot twists that keep things fresh.

But what about the combat? The new guest mechanic allows for more strategic teamplay, with plot-essential characters joining your roster as guests. These characters come with their own set of skills and can be summoned and removed from combat like demons. However, they don't take up any slots in your demon stock and lack customization options. Still, in many combat situations, you'll be glad to have their extra utility around.

And then there's the Demon Haunt, a special area where you can bond with your demon companions, gain stat boosts, and receive gifts. It's a nice change of pace from the dark atmosphere of the rest of the game, and a great way to take a break from the occult conflict.

What about exploration? Vengeance has made navigating the massive, open-exploration environments a much more enjoyable experience. In-game maps are more detailed, and a simple button press gives you a bird's-eye view of the nearby area. Magetsu Rails, shortcuts that zip you from one area to another, reduce backtracking and make exploration feel more streamlined.

So, is Vengeance a better game than the original? For one, it's easier to connect with the narrative, thanks to the presence of human characters in your party and the ability to engage in small talk with them. The various adjustments to navigation, combat, and demon-herding let you focus on savoring the dark atmosphere and strategies of battle.

But what about the difficulty? Vengeance feels noticeably easier than the original, thanks to new innate skills, Miracle buffs, and Magatsuhi skills. However, it's still possible to get yourself absolutely wrecked in a random encounter that goes south quickly, so you'll still need to play wisely.

In conclusion, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance offers a fresh take on the original, with new story paths, characters, and mechanics that enhance the overall experience. If you didn't enter the tunnel to the underworld the first time around, this is the perfect opportunity to do so – and if you're a veteran of the war for the throne, there's plenty here to bring you back.

The Devil's in the Details: A Closer Look at Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

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