Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance — Review (2026): Is It Worth Playing?
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is an expanded version of the JRPG from Atlus, released in June 2024 on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. The game combines turn-based combat with a demon system, post-apocalyptic setting, and moral choices determining the ending. The Vengeance version adds a new story path and improved graphics.
What is the game about
You are a Japanese high school student transported to a post-apocalyptic Tokyo devastated by a demon war. You must become a Nahobino — a being uniting human and demon — and choose a path: order, chaos, or something in between. The story explores themes of survival, religion, and human nature.
Gameplay
- Turn-based combat: exploit enemy weaknesses for extra turns (Press Turn).
- Demon system: negotiate with demons to recruit them and fuse them to create new ones.
- Moral choices: your decisions affect the ending.
- Open world: explore ruined Tokyo, full of secrets.
Should you play it in 2026
Yes. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is an excellent entry to the series: difficult battles, deep demon system, and atmospheric setting. If you love Persona or Pokémon but want something darker — a must.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Deep demon system | Very difficult |
| Atmospheric post-apocalypse | Lots of grinding |
| Multiple endings | Slow pace |
FAQ
Do I need to play previous SMT games? No, Vengeance is standalone.
How many hours? 60–80 hours.
On PC? Yes.