Summary
Shin Megami Tensei 5launched on the Nintendo Switch in November 2021 to critical acclaim. It served as the first mainlineShin Megami Tenseigame since4dropped on 3DS withApocalypseto follow. Offering between 45-100 hours of gameplay,Shin Megami Tensei 5gave players the freedom to explore in-depth, tackle countless quests, and control demons to achieve their objectives.
Per Atlus’ usual release plan,Shin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeancelaunched on July 01, 2025 on multiple platforms with expanded content. The question remains, however; is it worth playing again? Here are a few reasons why digging back intoShin Megami Tensei 5withVengeanceis worth the time.
1A Plethora Of New Demons And Music Tracks
New Music & Demons Makes Experiencing The Original Content More Enjoyable
The crux of many memorable RPGs lies in their ability to capture players’ imaginations and hearts. Agood soundtrackcan do just that, andShin Megami 5 Vengeancefeatures an expansive new set of tracks (there are 89 on the official soundtrack, with a good chunk being new toVengeance). The new music freshens the 75 hours of new content and creates some of the most memorable songs when put up against the original OST.
In addition to the rocking new tunes,Vengeancealso features over 40 new demons for the protagonist to meet, greet, destroy, and employ. A quarter of those demons are new faces to theShin Megamifranchise, while the remainder are familiar favorites from games past, including the ferocious Dormarth the player can battle against in one of the first new side quests. If repeating content is a chore, the addition of new music and new demons from the opening minutes of the game will make trudging through familiar territory much easier.
2Sky View
Exploring Is More Efficient & Less Of A Hassle
A seemingly simple feature, the sky view allows the protagonist to get a mobile aerial view of where he is located. This may sound less than exciting to new players, but those who suffered attempting to figure out the location of a treasure or quest because of the multiple levels of terrain will rejoice.
By zooming into the sky view, the protagonist can see an overhead view of the vicinity (there is a limit to how far the camera can move). The camera can zoom in, which further clarifies the location of items and more. It is a useful feature that is available from the beginning and makesexploring much more efficient.
3Saving Anywhere
Save Progress Without Any Disruptions
Perhaps this feature was added due to the static nature of home consoles and PCs. When playing the originalShin Megami Tensei 5, players could put their Switch to sleep and pick up where they left off when ready. While it is certainly possible to do the same on consoles, any number of problems can arise, disrupting the experience. Now, playerscan save their progress from anywherein the game.
Pressing left on the d-pad or navigating the options menu to the system and selecting save will allow players to save at any time, rather than exclusively at a ley fount. It is, like the sky view, a feature that seems simple but offers huge relief to returning players.
4New Allies Joining The Party
More Characters Offer Several Unique Advantages
One of the coolest additions toVengeanceis the characters joining the protagonist’s party to battle. Various characters like Atsuta can join the party throughout the game, participating in combatlike a demon would. The difference is that these characters have access to items and, like the protagonist, have numerous advantages to use.
They do not always stay in the party, but choosing to use them comes with a few negative ramifications, as demons outside the main party will eventually level sync up with the party as the story progresses. Even if that was not the case, poking around at characters previously uncontrollable adds a certain level of intrigue and immersion that was not present before.
5Canon Of Vengeance
Experience Hours Of New Content
The ultimate question of why someone who played the originalShin Megami Tensei 5should be interested in playingVengeancehas a simple answer: the Canon of Vengeance. From the opening sequence of the game, the Canon of Vengeance offers players the ability toexperience a new storyseparate from the original. Sure, there are overlaps from the original experience, but there is so much extra content that the Canon of Vengeance feels almost like a new game entirely.
In fact, Atlus has advertised as much as 75 hours of new content withinShin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeance, which means that players of the original will essentially get to experience a brand new, full-length game. There are obvious caveats to this, but everything should feel fresh enough for even the most grizzled veterans to make it worth a release window purchase.
