My favorite RPG release of 2024 thus far!

Over 500 hours playtime, 6 completed playthroughs (all Miman/sidequests/collectibles) and all Demon Compendium entries to level 150.

The highlight for me was definitely the gameplay, music and fusion mechanic. Story-wise, I enjoyed both Canon of Creation and Canon of Vengeance and I feel that neither is completely superior over the other. All the QoL additions and refinements over the base SMTV release enhance the original experience. I found the cast likeable enough, despite them being the usual alignment quotas for SMT.

This has got to be the most refined the fusion system has ever been, doing away with all the needless complexity of past games due to the inclusion of demon Essences. The overworld of Da'at itself was a joy to explore, but the dungeons pale in comparison to the likes of SMTIII Nocturne. Still, the Press Turn combat system, music and presentation are all top tier and combine to make SMT V Vengeance an enjoyable game.

This closed out 2024 for me and what a fun journey it was!

My favorite RPG release of 2024 thus far! Over 500 hours playtime, 6 completed playthroughs (all Miman/sidequests/collectibles) and all Demon Compendium entries to level 150. The highlight for me was definitely the gameplay, music and fusion mechanic. Story-wise, I enjoyed both Canon of Creation and Canon of Vengeance and I feel that neither is completely superior over the other. All the QoL additions and refinements over the base SMTV release enhance the original experience. I found the cast likeable enough, despite them being the usual alignment quotas for SMT. This has got to be the most refined the fusion system has ever been, doing away with all the needless complexity of past games due to the inclusion of demon Essences. The overworld of Da'at itself was a joy to explore, but the dungeons pale in comparison to the likes of SMTIII Nocturne. Still, the Press Turn combat system, music and presentation are all top tier and combine to make SMT V Vengeance an enjoyable game. This closed out 2024 for me and what a fun journey it was!