After the successes of a certain other franchise in the metaverse, Atlus is bringing fans into the "netherworld" next with Shin Megami Tensei 5 on Nintendo Switch. Building off the momentum of a similarly transitional and the recently remastered Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne, this fifth entry marks the return of a fully 3D Shin Megami Tensei JRPG. Similar to Nocturne, the premise of Shin Megami Tensei 5 appears to tread similar ground, which should be very promising for SMT fans.
Tokyo as its known is reborn, becoming the world of demons fans know best. In this latest trailer from Atlus, fans will finally get a peak into the premise and backdrop for Shin Megami Tensei 5, as players take on the role of "Nahobino." Players may find some familiar and unexpected allies in the new world, and the protagonist will likely be dealing with similar moral conundrums that Nocturne tossed at players as well.
As the latest trailer shows, Shin Megami Tensei 5 will be tossing players right into the fire of the new world. Clashing morals and ideals, between gods, demons, and everything in between, will be put on full display throughout the game's story. It's up to the protagonist, the transcendent Nahobino, to decide how they intend to shape this new world of chaos into some version of order. Like previous Shin Megami Tensei games, the players' decisions will be pivotal in shaping this new world.
The protagonist and friends are bouncing each other's ideals of one another, all in service to shaping the new world in the face of apocalypse. Some are fighting in the name of humanity's security and survival, others are working in service to gods ushering in a new world. All combating ideals are fighting for power in Shin Megami Tensei 5, and it's up to players to decide which ruling power is worth fighting in service to.
Shin Megami Tensei 5 takes place in the ruined remains of Tokyo, a new world "without its creator," infusing the protagonist with inhuman power meant to resemble godlike qualities. Throughout the game's story, players negotiate and recruit demons to fight by their side as party members, explore the remains of civilization, all in service to the Nahobino's goal. Players will engage in combat with other demons, gods, and other entities attempting to take control of the chaotic world and rule all life.
The Press Turn battle system sees another evolution in Shin Megami Tensei 5, with a few major upgrades. All of the usual components of battle design from Nocturne seem to have returned, including elemental weaknesses and strengths, Kagatsuchi cycles, and unique abilities. New mechanics, like abilities involving the use of a Magatsuhi meter, and Magatsuhi-specific skills, alongside something called "skill potential," are also coming to the fifth entry.
Launching exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, Shin Megami Tensei 5 releases this November, and pre-orders are available now. Alongside the standard release, those who pre-order physical editions will receive an exclusive steelbook edition. This fifth entry is pretty clearly appealing to Nocturne fans, but could see a degree of interest from Persona fans as well, even though Persona's 25th anniversary celebration is imminent this year.
Shin Megami Tensei 5 releases on November 12, 2021, for Nintendo Switch.