Originally revealed all the way back in January 2017, Shin Megami Tensei 5 is the long-awaited fifth installment in the Shin Megami Tensei series. Just days away from its release on the Nintendo Switch, it remains to be seen if Atlus’ latest RPG will have been worth the wait.

While Shin Megami Tensei has existed since 1992, it has been largely overshadowed in popularity by Persona, a series of spin-off games. However, after the massive success of Persona 5, more eyes are on Shin Megami Tensei than ever, which could be the game-changer this franchise needs. Here’s the breakdown on everything players need to know before purchasing.

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What is Shin Megami Tensei 5?

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Shin Megami Tensei 5 is a JRPG set in modern-day Tokyo. Gameplay is turn-based, with players duking it out against demons of all shapes and sizes from the SMT universe. In order to win these battles, they’ll need to recruit demons to their party, increasing their stats and skills along the way.

Much of Shin Megami Tensei 5 takes place in an alternate, post-apocalyptic version of Tokyo called Da’at, which is caught in a war between demons and angels. Players will be able to explore Da’at, encountering enemies, earning currency, and finding items all the while.

Demons Are... Pretty Much Everywhere

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The latest trailer for Shin Megami Tensei 5 showcases important plot points, as well as the title’s core gameplay features. As stated previously, the protagonist finds himself in Da’at amidst an ongoing war between angels and demons. By fusing with a powerful being and becoming an entity called a Nahobino, he gains the ability to fight off these demons. As he ventures further into Da’at, he will need to fight for survival and make critical, story-altering decisions in the battle between light and dark.

Persona fans will feel at home with the game’s combat system, in which players (and opponents) can target certain weaknesses in order to chain turns for devastating damage. Doing so will fill a Magatsuhi gauge that allows the player to unleash even more powerful attacks.

Also familiar to Persona fans is the game’s negotiation system, which allows players to talk to would-be enemy demons and recruit them. This may mean fulfilling specific tasks, selecting certain dialogue options, or even sacrificing health.

Key to any Shin Megami Tensei game is demon fusion, which grants players the ability to combine recruited demons to make more powerful allies. New to SMT 5, however, are essences; these can be used to impart new skills and affinities onto the player as well as their party members.

Pricing, DLC, and Special Editions

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Shin Megami Tensei 5 is set to treat players to a slew of DLC post-launch. Some of the free content includes an easier difficulty setting, as well as an option for Japanese voicing. Paid DLC, however, includes “Return of the Demon.” This unlocks new boss battles for the player to enjoy, as well as a bonus boss fight with the Demi-Fiend, the protagonist of Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne. New Game Plus will also be available, which will transfer data from a completed save to a new run, making the game that much easier.

The retail Premium Edition costs $119.99, and includes the following:

  • The base game ($59.99 on its own)
  • A Steelbook case for the Nintendo Switch
  • A 2 CD soundtrack
  • The Demon Handbook
  • A sling bag
  • A collectible box

The Digital Deluxe edition costs $84.99, and includes the base game along with all of its DLC, which will be available upon release:

  • Return of the True Demon - $9.99
  • A Goddess in Training - $4.99
  • The Rage of a Queen - $2.99
  • The Doctor's Last Wish - $2.99
  • Mitama Dance of Wealth - $2.99
  • Mitama Dance of EXP - $2.99
  • Mitama Dance of Miracles - $2.99

Shin Megami Tensei 5 is available for preorder in stores and on the Nintendo eShop.

Shin Megami Tensei 5 releases on November 12, 2021 for Nintendo Switch.

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