The original Shin Megami Tensei V captured the hearts of many with its challenging combat, stellar art design, and immersive atmosphere. However, while it succeeded on many fronts, there were still areas ripe for enhancement. So, when Atlus announced Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, promising a revised and expanded experience, expectations were high. Rather than rehashing what was already praised, this article dives into the most impactful changes and additions that Vengeance brings to the table.

Chapter 1: Performance and Visuals

The most striking improvement in Vengeance is its performance. No longer bound exclusively to the Switch, this multiplatform release allows the game to run at a smooth 60fps. In contrast, the original Switch version often struggled with performance issues during complex scenes and battles, a hurdle now addressed on platforms like the PS5. While we can't confirm improvements to the Switch version, the leap to other hardware platforms undeniably enhances the experience.

However, the visual presentation remains largely unchanged. Environments and character models retain a certain simplicity, lacking the intricate details typical of current-gen games. Despite this, Vengeance compensates with breathtaking art design, populating its world with stunning angels, goddesses, and grotesque demonic entities within hauntingly beautiful landscapes.

Chapter 2: Canon of Vengeance – A New Narrative Path

One of the biggest changes in Vengeance is the introduction of the Canon of Vengeance story path, available from the game's outset. This new narrative direction brings along Yoko Hiromine, an exorcism-trained student harboring a grudge. Her early appearance, assisting in a mini-boss fight against new demon Glasya-Labolas, sets the stage for her integral role in the story.

Additionally, Vengeance introduces the Qadištu, a group of formidable female demons with their own agendas. Their inclusion and Yoko's presence add fresh layers to the storyline, twisting familiar plot points in unpredictable ways. While this new path takes time to diverge significantly from the original narrative, it offers enough novel content to keep both newcomers and returning players engaged.

Chapter 3: Enhancing the Combat Experience

The new guest-character combat mechanic adds depth to encounters. Characters vital to the plot temporarily join your roster, equipped with a broad skill set and the ability to use items immediately. While these guests can enhance combat utility, they lack the customization options available to your demons, making their presence feel both significant and transient.

New Demon Mechanics and The Demon Haunt

For those who enjoy strengthening their demon companions, the Demon Haunt provides an intriguing new mechanic. Accessible via leylines, this area allows for bonding with your demons through combat, conversation, and gifts, leading to potential stat boosts and new abilities. This space also provides an opportunity to interact with human characters and Aogami, offering a narrative respite amidst the intense supernatural conflict.

Chapter 4: Exploration and Quality-of-Life Improvements

Navigating Shin Megami Tensei V’s expansive environments has become more enjoyable, thanks to numerous quality-of-life enhancements. Detailed in-game maps now provide a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings, making navigation more intuitive. Magetsu Rails, new shortcuts found in hard-to-reach places, enable quick travel and significantly reduce the need for tedious backtracking.

Additionally, you can recruit demon NPCs to locate items and areas of interest, providing constant opportunities for valuable loot discoveries. Most importantly, the ability to save the game almost anywhere greatly alleviates the frustration of limited save points found in the original release.

Innate Skills and Magatsuhi Upgrades

Vengeance brings new innate skills for demons, enhancing their effectiveness in battle and making negotiation smoother. Magatsuhi skills have also seen significant upgrades, incorporating new abilities that influence combat strategies profoundly. Some skills, like those that remove enemy actions, can be game-changing, adding layers of depth to strategy and execution.

Chapter 5: Adjustments to Challenge and Accessibility

One notable change in Vengeance is the perceived reduction in difficulty. Playing through both the original and Vengeance on standard difficulty, the latter seemed more forgiving. This could result from familiarity with the game's mechanics or enhanced tools and skills available to players. With perks like innate skills, Miracle buffs, and the save-anywhere feature, Vengeance feels more accommodating. However, for those seeking an intense challenge, the "Godborn" difficulty in New Game Plus promises a demanding experience.

Conclusion: Evolution of an Engaging Experience

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance retains everything that made the original memorable while fine-tuning various aspects to create a richer game. Enhanced navigation, improved combat mechanics, and an engaging new story path contribute to an overall better experience. Whether you're a newcomer or returning player, Vengeance offers a compelling reason to dive back into the dark, captivating world of Shin Megami Tensei V. The journey to the underworld never felt more rewarding or engrossing.