Since I'm doing the OT for SMT V I wanted to get some answers from fans of the series on why you enjoy SMT in general.
So if possible could you guys tell me what you like about SMT even if you just played one game in the series. Could you also tell me who you would recommend this game to and why they should try SMT? I just wanted to add this stuff in the OT just so people new to the series could see it.
I might also give a little quick history on the SMT series in the OT as well just to show what kind of legacy it has. It might surprise people how old this franchise really is.
There are a few things I really like about SMT: One, the combat is fantastic (mostly talking SMT4 and 4A here), it's pretty much the most perfect turn-based system I've played. It feels really tactical, almost like a puzzle sometimes in how you have to use buffs and debuffs and know when to do which moves in battle. I also like how a lot of it comes down to teambuilding and having the RIGHT skills in the first place: Some bosses are very difficult, if not almost impossible, if you're not prepared with a good, well-built team. I like how much good team building and planning matters in the games.
Two, the atmosphere. I don't think I've ever played another game that has quite the same atmosphere as SMT4 does, the fantastic cyberpunk/post-apocalyptic mad max mix vibe it has going on is wonderful. I may as well include the music here, too, as the soundtrack is god-tier and such a huge part of why the atmosphere works so well.
Three, the demons themselves. There's just something so badass and cool about getting gods and divine beings and creatures of lore and myth on your team. Who doesn't want to go fuck shit up with an RPG party made up of members like Odin, Metatron, Shiva, Satan, Athena, etc.? And part of it for me (ESPECIALLY the first time I played one of the games) is just seeing all the amazing art, demon designs, lore/history, and wondering "who am I going to be able to fuse next?"
As for why I would recommend SMTV: If you are a fan of dungeon crawlers, turn-based RPGs with excellent battle systems that aren't brain-dead, tactical team-building and planning, and are interested in a world with excellent atmosphere and interesting philosophical roots that feels very unique among JRPGs, you will likely love this game. SMTV in particular will be probably the best entry point into the series, as it's going to be the best-looking, is on a modern console, and has the best and most current quality of life features (I'm assuming). Also: While the series is notorious for being difficult, and I personally love it for that as it's very rewarding for being difficult but fair, DON'T let the difficulty be a barrier for you if you're considering the game. SMTV has many different difficulty options, ranging from very easy/story mode all the way up to hard, and will be able to be enjoyed by anyone with any difficulty preference.