Metacritic (87)
OpenCritic (87)
Polygon (no score):
Despite the performance issues, the bigger areas and new engine allow for some creatures to be truly breathtaking and terrifying. I never got tired of witnessing smaller character details, such as demons sitting on the sand, acting like bats inside caves, or swinging on traffic lights like monkeys. It empowers the idea that this is their home, and I’m the one trespassing.
Siliconera (10/10):
Shin Megami Tensei V is an incredible and memorable experience. It does some extraordinary things, both in terms of gameplay and its story.
Gaming Age (10/10):
All in all, I’ve absolutely enjoyed my time spent with Shin Megami Tensei V. If you’re looking for a good, meaty RPG to sink your teeth into this holiday season, it definitely fits the bill. The small additions made to the Shin Megami formula work out really well here, and the game doesn’t feel hindered on Switch hardware. It’s nice to see the series leap away from a handheld platform and back to a mainline console release, and hopefully this will draw more attention to Shin Megami Tensei as a whole. So yeah, definitely consider checking this one out when it drops on November 12th, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
GameSkinny (10/10):
Minor graphical hiccups aside, Shin Megami Tensei V is an outstanding RPG, made all the more so by its countless improvements over its older siblings. It's tough but enthralling, and brimming with style. More importantly, perhaps, it has great ideas executed to something near perfection. It's been a long wait since Atlus first announced SMT V at the Switch reveal show, but it was absolutely worth it.
The Mako Reactor (9.5/10):
Over the last few weeks, there hasn't been a single waking hour I haven't thought about Shin Megami Tensei V. The combat, music, and design are all amazing and the only area it falters is in the technical aspects. Despite that, this is one of the best JRPGs in years and everything I wanted from a new Shin Megami Tensei game.
Wccftech (9.5/10):
Featuring a new approach to exploration and extremely solid gameplay, Shin Megami Tensei V masterfully balances innovation and tradition to offer an excellent JRPG experience. While the technical issues can get in the way, the game's quality is so high that most will be willing to look past them, as Shin Megami Tensei V is one of the best entries in the series and one of the best JRPGs released in 2021.
Nintendo Enthusiast (9.5/10):
Shin Megami Tensei V on Nintendo Switch retains all the strategic combat elements that the Atlus RPG franchise is known for, but it radically revolutionizes its world design to create an adventure that is completely addicting and flawlessly complements the battle system. It’s a truly remarkable achievement, resulting in easily one of the best games of 2021 and one of the best games on Nintendo Switch in general.
Nintenderos (9.5/10, review in Spanish):
Shin Megami Tensei V is not only the best entry in the series, but also one of the best JRPG of the recent years. A deep story with good mechanics and lots of classic and new demons await in this game. It is not for everyone, but any lover of the genre is in for a treat.
RPG Fan (92/100):
Shin Megami Tensei V is a premiere JRPG that can’t be missed. Don’t let worries over difficulty (the game has four difficulty settings, one will work for you, I promise!), legacy (this is a whole new direction for the series), or performance (it can get a bit sluggish at times, but the developers have utilized a lot of tricks to make the game run smoothly most of the time) stop you from playing one of the best games of the generation.
GamingBolt (9/10):
A staggering scope of ambition paired with a frankly absurd amount of mechanical depth make Shin Megami Tensei 5 one of the most impressive role playing games ever, and a must play for any and all fans of the genre.
RPG Site (9/10):
It's probably inevitable that Shin Megami Tensei V won't be exactly what everybody wanted from a new entry into the franchise. Although I had a few qualms with it overall, and there are definitely some growing pains with its direction in places, I came away mostly content with how Atlus handled this latest installment. While Shin Megami Tensei V's new direction may not suit everyone's expectations for the series, Atlus has returned to the franchise with an ambitious fifth entry.
NintendoWorldReport (9/10):
Now that we’ve finally closed the book on the 2017 Switch presentation, I think Shin Megami Tensei V might be my favourite game to emerge from that show. That’s not a comparison I make lightly given the other games that appeared that night, but for my money and time it was worth the wait. Pokemon might be ending the year of RPGs on Switch, but SMT V is the best monster catcher for your buck yet.
Nintendo Life (9/10):
Shin Megami Tensei V is a modern masterpiece. It successfully delivers on all the aspects that have made the series thus far so popular with fans—namely through its high difficulty, heavy narrative themes, and expansive team-building options—while polishing up and tightening the weaker aspects. Things like a more easily navigable map and more difficulty options to cater to players of all skill levels comfortably make this the most approachable entry in the series, and it feels like there’s more things to do in the world than ever before. If you are at all a fan of RPGs or have been looking for a good entry point into this oft overlooked series, we would strongly encourage you to pick this up as soon as you can. Shin Megami Tensei V was worth the wait, Atlus has successfully stuck the landing with this one.
Attack of the Fanboy (4.5/5):
Although it’s been a while since the last mainline game, Shin Megami Tensei V lives up to the hype. This is a JRPG you won’t want to miss.
CGMagazine (9/10):
Shin Megami Tensei V is an excellent Switch exclusive worthy of its name, with the game feeling like the natural next step in the long-running series while introducing new elements that elevate it above even its contemporaries while not straying too far from its roots, offering fans a must-play experience and for everyone else, a JRPG worth jumping into.
COGconnected (90/100):
Shin Megami Tensei V is an incredible achievement. While it comes off as less of a horror game than previous entries in the series, its sheer scale and eerie presentation more than make up for the lack of dedicated scares. In some ways, I feel that gaming technology has finally reached the point that it’s able to convey the tone and feel that Shin Megami Tensei has been trying to capture since the 80s. There's a lot packed into this game, especially if you play on a higher difficulty, which I definitely recommend doing. If you’re allergic to grinding, there is an optional Safety difficulty that will let you focus on the story instead, but you’ll still probably spend a lot of time exploring the expansive game world and getting lost between buildings.
Destructoid (9/10):
The seemingly endless possibilities of Shin Megami Tensei V directly fueled my desire to play it from the moment I got my copy.
GAMINGbible (9/10):
I’m in awe of its aesthetic, particularly the protagonist and his long, blue hair. I love the intense, nu-rock soundtrack that plays during a typical fight, and I could spend hours vibing to the jazzy score that accompanies you when walking through the school. The variety of demons is fantastic. The characters are unique yet reminiscent of ones who’ve come before. It’s a game I could play for hours, even with multiple deaths halting my progress at what always feels like the worst possible moment.
GamingTrend (90/100):
Shin Megami Tensei V is a masterfully made JRPG and fascinating work of art. While the characters could have used more fleshing out and the leveling curve is wildly uneven, it’s still incredibly fun with thrilling combat and a gripping plot.
Hey Poor Player (4.5/5):
It’s not a stretch to say that Shin Megami Tensei V has set a new standard for JRPGs. It’s amazing to see how far along this series has come since the initial inception of Megami Tensei, and the fa ct that ATLUS can continue to improve the series without compromising its core features. Shin Megami Tensei V has been a long time coming, but the wait has absolutely been worth it—and I’m more excited than ever to watch the SMT franchise continue to grow.
Noisy Pixel (9/10):
Even without strong narrative backing, Shin Megami Tensei V delivers a compelling experience for the entire 60+ hour journey. The game smartly provides the player with core features the series is known for, alongside excelling in its fantastic environments, combat mechanics, and immaculate soundtrack. Shin Megami Tensei V is a natural evolution of this series and a must-play RPG.
Screen Rant (4.5/5):
Shin Megami Tensei V is an excellent game that more than lives up to the expectations of its specific series. While its innovations grate against its more ancient elements, what emerges is still something that manages to capture attention for its hefty playtime.
Areajugones (9/10, review in Spanish):
Shin Megami Tensei V boasts extraordinary visuals, a familiar gameplay and an interesting narrative alongside AAA production values that, in the end, make for one of the best RPG of the whole year and, most likely, even the decade.
Game Rant (4.5/5):
Putting aside slight gripes with performance, Shin Megami Tensei 5 is still largely excellent on Nintendo Switch. Returning fans, especially those with a love for SMT 3: Nocturne, will absolutely enjoy the fifth entry. New players and fans of JRPGs will equally find a lot to love with this entry as well. SMT 5 plays out like a true modernization for the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, overhauling and revamping the visual and gameplay design in a way that remains both traditional and progressive. Atlus is taking a big step forward with Shin Megami Tensei 5, and for the most part, nails all of the aspects that make it a stellar entry in the long-running JRPG franchise.
Digital Trends (4.5/5):
Shin Megami Tensei 5 is yet another gem for the Nintendo Switch that every JRPG fan needs to check out.
Nintendo Insider (9/10):
I didn’t think ATLUS had it in them to make a game with the level of ambition packed into every inch of Shin Megami Tensei V.
Hobby Consolas (90/100, review in Spanish):
Shin Megami Tensei V trascends divinity achieving a perfect balance between heaven and hell: it's and ode to the classics, to those JRPG's that weren't afraid of being complex and challenging, but it's also a modern game, adapted to current times and trends.
Pocket Tactics (9/10):
Shin Megami Tensei V is a traditional RPG with dense gameplay, a fantastic cast of demonic creatures, and some of the best visuals on Switch. It’s a stellar experience that holds steadfast to its old-school origins but gives the huge world and gameplay mechanics just enough smart changes to make every moment a blast. A sinister, magnificent, and deeply satisfying new contender for the best RPG on Switch.
Worth Playing (9/10):
Shin Megami Tensei V is pretty much the sequel that fans have been waiting for. There are a few potentially controversial decisions, such as the emphasis on an open-world area instead of the franchise classic dungeons, but they ended up working out in the end. The gameplay was fun from start to finish, and the 40-hour runtime seemed to fly by thanks to excellent pacing. If you liked Nocturne but wished it were more modern, SMT5 is the game you've been waiting for.
Everyeye.it (9/10, review in Italian):
With its breathtaking battles, and the disorienting architecture of its Beyond, it enters the Olympus of the best titles for the Nintendo Switch.
GAMES.CH (87%, review in German):
SMTV gives fans of the series all they need and want, wrapped in an all new look with quality of life features which enhance the classic gameplay with fresh highlights such as exploration. Its Old School RPG-feeling mixed with some modern features creates an enjoyable role-playing game with some twists.
SpazioGames (8.7/10, review in Italian):
Shin Megami Tensei successfully builds over the third entry in the franchise, upping the ante with a great combat system and more freedom to explore. One of the best JRPGs in the last few years and a great exclusive for the Nintendo Switch.
God is a Geek (8.5/10):
Shin Megami Tensei V has a deep and satisfying combat system making every fight a challenge, as well as an engaging story and great visuals.
Twinfinite (4/5):
At the end of the day, I'm not so sure that Shin Megami Tensei V really pushes the envelope forward for the series. It doesn't have the emotional brevity of the excellent Nocturne, nor does it present the same kind of moral quandaries that IV did. It certainly looks better and plays incredibly well, and from a gameplay perspective, this would easily be the most accessible entry of the bunch. It won't disappoint series fans, especially those who have been waiting for a series comeback for years, but it might be time for Atlus to think about where the series is headed next.
Eurogamer Italy (8/10, review in Italian):
Shin Megami Tensei V seems like a “best-of” of the previous chapters. An amusing action-RPG hybrid with great emphasis on exploration, thanks to larger scale levels, and the funny “demon negotiations” feature that once again refreshes an established combat system.
GameSpot (8/10):
Shin Megami Tensei V is a game that demands a lot of the player--its slow pace and punishing difficulty will more than likely turn some folks off. But those who stick with it will find an incredibly rewarding experience that only gets better the further in you get. SMTV truly makes you feel like the weight of this crumbling, conflict-torn world of mythological nightmares rests firmly on your shoulders--but it's a burden you'll be glad you chose to bear.
Hardcore Gamer (4/5):
Shin Megami Tensei V is one of the best RPGs of 2021. It has an immensely-enjoyable combat system, some of the best and most varied battle music we’ve heard in a long time, and all the demonic creatures we’ve come to love from the series.
Inverse (8/10):
Shin Megami Tensei V does not suffer fools gladly. You will be punished brutally for attempting a battle that’s out of your league. But there’s so much to do in its expansive wasteland that working your way up to the challenge never feels like a grind.
Shacknews (8/10):
The Shin Megami Tensei games have often been some of the most mechanically inventive and unique, and that remains the case with SMT5. Combat is challenging and dynamic, and the party-building options are limitless. My only issues with the game boiled down to JRPG tropes that likely won’t bother hardcore fans. It’s not only an excellent JRPG, but a wonderful new entry in one of the genre’s most influential games.
IGN (8/10):
With extensive and satisfying party customization, excellent combat, and challenging enemies, Shin Megami Tensei V never left me feeling bored or burned out across its epic length. Exploration and platforming sections lend some much-needed variety when you're fighting so many similar battles in a row. I just couldn't shake the feeling that this was Persona without the heart – without the unforgettable companion characters, the potent personal story, the incredible soundtrack, and the jaw-dropping twists and turns. Still, if you're looking for a meaty, demanding, endlessly deep, and overall outstanding JRPG to sink your teeth into, Shin Megami Tensei V has heaping portions of it.
TheGamer (4/5):
Shin Megami Tensei 5 is a punishing delight. It revels in its classic approach to combat and exploration, brought to life with a battered and broken vision of our world as it teeters on the edge of extinction. JRPGs of the modern era are often content to hold our hands and guide us through each new journey, but Atlus decides to punch us in the gut, steal our wallet, and sprint away as we try desperately to catch up. As I’ve said time and time again, this isn’t a game for everyone, but those who gel with its specific brand of masochism will find something very special indeed.
Jeuxvideo.com (16/20, review in French):
For those who will have the courage to rub shoulders with it, they will find a generous title in its content and its mechanics which will have enough to occupy them for a good fifty hours of play.
We Got This Covered (3.5/5):
It's not winning any awards for graphics, but Shin Megami Tensei V is a well-designed JRPG that has just a little too much combat. Even with such an interesting story and themes to explore, it instead focuses on grinding and fighting the same enemies over and over.
Gamers Heroes (70%):
While Shin Megami Tensei 5 is rough around the edges, fans of the series will be satisfied. However, newcomers to the series and those not impressed by the previous entries best approach with caution.
VG247 (3/5):
Shin Megami Tensei 5’s combat is great, punishing and rewarding in equal measure without ever tipping the scales too far in one direction. Mixing and matching your deck of demons makes for great fun as well, and spurs you to look to all corners of the ruined world for allies of all shapes and sizes. It’s everything outside of the battling and grungy soundtrack where Shin Megami Tensei 5 badly misses the mark, with one-note characters that you’re never given the chance to better know, and a paper-thin plot that feels dragged out over dozens of hours. Shin Megami Tensei 5 is a good RPG battler, but it’s not good at much else.
