Welcome to Power Level Gaming’s first game review! While we are a bit late to the game, we recently obtained the platinum trophy for SMTV and figured we would go ahead and review it.

For those unfamiliar, Shin Megami Tensei is the sister series to Atlus’ acclaimed Persona franchise. In this turn based JRPG you play as the Nahobino who traverses post apocalyptic Tokyo combating and collecting hordes of rampaging demons. This series has been called Demon Pokemon by some and for good reason!

The game is divided into multiple large maps that can be extensively explored in order to complete numerous side quests and level your party before attempting the area’s big bad. Each area feels distinct and is enjoyable to explore. The addition of Magatsu Rails to this version essentially adds a welcome fast travel function from the original game.

While making your way to the area’s boss you will be able to fight or avoid the hordes of demons previously mentioned to either attempt to recruit them to your party or defeat them for experience. Combat is enjoyable and strategic as each demon has an array of innate weaknesses and resistances as well as move set with a variety of physical, elemental and status attacks.

With multiple difficulty options available the combat can either be OHKO or a grueling grudge match against a lowly slime. The bosses all feel unique and provide motivation to keep your party updated.

While combat is the primary focus of the game the story is nothing to sneeze at. The game includes 6 endings and your choices throughout the game will influence the final outcome.

Overall if you are a JRPG fan this is a must play game. If you have never played a JRPG this may be a daunting first attempt, but will be highly rewarding for those willing to sink in the time and effort to learn the game mechanics.