Shin Megami Tensei V is my first time really playing a game in the mainline SMT series, and it was an interesting starting point for me.

I’m not too surprised, considering the series’ reputation, that the combat is as strong as it is. It’s easily the best part of the game, and I have a hard time pointing out any major flaws. There’s maybe a little bit of imbalance here and there, but it’s nothing major or enjoyment wrecking.

I was a little worried about the open world exploration, but I honestly think it was handled very well. It’s really fun to roam around Da’at and puzzle out how to get to amalgams and various other pickups. It was disappointing, though, to get to the dungeons, which are painfully monotonous and drab, and just not interesting to go through at all. I’d honestly have preferred another section of Da’at to roam around than them.

The biggest thing that has me wanting to check out other entries in the series, though, is the story. I really enjoyed the bigger ideas that V’s story was hitting on, but I found it pretty underbaked, leaving just enough unsaid that I felt unfulfilled. And that’s to say nothing of the characters which barely exist, and are uncompelling in a way that feels immensely dated.

Don’t get me wrong, I do like the game. I think it’s fun despite its shortcomings, and the soundtrack absolutely bops. Still, it’s not quite there for me, and I’m hoping Nocturne or IV are a bit closer to my tastes.