just like with IV Apocalypse, the story is dogshit - but the game is really fun and from the promo materials (and every other Atlus game as of late) i didn't have any high expectations for the writing. still, its narrative is unique in that it doesn't even fucking try - this game never once puts any focus on its characters or story in a meaningful way and whether that's good or bad is up to you.

combat's peak SMT, mechanically solid as hell and incredibly satisfying. demon fusion is the most sensible its ever been and the replacement of smirk for magatsuhi is a welcome change. Nahobino feels pretty good, the combat's at its best, and the art and music are a massive step up from the previous two games - even if some of the designs are dogshit. sadly, SMT V's world is very uninspired, content with just doing something akin to blasted Tokyo the entire way through with little points of interest or unique areas. save for two dungeons, it's just the desert but with a different colour each time. paired with the nonexistent story, i felt like my time with SMT V blended together despite its runtime. which is pretty fucking lame. the game never throws any curveballs your way, if you play the first five hours you've basically played the entire thing.

it isn't as atmospheric as Nocturne, its world design is lacking and is largely forgettable, but SMT V is a really fun time in terms of gameplay, which is its major focus. Shin Megami Tensei V is a game that probably won't stick with you in the ways Digital Devil Saga or Nocturne do, but it's a comfortable and breezy experience i had a good time with. though it could've been so much more.