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Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance adds a new story route to the original game, alongside a range of publisher-described gameplay and exploration changes. Metacritic’s retrieved page showed 90 from 23 critic reviews, while Steam’s English user reviews were Very Positive at 94% positive from 3,999 reviews. Those are separate snapshots from different audiences—not a universal verdict or a cross-platform performance comparison.
What is different in Vengeance?
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is an expanded release that includes the original Shin Megami Tensei V story and a new route called Canon of Vengeance. Atlus describes the new route as a tale of revenge involving new characters and the Qadištu. Its official game page invites players to “Experience a brand-new tale of revenge by the fallen or the original story of Shin Megami Tensei V, both filled with conflicting and tragic choices, forcing you to confront which ideologies you are willing to fight for.”
Atlus also lists added areas, demons and music, changes intended to make gameplay more accessible, an improved battle system, new demon experiences and greater field exploration. These are the publisher’s descriptions of the edition’s additions; the available review information does not independently measure every change.
What do the review scores say?
| Source and audience | Retrieved snapshot | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| Metacritic critic reviews | 90 from 23 critic reviews | Metacritic page snapshot retrieved in 2026; the underlying reviews date from the 2024 launch period. |
| Steam English user reviews | Very Positive; 94% positive from 3,999 reviews | Steam snapshot retrieved in 2026; English-language user reviews on Steam, not a measure of all players or platforms. |
These figures describe review samples, not sales or total players. Both counts and ratings can change, so check the linked pages for current figures rather than treating the snapshots as permanent.
#1 Best Overall
- The Definitive Version of Shin Megami Tensei V: Fully evolved with stunning visuals for modern consoles, the dark lore, unnerving atmosphere, and beautiful and monstrous demons are back and better than ever. Massively expanded with new areas, demons, and music, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance features more accessible gameplay, an improved battle system, new demon experiences, and greater field exploration.
- A Tale of Vengeance or Creation: Which path will you choose? Experience a brand-new tale of revenge by the fallen or the original story of Shin Megami Tensei V, both filled with conflicting and tragic choices, forcing you to confront which ideologies you are willing to fight for. As order and chaos crumble around you, forge your own path to dictate the fate of humanity.
- Explore a Post-Apocalyptic World: Battle through a decimated Tokyo, reduced to an expansive wasteland and overrun by mythical demons. Roam across wide, open areas and explore new locations for life-saving items or encounter hundreds of familiar demons and dozens of new ones to battle or befriend as allies.
What reviewers’ themes suggest
Review excerpts favor the new route and quality-of-life updates, while also indicating that some of the original game’s abrasiveness remains. Taken together, that points to a fuller, potentially more inviting package—not a transformation into an easy or friction-free RPG. Players who enjoy demanding systems may welcome the added route and refinements; players put off by challenging or abrasive design should not assume those barriers have disappeared.
Is Vengeance worth it if you played the original?
For returning players, the main question is whether a second story route and the listed changes are enough to make another journey worthwhile. Canon of Vengeance is the clearest new narrative reason to return. Added areas, demons, music and battle or exploration changes may also matter, but the publisher’s feature list alone does not establish how substantial each change will feel in play.
Rank #2
- UK e-store account may be required for any online features
Should a new player start with Vengeance?
Vengeance contains both the original story and Canon of Vengeance, so a newcomer can choose between them rather than needing the earlier release to access the original route. The positive critic and Steam snapshots offer encouraging signs, but neither guarantees that the game’s demanding RPG systems will suit every player. Consider whether you want a challenging RPG with two route options, and look for details about the version you plan to play.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which platforms are covered?
PlayStation’s official announcement gave June 14, 2024 as the launch date for the PS5 and PS4 versions. The retrieved Steam listing establishes a PC storefront version. The review snapshots above do not establish a complete comparison of performance or presentation across Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC. For platform-sensitive concerns, rely on evidence for the specific version you intend to buy rather than generalizing from a review of another one.
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Rank #3
- UK PSN account may be required for any online features
Atlus’s official game page describes the routes and additions. PlayStation’s June 4, 2024 announcement gives the PS5 and PS4 launch context. For changing review totals, consult Metacritic and the Steam listing directly.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- The Definitive Version of Shin Megami Tensei V - Fully evolved with stunning visuals for modern consoles, the dark lore, unnerving atmosphere, and beautiful and monstrous demons are back and better than ever. Massively expanded with new areas, demons, and music, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance features more accessible gameplay, an improved battle system, new demon experiences, and greater field exploration
- A Tale of Vengeance or Creation - Which path will you choose? Experience a brand-new tale of revenge by the fallen or the original story of Shin Megami Tensei V, both filled with conflicting and tragic choices, forcing you to confront which ideologies you are willing to fight for. As order and chaos crumble around you, forge your own path to dictate the fate of humanity
- Explore a Post-Apocalyptic World - Battle through a decimated Tokyo, reduced to an expansive wasteland and overrun by mythical demons. Roam across wide, open areas and explore new locations for life-saving items or encounter hundreds of familiar demons and dozens of new ones to battle or befriend as allies
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
