So, I finally finished SMTV, all side content included (the secret boss battle was specially cool).
My final impressions are very in line with what I already shared on earlier messages, I loved the game despite some very clear faults, specially with regards to variety and level design (both aesthetic and mechanical). But! I ended up enjoying my time with the game anyway. The last act feels very authentically SMT and the game does just enough to at least alleviate some of it most clear faults, which allow for the good parts, which is everything related to the demons and their interactions to truly shine.
Honestly I ended up not minding the open world triteness as much as some folks around here, for a couple of reasons. I think the game doesn’t bite more than it can chew nor does it take any of those aspects too far, the miman and the vending machines are something that for the most part is just there to provide basic structure and a functional framework for the demonic interactions and combat, and I think it works well in that regard. It’s not particularly inspired either, but generally I’m more thankful that they didn’t mess it up than I’m mad that they didn’t revolutionize open world RPG design.
The thing the game really does well is sticking to its guns and trusting in the fact that being a good Shin Megami Tensei is enough, and for me it is. It has the weird environments, the morally ambiguous factions, the unique interactions with strange beings. I don’t know, I just want a game where I can talk to a icky pile of goo about baseball or whatever. So for me, it’s a success! And while it’s clearly not the best game I have played this year, it’s the one I have enjoyed the most.
And that soundtrack, damn. Worth the price of admission alone imo.
