Shin Megami Tenseihas never been as popular as its spinoff series,Persona, in the west. Both were actually pretty niche RPGs untilPersona 3released followed by its two sequels. This helped gain more and more popularity with each subsequent release.
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That now meansShin Megami Tensei Vis in a prime position and has the potential to do the same for its series on Switch asPersona 3did on PS2. to help break out of the niche mold there are certain things that need to change. Changing too much though could be dangerous for the longtime fans so it’ll be a difficult balance. Atlus, here are some suggestions.
10Change: Social Bonds
In the last main game,Shin Megami Tensei IV, characters weren’t that memorable. They tried to do a better job in the direct sequel,Apocalypse, which did better, but characters were still mostly forgettable. That’s because there wasn’t much downtime in the game between major story beats and fighting. The Persona series takes its time and helps one connect players to characters whichShin Megami Tensei Vshould try as well.
9Keep: The Open-World
Even though characters are only represented by an arrow, they still get to explore an overworld map like classic RPGs. Technically gameslikePersona 5have big worlds too but locations function as smaller set pieces.
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There’s no actual world map exploring. Getting to explore a fully realized overworld map with actual characters would be a step up fromShin Megami Tensei IVso it should be kept but evolved.
8Change: Battle System
Both series of games are approximately the same. GameslikePersona 5and its brethren are just flashier versions of a turn-based battle system. The coreShin Megami Tenseigames feature windows in a first person viewpoint. They are even behindDragon Questwho pioneered this viewpoint but has since evolved to at least show characters in the party. This might make connecting players to characters easier if they were to physically see them more.
7Keep: Post Apocalypse
As dark as the Persona games can get, they don’t hold a candle to the main series. The last game took place in a post apocalypse of Japan wherein angels and demons were at war with humanity stuck in-between them. When one thinks about it, it was kind of Japan’s answer toFallout 3. A bigger scoped game following that trend could be huge then forShin Megami Tensei Vbut only if done right.
6Change: Capturing Demons
Capturing Shadows and getting them on the main character’s side was all about obtaining cards after battle inPersona 3andPersona 4.Persona 5changedthis formula and adapted a moreShin Megami Tenseiapproach. In battle, players now had to talk Shadows into joining them. It was similar but different enough to both to make it easier and more engaging whichShin Megami Tensei Vshould adhere to.
5Keep: The Length
Both games are long RPGs with tons of extras. However,Shin Megami Tensei IVwas much more manageable in the forty hour range which is fairly standard for the genre. ThenforPersona 5and the rest tend to hit double that amount of time. They are great, with every second being wonderful, but that is still long for many players to commit to. HopefullyShin Megami Tensei Vwill keep it relatively short comparatively.
4Change: Dungeons
Dungeons were always a problem of looking great in the overall series. There was generally not much to them upuntilPersona 5. That changed both series all around. They, Palaces, were much more intricately designed making them more memorable. The overall nature that madePersona 5stand out was its style, which it oozed out of every pore, or polygon in this case. Dungeons inShin Megami Tensei Vneed to reflect that in its dungeons as well.
3Keep: The Darker Story
To coincide withShin Megami Tensei Vkeeping a darker area, or setting with the post apocalypse, hopefully the story will reflect that too. There were godsin Persona 5, but again, the overall narrative was much happier in tone or at least one could say optimistic.
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The thing that was great aboutShin Megami Tensei IVand its predecessors were their bleakness and that’s something that should continue as it flavors the genre better on the whole. It doesn’t necessarily have to take place in an apocalypse but let’s strive for a tone on the scale of Attack on Titan or Neon Genesis Evangelion.
2Change: A More Relatable Hero
There is an issue that has plaguedShin Megami Tenseiand its various spinoffs for years now. The silent protagonist has got to go. RPG fans understand what the developers are going for. A silent protagonist is designed so that players can seemingly feel like they are in control. However, games likeMass Effecthave proven that player choice can still feel good if the main character is voiced. Perhaps it can feel even more engrossing which is why the main character inShin Megami Tensei Vshould be voiced as well.
1Keep: The Music
The musicinPersona 5and its predecessors all fit the upbeat mood of a high schooler. The same holds true for the main games what with the darker tones in setting and narrative. While thePersonasoundtracks are easier to listen to outside of the game, the more moodier music ofShin Megami Tenseihas its place too. FillingShin Megami Tensei Vup with poppy music just wouldn’t fit it so no need for change there.
