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Shin Megami Tensei V |OT| Persona heartless version.

Danjin44

The nicest person on this forum
I also started NG+ but this time I'm going for strength build and got all Demon battle DLC.
yeah i know it's my own stupid fault lol. i need to get into the habit of saving often. and i do remember failed fusions from Persona.
In SMT5 I only got two Fusion accident, first one I got Quetzalcoatl and second one was Metatron, both were higher level than MC at that time so I was very lucky.
 

MudoSkills

Volcano High Alumnus (Cum Laude)
It gets much more busted when you get to areas with more enemies in the field. I switched off all but the macca one and it doesn't affect the frequency, just the variety. I think I saw more than ten in the field at one point - if you bought the Exp one and knew how to deal with mitama I think you could feasibly max your level before getting to the second area.

Some of the cool encounters, like running into the Tsuchigumo on the run up to Tokyo Tower, is completely ruined when all 3 turn into mitama.
 

Danjin44

The nicest person on this forum
It gets much more busted when you get to areas with more enemies in the field. I switched off all but the macca one and it doesn't affect the frequency, just the variety. I think I saw more than ten in the field at one point - if you bought the Exp one and knew how to deal with mitama I think you could feasibly max your level before getting to the second area.

Some of the cool encounters, like running into the Tsuchigumo on the run up to Tokyo Tower, is completely ruined when all 3 turn into mitama.
To me those EXP and Macca DLC ruins the experience more than adds, its waste of money even for newcomers.
 

Tg89

Member
Really enjoying this game. Big fan of Persona but never got into SMT before...I did grab IV for the 3DS but for whatever reason it just didn't grab me. I'm about 6 hours in (though I feel like I'm going slow - just beat the first boss...trying to get a feel for how much you're supposed to "grind" in this series, also been making sure to grab most demons that I see, which might be unnecessary given that you seem to find their essence eventually? maybe a series vet could clarify).

Couple questions - Am I crazy or is there not an easy way to see affinities during fusing (like will they get +3 to cold, that sort of stuff), is this how I'm supposed to tailor my main character as well?

Also, I have a bunch of grimoires and a couple items that raise my own level...intuition says to save these, but?
 

TintoConCasera

I bought a sex doll, but I keep it inflated 100% of the time and use it like a regular wife
Really enjoying this game. Big fan of Persona but never got into SMT before...I did grab IV for the 3DS but for whatever reason it just didn't grab me. I'm about 6 hours in (though I feel like I'm going slow - just beat the first boss...trying to get a feel for how much you're supposed to "grind" in this series, also been making sure to grab most demons that I see, which might be unnecessary given that you seem to find their essence eventually? maybe a series vet could clarify).
You won't need to grind ever. The demons gain new levels at a much lower pace than the Nahobino, so the idea here is, instead of leveling up demons, you fuse your lower level demons to create new, higher level ones.

Essences are fine but you might also need certain demons for certain encounters. For example, having some demons resistant to fire when you are a bout to fight a boss that uses fire skills helps a lot. In fact part of the game's charm and fun is creating those optimal demon teams for harder encounters.

Couple questions - Am I crazy or is there not an easy way to see affinities during fusing (like will they get +3 to cold, that sort of stuff), is this how I'm supposed to tailor my main character as well?
You should be able to see those affinities when about to fuse a demon, they are just on top of the skills (top-right corner).

For the MC you get affinities by using miracles.
Also, I have a bunch of grimoires and a couple items that raise my own level...intuition says to save these, but?
Yeah save those for late game, unless extremely necessity.
 

Tg89

Member
You won't need to grind ever. The demons gain new levels at a much lower pace than the Nahobino, so the idea here is, instead of leveling up demons, you fuse your lower level demons to create new, higher level ones.

Essences are fine but you might also need certain demons for certain encounters. For example, having some demons resistant to fire when you are a bout to fight a boss that uses fire skills helps a lot. In fact part of the game's charm and fun is creating those optimal demon teams for harder encounters.


You should be able to see those affinities when about to fuse a demon, they are just on top of the skills (top-right corner).

For the MC you get affinities by using miracles.

Yeah save those for late game, unless extremely necessity.
Appreciate all that! Very helpful.

Yeah, the disconnect I had on affinities was related to fusing with the MC, completely forgot about the miracle aspect. They seem to dish out those points, how important is it to focus on giving your character a niche? Do I end up getting points for nearly every miracle if I want?
 
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MudoSkills

Volcano High Alumnus (Cum Laude)
There's enough glory to get most of the miracles on your first run but I'd stick to a build (focused either on strength or magic) and a few skill affinities to boost. Building a balanced character doesn't tend to have any advantages in SMT.
 

Danjin44

The nicest person on this forum
There's enough glory to get most of the miracles on your first run but I'd stick to a build (focused either on strength or magic) and a few skill affinities to boost. Building a balanced character doesn't tend to have any advantages in SMT.
Yeah, trying to make MC good at everything will make overall damage your MC can dish out less than when you specialize.
 

captainpat

Member
I spoiled myself reading up the games multiple endings.
They all sound pretty bad (like in a no clear good ending way). I was sure I was gonna do the chaos route but now I don't know
 

Danjin44

The nicest person on this forum
I spoiled myself reading up the games multiple endings.
They all sound pretty bad (like in a no clear good ending way). I was sure I was gonna do the chaos route but now I don't know
Most SMT games have no traditional "happy" ending. The title "Shin Megami Tensei" roughly translate to "True Goddess of Reincarnation", The World dies and get recreated and this cycle keeps repeating.

Entire Lucifer's motivation is to break that cycle.
 

Dream-Knife

Banned
Just beat the game after 60 hours last night. I got the chaos route, thinking it would be the neutral route lol.

IRL I'd side with my boys.

Speed running a Law route now.
 

Danjin44

The nicest person on this forum
My god Mother Harlot is something in SMTV, I didn't have much issue fighting her in Strange Journey and Nocturne but she give me lot of trouble in here.
 

captainpat

Member
And I'm done. Got the neutral+ ending after 75 hours. Overall I had a good time with the game but especially, with the amount ending required to get that ending I was just super burnt out near the end, I think I'm gonna wait until the inevitable smtv maniax rerelease before I go back.
 

Danjin44

The nicest person on this forum
I got cocky after beating Shiva and I thought I can take Demi-Feind easy and..........

NOPE!!!!
gaea-rage-demi-fiend.gif

nina-dobrev.gif
 

ProudClod

Non-existent Member
Hasn't been a particularly strong year for games, IMO -- so this isn't necessarily a huge honor -- but SMTV is my GOTY.

Finished nearly 100% (all quests, secret ending, all miman, 90% of miracles, and about 90% of compendium). I think I'm ready to put it down... but I feel the void of an excellent SMT game already. Here's hoping we get something from Atlus in less than 5 years.
 

Jsisto

Member
I got cocky after beating Shiva and I thought I can take Demi-Feind easy and..........

NOPE!!!!
gaea-rage-demi-fiend.gif

nina-dobrev.gif
Lol that’s exactly my story but on normal mode. Also, I highly recommend everyone who has the dlc turn on the increased Mitama’s for post game grinding/party building. As an adult with a job and responsibilities it saves so much time and makes preparing for these tough super bosses more enjoyable. Either way you’re going to be hunting down Mitamas for grimoires, might as well make it easier on yourself.
 

Danjin44

The nicest person on this forum
Lol that’s exactly my story but on normal mode. Also, I highly recommend everyone who has the dlc turn on the increased Mitama’s for post game grinding/party building. As an adult with a job and responsibilities it saves so much time and makes preparing for these tough super bosses more enjoyable. Either way you’re going to be hunting down Mitamas for grimoires, might as well make it easier on yourself.
I dont need that since I'm already level 99, so is most of Demons as well. Shiva was tough but manageable but Demi-Fiend is entirely different beast all together.

I could be fully buffed and his fully debuffed and I used Kannabi Veil but no matter what his Gaea Rage destroys my entire party. From I can understand its a countdown, if you dont destroy one of his Demons within 5 or 6 turns he will use Gaea Rage and kill you, there no way to stop it or reduce the damage.
 

Dream-Knife

Banned
Finished my law speed run in about 6 hours. I'm going to put the game down for now after 75 hours. I'll come back to it later for the neutral and hidden ending.
 

MudoSkills

Volcano High Alumnus (Cum Laude)
From I can understand its a countdown, if you dont destroy one of his Demons within 5 or 6 turns he will use Gaea Rage and kill you, there no way to stop it or reduce the damage.
Good to know. I haven't got back to him yet on NG+ but was focusing on chipping away at his health when I first tried, and then Gaia Rage hit the party for 23k damage. If it's every five turns Enduring Soul is only gonna get you so far.
 

Jsisto

Member
Does he resummon his demons if you destroy them? They seemed to have significantly more hp than other boss summons.
 

MudoSkills

Volcano High Alumnus (Cum Laude)
I had Zeus in my party when I redid the Artemis quest on NG+, and there was a scene at the end of the quest where he came out and spoke to her. It didn't occur to me until now but I should have had Odin in my party for the Idun/Loki sidequest to see if anything similar happened there.

Something for cycle 3 I guess!
 

TintoConCasera

I bought a sex doll, but I keep it inflated 100% of the time and use it like a regular wife
I should really go back to this and do the endings I've still not done.

But man, that Shiva was such a brick wall for me that I can't see myself beating him. I have to try tho, I really want to get that true ending.

Btw, I'm on the mood for some more SMT and have been thinking about the Digital Devil Saga games. Have you fine people played those? How are they?
 

Danjin44

The nicest person on this forum
I had Zeus in my party when I redid the Artemis quest on NG+, and there was a scene at the end of the quest where he came out and spoke to her. It didn't occur to me until now but I should have had Odin in my party for the Idun/Loki sidequest to see if anything similar happened there.

Something for cycle 3 I guess!
just-when-i-thought-i-was-out-they-pull-me-back-in.gif

I guess it time for NG++
But man, that Shiva was such a brick wall for me that I can't see myself beating him. I have to try tho, I really want to get that true ending.
I beat him but I didn't use that video 2 turn win, that one is very luck based with trying to do critical hit each time, but I made my MC very strength base Almighty specialist in order to beat him.
 
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TintoConCasera

I bought a sex doll, but I keep it inflated 100% of the time and use it like a regular wife
just-when-i-thought-i-was-out-they-pull-me-back-in.gif

I guess it time for NG++

I beat him but I didn't use that video 2 turn win, that one is very luck based with critical each time, But I made my MC very strength base Almighty specialist in order to beat him.
Yeah I don't wanna use cheap tactics here either, would love beating him in a more proper way.

I already have my Nahobino like that. Do you use Kannabi Veil at all? I think I might be wasting turns by using it instead of dealing damage with Murakumo.
 

EDMIX

Writes a lot, says very little
I should really go back to this and do the endings I've still not done.

But man, that Shiva was such a brick wall for me that I can't see myself beating him. I have to try tho, I really want to get that true ending.

Btw, I'm on the mood for some more SMT and have been thinking about the Digital Devil Saga games. Have you fine people played those? How are they?


God like sir. Some of my favorite JRPGs of the PS2 era.

I own them on PS2, but bought the digital version off of PSN for PS3 for the zomg. They still hold up really, really well, but I expect Sega to port all of them to PC, PS, Nintendo etc as some collection as I have a feeling they are looking to re-market that series like we saw with Yakuza last gen, aka remake 1 and 2, put out some remasters and get everyone up to speed.

The fact that we even have that Persona fighting game getting a remaster, SMT3 remaster, tells me this gen their plan might really be to get those games on modern hardware like they did Yakuza. That series is thriving now based on that push. So they are pretty solid and hold up well, but I'm pretty sure we will see a remaster soon if Sega want that easy money lol
 

TintoConCasera

I bought a sex doll, but I keep it inflated 100% of the time and use it like a regular wife
God like sir. Some of my favorite JRPGs of the PS2 era.

I own them on PS2, but bought the digital version off of PSN for PS3 for the zomg. They still hold up really, really well, but I expect Sega to port all of them to PC, PS, Nintendo etc as some collection as I have a feeling they are looking to re-market that series like we saw with Yakuza last gen, aka remake 1 and 2, put out some remasters and get everyone up to speed.

The fact that we even have that Persona fighting game getting a remaster, SMT3 remaster, tells me this gen their plan might really be to get those games on modern hardware like they did Yakuza. That series is thriving now based on that push. So they are pretty solid and hold up well, but I'm pretty sure we will see a remaster soon if Sega want that easy money lol
That's actually the reason I haven't played it yet lol. Was about to do so when they announced the HD Remaster for Nocturne, so instead I thought about waiting for the eventual remaster of DDS.

The thing is, I don't know if I want to wait more man. The game looks pretty cool, specially with all those hinduism aesthetics and that godly OST I have already listened to a few times. :messenger_grinning_sweat:

Still hope they remaster those games, and the Raidou ones too. The PS2 era gave us a lot of great SMT titles and they deserve to be put on the spotlight once more.
 

Danjin44

The nicest person on this forum
Yeah I don't wanna use cheap tactics here either, would love beating him in a more proper way.

I already have my Nahobino like that. Do you use Kannabi Veil at all? I think I might be wasting turns by using it instead of dealing damage with Murakumo.
Oh yeah especially against his pierce and Tandava attacks, biggest advice is when they summon Ananta, do everything you can to kill that motherf**cker.

Edit: Cleopatra or Zeus is good demon against him for debuffing them.
 
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MudoSkills

Volcano High Alumnus (Cum Laude)
I played DDS back in the day and really enjoyed it, although I haven't replayed it since, so the memory is hazy. IIRC both games are quite short, I think I beat both parts in less time than it took to finish Nocturne on my first playthrough.

Strange Journey is coming back into my head a lot. I really fucking love that game.
 

drganon

Member
Just beat the game. I got the "chaos" ending, at least that's what a website I read called it more or less. Overall, I enjoyed the game. Might try to see the other endings and get the "true" ending.
 

EDMIX

Writes a lot, says very little
That's actually the reason I haven't played it yet lol. Was about to do so when they announced the HD Remaster for Nocturne, so instead I thought about waiting for the eventual remaster of DDS.

The thing is, I don't know if I want to wait more man. The game looks pretty cool, specially with all those hinduism aesthetics and that godly OST I have already listened to a few times. :messenger_grinning_sweat:

Still hope they remaster those games, and the Raidou ones too. The PS2 era gave us a lot of great SMT titles and they deserve to be put on the spotlight once more.

Agreed. All of that needs to be put on modern platforms so expect PC and PS ports in the future
 

laynelane

Member
God like sir. Some of my favorite JRPGs of the PS2 era.

I own them on PS2, but bought the digital version off of PSN for PS3 for the zomg. They still hold up really, really well, but I expect Sega to port all of them to PC, PS, Nintendo etc as some collection as I have a feeling they are looking to re-market that series like we saw with Yakuza last gen, aka remake 1 and 2, put out some remasters and get everyone up to speed.

The fact that we even have that Persona fighting game getting a remaster, SMT3 remaster, tells me this gen their plan might really be to get those games on modern hardware like they did Yakuza. That series is thriving now based on that push. So they are pretty solid and hold up well, but I'm pretty sure we will see a remaster soon if Sega want that easy money lol

Oh man, the dream! I would love remastered versions of DDS 1&2. It'd be great if they were shipped in one package too considering 2 is a direct continuation of 1. Agreed they hold up really well. I just played through them both again recently and had an absolute blast.
 
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Danjin44

The nicest person on this forum
Overall, I enjoyed the game. Might try to see the other endings and get the "true" ending.
For true ending you need to finish Khonsu and Amanozako quest line and beat super boss Shiva before you make the final choice.
 

Andyliini

Member
Just beat Lahmu. It was a challenge, but I was able to beat him on my first try. Almost ran out of MP, I wish the store would carry MP healing items. I have tons of money, but nothing to use it on.

I have no idea how far I am into the game, but so far it has been a pleasure to play, altough I have been taking it slowly.
 

Shaqazooloo

Member
I've recently started putting more time into the game, I'm really loving the gameplay and exploration. The game gives a lot of options which I'm always a fan of and the unique skills really helps make demons feel special or useful in their own way.
Geez, the difficulty spike on hard mode after you get to the fairy village is nuts! The max HP of enemy demons seems to have gone through the roof! What a challenge.
I haven't really noticed a difficulty spike myself, hard mode has been surprisingly chill for the most part imo.
 

Y0ssarian

Banned
I have been "late" in picking SMTV up because I've been dicking around with my Series X the past couple of months and wanted a break from jrpgs.

For some reason this game is already going for more than RRP on eBay in Australia and is sold out in places like Dick Smith til February. The game is supposed to be like $70-$80 AUD, but on eBay people are selling it second hand for $130-$100 AUD. I was lucky that I managed to get the last copy from EB Games, it's on it's way to me now
 
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TintoConCasera

I bought a sex doll, but I keep it inflated 100% of the time and use it like a regular wife
Now that the dust has settled... What do you say fellas? Did the game met your expectations?

For me, I've been kinda disappointed by the writing and story. Characters needed more time on screen.

Aside from that it has been all I wanted, and even more, since I didn't expect to like the exploration as much as I did! Specially since Nocturne and IV had pretty straigth forward dungeons. Combat and music are top-notch in V too.

hard mode has been surprisingly chill
Holy fuck, you must be pretty good cause I had trouble maybe up until the third area! That said it was a good challenge, never felt cheap or unfair.

I have been "late" in picking SMTV up because I've been dicking around with my Series X the past couple of months and wanted a break from jrpgs.

For some reason this game is already going for more than RRP on eBay in Australia and is sold out in places like Dick Smith til February. The game is supposed to be like $70-$80 AUD, but on eBay people are selling it second hand for $130-$100 AUD. I was lucky that I managed to get the last copy from EB Games, it's on it's way to me now
That's kinda weird, it was at like 35$ a few days ago at Amazon. That said those games tend to go up in price with time, like it happened with the 3DS ones.

Hope you enjoy the game!
 
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Danjin44

The nicest person on this forum
Now that the dust has settled... What do you say fellas? Did the game met your expectations?

For me, I've been kinda disappointed by the writing and story. Characters needed more time on screen.

Aside from that it has been all I wanted, and even more, since I didn't expect to like the exploration as much as I did! Specially since Nocturne and IV had pretty straigth forward dungeons. Combat and music are top-notch in V too.
I said this before from gameplay and exploration perspective its my favourite SMT game but Strange Journey still have my favourite story in SMT.
 
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TintoConCasera

I bought a sex doll, but I keep it inflated 100% of the time and use it like a regular wife
I said this before from gameplay and exploration perspective its my favourite SMT game but Strange Journey still have my favourite story in SMT.
Yep, I don't see it getting any better. Maybe remove dampeners so bosses become less predictable? Aside from that, a 10/10 on the gameplay department for me.

Man I really need to finish SJ some day... Dropped it at Sector E, but I think I'll start it from scratch next time. Combat kinda didn't clicked for me, but I remember liking the bosses very much. (That Asura fight...)
 

Danjin44

The nicest person on this forum
Yep, I don't see it getting any better. Maybe remove dampeners so bosses become less predictable? Aside from that, a 10/10 on the gameplay department for me.

Man I really need to finish SJ some day... Dropped it at Sector E, but I think I'll start it from scratch next time. Combat kinda didn't clicked for me, but I remember liking the bosses very much. (That Asura fight...)
Those things become useless when bosses start using Almighty and pierce attacks and I would say boss's Magatsuhi skills are not the biggest threat, for example Surt uses Maragidyne in Magatsuhi but he randomly uses Ragnarok which is can be bigger threat.

As for Strange Journey I'm also not much fan of alignment co-op system, its fine if the enemy has weakness but if doesn't it slows down the fight to a crawl, as for Asura fight you have use Brave Heat skill to protect yourself against his annoying status ailments skills.
 

TintoConCasera

I bought a sex doll, but I keep it inflated 100% of the time and use it like a regular wife
Those things become useless when bosses start using Almighty and pierce attacks and I would say boss's Magatsuhi skills are not the biggest threat, for example Surt uses Maragidyne in Magatsuhi but he randomly uses Ragnarok which is can be bigger threat.

As for Strange Journey I'm also not much fan of alignment co-op system, its fine if the enemy has weakness but if doesn't it slows down the fight to a crawl, as for Asura fight you have use Brave Heat skill to protect yourself against his annoying status ailments skills.
Yeah you are right mate, those later bosses were awesome and a good challenge thanks to those pierce attacks. Had lots of "should I just restart" moments where I was almost wiped out but ended up coming up and winning the battle. Love those moments in those games man.

I'll try to remember that for the Asura fight. I remember beating it thanks to realizing I could (almost) avoid those ailments by guarding.
 

Danjin44

The nicest person on this forum
Yeah you are right mate, those later bosses were awesome and a good challenge thanks to those pierce attacks. Had lots of "should I just restart" moments where I was almost wiped out but ended up coming up and winning the battle. Love those moments in those games man.

I'll try to remember that for the Asura fight. I remember beating it thanks to realizing I could (almost) avoid those ailments by guarding.
What surprised me was Pierce in SMTV is much stronger than Nocturne, in that game it goes through everything except repel and when I first faced Zeus I thought it might work same way so I used Magic Mirror and thought it would work.......NOPE!
BothUglyAmericancrayfish-max-1mb.gif
 
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TintoConCasera

I bought a sex doll, but I keep it inflated 100% of the time and use it like a regular wife
What surprised me was Pierce in SMTV is much stronger than Nocturne, in that game it goes through everything except repel and when I first faced Zeus I thought it might work same way so I used Magic Mirror and thought it would work.......NOPE!
BothUglyAmericancrayfish-max-1mb.gif
Haha yeah! I wasn't expecting that either. Kinda like it tho, it's cool for bosses to have an "I'm gonna fuck you up" attack that you can't counter in any way.
 

MudoSkills

Volcano High Alumnus (Cum Laude)
I'm really happy with it. The gameplay and soundtrack in particular are top notch but the way characters are handled feels like a step down from Nocturne because it's less about being minimalistic and more about being underwritten.

I said it before but Strange Journey is the best written SMT game and has the best handle on how alignments are determined from what I have played.
 
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