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[MudoSkills]

Got started on this yesterday and really liking it so far. Have got to Tokyo Tower and just had it open up after beating the first boss. Coming straight off Nocturne it feels really expansive every time a new area opens up. You quickly learn not to try and take on every mob that you come across, and like some other people have said, strength build at the start of the game doesn't seem to be the way to go.

>try to recruit demon
>fail, end turn
>demon gathers magutsuhi

 

[TintoConCasera]

Compared to SMT 1, 2, and 4? Yes. I do. Far, far more balanced.

Most of the "difficulty" is simply trying to survive the incredibly increased crit chances, which requires grinding. Example, the first boss. Even when I built a party to basically null all fire damage, buff the shit out of us and debuff the boss, even using guarding. At level 19 I was still two shot by RNG Hydra basic attacks. This happened 7 attempts in a row. Doesn't matter how much I buffed up, how much I put into vitality, how debuffed his attack was.

RNG is not "hard". It's unfair. You can't plan around a one turn instant kill that happens completely randomly.

Sorry man but I think you just had bad luck. I beat that boss on the second try, it was very hard but never felt unfair.

I'm 40 hours in and never had to grind so far. Next time you see yourself in trouble just use some grimoires/gospels, it's a much much faster way of leveling up your key demons.

 

[MMaRsu]

Wtf is a grimoire or gospel and how do I use incences?

 

[BadBurger]

Wtf is a grimoire or gospel and how do I use incences?

Grimoires are items one can find that will grant a demon that is lower level than the Nahobino enough experience to level up.

No idea wtf a "incences" is

 

[TintoConCasera]

Wtf is a grimoire or gospel and how do I use incences?

Grimoires are items one can find that will grant a demon that is lower level than the Nahobino enough experience to level up.

No idea wtf a "incences" is

Incenses I think increase the stats of a demon. There are also balms, which are the same but for the Nahobino.

You also have another kind of item to increase your demons elemental affinities, but I don't remember how's that called.

You should also be using your demon essences a lot. Having a Daemon with bufu for the first boss fight helped a lot.

 

[MMaRsu]

I thought I ran across some items it said like 'strength incense"

Im sure it wasnt an essence

 

[MudoSkills]

You also have another kind of item to increase your demons elemental affinities, but I don't remember how's that called.

Sutra.

 

[Dr. Claus]

Sorry man but I think you just had bad luck. I beat that boss on the second try, it was very hard but never felt unfair.

I'm 40 hours in and never had to grind so far. Next time you see yourself in trouble just use some grimoires/gospels, it's a much much faster way of leveling up your key demons.

Again, the issue was never the level of my demons. It was getting RNG one shot by the boss, regardless of item usage or buffs/debuffs. The only way to beat it was to either get lucky enough where he didn't use that attack pattern or grind to a level where I could survive it.

That isn't good design. That is terrible design.

 

[TintoConCasera]

Again, the issue was never the level of my demons. It was getting RNG one shot by the boss, regardless of item usage or buffs/debuffs. The only way to beat it was to either get lucky enough where he didn't use that attack pattern or grind to a level where I could survive it.

That isn't good design. That is terrible design.

Which was your level at that point? I think I beat it at 16 without getting one hit killed. Sorry if I doubt you but man, our experience with that boss is so different that I'm wondering what could be the issue.

 

[Dr. Claus]

Which was your level at that point? I think I beat it at 16 without getting one hit killed. Sorry if I doubt you but man, our experience with that boss is so different that I'm wondering what could be the issue.

Level 19. Buffed Defense, debuffed boss attack, null Fire damage. Focused entirely on leveling vitality from 15 to 19. Still was getting two shot by critical basic attacks on MC.

 

[TintoConCasera]

Level 19. Buffed Defense, debuffed boss attack, null Fire damage. Focused entirely on leveling vitality from 15 to 19. Still was getting two shot by critical basic attacks on MC.

Uh... shit man, guess you are just very unlucky then.

Were you guarding before the magatsuhi attack? Some bosses do special attacks after charging that, and with this one I found the best strategy was to just guard before it. Using sukunda/kaja on the Nahobino also helps.

But yeah, too me that sounds like you just were very unlucky. Hope you have a better experience next time.

 

[Interfectum]

I've never played a game like his before (never an SMT game, half of Persona 4 on Vita), is this a good starting point? Is this a game where I can grind my way past difficult bosses and whatnot?

 

[SF Kosmo]

I'm not disappointed with the graphics, it's really the performance that's my issue. It's pretty sluggish and laggy.

Yeah, I wasn't sure if the game was having trouble maintaining its frame rate or just because I have mostly been PC gaming lately and I haven't looked at 30fps in months, but I do hope the game gets the rumored PC port because I think it would look very nice.

 

[Missingnomer]

So I have no-lifed the game over my long weekend and am around level 50. So I have some thoughts on the game so far. I think I am almost done with my first playthrough. Maybe give or take 10 hours? Unless I am completely wrong and there is another 20+ hours. lol

Firstly, the story is almost non-existent. There is a cutscene between each area where you fight a boss and a couple minutes of cinematics happen and then they plop you into a new map to explore. Rinse and repeat. I am really bummed they didn't have a more fleshed out story. Unless the last leg of the game has a crazy amount of story to make up for it. Just there to give you a tiny reason to progress in the game. SMT4 and Apocalypse had much more story content spread throughout your playthrough that kept me interested.

Secondly, the combat/bosses are so tightly tuned grinding doesn't do a lot. I have done every side-quest and fused every possible demon and still find myself struggling to not get obliterated by even trash mobs. It is an engaging system, though. However, there is a big problem with boss difficulty I found. The bosses are highly scripted when it comes to their magatsuhi attack so you can just use a dampener for whatever attack they will always use. Makes the boss fights completely trivial and, in some cases, easier than trash mobs in their respective areas.

Lastly, the performance on switch is pretty bad. The open world is choppy at best. When you are in combat, the game runs great, but just running around in the world tanks the frames. My eyes were getting a little sore after my long play sessions. Seems like the devs didn't want to tone the graphics down for a solid 30 fps, which is a shame.

Overall, I am having a fun time with the game. I am definitely going to enjoy my second and third playthroughs when I have my omega demons that just one-shot everything, but I just wish there was more story to sink my teeth into. I guess it makes subsequent playthroughs painless when you don't have so much story to skip (Persona 4 and 5 were such pains to skip through in ng+).

 

[Missingnomer]

I've never played a game like his before (never an SMT game, half of Persona 4 on Vita), is this a good starting point? Is this a game where I can grind my way past difficult bosses and whatnot?

It is like Final Fantasy and Tales games. Each entry is unique unless it explicitly says so like 13-2 or 10-2 in FF. SMTV is a standalone entry so you can go right in with no problems. The difficulty in these games depends a lot on what difficulty you select. If you play on safety (easy) mode, you are going to have no problems beating the game, but if you play on normal or hard, it can get pretty brutal. Particularly in this game, you can't really grind within a reasonable amount of time to "overpower" the bosses. You have to use the combat mechanics to best them.

 

[SF Kosmo]

It is like Final Fantasy and Tales games. Each entry is unique unless it explicitly says so like 13-2 or 10-2 in FF.

This is true of 3, 4, and 5, so your advice is valid in this case, but SMT 1 and 2 are very much in continuity with each other, as are Persona 1 and 2, and a bunch of the spinoffs.

For whatever reason, 3 is the lucky number for critically acclaimed soft reboots in SMT (and SMT itself was a soft reboot third game of Megami Tensei). And 5 might be the lucky number for breakthrough commercial success.

 

[TintoConCasera]

Hopefully this game sells good enough for Atlus to start doing spinoffs that aren't Persona again.

 

[MudoSkills]

Nahobino Kart.

 

[SF Kosmo]

Hopefully this game sells good enough for Atlus to start doing spinoffs that aren't Persona again.

I think that's less about the commerical success of those games and more about the cost of developing games now compared to the past. There were spinoffs even on 3DS like Strange Journey and Persona Q, but developing for Switch isn't vastly cheaper than developing for PS5 when we're talking about JRPGs, so it's partly just a question of resources.

Which has LONG been a huge issue for Atlus. Like they didn't actually make a fucking PS3/360 title until Catherine in 2011, 6 years into the generation, because they considered current gen development too expensive. Even Persona 5, which was by far the most ambitious game Atlus had ever produced at the time, was clearly an upscaled last-gen game that covered for its lack of technical ambition with truckloads of style.

So if anything I hope commerical success makes them feel more confident to spend on production values. SMT5, despite being on Switch, feels pretty consistent with other high end JRPGs in terms of scope and production value like DQ11 or Takes of Arise, so that's encouraging, but it would be even better if they targeted higher end hardware.

 

[Shaqazooloo]

Buffs and debuffs got super nerfed in this it seems. Can only target one demon, only lasts three turns and apparently it maxes at 2?

I know SMTIII buff and debuffs were broken as hell and somewhat in IV as well but this seems to be an over correction.

 

[Jsisto]

Buffs and debuffs got super nerfed in this it seems. Can only target one demon, only lasts three turns and apparently it maxes at 2?

I know SMTIII buff and debuffs were broken as hell and somewhat in IV as well but this seems to be an over correction.

I'm about 12 hours in and starting to see party wide buffs/debuts becoming available.

 

[Danjin44]

Buffs and debuffs got super nerfed in this it seems. Can only target one demon, only lasts three turns and apparently it maxes at 2?

I know SMTIII buff and debuffs were broken as hell and somewhat in IV as well but this seems to be an over correction.

You eventually get get group buffs later on, I personally like how it's done in 5th game. In Nocturne you get group buff/debuffs very early which you can abuse the crap out of it, once you get Fog Breath most bosses couldn't even touch you.

 

[Sgt.Asher]

I have a bicorn that can dish out massive physical damage(right after tokyo tower), but it takes a turn to set up and can lead to severe punishment. High risk, high reward i suppose.

Edit:I may have fucked my MC build though, i was focusing on luck and it may not effect crit chance. I can't find a definitive answer.

 

[Buggy Loop]

My copy has shipped! Much better than the dec 10th date they gave me previously.

 

[Bkdk]

Glad they are using unreal engine, which means the pc version will be so good with mods! My biggest complaint so far is no decent pc version with mod tools; also I wish they will add demons dating and demon porn. Could be possible with pc version with mods though!

 

[Mercador]

Missingnomer : Thank you for the excellent review, you are better than 90% of the reviewers out there because you are honest.

Danjin44 : Did you get your copy yet ? Still no copies available at the regular retailers.

 

[TintoConCasera]

Buffs and debuffs got super nerfed in this it seems. Can only target one demon, only lasts three turns and apparently it maxes at 2?

I know SMTIII buff and debuffs were broken as hell and somewhat in IV as well but this seems to be an over correction.

It's not that bad, specially when you have more demons with buffs/debuffs skills. It also adds to the boss fights, since another thing to manage means a bit more of difficulty.

I'm having a blast with the game so far. I think hard mode must make it slower since I'm 50 hours in and (still?) level 45. I don't want this game to end, the exploration and fights are so fun and that's basically 95% of the game.

 

[Danjin44]

Danjin44 : Did you get your copy yet ? Still no copies available at the regular retailers.

Tomorrow I finally getting my copy. I dont have to worry about about low physical copy in retailers because I already preordered, the problem was all copy for SMTV in Canada pushed back to 16th.

I don't want this game to end, the exploration and fights are so fun and that's basically 95% of the game.

To me thats the most important part in SMT games, some people who come from Persona might be disappointed that this games is not story heavy but to me the combat and exploration makes up for that and it lend itself well for multiple playthroughs.

 

[TintoConCasera]

Tomorrow I finally getting my copy.


To me thats the most important part in SMT games, some people who come from Persona might be disappointed that this games is not story heavy but to me the combat and exploration makes up for that and it lend itself well for multiple playthroughs.

Then you are going to love it. The exploration is so much fun than in previous games, having lots of things to find and many paths to explore inside one area.

I'm also finding the hard difficulty better tuned than in previous games. After 50 hours some normal enemies can still give me trouble (or even one shot me if they start the fight, which you can avoid) and the bosses are a challenge.

 

[Danjin44]

Then you are going to love it. The exploration is so much fun than in previous games, having lots of things to find and many paths to explore inside one area.

I'm also finding the hard difficulty better tuned than in previous games. After 50 hours some normal enemies can still give me trouble (or even one shot me if they start the fight, which you can avoid) and the bosses are a challenge.

I'm DEFINITELY playing this games on hard from get go, this I always done for most SMT games.

 

[Mercador]

Tomorrow I finally getting my copy. I dont have to worry about about low physical copy in retailers because I already preordered, the problem was all copy for SMTV in Canada pushed back to 16th.

Yeah, I preordered too. I just hope it won't delayed once again for some whatever reason. The lastest gossip I read it was Nintendo Canada that ask the shops to hold the copies... because some stores did broke the street date for Metroid. I don't know if it's true but if it is, that's not the good way to support your customers. Or they just wanted to make more sales on the eShop? Who knows.

 

[Danjin44]

Yeah, I preordered too. I just hope it won't delayed once again for some whatever reason. The lastest gossip I read it was Nintendo Canada that ask the shops to hold the copies... because some stores did broke the street date for Metroid. I don't know if it's true but if it is, that's not the good way to support your customers. Or they just wanted to make more sales on the eShop? Who knows.

If that happens......

 

[Mercador]

Let just say it won't and tomorrow at the same time, we'll be playing

 

[Danjin44]

Let just say it won't and tomorrow at the same time, we'll be playing

For your and everyone in this forum sake, I hope your rights.

 

[Northeastmonk]

Tomorrow is the big day Danjin44

 

[Danjin44]

Tomorrow is the big day Danjin44

 

[SF Kosmo]

Side note: The steelbook case this ships in is damn sexy. Atlus always has the best packaging. It's a little thing but I appreciate it.

 

[Krathoon]

I still haven't played the game. Maybe I will play a little before going to bed.

 

[DeaconOfTheDank]

Copy just arrived in time for me to play while on a business trip this week! Haven't played more than about an hour, but my god... the OST and atmosphere fucking rocks!

 

[Krathoon]

Ooooooooooooh. I put the cartridge in and it had to update.
I am charging up the Switch. I may play in the morning. I need to get the docking station setup so I can play on the tv. I need to make some room on the shelf.

 

[clem84]

Sorry, this has probably been asked.

I'm not familiar with this series. Can I just jump into SMT5 and enjoy it?

edit: NV found the answer.

Thanks!
\/ \/ \/

 

[Northeastmonk]

Sorry, this has probably been asked.

I'm not familiar with this series. Can I just jump into SMT5 and enjoy it?

Yes you sure can. New story and new characters. The game play loop is what stayed the same.

I missed Divine Garrison 2 or am I missing something. I have the ability to get 3 once I get 2, which makes me think I missed it somehow.

 

[Krathoon]

I think all SMT games are like Final Fantasy. They are separate stories that share elements.

 

[Danjin44]

I think all SMT games are like Final Fantasy. They are separate stories that share elements.

Not all, SMTII is sequel to the first SMT and SMTIV Apocalypse takes place during and after Natural event of original SMTIV.

 

[V4skunk]

I got it on Friday and just played it last night.
Seems pretty good.
Looks pretty good, not as nice as Xenoblade2 which imo is Switch gfx King but runs at higher resolution! None of that 240p potato quality XB2 could run at in some situations.
Fps seems OK but I think the controls make it feel worse.

 

[killatopak]

I'm in the same boat as Danjin. I'm just sitting here at home waiting for the delivery to arrive.

It's supposed to arrive today so I'm pretty excited.

In the mean time, any tips for those who have gone far already? Or should I just go in blind?

 

[Krathoon]

I'm in the same boat as Danjin. I'm just sitting here at home waiting for the delivery to arrive.

It's supposed to arrive today so I'm pretty excited.

In the mean time, any tips for those who have gone far already? Or should I just go in blind?

Just go in blind and see what happens.

 

[Danjin44]

Or should I just go in blind?

Honestly to me this is the best option, it's fun figuring things out yourself and every victory feels earned and satisfying.

My only advice is if this is your first time playing SMT then I would say start with normal.

 

[killatopak]

Honestly to me this is the best option, it's fun figuring things out yourself and every victory feels earned and satisfying.

My only advice is if this is your first time playing SMT then I would say start with normal.

Guess I'll go blind.

It isn't my first SMT, far from it actually but difficulty has been discussed a few times in this thread in terms of being harder than usual. Though the opposite is equally argued as well.

 

[Danjin44]

Guess I'll go blind.

It isn't my first SMT, far from it actually but difficulty has been discussed a few times in this thread in terms of being harder than usual. Though the opposite is equally argued as well.

Then go hard, I personally always choose hard from get go because its a blast, I might die few times but i dont mind it at all.