SMT5 Vengeance promises to be a massive, challenging experience in the world of JRPGs. Similar to the original release, but with a full secondary story, and a wealth of quality-of-life changes. Many fans, whether they played the original or not, are very excited to get back to the world of angels and demons in a post-apocalyptic setting.
The MegaTen franchise is also unique, compared to any other JRPG series out there, offering a setting and difficulty that few games can measure up to.
The following games will, in one way or another, get you ready for the challenge that comes with SMT5 Vengeance, in the world of JRPGs. The original game was an excellent one, even if it was played less, because it was a Switch exclusive.
Now that it will be on multiple platforms, more people than ever will have access. If you want to play another challenging, fun JRPG in the meantime, here are some picks to consider.
JRPGs to tackle before SMT5 Vengeance
1) Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne
Few series in the JRPG catalog are as difficult as the Shin Megami Tensei games, so SMT 3: Nocturne is a great choice before diving into SMT5 Vengeance. I chose this because it’s now much easier to get ahold of, due to the HD Remaster that was released. As someone who played it on the PS2, it’s a game that definitely stands out.
The story will feel somewhat familiar, and the challenge is definitely there. Another great reason to pick this up is one thing that holds true in the MegaTen games, many of them keep similar, or even identical elemental strengths/weaknesses in the various monsters you battle/recruit. Since the MegaTen monsters are based on real-life angels and demons, they are often re-used. This is a great game to revisit before SMT5 Vengeance.
2) Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is on the list of games to play before SMT5 Vengeance for the sheer scope of its story, and its vast open world. SMT5 Vengeance is a mostly open-world JRPG, so having something of a similar depth would be welcome for sure. It’s a rich story that you can easily get caught up in, with memorable characters.
It’s also arguably one of the best, and most addictive JRPGs to come out in the past decade, receiving praise from every corner of the internet. With gorgeous visuals, fantastic combat, and a mountain of content to explore, it’s worth it to dive into Xenoblade Chronicles 3 first.
3) Dragon Quest XI
Dragon Quest XI is such a fascinating game. It’s definitely a game worth playing before going into the grim, hopeless world of the upcoming JRPG SMT5 Vengeance. To those who haven’t played it before, DQXI might look like a cute, adorable game, but it’s hiding some dark, sorrow-filled storytelling, that’s for sure.
It’s also one of the best JRPGs of all time, with classic characters designed by the late, great, Akira Toriyama. It tells people to not give up hope even in the darkest times, and has at least 100 hours of content to tide you over until SMT 5 Vengeance is out. With the hopes that fans will see more Dragon Quest announcements soon, why not dive into the latest one?
4) Persona 5 Royal
When it comes to JRPGs that you should play before SMT5 Vengeance, Persona 5 Royal is definitely among them. This goes especially if you’ve never played a MegaTen game before. It’s likely going to be easier and less expensive to pick up than SMT3, and it offers a different experience from the hopeless worlds of SMT.
Persona 5 Royal instead tells a more modern story, with many familiar demons from across the MegaTen universe. An excellent blend of interpersonal dynamics and dungeon crawler, players need to balance their school, work, and criminal lives all at the same time. It’s a brilliant challenge, and one worth undertaking.
5) Fire Emblem: Three Houses
If you want a challenge where every move matters, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is the JRPG you need to play before SMT5 Vengeance. You can turn off permadeath if you want, but that’s been a staple of Fire Emblem games since the beginning. A notoriously challenging series, each house has its own story – with one house having a branching path – so it fits nicely into games you should play first.
SMT5 Vengeance is a game you might wind up playing a few times to get all the endings, and to see the differences between the two storylines. If that’s the case, you’ll want to try this before diving into the brutal world of a mysteriously devastated Tokyo.
6) NieR: Automata
Speaking of games with multiple endings and potentially brutal difficulty, welcome to the world of NieR: Automata! Few games also have a world that is as destructive and depressing as this one does, while also being so satisfying to play. I’ve never played a game before that filled me with a greater sadness, except perhaps the first NieR.
While that sounds really bad, we promise it isn’t. NieR: Automata is easily one of the best JRPGs created for so many different reasons. If you want to get yourself emotionally ready for SMT5 Vengeance, pick this JRPG and you won’t be disappointed.
7) Shin Megami Tensei 5
Finally, you should play the original Shin Megami Tensei 5! Sure, you’ll be kind of playing the same game twice, but playing the first will mean you can instead focus on the new storyline the game offers, which diverges from the original. It will also likely make you appreciate all the changes for SMT5 Vengeance all the more.
Shin Megami Tensei 5 definitely feels similar to the other MegaTen games, in its setting, challenging gameplay, and a vast assortment of angels, demons, and others that you can recruit to your side. With multiple endings, a fascinating story, and plenty of side quests and areas to explore, getting acquainted with this world will properly prepare you for the next version.
SMT5 Vengeance releases on June 14, 2024, and is an extension of the original game. In addition to the original storyline, there’s a mysterious new story players can explore, which is its own complete, full playthrough.
The world of JRPGs offers something for everyone – whether you want a bright, cheerful world, or something grim and upsetting, there’s always going to be something for you.
