Shin Megami Tensei V Gameplay Screenshots Highlight Demon Negotiation and Fusion

The Shin Megami Tensei series has been an RPG mainstay since the early 1990s, drawing players in with bleak narratives, philosophical choices and demon-recruitment systems. A new generation will soon discover why the cult franchise has such a following, as a new mainline instalment arrives on Nintendo Switch on 12 November. Ahead of launch, we have shared exclusive previews of Shin Megami Tensei V. Today’s screenshots offer a closer view of negotiation, demon fusion, and skill and stat-building systems, while also introducing several intriguing characters encountered during the journey.

Shin Megami Tensei V negotiation and demon fusion

Starting with the gameplay, enemy demons can once again be persuaded to join you, as in earlier entries. Each demon has its own personality and peculiarities, while Atlus says new behaviour patterns and moon phases - especially new and full moons - will influence their temperaments.

The screenshots also illustrate the various demon fusion options: special, reverse, elemental and creating your own demon. By visiting Sophia in the World of Shadows, you can produce stronger demons. Special fusions combine between two and four demons, while elemental fusions can promote or demote a demon into another member of the same family.

Essences, Glory and Miracles in Da'at

There are further options for adding abilities and boosting your party’s statistics. Essences - spiritual cores containing demon powers - can be discovered while exploring the parallel world of Da'at and interacting with its demons. Combining them with the protagonist allows his skills and affinities to be tailored to your preferences, and they can also be used on demon party members to alter their powers.

Da'at also contains Glory, a manifestation of divine dignity. In the World of Shadows, Glory can be exchanged for Miracles: potent abilities that change the laws of nature. Atlus says these offer a range of skills that can help with battles, negotiations, demon fusions, skill potentials and even stat-building. All of these gameplay elements can be seen in the gallery below.

Shin Megami Tensei V characters: Yakumo, Nuwa and Abdiel

The gallery opens with the enigmatic Shohei Yakumo, who will hinder the protagonist’s progress through Da'at. His true goals and loyalties remain unknown, but he describes himself as a demon exterminator and works alongside Nuwa, who is a demon herself.

Nuwa appears next. This goddess from Chinese mythology has collaborated with Yakumo since his youth, and she confronts the protagonist without warning or mercy. The next featured character is the archangel Abdiel, who leads Bethel’s main branch. Atlus describes her as stern, uncompromising and fiercely devoted to God. She will not respond well to anybody obstructing Bethel’s plans, and will protect God’s order at any cost.

Before that, take a look at one of the 200 demons encountered during the adventure: the beast Loup-garou. Atlus says familiar favourites will return, but several new demons will make their debut as well. They were designed by Masayuki Doi, who has worked with Atlus since Persona 2: Innocent Sin. The final character in the gallery is Sophia, whom you visit in the World of Shadows to take part in demon fusion or spend Glory.

That is the latest look at Shin Megami Tensei V, launching for Nintendo Switch on 12 November. We will share further details about the game as they become available. What do you think so far?