This week, we’ll be highlighting our favourite games of 2021. Here’s number 4!

#4: Shin Megami Tensei 5

If we were to sum up SMT5’s appeal with one word, it’s “mystique”.

Everything about the game’s narrative is ominous. Yet if you put the time into its combat, its challenge, and its labyrinths, you’ll find a worthy rich narrative to unveil. At least anything that isn’t the main plot, which is about as SMT as you can get: choose a side, rule the world with said side or destroy all of it, challenge the top dog demons in their own game, all of that in the vaguest and direct of senses.

Rather, it’s the many demon sidequests and subplots (particular the Egyptian & European fairy demon storylines), as well as demon negotiations and off-kilter conversations that give SMT5 its flavour; one that you can call your own strange journey. All of the game’s trademark demons are lovingly animated and have their own bats*** insane logic that’s only apparent to them; it’s hard not to fall for some of these eclectic personalities beyond their usefulness as party members. Idun, Mermaid, Isis, Black Frost, Lilim: each of them have their own little quests that we would rather do alongside the hardcore party-building and customization aspect, instead of the main plot with the humans and the Bethel organization.

Besides, SMT5 gets the top spot for best JRPG of 2021 just for its soundtrack alone and its dedication to inserting as many battle themes as humanly possible. Seriously, how can you not love this level up theme?