Shin Megami Tensei V looks great on the Switch, and Elden Ring is shaping up nicely [Now Gaming]

Publication date of the original Japanese article: 2021-11-14 14:03 (JST)
Translated by. Nick Mosier

Now Gaming is a weekly digest that provides a quick overview of what our writers had played recently. Here we have the translated version of this week’s Japanese edition of Now Gaming.

Ah shit, here we go again

by. Taijiro Yamanaka

This week I’ve been playing Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Edition through Xbox Game Pass. It was nostalgic to walk down Grove Street towards CJ’s place and see that familiar view. The visuals have been remastered and taken a leap in quality, but they still feel like they’re from the time of the original releases. For better or worse.

Lately, I’ve been looking at other games that have been revived through remasters, and honestly, I wish the graphics and gameplay would be brought a little closer to the modern age. With that being said, it’s also enjoyable to experience it as it was. It’s still the same great game, and I’m happy it’s playable at 60 fps. I’m conflicted on whether the whole trilogy is worth buying, though.

On the golden carpet lies a red trap

by. Seiji Narita

This week I participated in the network test for FromSoftware’s highly anticipated Elden Ring. I left with the impression that it will meet fan’s expectations while still being fresh. There are a lot of times when the tactics that worked in FromSoftware’s past titles will work here, but they also change things up with some unexpected surprises. A split-second decision could mean life or death, even for experienced players. I’m looking forward to diving even further into the new systems like Ashes of War and the spirits that can be summoned.

One memory that really sticks with me from the network test was just before a boss area. In Elden Ring, if you want to offer assistance, you leave a golden sign for others to interact with. Just before a certain boss, golden signs from other players were laid out like a golden carpet. Maybe the demand was high, but I picked up sign after sign with no luck matching with anyone. “What’s a network test for, if not for this?” I thought and continued picking up signs. But when I actually connected with someone, it was through a red PvP sign I picked up by accident that was mixed with the sea of gold. Since I was already there, I fought the person, but lost. The game is sure to be bustling with signs when it launches on February 25.

The Switch’s internal fan is quiet

by. Ayuo Kawase

I’m playing Shin Megami Tensei V. This looks to be Atlus’s first simultaneous international launch, and it’s a level of quality that’s up to the challenge. The modeling is especially good. It can also be seen in the PR trailers and screenshots, but a big selling point for the game is how good the demons look in motion. They really draw you in.

On the other hand, the framerate mainly stays in the upper 20s but doesn’t feel like it reaches 30 fps. Overall, the graphics are high quality, and I don’t feel like anything sticks out as looking ugly. I was surprised at first, but they really went for it when it comes to the graphics, so I can accept the framerate. I think they’re top tier for the Nintendo Switch that must have cost a pretty penny to make.

The gameplay is good as well. I got stomped by the Tokyo Tower boss and an enemy you face near the waterfront. I think the balance of difficulty and ease of play is good, and there’s a lot of things I like, but generally speaking, I think the graphics are probably the biggest draw. It’s also very open, and it doesn’t feel too claustrophobic, which is good for me, personally.

By the way, I also bought all the progression related DLC but am only occasionally using the Mitama Dance of Wealth. I earn money and use it to summon demons and am thankful for the Reverse Compendium Fusion feature. Not turning on the DLC for Experience points and Miracles, and just using the Mitama Dance of Wealth to smoothly swap demons feels like a pleasant way to enjoy the game while still experiencing the intended difficulty.