Netherworld Best Friends Club | Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance EARLY IMPRESSIONS

[@ArloStuff]

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is out RIGHT NOW! Hit this link to learn more: gsght.com/c/c9mzqb Also CORRECTION!!! I misspoke when I said that you "lose turns" when demons hit your weak points. More accurately they gain turns, and you lose turns when you hit their resistances.

[@JoshTheWoz]

smt shrek mini teams

[@yourcollegedebt8384]

You're probably gonna get a lot of comments about SMT 3, so I'll share my own thoughts. While the lore and atmosphere are fantastic, the gameplay pales in comparison to 5. My general advice to new SMT players is to check out 3 first. Not because it's the best, but because 5 is such a massive upgrade in my opinion.

[@SeantheDracunyan76]

I would love to know whats your favorite demon mine had to Neko Shogun because...well you know

[@tygamike]

@@yourcollegedebt8384 5 has a lot of improvements as far as QoL goes, but I'd say Nocturne is by far the better complete package.

[@shpladau]

@@yourcollegedebt8384 I think the storytelling and intrigue of 3 is better imo, but the moment to moment gameplay of 5 is much better.

[@sereniski_]

New arlo skin unlocked

[@technonut9821]

This makes me want to see arlos in alternate colors!

[@jalengaskin8450]

@@technonut9821didn’t we get that

[@BryonGarrison-v6i]

Woo hoo 🎉🎈🎈

[@technonut9821]

​@@jalengaskin8450Please give me ditections I did not know this

[@shpladau]

"When enemies hit your weaknesses, you lose turns." Actually, they gain turns. You lose turns if you hit their null/absorbtions.

[@Xirbtt]

And missing loses you turns as well. It's why out of all the buffs and debuffs the most powerful one is the accuracy one.

[@AirahsELL]

I think that was just a script error since he got it mostly right.

[@THEchakkid]

Metaphor refantazio does the same!

[@KumoKumiko]

Arlo negotiating demon labor rights was the skit I didn't know I needed 😂

[@inspica380]

Honestly, I don't even really like smt, I'm just watching this video for the Arlo in it. That skit was by far the best part of this video.

[@zephshoir]

It was so relatable too 😢 Let's go Demon Unions!

[@savagej4y241]

What makes it absolutely brilliant with the conclusion is that... we all know deep down inside that if we became demon employers, we'd be searching for EVERY possible loophole to worm our way out of a fair contract. Actually decent human beings wouldn't do that to other human beings, but when you're dealing with people who aren't human or even humanoid... That's a peek into the heart of darkness right there.

[@x3SayuriChan]

I love how fridays off was the breaking point to fuse it with a Slime xD

[@qwefg3]

You know the difference between demons and labor rights? You fuse the demon with another and you no longer have to worry about labor rights or weekly pay.

[@strain42]

I still remember the Nintendo Direct when we actually got a lot of news on the original SMTV and Arlo was so bored during that section during his reaction and saying that Direct really didn't have anything special. It's kinda nice to see he's come around on the franchise some now that he's actually played them.

[@666skinnyboy]

this video is sponsored, so maybe he still dont like it, but the money...

[@maegnificant]

Paid advertisement bro

[@七百七十七]

I LOVE DEATH METAL SANTA WIZARD ARLO

[@TheVicarstownSentinel]

WITH TEETH

[@AirahsELL]

Arlee-ho

[@Redhollow]

That entire negotiation skit is honestly something I believe would be in an SMT game word for word.

[@mystraunt2705]

That skit was legit my favorite arlo skit. Had me smiling so hard my face hurts

[@robertcountry2347]

"Alright imma fuse you with a slime!"

[@TangoMango20XX]

Arlo finally covered SMT 😭 This is a beautiful day!!

[@LukeSkywalker-zv3xy]

Hopefully xenoblade or dragon quest next 🙏🙏🙏

[@Loxen86]

That intro was super fun. Thanks

[@jameslawrenson1208]

Dental and medical insurance is a good deal.

[@jokermorningstar5816]

Persona: Kill demons with your friends Mainline SMT: Kill your friends with demons

[@Shnarfbird]

SMTVV: Kill demons and your friends with your friends who may or may not be demons

[@dannybeeblebrox754]

I honestly thought the demon arlo was negotiating with was going to leave with all his stuff because that’s smt baybeeee

[@savagej4y241]

LOL thought that was going to happen at first too, like almost every time the demon asks for 5+ things, they're doing it to see how much of a sucker you are. Gotta cut them off after 4 things so they see you're capable of setting boundaries.

[@Shnarfbird]

Of the two games I have played, it happened often in 3, not at all in V, and a few times in VV. Though funnily enough, if you chase them back down in VV (Maybe V too) they will be all "Oh yeah I managed to get that errand done I'll join you now lol don't kill me"

[@Magic_Ice]

Atlus is slowly turning Arlo into an RPG guy

[@PedroMatos482]

I'm just waiting for the day he makes a video on what Pokémon should take from SMT xD

[@Globbaglobglob]

Atlus did that to all of us didn't they

[@SarajevoKyoto]

I've been an Atlus fan since Robopon

[@shpladau]

Arlo is a fan of classic Paper Mario at the very least.

[@Octorocker743]

The only thing missing from the demon negotiation skit was the demon taking your money, asking if you were a top or bottom, calling you a pervert, and then running away while complimenting your hair....all in the same breath. I'm excited for Vengeance!

[@Lukuknight695]

The day Arlo reviews Xenoblade Chronicles is the day I know that I can die happy and rest easy lol

[@DigiBrad]

I don't think that will ever happen though

[@Yamartim]

I remember how arlo used to be all like "oh no rpgs are too complex for me I can't do anything harder than paper mario" and now our boy is going for one of the most hardcore rpg series out there! Crazy what an atlus sponsorship can do huh

[@peterkozlowski4377]

Yep, a demon on a dental plan

[@jaderabbit898]

Not the furthest thing a Demon wants. There's even a God of Toilets (I'm not kidding).

[@SilentKiller1197]

@@jaderabbit898 is this in reference to that side quest in strange journey?

[@jaderabbit898]

@@SilentKiller1197 Yes and no. It’s a reference to Kanbari.

[@GreyWolfLeaderTW]

Seeing Arlo dress up as long-haired vampire-fanged santa reminds me of that classic Resident's Inn commercial starring Alice Cooper, who interrupts a guy who's mowing his lawn while dressed in his full goth/heavy metal attire for his act and advises the guy to spend time with his family on a vacation and asks, "You don't want your kids to grow up to be weirdos, do you?"

[@wumbol0gy871]

Commercials used to mean something.

[@foxxarie]

Hearing Alro do SMT related humor is pure gold to me, just can't help but adore it!

[@raycoiro7475]

As a lifelong SMT fan, that skit was absolutely hilarious and I loved it

[@Steinop]

That fight may have been the most gripping and climactic opening to any video on this platform I’ve ever laid witness to.

[@joechill6327]

You know he's a powerful foe with the BeatEmUps hairdoo.

[@ellpoyohlokoh]

I love your skits, they're so good! I was really hoping for that fusion joke haha

[@phishfoood]

The way i explained it to my friends is it's like Persona but you have the flexibility of 4 main characters.

[@OOFUS4103]

But persona is literally a spin-off of mainline smt

[@Liteb1]

​@@OOFUS4103 there are persona fans who don't even know what SMT is, it's understandable

[@phishfoood]

@@OOFUS4103 although a spin-off Persona is far more popular and most will never have heard of SMT

[@shpladau]

​@OOFUS4103 The sad truth is that Persona is the first RPG Atlus could even give us in the west, and even that was considered niche. It's hard to market a series in the west like SMT when most people don't even understand what the name means.

[@happygofishing]

@@OOFUS4103 SMT fans keep coping but the harsh truth is that persona has been more relevant than SMT for like 12+ years now.

[@Nyarlathotep727]

Ah yes! SMT: The original Monster Catching RPG.

[@solidskullz5736]

Vampire Santa Arlo is my new favorite Arlo. The intro sold me immediately

[@dekucake]

Love how both of Arlo's SMT/Persona reviews so far have been completely unhinged and funny

[@SageofStars]

As a game in its franchise, the story isn't bad, and as a game period, that gameplay is polished to a mirror shine. The additions made from base are ALL good ones so far, and the graphics? This thing is beautiful. And the pacing remains excellent, which is hard to do.

[@yakumorisuke9403]

It's great to see you enjoying this series! I often feel that SMT gets unfairly overlooked in favour of Persona and it's nice to hear you having a good time with it

[@MustachioedBear]

Currently playing Strange Journey Redux on 3DS. Once i finish gonna pick this up.

[@TheAxeLordOfFire]

Love that one. Loved the New Law Ending, too.

[@instinctive3066]

First Persona now SMT? Well this has been an unexpected surprise but I’m happy that you keep reviewing Atlus games, hopefully this continues when Metaphor comes out

[@TheGoblinHub.]

It’s literally because atlus keeps paying him

[@Dingalow]

I love seeing this great game get the love it deserves and not being mislabelled as "weeb shit". Also, yeah, that soundtrack absolutely bops and it was such a crime that this game didn't even get nominated for best soundtrack in the game awards that year.

[@TurnaboutAdam]

Obviously sponsored videos will be different but I’m glad Arlo seems to enjoy this. Especially the music. Utterly brilliant soundtrack.

[@greatspaceadventure]

This game made it onto ARLO’S CHANNEL?!? I can already tell it will be one of the most successful SMT titles in the long run. Crazy!!!

[@TheGoblinHub.]

Because atlus paid him Bruh

[@666skinnyboy]

because of money

[@axellycan5070]

I really liked the bit at the beginning. Fantastic work.

[@rawrdino7046]

Fun fact, in older smt games there was another currency for demons, which drain depending on how many you have in your party in the overworld, and when you put them in your stock

[@KatelynTea]

Actually you paid Macca to summon in 1 and 2 but Magnetite would drain with each step depending on your demons summoned

[@BocVel]

Bro that bead chain reaction really hit home

[@d4clt218]

Demon wants weekly payments, dental, and medical? Who's gonna tell them they're gonna be fusion fodder?

[@7thAlchemist_0174]

Yes Arlo, come to the dark side. We have cookies.

[@AirahsELL]

Probably the one thing I like most about SMT over Persona (aside from the absolute lack of school life stuff) is the fair--play system that Press Turn offers, and I'm glad to see that it resonates with Arlo as well.

[@blueocten]

When you put on that wig, all I can think of is Wood (Beatemups) Arlo.

[@ronanlewis6119]

Butternut squash? Y E S P L E A S E !

[@savagej4y241]

The bit at the beginning was already excellent, and conclusion at the end made it PERFECT. We all know that's exactly what we'd do to create a loophole out of that contract lmao

[@wihatmi5510]

Giving only two weeks of paid leave would be illegal in Germany.

[@SamM_Scot]

That opening skit is on point 🤣

[@ravenebony2267]

With that thumbnail, how could i not click?

[@Aether_Athea]

Okay that intro and outro were incredible, love them sm! Also the game does look really neat!

[@zapdos23590]

Was hoping there would be a fuse joke at the end, nailed it.

[@LarkyLuna]

Persona 1 and 2 had this this SMT DNA of talking to and convincing demons to join your side as personas, it was so good too Each ally had the P3~5 ability to take on any demon/persona so you could build a whole team just like SMT but with each human taking the front P2 is still one of my favorite SMT/Persona stories Sometimes I wish Persona kept some of its SMT roots that it shedded off from 3 onwards, but I love both series

[@wombocorp]

I think that aspect of P1 and 2 is really cool, but I kind of understand why they dropped it because it would be a lot to manage combined with the social sim stuff and it allows each series stand out more. Also I got really tired of grinding for cards in P2 for fusing so I didn't fuse that much lol, but the story is phenomenal. P2 IS is my favorite for the story alone. EP is really good too though. I love P2.

[@kirotarakai]

I never in a million years expected for Arlo to consistently do skits based on Atlus games, but I'm here for it! Can't wait to see what Arlo does for Metaphor!

[@chrisruston3920]

I miss when Arlo used to do that at the beginning of his videos or throughout his video. Please bring back Death!

[@iwannaplayssbb6665]

Persona = Dating simulator with JRPG elements SMT= occult Pokemon, like, seriously, remember back in the 90's when preachers were condemning Pokemon for being Satanic, well this is it

[@justajoshy]

Petition for Atlus to make a game of the Arlo demo we saw at the beginning of the video.

[@epicgamner1139]

based on what arlo has said about this game and persona 3 reload, hes gonna LOVE persona 5 royal

[@yphoenix5957]

One great thing in you get in SMT that you can't in Persona is the satisfying insatiable power fantasy. In Persona you work ss a team and get more options but you yourself don't feel powerful, your Demons do. In Shin Megami Tensei you immediately realize just because you're "Special" doesn't make you _almighty._ However over time you overcome past ordeals you would believe impossible, and you would steamroll these gigantic like the insects they are. I remember a phrase back in the day of NieR; Automata, "Become As gods" but now you might understand the craze in SMTV. SMTV music slaps harder then the hand of God! I'm happy they fixed the level scaling in SMTV, that was a big issue in the OG game, you'd get slapped around by monsters 10+ lvs higher then you.

[@raptorskilltor4554]

Arlo finally complete his smt embrace arc

[@BenRiley83]

That was an amazing video Arlo! I'm glad you got into Persona/SMT games! I played and finished this game on Switch a few years ago. It's so good!

[@SigmaEpyion]

I am glad that you enjoy SMT V: Vengeance Arlo. As someone who has played the original on the Switch, I can't express enough how much the game being on a different system is by itself the biggest improvement. Everything else that was included is just icing and eye candy to me. Unfortunately, many of the older games( outside of SMT 3:Nocturne and Persona 3,4, & 5) have not been ported onto modern systems so if you want to play them you have to fork over a chunk of money or Shiver me Timber them. My personal recommendations are Raidou Kuzunoha & Digital Devil Saga duo on PS2, Persona 1 & 2 (Innocent Sin and Eternal Punishment) on psp, and Devil Survivor & Strange Journey on 3DS.

[@skeletonorchestra2900]

Opened up youtube and was instantly recommended the TopicArlo video, only got recommended this one wayyyy later lol

[@DragonNexus]

I am a bit of a Persona fan (only played 4 Golden and 5 Royale) and had never played SMT. I went looking for a review to see if it was my kinda thing, preferably from someone who also hadn't had much experience with the series. And looky here. Arlo, one of my fave creators, has done exactly that for me. Thank you!

[@tonythekillab8189]

Real SMT Game status: Played

[@mitishh516]

Arlo? Covering Shin Megami Tensei? More likely than I would have thought!

[@jordanchicksen]

Yessss Arlo talking about one of my favourite games!!

[@venezuela0076]

That skit was hilarious 😂😂😂

[@wombocorp]

arlo you gotta check out smt iv's soundtrack if you like this ones. it has the same composer (ryota kozuka) and is equally phenomenal.

[@Orangemushroom554]

Didn't expect arlo to play this, cool

[@21powah]

*Smash cut to the World of Shadows* "We didn't discuss fusion!" "YOU DIDN'T READ THE FINE PRINT."

[@TimurSokol]

Arlo slowly becoming an atlus fan and next is metaphor

[@vinegar4556]

I love how incidentally, the "500 Macca per week" thing is actually kind of accurate to some of the older games in the franchise where it did consistently cost macca just to have demons in your party as you moved around.

[@mekman4]

Great Stuff, and good to hear!

[@jackchong5324]

Its also funny when you hear about a necromancer who is confronted by their undead creations who formed an union

[@KittyKatty999]

Arlo is my favourite Demon! His unique powers are almost OP!

[@Parth1713]

For those who are playing the story of creation (original SMT 5 story) - they have added the new demons along with the QoL and new side missions to flesh out the game a little bit more. Enjoying this a lot more already than the original release.

[@weeklystruggle4205]

loved the skit

[@ndrzst24]

I found SMTVV because the Eshop description made the Nahobino sound kind of like Ouroboros from Xenoblade 3, which I liked. It is not. Still liked the game tho

[@CaptainMarvel4Ever]

Never thought I'd see this review, mad respect.

[@GalaxyJakeYT]

If Arlo plays Metaphor I will be so happy

[@notfairdeletethistweet]

What... EXPOSURE?

[@Stormkyleis]

Petition for Arlo to use that costume for every single video moving forward

[@Silvamoon]

Honestly demons do get experience fighting under you. Considering they’re always in the same level range throughout the game I’m guessing something is preventing their leveling. It is a benefit to them.

[@grymdylan]

your one complaint will not be a complaint anymore if you get to the later areas! it's unpredictable what might offend a demon you're trying to recruit and make it exit the battle entirely. having another one right there immediately to reattempt with is always welcome

[@wonder6835]

i wonder if you gonna try metaphor re fantazio?

[@Bulzeeb15]

Awesome coverage. Just a slight correction: When demons hit your weaknesses, they get additional turns. If either side dodges an attack or nullifies it in some way is how turns can be lost so defense when party building plays into it as well

[@benji-menji]

Keep in mind that the game might stutter a bit on PC, even if you fudged with the graphics. Not too bad especially if you have a laptop and keep it cool (or that does nothing, not entirely sure), but if you want perfect performance then a console version will probably work better. The stutters happen in some spots and cutscenes can be a bit wack sometimes on the first time loading up. One more small issue I have heard from people is that pre-rendered cutscenes are in 720p. They still look good so for most people its a nitpick, but some people believe in perfect video quality will complain. Don't let that change you decision to get this game though.

[@modder15]

The funny thing that always happens with new comers to smt is that they compare it to pokemon, when smt came way b4.

[@Alpacalypse8]

Welcome to the Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock fold. Enjoy the journey, because that's what these games are about. My personal favorite aspect is the attention to detail and lore of the mythical, religious, spiritual and demonic creatures you are collecting, and experimenting with the fusion system to build really powerful beings.

[@Did_No_Wrong]

Glad Arlo experienced SMT. He should revisit the older gems like Devil Survivor, Strange journey and nocturne. Games are brutal, but really fulfilling as you steadily build a party of literal Gods of myth and Demon Lords which is such a cool contrast from the early game where you started out with low level pixies and Slimes.

[@alexinabox6931]

I love the original so much so I'm stoked to try the new route.

[@Vladytronik]

Any way to buy the upgraded edition if you have the older SMT-V? Or are you stuck paying for the entire game again?

[@cookeecutkk]

I’ve probably been listening to the SMT V OST daily since I’ve finished the original two years ago. Ryota Kozuka is the man 🤘

[@blueberrycake2272]

so happy to see Arlo playing atlus games! I've always loved the style of his videos, and it's great to see him enjoy the great games too. hope u enjoy the rest of the smt v vengeance :)

[@demi-fiendoftime3825]

Been a fan of this series since 2013 and I love it more than persona. Shin megami tensei doesn't care about you or your feelings and will kick your ass if you dont wise up. On top of this your in an apocalyptic war for the fate of the world you need to pick a side in this battle or you will be destroyed and more so it may not be a side all your friends agree with so you may have to fight them to the death. Sacrifices will be made, doubts will be had and struggle will occur and its such a fun unique experience every time.

[@conormitchell309]

The opening skit opened my mind to a very fun spin on Pokemon

[@RoderickGrant-te3qk]

One of your best intros Arlo 👏

[@sRtAoIrNm]

Persona 5 Royal was so incredible, I put more hours into it than any other PlayStation game and Persona 3 Reload was also fantastic. Atlas really hits it out of the park with these deluxe versions of their RPGs.

[@Mirai_24]

Is that arlo costume a jack frost reference lol

[@JuliaSin]

Wait wait wait.... I could have saved anywhere last night?!? I ran back to the first font last night to save for no reason 😂

[@nyxnight6311]

A fellow smt v enjoyer!

[@ginpachi1]

That is one wild thumbnail! 😂😂😂