Shin Megami Tensei V producer Kazuyuki Yamai has provided an update on the game’s development in a recent interview with a Japanese magazine, alongside an unexpected revelation that developer Atlus is considering a Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne remake or port. The third entry in the long-running Shin Megami Tensei franchise, Nocturne was originally released in Japan for the PS2 in 2003, and in the US the following year.
As translated by Gematsu, Yamai confirmed that the developers are indeed “working hard on” Shin Megami Tensei V and that it really is in development, despite the lack of updates so far. He also said that almost everything from “existing demons and new characters is currently running on the hardware.” That sounds promising since this game will be the first game in the franchise to be powered by Unreal Engine 4.
To alleviate any concerns about the game not being treated as seriously as it should be, he reassured gamers that “we’re making a game with content appropriate for a numbered title and without any compromises.” Yamai also promised that the developer will share more updates when “the time is ripe.”
Last but not least, the most surprising piece of information revealed by Yamai was the possibility of a Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne remake or port. He said that the developers were “constantly considering” it and that they’re waiting for an “opportunity.” Nocturne was an underrated gem of a game, due to its notoriously high level of difficulty and its exploration of controversial subject matter, like literally being able to battle Lucifer or even God with a capital G at the end of the game.
Shin Megami Tensei V was initially teased in January 2017, as part of the original unveiling of the Nintendo Switch console itself. Its official title was later confirmed in October 2017, along with a short trailer that revealed little about the highly-anticipated RPG sequel. Rewatch the announcement trailer for the upcoming game below.
