Atlus on Shin Megami Tensei V – themes and keywords, working with Unreal Engine 4, more

With Atlus preparing a new teaser trailer for Shin Megami Tensei V yesterday, Famitsu shared a new interview with Kazuyuki Yamai, who is leading development on the game. Although Yamai didn’t offer any gameplay specifics, he spoke with the magazine in general about topics like themes and keywords, as well as using Unreal Engine 4.

Gematsu translated the tidbits from the interview that have leaked online thus far. We’ve rounded them up below.

– The first Shin Megami Tensei title was released in October, 25 years ago
– Atlus wanted to tell everyone that the Shin Megami Tensei series will continue, so this timing was used to make the announcement
– The team wants to reexamine the “characteristics of the era”
– There are surely many people frustrated by troubles both at home and abroad, such as anxiety about finding a job and getting old, or terrorists and nuclear weapons
– Atlus wants to make a Shin Megami Tensei game that can sympathize with such an era, which is the team’s challenge
– The keywords “Shekinah Glory,” which appeared in the trailer, literally translate to “miracle of God”
– When you actually play it and have these keywords in your head, Atlus thinks you will be able to feel their true meaning
– Shinagawa Station is one spot where modern day Tokyo is well represented and is involved in the story
– This is the first time Atlus is using Unreal Engine 4
– The development environment has changed dramatically, and you can check what you made immediately on the game screen, meaning they can cut down on a lot of time working over ideas and trial-and-error
– Classic elements like demon fusion will be included
– Atlus is considering new elements as well
– Atlus wants to deliver a hybrid game that combines the profound appeal of Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne and the popular training elements of Shin Megami Tensei IV and the like
– Can’t even say it’s “Coming Soon” yet, so fans are asked to wait a little while longer