No worries! Take your time responding, I've always enjoyed how laid back and slower paced this website is compared to the rest of the internet, so no need to ever rush. I've been here a long time and definitely won't be going anywhere.

If it's been that long for you, you will no doubt be blown away by returning to the SMT universe! It's been about that long for me as well, so I was completely sucked in when I started SMTV. I'm at a point now that I am at the end but sad it's going to be over so just slowly finishing everything up. I would love to hear your thoughts on the game when you get to check it out and enjoy SMTIV!

SMT IV and Apocalypse have some of the greatest worldbuilding in gaming I've ever seen. It's such a good setting, in fact, that I have intentions to do something I haven't done since I was like, 13 - write a fanfic.

...So basically, if you love that kinda thing, wrapped up in a nifty, really good JRPG combat system, plus some banger music, you're in for a blast.

Only downside is no more 3D Demons, but the compendium is as such over double the size of other SMTs, and the sprites have so much personality to their animations that you'll barely notice.

Apparently there is also a ton of homage to SMT I and II, and even a nod to Strange Journey, but as someone who started with IV, they were lost on me.

Good luck, and, just a warning... the alignment system is a little jank in this. You may get a route you really do not want to be a part of, just because you were a gentle(wo)man, or just because you were slightly snarky one time. In fact, it can be so egregious, that getting Neutral often has players rely on a guide. Personally though, I managed to get it without one on my second playthrough, so YMMV.

That's awesome, hopefully they remaster more of the SMT games on modern consoles so that they are more easily accessible for people to discover and veterans to enjoy replaying. So sorry to hear you couldn't get it on launch! Believe I've been in your situation too many times, I didn't even think I would be able to get it on launch but I got lucky. I think you will love it, so far it's my favorite SMT and my GOTY this year so I think you will have an amazing time playing it. The exploration, atmosphere, music, battles and story are all top notch! You can tell a lot of passion went into creating it as it's just a blast to play. Would love to hear your thoughts on it whenever you get a chance to check it out.

EDIT: Btw, I hope I'm not spoiling anything too much in my progress notes! If it seems like I am, feel free to let me know since I don't like to be spoiled either but so far I'm been just trying to make a note of battles and nothing story related.

Oh I see you completed Strange Journey. I played it a long time ago but barely remember... Playing SMTV really makes me want to play older SMT games. Many years ago I had copies of Nocturne and Digital Devil Saga. SMTIV was such a great game too and I really like the Devil Survivor series as well. Anyway, cool to see another SMT fan.

That's truly great to hear, I was really hoping that it would be as incredible of an experience as it has been in my head as I have been let down by overhyping a game before, but I'm so glad to hear that this time that isn't the case! That's exactly what I've been saying to others, it looks like the impossible mash-up of BotW and Dark Souls. I can't believe those two types of games are actually coming together, two of my all time favorites. It feels like this game was made for me (as I am also a fan of George RR Martin's writing), so needless to say words can't describe how excited I am for this game.

Thanks about the theme! I like yours too, very chill vibes. I enjoy seeing your theme changes.