Taking the hand of Yoko Hiromine in Shin Megami Tensei 5 will enter you into "a world yet unknown" at the start of the game. It is one of the most important decisions you'll make in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance where you will stand facing a dilemma as you notice a female silhouette floating mid- air. This will be accompanied by ominous voices warning you that she will lead the world to turmoil if you accept her hand.
The decision to take the girl's hand determines the plot you will experience in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. If you refuse to take her hand, you will begin the Canon of Creation. This is the story of the original version of Shin Megami Tensei V, with some new quests and quality-of-life modifications. However, if you accept her hand, you will be confronted with the Canon of Vengeance.
In this article, we will explore the backstory and relevance of the character of the girl, known as Yoko Hiromine in Shin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeance.
Note: Heavy spoilers for the story of Shin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeance will follow. Proceed at your own risk.
The story of Yoko Hiromine in Shin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeance
At the start of Shin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeance, the player is given the option of experiencing either the Canon of Creation or the Canon of Vengeance, the latter of which contains the story exclusive to Vengeance with Yoko (choosing the former locks the protagonist out of the new scenario for the rest of the game), while two unknown voices strongly oppose his decision. This brings Yoko into the material realm and takes the story in a far different direction from the original.
Yoko Hiromine in Shin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeance is a student at Saint Marina's Academy. She has been referred to as a Saint because of her capacity to utilize magic since she was a child. However, Mastema claims she was one of the creator goddesses who chose the next God to sit on the throne, only for the Creator to abandon that tradition and shut her away 18 years ago.
Nahobino and Yoko Hiromine in Shin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeance
Yoko Hiromine in Shin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeance now seeks vengeance against the creator and Bethel, starting to collaborate with the Qadištu to destroy the entire universe. She first encounters the protagonist after they descend into Da'at. She will also participate as a guest party member. However, in reality, Yoko was sent as a spy, to keep an eye on the protagonist for the Qadištu since the Nahobino is a suitable sacrifice to resurrect Tiamat.
When the protagonist confronts the Qadištu, Lilith reveals that Yoko is a spy and tells her to attack the Nahobino to which she relents. But as Lilith recovers all of her memories, Yoko resumes her wish to exact vengeance on the creator.
When the protagonist and Tao arrive at the Throne Room, they are interrupted by Yoko, who has reverted to her true form as a fallen creator goddess. She persuades the protagonist to join her side instead. In the "Law" route, the protagonist will turn down the offer and remain by Tao's side. In the "Chaos" route, however, the protagonist will be hesitant to accept her offer and join her side.
While on the first path, Yoko Hiromine in Shin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeance summons Tiamat to attack the group who is eventually defeated, the latter path will see Mastema intervene and fight them in Tao's place. At this point, Tao will now depart the party and be replaced by Yoko.
Mastema will assume control of Tiamat to fight them, with the primordial goddess suffering the same fate as she did in the "Law" Route and Mastema expressing disbelief at her defeat. The protagonist defeats Lucifer and destroys the whole Megami Tensei Multiverse, liberating it from the Mandala system and starting it afresh.
