Persona 5

Persona as a series has always been beloved for its mix of real-life scenarios and relatable situations, combined with the surreal and action-heavy scenes in between. The series is known for its well written and relatable characters, it’s JRPG turned based combat system and the ability to let players approach the game in any way that they choose, with their choices playing a major role in how the story pans out. So with Persona 5, really fans only wanted more of the same.

This game plays rather like other games in the Persona series. However, outside of this, the game also plays like JRPG titles like Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga, Danganronpa, Final Fantasy XV and The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel. With many fans hailing Persona 4 as the best title in the series to date, the fifth iteration had big shoes to fill. So the question is, did this game live up to the hype? We find out in our review of Persona 5.

Built With Love and Care

When comparing to it’s most recent predecessor, Persona 5 handles level design a little differently. Up until now, the series had relied on procedural generation to create environments and dungeons. However, this time the developer has decided to hand make each area, each with its own unique aspects and puzzles which help to make each area feel fresh and interesting throughout the entire runtime of this game. Not to mention, they are much bigger, meaning much more to explore.

Then with regards to the combat, returning fans will feel right at home with a familiar turn-based style making a return. It’s a very complex system but it’s so intuitive that one rarely stops to notice. Additions to the system this time around include negotiation, a focus on ranged weapons, plus the ability to fuse personas together to create the best ally for battle. The game tailors to every possible playstyle and we have to say, we really enjoyed it.

A More Cohesive Story

In past games in the series, with emphasis on Persona 4, the story always felt like it took a back seat, letting the characters and their relationships shine through. However, in this title, it feels like quite the opposite. The core narrative is gripping throughout the whole campaign meaning that even without character interaction, this game still has a lot to offer story-wise. Plus, that’s not to say that the characters are weak, far from it. They just offer their own standalone moments throughout rather than a group effort that relies on all parties being present.

Then with a focus on the daily routine aspect of this game, this iteration allows for more choices, more activities and more people to forge bonds with. It goes without saying if you are a fan of the series, but each decision you make, however small, can be crucial and this game makes the player feel the weight of their actions better than any has done before. It’s a real triumph.

The Verdict

Overall, Persona 5 is a step up from its predecessor in every single department. A feat that is no easy one considering the quality of Persona 4. The visual and sound quality is outstanding, the turn-based combat is complex yet intuitive, the story is more cohesive than before and the level design has risen in scope drastically.

Pros:

• Art and sound are outstanding
• Story is more cohesive than before
• Combat is familiar but improved
• Plenty of fanfare for fans of the series

Cons:

• Mandatory grinding
• Persona 4′s characters were arguably stronger

The Persona series is one of the most revered in the JRPG space and Persona 5 takes all to a whole new level. Once again, you step into the shoes of the main character, a teenage boy who finds himself on the wrong side of a lawsuit after attempting to rescue a woman being molested. In an attempt to carry on with his life, his family sends him to Tokyo to live with the only person who will take him. It’s there where the veil of reality is lifted and a shadowy world influenced by human emotion is revealed. Through the new friends the MC makes, he will form the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, a group aiming to used this alternate world to do good in a world filled with lies and corruption.

More Than an RPG

As a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei series, Persona has always been a JRPG at heart, but with a twist. By adding a robust set of social simulation features, Persona games are more than just about levelling up your party through battle. Persona 5 is no different. Beyond the battles through dark dungeons, known as Palaces, you’ll also need to spend time with your party members. The deeper your bonds, the stronger you become.

Multiple Personality

Every member of the Phantom Thieves has their own set of abilities thanks to their Persona, a spirit-like being that’s a manifestation of their rebellious nature. The MC, though, can have more than one Persona, meaning he has access to pretty much any attack and element in the game. You can collect new Persona’s in Persona 5 by negotiating with enemies. On top of that, you can fuse and upgrade your Personas to make more powerful ones to take into battle.

Stealth Infiltration

The Phantom Thieves in Persona 5 are on a mission to change the hearts of the corrupt. In order to do this, they must infiltrate their Palaces, a twisted image of how these evildoers view the world around them. It won’t be easy, though. Each Palace is filled with enemies to take down and puzzles to solve. By reaching the end and defeating the boss of the Palace, a shadow version of its master’s personality, the MC and his group can steal the Palace Treasure, forcing the master to confess their crimes in the real world.

The Bottom Line

Persona 5 is one of the best JRPGs of 2017 for a reason. Its engaging story, relatable characters and deep gameplay all make up an experience that other games struggle to replicate.

Pros

• An enthralling story filled with twists, turns and plenty of memorable moments
• The collect and upgrade mechanics for the MCs Personas feel like a spin on the Pokemon formula
• A high energy jazz-inspired soundtrack you’ll want to listen to over and over again

Cons

• Some may find the story too long
• The combat can feel too easy after the first few hours