Persona 5 Review

Introduction

Persona 5 is a role-playing video game developed by Atlus. It was released in Japan in 2016 and worldwide in 2017. The game follows a group of high school students, known as the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, as they fight against corruption and societal issues in Tokyo. The game received critical acclaim for its story, characters, gameplay mechanics, and art style.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Persona 5 is divided into two parts: dungeon crawling and social simulation. In dungeons, players explore various locations, fight enemies using turn-based combat, and solve puzzles. The combat is one of the highlights of the game, featuring a wide range of strategic options and stylish animations. Each character has a unique persona that grants them special abilities and weaknesses. Players must also manage their health, mana, and resources carefully to avoid running out of options in battles.

Outside of dungeons, players can engage in social simulation, where they interact with non-playable characters, build relationships, and improve their stats. The social simulation aspect of the game is just as important as the dungeon crawling, as it affects the story and characters’ abilities in the game’s combat system. The game features a calendar system that controls the time players can spend in each activity, adding an element of time management to the game.

Story

The story of Persona 5 is intricate and engrossing, with many twists and turns that keep players engaged throughout the game’s 100+ hour playtime. The game tackles themes of societal corruption, the power of rebellion, and the consequences of one’s actions. The characters are well-written and complex, with their backstories revealed gradually throughout the game. The game also features multiple endings, adding to the replay value and providing players with different perspectives on the story.

Art Style and Music

Persona 5 has a distinct and stylish art style that sets it apart from other games in the genre. The game’s menus, user interface, and character designs feature a unique blend of anime and pop art influences. The music in the game is also excellent, with a jazzy and upbeat soundtrack that fits the game’s tone perfectly.

Conclusion

Persona 5 is a fantastic game that excels in every aspect. The gameplay is engaging and strategic, the story is engrossing and timely, the art style is unique and stylish, and the music is excellent. The game is a must-play for any fan of the role-playing genre, and it deserves all the critical acclaim it has received.