Persona 5 Royal Review – Stealing Hearts in Style
Game Name: Persona 5 Royal
Developer: Atlus
Initial Release Date: October 31, 2019
Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Introduction
Persona 5 Royal, an expanded version of the critically acclaimed Persona 5, is a masterpiece that blends stylish graphics, captivating storytelling, and innovative gameplay. Developed by Atlus, this RPG takes players on an unforgettable journey through the hearts and minds of Tokyo’s residents, offering a deep dive into themes of freedom, rebellion, and societal reform. Read the scoop, in our full Persona 5 Royal review!
Gameplay Overview
At its core, Persona 5 Royal is a turn-based RPG that combines dungeon crawling with life simulation. Players step into the shoes of a high school student who leads a dual life – an ordinary student by day and a Phantom Thief by night. The game’s unique calendar system dictates the flow of daily activities, including attending school, forming relationships (known as “Confidants”), and exploring the Metaverse – a supernatural realm born from humanity’s collective unconscious.
Unique Elements
What sets Persona 5 Royal apart is its striking visual style and jazz-infused soundtrack. The game’s aesthetics are a blend of manga-inspired art and contemporary design, creating an immersive world that’s both modern and fantastical. Additionally, the expanded storyline and new characters in Royal add significant depth to the narrative, providing a richer experience than the original.
Gameplay Mechanics
The heart of Persona 5 Royal lies in its combat system and Persona management. Players engage in strategic battles using Personas – manifestations of the characters’ inner psyche. These battles require careful planning and a blend of physical attacks, magical abilities, and cooperation among team members. Outside combat, the game’s social simulation aspects allow players to develop relationships and unlock new abilities, further enriching the gameplay experience.
Graphics and Sound
Graphically, Persona 5 Royal is a visual feast. The game’s distinct art style, with its bold colors and fluid animations, is a testament to Atlus’s attention to detail. The soundtrack, composed by Shoji Meguro, is equally impressive, featuring a mix of acid jazz and rock that perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere.
Additional Features
Persona 5 Royal introduces new elements such as the Thieves Den – a customizable space where players can view collectibles and play mini-games – and a third semester that adds new story content. These additions, along with quality-of-life improvements, make Royal the definitive version of Persona 5.
Verdict
Rating: 9/10
Persona 5 Royal is a near-perfect RPG experience. The game’s engaging storyline, deep character development, and innovative gameplay mechanics create a captivating world that’s hard to leave. The deduction of one point is due to occasional pacing issues, particularly in the early stages of the game. However, these are minor in the grand scheme, and Persona 5 Royal remains a must-play title for RPG enthusiasts.