Persona 5 Royal Steals Hearts with Style
A grandiose thievery of time as the Phantom Thieves carve their mark in the RPG world.
last updated Jan 02, 2024
With a blend of rich narrative, gripping gameplay, and a sumptuous audiovisual bouquet, it represents the pinnacle of JRPG artistry.
Life's a Heist in the Metaverse
The gameplay of Persona 5 Royal is akin to coordinating a complex ballet with rocket-powered shoes – elegant yet explosively dynamic. With this enhanced edition, the turn-based combat receives a fresh coat of polish, becoming more fluid and gratifying, while still demanding thoughtful strategizing against a myriad of creatively designed foes. Your days as a Tokyo high schooler are balanced by moonlight excursions into the depths of the human psyche, and the life simulator aspect isn't just fluff. Managing relationships with a kaleidoscope of endearing characters, the 'Confidant' system, offers tangible gameplay benefits that transcend mere narrative dressing. And new to Royal are the 'Showtime' attacks—flair-filled finishing moves that bring both devastation and a chuckle, like a cat with too much catnip.
Dungeons That Sing
The world of Persona 5 Royal whispers secrets through its soundscape, a mixtape blessed by the muses. From the velvet room's haunting vocals to the adrenalizing chorus of 'Last Surprise', the soundtrack is more than an accompaniment; it's a core pillar that elevates the entire experience. The jazzy beats are the lifeblood of the game's personality, setting the mood whether you're in the throes of battle or cozying up in a Tokyo café. And let's not skip the stellar voice acting that adds multidimensional shades to each character, fostering a connection deeper than any high school yearbook could hope to achieve.
Where Style Meets Substance
Gaze upon the gloriously stylish canvas of Persona 5 Royal and dare to say that aesthetics aren't a gameplay element. From the slick user interface that's practically a character on its own, to the vividly animated cutscenes and the Tokyo cityscape that bustles with an infectious energy—you’d half expect to receive a postcard from the Shibuya Station. Performance-wise, the game is a sleek panther on the prowl, stalking the fine line between form and function without a hitch. It’s smooth, it’s chic, and it whispers sweet nothings of graphical fidelity to your GPU, provided you aren't one of the unfortunate souls who've been hit by the crash bug menace before the main menu.
STEAM RATING
Developer
ATLUS
Publisher
SEGA
Release Date
October 20, 2022
The Verdict
Persona 5 Royal is a thief in the night, stealing away hundreds of hours with a mischievous grin and the promise of unforgettable adventures. With a blend of rich narrative, gripping gameplay, and a sumptuous audiovisual bouquet, it represents the pinnacle of JRPG artistry, albeit with a learning curve that could intimidate newbies. For veterans and newcomers alike who brave its depths, the rewards are manifold—a soulful journey with the Phantom Thieves that will linger long after the credits roll. It may have its flaws, notably a few bugs and a slight case of being 'too long for its good,' but it's a game that deftly balances the fun and the profound. Perhaps the toughest part about Persona 5 Royal is bidding farewell to your virtual comrades-in-arms once your heist on time finally comes to an end.
