Now that Persona 5 Tactica is here – I thought it would be a good idea to have a quick story recap of the Persona 5 Storyline so far! More for me than anyone else reqally but here we go!
PERSONA 5
“Persona 5,” a part of the larger “Megami Tensei” franchise, is a highly acclaimed role-playing video game developed by Atlus. The game blends traditional RPG mechanics with social simulation elements and features a rich narrative, unique characters, and a distinct art style.
The story of “Persona 5” centers on the protagonist, a high school student referred to as Joker, who transfers to Shujin Academy in Tokyo after being falsely accused of assault. The narrative unfolds in a year-long period where Joker discovers his ability to summon a Persona, a manifestation of his inner psyche. This power embarks him on a journey of self-discovery and rebellion against societal injustices.
Joker soon forms the “Phantom Thieves of Hearts,” a group of high school students who possess similar abilities. Each member faces their own personal struggles and societal issues, such as abuse of power, corruption, and the challenges of adolescence. The game delves deep into these themes, exploring how each character overcomes their inner turmoil and societal constraints.
The core gameplay revolves around exploring the Metaverse, a supernatural realm born from humanity’s collective unconscious. Within the Metaverse are Palaces, physical manifestations of corrupt adults’ distorted desires. The Phantom Thieves’ mission is to infiltrate these Palaces, steal the corrupt hearts of their owners, and induce a change of heart in the real world, thereby resolving the societal issues caused by their targets.
A significant part of the game is also dedicated to the “Confidant” system, where Joker builds relationships with characters in the real world. These interactions are crucial, as they provide various gameplay benefits and deeper insights into the characters’ stories and the game’s overarching themes.
The art style, music, and presentation of “Persona 5” are notable for their flair and urban sophistication, reflecting the game’s themes of rebellion and youth. The UI design, character designs by Shigenori Soejima, and the soundtrack by Shoji Meguro are particularly praised for their unique and stylish contributions to the game’s atmosphere.
“Persona 5” received critical acclaim for its narrative, characters, and gameplay mechanics. Its exploration of societal issues, combined with its stylish presentation and deep character development, has made it a standout title in the RPG genre.
Looking ahead to “Persona 5 Tactica,” while there is limited information available, it’s expected that the game might build upon the foundations laid by “Persona 5.” It could potentially expand on the story and characters, possibly introducing new gameplay elements and storylines that deepen the already rich world of “Persona 5.” Fans of the series are eagerly anticipating further details and developments regarding this new installment.
PERSONA 5 STRIKERS
“Persona 5 Strikers,” also known as “Persona 5 Scramble: The Phantom Strikers” in Japan, is a spin-off and a sequel to “Persona 5.” Developed by Atlus, Koei Tecmo, and Omega Force, it combines the narrative and role-playing elements of the original game with the hack-and-slash gameplay typical of Omega Force’s “Dynasty Warriors” series.
The story of “Persona 5 Strikers” takes place six months after the events of “Persona 5.” The protagonist, Joker, returns to Tokyo for a summer vacation reunion with the Phantom Thieves. However, their plans are interrupted by the emergence of a new Metaverse-related incident.
The game introduces the concept of Jails, which are similar to Palaces from “Persona 5,” but with notable differences. Jails are manifestations of the collective desires of the populace, created by powerful individuals known as Monarchs who manipulate people’s hearts. Unlike Palaces, which are personal to their creators, Jails affect and manipulate the masses.
The Phantom Thieves embark on a road trip across Japan, investigating the mysterious Jails in various cities. Each Jail has its unique theme and ruler, reflecting the issues and conflicts within that location. The narrative explores themes like trauma, societal pressure, and the misuse of technology to manipulate public perception and desires.
Key to the storyline of “Persona 5 Strikers” is the introduction of new characters, such as Sophia, an AI with a heart, and Zenkichi Hasegawa, a Public Security officer. These characters play central roles in the game’s plot and add new dimensions to the story.
The gameplay in “Persona 5 Strikers” blends the turn-based elements of “Persona 5” with real-time action. Players can control multiple characters from the original game, each with unique combat styles and abilities. The game retains the “Persona” system, allowing characters to summon Personas during combat for various attacks and spells.
The story of “Persona 5 Strikers” is praised for how it continues the narrative of “Persona 5,” providing a new adventure that retains the depth, character development, and thematic richness of the original game. The shift to an action RPG format offered a fresh take on the familiar characters and settings, while still preserving the essence of the “Persona” series.
With “Persona 5 Tactica” on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how it builds upon the narrative groundwork laid by both “Persona 5” and “Persona 5 Strikers.” Whether it will continue the story from where “Strikers” left off, introduce new gameplay mechanics, or explore new thematic territories remains a point of excitement and speculation for fans of the series.