Persona 5 Royal Review: A Great Game Gets An Even Better Second Draft

When Persona 5 first released in 2016, it took the gaming world by storm with its stylish aesthetics, memorable characters, and deep JRPG gameplay. Now, Atlus has revisited this modern classic with Persona 5 Royal, a greatly enhanced version that adds new story content, refines the gameplay, and introduces welcome quality-of-life improvements. The result is an already stellar game that feels like a director’s cut – the definitive way to experience one of the best JRPGs in recent memory.

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In this Persona 5 Royal review, we’ll explore what makes this enhanced edition so special, from the expanded story and characters to the tweaks in the Persona 5 Royal gameplay that make for an even more engaging experience. We’ll also address whether you should play Persona 5 first or dive straight into Persona 5 Royal, and look at the Persona 5 Royal Switch review to see how the game fares on Nintendo’s hybrid console.

Expanded Story and New Characters

One of the biggest draws of Persona 5 Royal is the additional story content. The game introduces a new character, Kasumi Yoshizawa, a transfer student and gymnast who becomes entangled with the Phantom Thieves. Her story arc intertwines with the main plot, adding new context and depth to the narrative.

Another significant addition is the character of Takuto Maruki, a school counselor who plays a pivotal role in the new third semester. This extra story content not only extends the playtime but also provides a more satisfying and emotionally resonant conclusion to the game.

Refined Persona 5 Royal Gameplay

While the core Persona 5 Royal gameplay remains largely the same as the original, Atlus has made several welcome enhancements:

• The combat system has been tweaked, with bullets now refreshing after each battle, making gun attacks more viable.

• Baton Passes, which allow you to pass your turn to another party member for a follow-up attack, are now available from the start and can be executed multiple times in a row.

• The main dungeon, Mementos, has been restructured to be less tedious and more rewarding to explore.

• Palaces, the game’s main story dungeons, have been streamlined with the addition of new shortcuts and quality-of-life improvements.

These changes make the already engaging gameplay loop of Persona 5 Royal even more enjoyable, striking a better balance between dungeon-crawling and social sim elements.

Quality-of-Life Improvements

Persona 5 Royal also introduces a slew of quality-of-life improvements that address some of the original game’s pain points:

• The game now features a much-needed fast travel system, allowing you to quickly navigate between key locations in Tokyo.

• The UI has been overhauled, making menus more intuitive and streamlined.

• New activities and social hangouts have been added, giving you more ways to spend your free time and build relationships with confidants.

These enhancements, while not game-changing on their own, collectively make for a more polished and user-friendly experience.

Persona 5 Royal Switch Review

For those looking to play Persona 5 Royal on the go, the Nintendo Switch version is a solid port that maintains the game’s visual fidelity and performance. The Persona 5 Royal Switch review consensus is that, while not quite as sharp as the PS4 version, the game looks and runs great on Nintendo’s hybrid console.

The ability to play in handheld mode is a huge plus, making it easier to chip away at the game’s lengthy runtime during commutes or while lounging on the couch. If portability is a priority for you, the Nintendo Switch Persona 5 Royal review scores suggest it’s a worthy way to experience this fantastic JRPG.

Should You Play Persona 5 First or Start with Royal?

A common question among newcomers is whether they should play the original Persona 5 before diving into Persona 5 Royal. While both games tell a complete story, Royal is the definitive version, with its expanded content, refined gameplay, and quality-of-life improvements.

If you’ve never played Persona 5, starting with Royal is the way to go. You’ll get the complete experience, with all the enhancements and extras that make it the superior version. However, if you’ve already played and loved the original, Royal is still worth revisiting for its new characters, additional story arc, and gameplay refinements. If you want a seamless gaming experience, choose from a wide range of Airtel’s internet plans.

Conclusion

Persona 5 Royal is a triumph, taking an already incredible JRPG and elevating it to new heights. With its expanded story, refined gameplay mechanics, and welcome quality-of-life improvements, it stands as the definitive way to experience this modern classic. Whether you’re a newcomer to the series or a returning fan, Persona 5 Royal is an essential play for any JRPG lover.

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