There’s always a game that you want to try so badly, but for some reason, cannot give it a shot. Either you don’t own the proper console to play it. Your computer can’t handle it. You can’t afford to purchase the game. Or simply don’t have the required time. One way or another, I am sure that Persona 5 used to be a title that many wanted to play back in the day. I should know, since I was one of those people. I never owned a PlayStation 3, and since the game was exclusive to the console, all I could do was watch gameplays and read reviews. Japanese RPGs have always caught my attention, specially those with a modern setting and an anime style. Of course, Persona 5 fits the bill perfectly.
Thankfully, around three years after its release, I managed to finally play the original game. All thanks to a friend of mine who lent me his PlayStation 3. Having never played a Persona game before, let alone a Shin Megami Tensei one, I was blown away. I adored practically every minute of it. From its story and characters, the varied and engaging gameplay, to its stylized and flashy presentation. After 80 hours of gameplay, I finished the game. I still had some side quests and specials scenes to discover, but I wanted more. Just as I finished playing the original version, an improved version is announced: Persona 5 Royal.
Persona 5 gets the Royal treatment
This new version of the game not only adds new content, plot and more, but also improves the gameplay in many aspects. More importantly, despite releasing first on PlayStation 4, Persona 5 Royal has made its way to other consoles and PC. Being added to Xbox Game Pass, the game is also now playable via the cloud thanks to Xbox Cloud. Also, cloud service Boosteroid added the highly requested game to its library of supported titles. From being one of the most desired exclusives back when it launched, to being one of the most accessible title. Considering how good the game is, I am glad that everyone can enjoy it, regardless of their gaming platform of choice.
Sending the Calling Card
Persona 5 Royal is the remastered version of the popular RPG, Persona 5, originally released in 2016 for the PlayStation 3. The game, developed by Atlus and published by Sega, is set in modern-day Tokyo and follows the protagonist, a high school student who is transferred to a new school after being falsely accused of assault. The player must meet the demands of high school while also delving into the world of the “Metaverse”. A parallel realm where they can battle enemies and recruit new “Personas”, powerful beings that represent different aspects of the human psyche.
One of the most significant changes in Persona 5 Royal is the addition of new content. The game features a new main character, Kasumi Yoshizawa, alongside new Confidants, a new palace, and new story elements. The new Confidants, which are important side-characters, are well-written and add depth to the game’s story. The new palace is a welcome addition to the game, providing new challenges and rewards. Plus, the new story elements are a great addition, and they help to flesh out the game’s world and characters.
The Phantom Thieves
The plot of Persona 5 Royal follows the protagonist, a high school student who is falsely accused of assault and transferred to a new school in Tokyo. The player must navigate the social and academic demands of high school while also delving into the world of the Metaverse, a parallel realm where they can battle enemies and recruit new Personas. The player’s goal is to take down the game’s main villains, who are corrupt adults, using the powers of their Personas, and also to clear their own name. Along the way, the player will encounter a variety of characters, including new Confidants, each with their own unique stories and abilities, and uncover the truth behind the events that led to the protagonist’s transfer to the new school.
Royal Additions
However, there are several new story elements and changes that have been added to Persona 5 Royal. One of the most significant additions is the new Confidant, Kasumi Yoshizawa. Kasumi is a new transfer student at the protagonist’s school and becomes a major character in the game’s story. She plays a crucial role in the new palace, which is a new location that the player can explore in the Metaverse. The new palace is an Olympic stadium, and it’s owned by a new villain, who is a former Olympic gymnast who has been falsely accused of cheating.
Another new addition to the story is the character of Maruki, a counselor who the protagonist meets at school. Maruki plays a major role in the game’s story, and he offers the player the opportunity to change the past, which in turn allows the player to change certain events in the game. This is a new mechanic that allows the player to make different choices and see different outcomes. Additionally, new scenes and cutscenes have been added to the game, which help to flesh out the game’s world and characters. These new scenes and cutscenes provide additional context and background information, and they help to make the game’s story more engaging and immersive.
High school and the Metaverse
The gameplay of Persona 5 Royal is structured around two main elements: social simulation and turn-based RPG combat. The player has to balance their time between building relationships with Confidants, completing tasks and objectives, and battling enemies in the Metaverse. The player can choose what they want to do each day, but they have to be careful as some days are more important than others, and some events can only happen on certain days.
The social simulation aspect of the game involves building relationships with other characters, known as Confidants. The player must balance their time between building relationships, completing tasks and objectives, and battling enemies in the Metaverse. As the player progresses through the game, they will have the opportunity to gain new Confidants, each of which has their own unique story and abilities. Building relationships with Confidants gives the player the opportunity to gain new abilities, bonuses, and items.
The turn-based RPG combat of the game takes place in the Metaverse, a parallel realm where the player can battle enemies and recruit new Personas. The player must explore different palaces, which are based on the distorted desires of the game’s villains. The combat system is similar to previous Persona games, with the player using different Personas to attack and defend against enemies. The player can also use special abilities and items to gain an advantage in battle. Combats also have special mechanics. Such as “Baton Pass”, which allows the player to use a different character to keep a combo going. There are also devastating attacks such as the new “Showtime” or the classic “All-out Attack”.
Jazzy, Energetic and Flashy
The overall presentation and graphics of Persona 5 Royal are top-notch. Of course, the game’s art style is heavily influenced by anime, filled with vibrant and colorful visuals. The game’s menus and character designs are all unique and memorable, and they are easy to navigate. One of the standout features of the game’s presentation is its use of animation and cutscenes. The game features a variety of animated cutscenes that are used to advance the story and introduce new characters. These cutscenes are well-animated and are a joy to watch. They’re very cinematic, and they do a great job of immersing the player in the game’s world and plot.
The game’s character models are also well-designed and detailed. Each character has their own look and personality, and are animated in a way that makes them feel expressive and different. The game’s environments are also well-designed, with a variety of locations that are all unique and memorable. Persona 5 Royal use of lighting and shadows is also noteworthy, just as its cell shaded techniques. Environments and characters are all lit in a way that helps to create a sense of atmosphere and mood.
Ideal and Real
The soundtrack of Persona 5 Royal is excellent and fitting for the game’s story and setting. The soundtrack is a mix of jazz, pop, and rock. It’s heavily influenced by the game’s setting in modern-day Tokyo. The game’s soundtrack is catchy and memorable, and it fits perfectly with the game’s art style and atmosphere. The voice acting in Persona 5 Royal is also splendid. The voice actors do a great job of bringing the game’s characters to life, and conveying their emotions and personalities. Dialogue is well-written and well-delivered, and it helps to make the game’s story and characters more engaging and believable.
A game that will steal your heart
Just like many other RPGs, Persona 5 Royal is a great fit for cloud gaming. The game is available via Xbox Cloud thanks to Game Pass Ultimate, and Boosteroid. It doesn’t really matter your service of choice, considering the game’s art style and gameplay. It basically comes down to personal preference or service model you prefer. Of course, you’ll enjoy the game’s plot and details playing on a bigger screen, like a PC or TV. However, considering how long the game is and its many side quests and missions, being able to play on mobile is also a treat. Exploring the huge world that Persona 5 Royal offers, while relaxing on bed or the couch, feels relaxing. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass has a custom set-up for the virtual gamepad.
Overall, Persona 5 Royal is an exceptional game that improves upon the original in almost every way. The game’s art style, music, and gameplay are all remarkable, and the new content is a welcome addition. The game’s story is engaging and well-written, with likable and memorable characters. The gameplay is well-structured, with social elements and turn-based RPG combat that are well-balanced and complement each other. Persona 5 Royal is a must-play game for fans of RPGs and anime titles.
Persona 5 Royal
Summary
Persona 5 Royal is a remastered version of the acclaimed RPG from the PS3, with new content, improved gameplay and an engaging story set in a vibrant and stylish world. Join the Phantom Thieves in their quest to take down corrupt adults and clear the protagonist’s name. Available on the cloud via Xbox Game Pass and Boosteroid.
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