Persona 5 Royal: A JRPG Masterpiece
When it comes to Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs), I’ve generally been on the fence. Long stories, turn-based battles, and complicated character arcs don’t usually line up with my need for fast-paced gameplay. So, one might think Persona 5 Royal—developed by Atlus and released in North America on March 31, 2020 for PlayStation 4 (later coming to Xbox, Switch, and PC)—would be a hard sell for a competitive eSports fan like me. Yet, I found myself surprisingly hooked by the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, even if I did have a few concerns.
Unique Gameplay Blend
Persona 5 Royal mixes turn-based battles with a daily life simulation. This creates a gameplay style you don’t see in many other JRPGs. If you’re used to non-stop action shooters or real-time strategy, the pacing here might feel slow at first. But planning your character’s day becomes its own challenge. You must choose when to go to school, hang out with friends, work part-time, or explore dungeons. Balancing school grades, friendship “Confidant” bonds, and Persona fusion strategies offers a fresh kind of strategy. It combines RPG mechanics with social simulation.
Engaging Exploration and Combat
Traveling across Tokyo’s neighborhoods—the bustling Shibuya, the neon-lit Akihabara, and even the hidden underground areas—adds a real sense of immersion. Unlocking and leveling up over 30 different Personas (mythical beings you summon to fight) gives plenty of variety, and customizing your Thieves Den base with items or music downloads (over 40 pieces of free DLC are available) adds replay value. The turn-based combat, while slower than an FPS, shines when you exploit enemy weaknesses, use Baton Pass mechanics, and time your skills to land critical hits. As someone used to reacting in milliseconds, I did find the battles could drag slightly, but learning enemy patterns and forming an effective team made the strategy side rewarding.
Visual Brilliance
From a visual standpoint, Persona 5 Royal is nothing short of stunning. The art style—character designs by Shigenori Soejima—uses bright reds, blacks, and whites to give everything an ultramodern, almost comic-book feel. Running through the Metaverse dungeons, each “Palace” has its own color motif and stylish user interface that keeps you engaged. Even the menus have animated transitions, making every screen feel polished. If you care about graphics—whether you’re on a 4K TV or a 1080p monitor—you’ll appreciate the clean and crisp animations. The extra cosmetic touches in Royal, like the new Kichijoji area and Thieves Den enhancements. They only add to that visual show.
Deep and Complex Storyline
You follow a high school student (codenamed Joker) who leads the Phantom Thieves. They enter a supernatural realm called the Metaverse to change corrupt adults’ hearts. The story weaves together typical high school events—like exams, sports tryouts, and school festivals. It also explores darker themes about society, corruption, and personal growth. Persona 5 Royal adds a new semester of story content after the main plot. This includes the character Kasumi Yoshizawa and a new Palace in the school. The added content deepens the narrative. It also makes the overall playtime exceed 100 hours if you want to see every ending. This length is great for JRPG fans who love detailed backstories and plot twists. It can feel overwhelming if you prefer a more direct, faster-paced story. Despite that, the way the choices you make affect relationships and unlock alternate endings gives a strong replay incentive.
Multidimensional Characters
Each Phantom Thief comes with a unique personal struggle. For example, Ann deals with her acting career, Ryuji confronts school bullies, and Morgana (a talking cat-like creature) seeks his true identity. Building “Confidant” links by spending time and answering dialogue choices deepens your understanding of each character. It also unlocks new skills, making battles easier. Persona 5 Royal even adds new Confidant ranks for Ako (the Velvet Room attendant) and Maruki (the school counselor). This expands character development beyond your immediate party. Both English and Japanese voice-overs are available. You can choose whichever you prefer. Either way, the dialogue performances help bring every character to life. However, progressing some Confidant links can feel like a grind.
Conclusion
Persona 5 Royal stands as a shining example of JRPG design. Its mix of social simulation, dungeon exploration, and turn-based strategy shows what the genre can achieve when every detail is polished. For hardcore gamers willing to step away from the fast reflexes and constant action of eSports, this game offers a deep, rewarding experience. The extra content—like the new story arc, improved AI, and performance boosts—makes it the definitive version of the title. Its commitment to character growth, stylish presentation, and tactical depth speaks to a different crowd: players who enjoy building relationships, uncovering secrets, and making every dialogue choice count.
Final Thoughts
If you crave instant thrills from ultra-competitive matches, Persona 5 Royal’s deliberate pacing might feel slow. However, if you’re open to a game that balances school life, dungeon crawling, and social bonds, you’ll find a rich, satisfying adventure that rewards careful planning and curiosity.
Gaming Tip for Beginners
Manage your time carefully. It’s easy to get lost in dungeons and miss deadlines for social activities or exams. Prioritize Confidant relationships that unlock powerful combat abilities—like Strength or Luck boosts—and focus on leveling Personas that cover multiple elemental weaknesses. Balancing school, work, and exploring Palaces will make your journey smoother.
