Persona 5, developed by Atlus, is a critically acclaimed JRPG that takes players on an exciting journey through a world where they can harness the power of their inner selves, known as Personas, to change the hearts of corrupt individuals. One of the core gameplay elements centers around infiltrating Palaces, cognitive representations of distorted desires, to steal the hearts of villains. Each Palace offers a unique setting, puzzles, and challenges, contributing to the overall excellent experience of the game. In this article, we will delve into a comprehensive ranking of the Palaces in Persona 5. We aim to detail them from what is generally considered the least impressive to the most outstanding.
Before We Begin…
It’s important to note that rankings can be subjective. Different players may have varying preferences based on their playstyle and personal experiences. Nevertheless, this ranking takes into account the general consensus among players and critics. It considers factors such as design, systems, story integration, and overall enjoyment.
Without further ado, let’s embark on this journey through the Palaces of Persona 5 from worst to best.
8th Place: Kaneshiro’s Palace (Bank of Gluttony)
Kaneshiro’s Palace often ranks at the bottom of many lists due to its repetitive and monotonous design. The visuals lack the creative flair seen in other Palaces, and the puzzles and systems can become tedious. Thus, diminishing the overall enjoyment of the Palace. While it still contributes to the game’s story, it falls short compared to the other Palaces in Persona 5.
7th Place: Okumura’s Palace (Spaceport of Greed)
Okumura’s Palace tends to be a divisive one among fans. It features a unique spaceport theme, but its structure can feel overly repetitive. All these make it a bit of a slog to go through. The enemy encounters can be challenging, which may also be hard for some players. Despite its shortcomings, Okumura’s Palace offers some impressive moments and contributes to the game’s overarching story.
6th Place: Madarame’s Palace (Museum of Vanity)
Madarame’s Palace, the second Palace in the game, introduces players to the concept of stealing hearts. It acts as a stepping stone toward more complex Palaces. While it may not reach the same level of intricacy as later Palaces, it still presents an interesting premise. Also, a visually pleasing environment. The puzzles are relatively simple, allowing players to grasp the systems without overwhelming them. Furthermore, the story surrounding Madarame’s Palace contributes to the game’s overall story, which is great.
5th Place: Kamoshida’s Palace (Castle of Lust)
As the first Palace in Persona 5, Kamoshida’s Palace sets the stage for the game’s themes of rebellion and injustice. The story within this Palace is emotionally charged, addressing sensitive issues such as abuse and manipulation. While Kamoshida’s Palace lacks some of the complex level design and systems found in later Palaces, it remains a memorable experience that introduces players to the core systems of stealing hearts.
4th Place Shido’s Palace (Cruise Ship of Gluttony)
Shido’s Palace is a visually stunning and thematically rich Palace that shows the corrupt and power-hungry nature of its owner. The design of the cruise ship and its various areas is impressive, capturing the opulence and grandeur befitting a political tyrant. The puzzles and challenges within the Palace are enjoyable and thought-provoking, requiring players to utilize their cognitive abilities to navigate the ship successfully. With high stakes and a sense of urgency, Shido’s Palace keeps players engaged and invested in the game’s overarching story.
3rd Place: Futaba’s Palace (Tomb of Wrath)
Futaba’s Palace stands out due to its unique and emotionally charged story significance. The concept of exploring a virtual pyramid, representing the protagonist’s past traumas, adds depth to the overall story. The puzzles and platforming sections are challenging yet rewarding, requiring players to think creatively to progress. Futaba’s Palace strikes a harmonious balance between difficulty and fun, leaving a lasting impression on players as they uncover the protagonist’s backstory.
2nd Place: Sae’s Palace (Casino of Envy)
Regarded as the top of Palace design, Sae’s Palace has the perfect fusion of visual appeal, engaging gameplay, and story significance. Its awesome casino theme is executed perfectly, featuring vibrant visuals, a captivating soundtrack, and an atmosphere that immerses players in the world of high-stakes gambling. The puzzles and systems within the Palace are engaging and varied, providing a balanced and enjoyable gameplay experience. Moreover, the story beats leading up to the final confrontation are intense and satisfying, making Sae’s Palace a standout among the Palaces in Persona 5.
1st Place: Mementos (The Collective Palace of the Masses)
At the top of the ranking is Mementos, the collective Palace representing society’s corrupted desires. Although not technically an independent Palace, Mementos holds a crucial position in the storyline of Persona 5. This vast labyrinth, themed after a subway system, houses numerous mini bosses, providing players with a distinct challenge. The ultimate confrontation with the Holy Grail, followed by Yaldabaoth, constitutes a climactic battle that puts to the test all the skills players have developed throughout the game. The profound revelations in the story and its significant role in the narrative make Mementos the most memorable Palace experience in Persona 5.
Conclusion
From the grandeur of Shido’s Ship to the depths of Mementos, each Palace in Persona 5 provides a distinct insight into the human mind. They present intricate puzzles, formidable bosses, and captivating storylines that elevate Persona 5 to a remarkable level in the world of video games. It’s important to note that individual player experiences and preferences may result in different rankings.
However, one thing remains certain. Every Palace in Atlus’ Persona 5 leaves an everlasting impact on players. They all deliver unforgettable moments that linger long after the game concludes. Whether you’re an experienced Phantom Thief or new to the Metaverse, each Palace eagerly awaits, ready to test your abilities and capture your emotions.
