In the world of gaming, the Persona series has established itself as a beloved franchise with a dedicated fan base. Known for its unique storytelling and engaging gameplay systems, each installment has managed to carve out its own special place in the hearts of gamers. While most Persona games are universally-liked, there are also some that can’t help but spark debates. Take, for example, Persona 5 Strikers. While we deem it a worthy sequel to the original Persona 5, others just can’t see the same way seemingly. This then ignited a new question among fans and critics alike: “Is Persona 5 Strikers worth it?”
Arguably The Most Unique Persona Game
Persona 5 Strikers takes a departure from the traditional turn-based combat systems of the Persona series. It introduces an entirely new gameplay style: a real-time, Musou-style game, which is a first time for the series. This style, popularized by games like Hyrule Warriors, Age of Calamity, and, of course, Dynasty Warriors, presents a faster-paced, action-oriented combat system that adds a fresh dynamic to the series.
The elements of the games earlier are so deep within Persona 5 Strikers, that many consider it as Dynasty Warriors, but Persona. However, while they aren’t wrong in that thinking, we believe that it is so much deeper than that.
Despite this departure, the heart and soul of the Persona series remain intact. The game brings back the beloved Phantom Thieves with their vibrant personalities and captivating narratives.
One could argue that Persona 5 Strikers is a hybrid game. It blends the best elements of the Persona series with those of a Musou game. It represents a creative and innovative take on the franchise, ensuring that the game remains interesting and engaging while still preserving the allure of the original series.
Is Grinding a Problem in Persona 5 Strikers?
Grinding, a common aspect of many games, can greatly impact the overall experience. In Persona 5 Strikers, there is a certain level of grind involved. However, the game manages to incorporate these grindy elements in a way that avoids them feeling tedious or overwhelming.
Each battle feels meaningful, contributing to character growth and advancing the plot, rather than simply serving as a hurdle to overcome. This approach ensures that the grinding aspect of the game doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment and progression.
How Long Does it Take to Finish Persona 5 Strikers?
When considering the time investment required to complete Persona 5 Strikers, players primarily focused on the main objectives can expect to spend approximately 35½ hours in the game. However, for completionists who strive to explore every nook and cranny, the playtime can extend to a more substantial 70½ hours.
While Persona 5 Strikers may not offer the same lengthy experience as its predecessors, particularly Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal, this condensed format has its own advantages. The shorter length ensures that the narrative remains tightly focused, with less room for filler content. Rather than viewing it as a lesser experience, it can be appreciated as a concentrated dose of the Persona universe. It encapsulates all the charm and complexity in a more streamlined package.
Personal Thoughts
In summary, Atlus’ Persona 5 Strikers is undoubtedly worth your time and investment. With its innovative blend of traditional Persona elements and Musou-style gameplay, engaging narrative, reasonable grinding mechanics, and substantial playtime, the game provides a fresh and unique gaming experience that both series fans and newcomers can appreciate.
Furthermore, Persona 5 Strikers successfully manages to condense the charm and complexity of the Persona universe into a more streamlined format. Better yet, it does not compromise depth or quality. However, it’s important to note that subjective enjoyment may still vary among different gamers. We understand that not just because we like something, that you should too. Everyone has their preferences and that is just how the world works.
To conclude, we highly recommend anyone to give Persona 5 Strikers a chance. Fans of the Persona series will definitely find great things with it. While newbies will also love how fun it is to actually play. Yes, it may certainly take others some time to get used to seeing the beloved Phantom Thieves in Musou-style. However, once you get the hang of it you’d see a truly brilliant game.
