Imagine a game that plays like the popular hack-and-slash Dynasty Warriors series but with the excellent art style and unforgettable characters of Persona 5. Well, imagine no more. You can get exactly that with Persona 5 Strikers. Developed by Omega Force and P-Studio, Persona 5 Strikers takes the beloved Phantom Thieves out of the JRPG genre and into the Action RPG route.
While many can easily chalk this game out as a serviceable spin-off game that capitalizes on the insane popularity of the Persona 5 property, Persona 5 Strikers is much more than that really. On top of being a great game for itself, it also serves as the direct follow-up to the story of the original Persona 5 game.
In this review, we delve into the heart of Persona 5 Strikers to explore what makes it a worthy addition to the Persona series.
The Phantom Thieves Road Trip Reunion
Arguably the main selling point of the game itself is the fact that it stands as a continuation of the events after the ending of Persona 5. This game seamlessly continues the story without unnecessarily padding it while also providing gamers with a fresh perspective. That is a tall task right there if I can say so myself.
The story of Persona 5 Strikers takes place six months after the original game. In it, players are once again put in the shoes of the Phantom Thieves. They will embark on a summer road trip across Japan looking to sop yet another Shadow rampage. Much like the original, Persona 5 Strikers tackle several deep themes such as the true essence of freedom and rebellion.
All in all, I can say that the writing in Persona 5 Strikers is top-notch. Yes, it may not be as compelling as the original, but it is still a worthy “Persona” story. The cast of characters we now dearly love is fleshed out even more in this game. If this won’t convince you that the Phantom Thieves are among the best characters in the Persona franchise, then I don’t know what will.
Moreover, the dialog remains true to the brand. It is witty, youthful, and engaging. Basically, whether you’re a newcomer to the series or a die-hard fan, the narrative in Persona 5 Strikers will captivate and compel you to see it through to the end.
A Hack and Slash Persona Game
What separates Persona 5 Strikers from the lot, however, is its gameplay approach. Instead of the traditional JRPG mechanics that fans grew to love with the Persona franchise itself, this game opted for a real-time hack-and-slash approach. Yes, it still has the Persona DNA embedded in its core. This includes the elemental weaknesses and the all-out attack sequences. However, it plays more like a Musou game akin to the Dynasty Warriors franchise more than anything else. Players control one character at a time while the rest of the party is controlled by AI.
The Persona system, a core element of the Persona series, makes a welcome return. Each character possesses multiple Personas, granting them unique abilities and elemental affinities. Strategically exploiting enemy weaknesses and coordinating attacks with your party members is key to victory. The thrill of executing a perfect sequence of combos and unleashing an all-out attack is immensely satisfying.
What may disappoint most, however, is the exclusion of the well-beloved Social Link system. In this game, you can still talk to your friends outside combat and do various quests. However, there wouldn’t be any Social Link to rank up, which many argue is the greatest pull of the franchise itself. Nevertheless, exploring each city and uncovering hidden treasures and secrets is immensely rewarding. The game truly makes you feel as if you are on a road trip with a bunch of your friends across Japan.
Not Just a Cheap Persona 5 Spin-off
Persona 5 Strikers’ visual presentation retains the distinctive art style that made Persona 5 a visual marvel. The game oozes style and flair. It has vibrant colors and highly detailed environments that bring the cities, dungeons, and palaces to life. The character designs remain as stylish as ever. Atlus showcases the incredible attention to detail that fans have come to expect from the series yet again.
But, of course, it wouldn’t be a Persona game without an amazing soundtrack to accompany the action and serene moments, right? Well, Persona 5 Strikers do not disappoint on that front as well. Like the original, this game effortlessly blends jazz, rock, and pop music to create a menagerie of bopping tunes that will stick with you long after finishing the game.
Moreover, the music not only enhances the atmosphere but also serves as a powerful storytelling tool. It underscores key moments and heightens the emotions of each scene. Fans of Persona 5 will be delighted to hear familiar tracks alongside a slew of catchy new tunes that further enhance the overall experience.
Contrary to what many may assume, Persona 5 Strikers isn’t just a cheap Persona 5 Spin-off game. As a matter of fact, it may as well just be a sequel! Persona 5 Strikers is brimming with content. It will immerse you even further into the excellent world the Persona 5 property has created for itself while also delivering several new experiences. This game may just cement The Phantom Thieves as one of the best cast of main characters in all of gaming. That is if the original game hasn’t done that for you yet.
Persona 5 Strikers Conclusion
Persona 5 Strikers is a remarkable continuation of the original Persona 5 game. Yes, it may not be a full-blown sequel, but it does its job just as excellent. The transition to hack-and-slash may feel a bit weird the first few hours, but you’ll soon grow to love it. You’d quickly realize that there is more to it than just button-mashing and executing combos. The game masterfully mixes elements from the original to this new gameplay approach. Thus, creating a truly wonderful system that is easy to learn and very fun to master.
Embark on an unforgettable summer road trip that will leave a lasting impression on both new and returning players. Give Persona 5 Strikers a go and let it capture your heart, such is the modus of The Phantom Thieves.
