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Persona 5

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Persona 5
Item: Persona 5
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2017

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Comedy, Simulation, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableApr 4, 2017

PlatformPlayStation 4

DeveloperAtlus

Overview

Persona 5, a turn-based JRPG with visual novel elements, follows a high school student with a criminal record for a crime he didn't commit. Soon he meets several characters who share similar fates to him, and discovers a metaphysical realm which allows him and his friends to channel their pent-up frustrations into becoming a group of vigilantes reveling in aesthetics and rebellion while fighting corruption.

Elsewhere

9.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Persona 5 has garnered significant praise from the majority of critics, with many highlighting its engaging narrative, thematic depth, and well-developed characters. Cheat Code Central commends the game for exploring themes of youth, self, and the generational gap, while NZGamer appreciates how the story delves into vigilantism, conformity, rebellion, and generational conflict through the lens of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. TheSixthAxis praises the clever twists and turns in the plot, while Game Revolution applauds the darker narrative and character development present in the game. These positive aspects of the story contribute to creating a rich and immersive experience for players, drawing them into the world of Persona 5. However, some critics did point out certain shortcomings in the story of Persona 5. Worth Playing mentions translation issues in the early parts of the game, which may have affected the overall storytelling experience for some players. EGM notes that while the game involves navigating corrupted hearts and forming Phantom Thieves, some character developments may feel lacking. GameCrate highlights the slow start and initial tutorials as potential drawbacks, which could have impacted the pacing for certain players. These criticisms, albeit minor, indicate areas where the storytelling could have been further refined to enhance the overall narrative cohesion. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Persona 5. Critics like GameSpot, Polygon, and Game Informer laud the game for its complex themes of oppression, rebellion, and societal commentary, as well as its well-developed characters and emotional depth. The majority of reviewers appreciate the game's mature and thematically rich storytelling, with many highlighting its engaging narrative, compelling character arcs, and thought-provoking exploration of societal issues. Persona 5's ability to tackle dark subject matter, deliver impactful narrative moments, and create a world where themes of justice, friendship, and adventure intertwine has resonated strongly with critics and players alike, solidifying its reputation as a standout title in the RPG genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics rave about Persona 5's engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and deep themes like youth, rebellion, and justice. While some mention minor issues like translation problems and slow pacing, the overwhelming consensus is positive. The game's exploration of societal issues, complex storytelling, and emotional depth make it a standout RPG title loved by both critics and players.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Persona 5 for its engaging and innovative mechanics. Critics like LevelUp and GameCrate highlighted the game's unique blend of Japanese RPG elements, dating sim mechanics, and turn-based combat, offering strategic depth and engaging combat mechanics. The addition of new gameplay features such as standalone dungeons, stealth mechanics, and negotiation with enemies, as mentioned by Gaming Age and GamingTrend, added a fresh and challenging dimension to the gameplay experience. The intricate gameplay mechanics, including the Persona system, turn-based combat, and dungeon exploration, were commended by SpazioGames and Digital Chumps for seamlessly combining monster recruitment and social simulation elements with combat. On the flip side, some critics pointed out potential drawbacks in Persona 5's gameplay. CGMagazine expressed concerns that the dungeons, while visually appealing, lacked substance and were more linear compared to previous games, potentially disappointing longtime fans. Destructoid mentioned that while the combat felt natural and functional, it didn't evolve much throughout the game, leading to battles that could feel repetitive. DualShockers noted that while the gameplay offered a unique and rewarding experience, it could also be frustrating for players due to some repetitive elements in combat and dungeons. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Persona 5. The game's addictive combat system, strategic elements, and balanced mix of dungeon exploration, school life activities, and combat mechanics were widely praised. Critics appreciated the game's innovative mechanics, engaging dialogues, and character interactions, as well as the challenging and rewarding experience it provided. Persona 5 successfully combined traditional turn-based gameplay with innovative mechanics, offering a fresh take on JRPG mechanics that resonated well with both fans of the franchise and newcomers. The game's holistic simulation of urban, teenage life, intricate battle system, and diverse choices for players to make contributed to its overall positive reception among critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics laud Persona 5's gameplay for its engaging mix of Japanese RPG, dating sim elements, and turn-based combat, with innovative features like standalone dungeons and negotiation with enemies. Some critics noted potential drawbacks such as linear dungeons and repetitive combat. Overall, critics overwhelmingly praised the addictive combat, strategic elements, and balanced mix of activities in the game, offering a unique and rewarding experience that resonated well with both fans and newcomers.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Persona 5, highlighting its stunning and unique art style. App Trigger commends the game for its "stunning use of colors and design," while CGMagazine notes that the game's "unique visual style sets it apart from other games on the market." The game's 3D Anime art style, as mentioned by COGconnected, is described as "gorgeous," with "sleek menus and sumptuous art design throughout." Many critics, such as DualShockers and Game Informer, appreciate the attention to detail in the game's art direction, flashy menus, and stylish character designs, creating an immersive experience akin to playing an anime series. While the general consensus leans heavily towards the positive, there were a few minor criticisms regarding Persona 5's Graphics and Visual Design. App Trigger mentions that the area called 'Mementos' is considered "drab and boring," suggesting a lack of visual appeal in that specific location. DarkStation notes that while the game combines colorful 2D anime-style art and 3D models, it can be lacking in detail at times, with a visual style that may come across as "garishly bold." GameGrin points out some issues with character design, such as Joker's eyes being too far apart, indicating occasional inconsistencies in the visual presentation. Overall, the critics' consensus on the Graphics and Visual Design of Persona 5 is overwhelmingly positive. The game is lauded for its stylish and vibrant art direction, meticulous attention to detail, and immersive visual experience. Eurogamer Italy describes the design as "stylish and captivating," while Push Square goes as far as to call it "possibly the most stylish title ever made." The game's flamboyant visuals, intricate dungeons, and visually stunning elements, as highlighted by PlayStation Universe, contribute to its overall appeal. Persona 5's unique and cohesive visual style, as mentioned by Gaming Age, oozes with style and sets it apart as a visually striking and artistically impressive title.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Persona 5's graphics, praising its stunning and unique art style, sleek menus, and immersive anime-like experience. While some mention minor flaws like a dull location and occasional design inconsistencies, the consensus remains overwhelmingly positive. Persona 5's visual design is celebrated for its vibrancy, attention to detail, and overall stylish appeal, with some calling it possibly the most stylish game ever made.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Persona 5 have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, with many highlighting the exceptional quality of the soundtrack composed by Shoji Meguro. Critics such as App Trigger and Game Revolution praise the catchy tunes, mellow jazz, and energetic rock n' roll instrumentals that create a vibrant and immersive audio experience. The fusion of different genres like pop, jazz, hip-hop, and rock adds depth and variety to the music, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game. The use of acid jazz elements, as noted by God is a Geek and IBTimes UK, further elevates the soundtrack, making it a standout feature that contributes significantly to the stylish presentation and immersive nature of Persona 5. The voice acting, as commended by DualShockers and Worth Playing, also plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience, with strong performances that bring the characters to life and complement the music seamlessly. While the general consensus among critics leans heavily towards the positive aspects of the Sound Design and Music in Persona 5, there are a few minor criticisms that have been noted. BaziCenter mentions some minor flaws in the sound design, although they are overshadowed by the game's captivating narrative and engaging gameplay. Digital Chumps points out that while the music is captivating and enhances the immersive world of the game, there may be instances where the acid jazz soundtrack could become repetitive, potentially impacting the overall experience for some players. Additionally, Gaming Nexus highlights the lack of key subtitling work in the Japanese voice track as a downside, which could detract from the full appreciation of the audio elements for those who prefer the original language option. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Persona 5. The majority of reviewers praise the exceptional quality of the soundtrack, the diverse range of musical genres incorporated, and the seamless integration of music and voice acting to create an immersive and stylish audio experience. Critics like Game Informer and Push Square commend the mesmerizing and sublime soundtrack that establishes a perfect atmosphere for the game, while others like Eurogamer Italy and GRYOnline.pl highlight the fantastic sound design that complements the overall experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding potential repetitiveness and subtitling issues, the general sentiment is that the Sound Design and Music of Persona 5 are integral components that significantly enhance the game's atmosphere, style, and overall enjoyment for players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Persona 5's stellar sound design and music, especially praising Shoji Meguro's exceptional soundtrack blending pop, jazz, hip-hop, and rock. The fusion of genres creates an immersive experience, with critics hailing the acid jazz elements as standout features. While some mention minor flaws like repetitive music and subtitling issues, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics lauding the audio for enhancing the game's stylish presentation and immersive nature.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Persona 5 received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many reviewers praised the English voice cast for bringing the characters to life and enhancing the overall immersion of the game. Critics like DualShockers, RPG Site, and PlayStation LifeStyle highlighted the top-notch quality of the voice acting, with strong performances that added authenticity and depth to the characters. The fantastic localization effort, confident translation, and removal of Japanese honorifics were also commended for contributing to a natural flow of dialogue, as mentioned by RPG Site. Additionally, the English dub was considered a significant improvement from its predecessor, Persona 4, as noted by Worth Playing. On the flip side, some critics pointed out minor issues with the voice acting in Persona 5. App Trigger mentioned that while the main cast was engaging, some non-party members and ambient dialogue fell short, with instances that were deemed laughable. God is a Geek highlighted that while most of the English voice acting was great, there were some voices that came off as annoying. Metro GameCentral brought up the potential tonal disconnect caused by American accents conflicting with the Japanese setting and names, although the availability of the original Japanese voice track as free DLC was seen as a solution to this issue. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the voice acting in Persona 5. The majority of reviewers appreciated the strong performances, engaging delivery, and immersive quality brought by the English voice cast. The voice acting was seen as a highlight that enhanced the storytelling, character interactions, and overall experience of the game. Despite some minor criticisms, such as occasional laughable moments or potential tonal discrepancies, the general sentiment is that the voice acting in Persona 5 significantly contributed to its success and was a major strength of the game, as echoed by critics like Game Revolution, GameGrin, and ZTGD.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics lauded Persona 5's English voice acting for bringing characters to life and enhancing immersion, with top-notch performances praised by outlets like DualShockers and RPG Site. While some minor issues were noted, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the voice acting seen as a major strength contributing to the game's success, according to reviews from Game Revolution and ZTGD.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

86%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the positives for Persona 5's technical performance on the PS4, several critics highlighted aspects that contributed to a smooth gaming experience. IGN Italia praised the game for its stability, indicating that the overall performance on the platform was commendable. JeuxActu specifically noted the sleek user interface, seamless transitions, and minimal loading times, which enhanced the immersive quality of the game. These elements contributed to a polished presentation that resonated positively with players, allowing for uninterrupted gameplay sessions. On the other hand, there were notable negatives mentioned by critics regarding the technical performance of Persona 5 on the PS4. GameGrin pointed out limited saving points and long cutscenes as potential drawbacks for quick gaming sessions, impacting the overall pacing of the game. Gaming Nexus highlighted issues with translation and the lack of subtitles for in-game audio, as well as a problematic camera system that could be frustrating for players. ZTGD also raised concerns about movement controls, saving system issues, and frustrating game over mechanics, which detracted from the overall experience on the platform. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding Persona 5's technical performance on the PS4 leans towards a positive evaluation with some reservations. While there were mentions of technical flaws and limitations in exploration by Everyeye.it, minor graphical design issues by GameGrin, and English-only translation challenges by JeuxActu, the game managed to maintain a high level of performance and stability, as noted by RPG Site. Despite some minor issues such as localization blips and underwhelming combat stretches, the general sentiment is that Persona 5 delivers a solid technical performance on the PS4, offering an engaging gameplay experience for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

TLDR: Critics praised Persona 5 on PS4 for its stable performance and immersive user interface, but noted drawbacks like limited saving points and translation issues. Overall, the game delivers solid technical performance with minor flaws, providing an engaging gameplay experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Persona 5 are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics highlight the game's extensive content and diverse gameplay elements that contribute to its high replayability. Arcade Sushi mentions the desire to explore the game again through New Game Plus, while COGconnected praises the activities that enhance stats and skills during combat. GRYOnline.pl appreciates the abundance of side activities and content beyond the main story, providing players with opportunities to explore different paths and relationships. Game Revolution emphasizes the social simulation elements, multiple character relationships, and impactful choices that offer freedom in how players spend their time, enhancing the replay value. On the downside, some critics point out potential negatives related to the game's replay value. Slant Magazine mentions the overwhelming nature of constantly juggling priorities and time constraints, which can make a typical playthrough stretch into 100 hours. Twinfinite highlights the frustration of gating certain events behind social stat thresholds, which can hinder the replayability for some players. Video Chums notes that some activities in the game can become monotonous, potentially affecting the overall replay value for certain individuals. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Persona 5 offers substantial replay value due to its rich content, diverse choices, and engaging gameplay mechanics. Critics like GamingTrend and God is a Geek appreciate the multiple endings, social links, and various activities that contribute to the game's replayability. The inclusion of New Game Plus, optional content like Mementos, and tangible rewards for different choices are also highlighted by critics such as RPG Site and Push Square as factors that enhance the game's replay value. Despite minor issues mentioned by some critics, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with Persona 5 being highly recommended for players seeking a captivating and immersive experience with significant replay potential.

TL;DR

replay value

Persona 5 receives glowing reviews for its exceptional replay value, with critics praising its extensive content, diverse gameplay elements, and engaging mechanics. Despite some minor drawbacks like time constraints and monotonous activities, the game's multiple endings, social links, and rewarding choices make it a must-play for those seeking an immersive and replayable experience.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

99%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Persona 5 has garnered widespread praise from the majority of critics for its standout qualities. Critics like GamePro Germany, who consider it one of the best JRPGs of all time, highlight its dark and engaging story, immersive gameplay, and impressive visual design. The game's stylish presentation, engaging combat, and captivating world have been consistently commended by reviewers such as Eurogamer Italy and Game Revolution. Additionally, the game's strong themes, endearing cast, fun battle system, incredible soundtrack, and engaging Confidant system have been lauded by GamingTrend and Polygon, further solidifying its positive reception. Despite its overwhelmingly positive reception, Persona 5 does have some criticisms from a few reviewers. GameCritics points out that the game struggles to maintain interest and energy over its extended running time, suggesting that it could benefit from being shorter and cutting out repetition. Twinfinite mentions flaws in character writing and pacing, while App Trigger notes that some non-party members and ambient dialogue can be hit or miss. GamingTrend criticizes the game for its disrespectful portrayal of gay men and male intimacy, highlighting an area where the game falls short in terms of inclusivity and sensitivity. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Persona 5 being hailed as a standout RPG that sets new standards in the genre. Critics like IGN and IGN Italia go as far as calling it a masterpiece and a new benchmark for JRPGs. The game's compelling narrative, engaging gameplay mechanics, memorable characters, and stylish presentation have resonated with a wide range of reviewers, making it a must-play for fans of the genre. The immersive world, diverse gameplay elements, captivating storytelling, and polished presentation have contributed to Persona 5's reputation as one of the best RPGs of all time, with its unique blend of adult themes and youthful energy appealing to a broad audience. Despite some minor flaws, the game's overall quality and impact have solidified its position as a standout entry in the Persona series and the JRPG genre as a whole.

TL;DR

Persona 5 is a critically acclaimed JRPG praised for its dark story, immersive gameplay, and stylish design. Critics hail it as a masterpiece, setting new standards in the genre with engaging mechanics, memorable characters, and captivating storytelling. While some reviewers point out flaws in pacing and inclusivity, the game's overall quality cements its place as one of the best RPGs of all time, appealing to a broad audience with its unique blend of adult themes and youthful energy.

MONSTER

Reviews

171 reviews found

100

Push Square

PlayStation 4

Mar 29, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Persona 5 sets the benchmark for modern Japanese RPGs, with addictive gameplay, endearing characters, and a rewarding narrative loop, making it a masterpiece.

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100

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 4

Mar 29, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Persona 5 is an essential RPG for 2017 that you should not miss out on.

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100

USgamer

PlayStation 4

Mar 29, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Persona 5 is a standout entry in the series that excels in various aspects, offering a unique and immersive gaming experience for both long-time fans and newcomers.

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100

Cheat Code Central

PlayStation 4

Apr 5, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Persona 5 is a successful sequel that tackles mature themes while maintaining the celebration of youth. The gameplay improvements and deliberate dungeon designs make it a highly enjoyable experience.

100

GameCrate

PlayStation 4

Apr 5, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Persona 5 sets a new standard for JRPG excellence and is a must-play for any fan of the genre.

100

Arcade Sushi

PlayStation 4

Mar 29, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Persona 5 is a fantastic game that combines engaging gameplay, a compelling story, and great presentation. It deserves to be a mainstream success.

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100

RPG Site

PlayStation 4

Mar 29, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Persona 5 is a masterpiece that oozes style and confidence, offering a cohesive and engaging experience. Despite minor flaws, it stands out as a must-play JRPG that defines the genre and sets a high standard for modern games.

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100

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Mar 31, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Standout RPG excelling in storytelling and character development, one of the finest RPGs in recent years

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100

IBTimes UK

PlayStation 4

Apr 14, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Persona 5 is a blistering RPG masterpiece that cements itself among the all-time greats. It offers a captivating story, engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and a memorable soundtrack. It is highly recommended for fans of the genre.

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100

God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Mar 29, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Persona 5 is a fantastic video game with excellent story, gameplay, soundtrack, characters, and interface, despite some minor issues like low-resolution art and cluttered dialogue boxes.

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