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Persona 5 Royal

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

2020

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

AvailableMar 31, 2020

PlatformXbox One, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X

DeveloperAtlus

Overview

An enhanced version of Persona 5 with some new characters and a third semester added to the game. Released Internationally in 2020.

Elsewhere

9.5

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise Persona 5 Royal for its deep, engaging story exploring themes of corruption and character development. Some critics noted minor drawbacks like bloat and predictable moments, but the majority lauded the seamless integration of new content and compelling narrative. Overall, the consensus is that Persona 5 Royal offers a rich and emotionally rewarding storytelling experience that is a must-play for genre fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

95%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the story of Persona 5 Royal for its depth, complexity, and engaging narrative. GameSpew, Softpedia, and COGconnected all highlighted the brilliant and compelling nature of the story, with GameSpew specifically mentioning the protagonist's journey of fighting for justice in a mysterious otherworld. Comicbook.com and Cubed3 also noted the seamless integration of new content and changes into the original narrative, enhancing the overall storytelling experience. Critics like DarkStation and Noisy Pixel appreciated the game's exploration of dark and impactful themes such as corruption, character development, and forming bonds with allies, making the story both wild and emotionally rewarding. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the story of Persona 5 Royal. Digitally Downloaded mentioned that while the new content and characters added depth to the narrative, the game suffered from bloat and transient character arcs. Gameplanet highlighted inconsistent pacing and underdeveloped characters, as well as criticized English translations. Worth Playing noted that while the story execution was excellent overall, it could be predictable at times and occasionally restricted opportunities to save the game. These criticisms suggest that while the majority of reviewers found the story to be very good, there were some minor issues that affected the overall experience for a few critics. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Persona 5 Royal. Critics like Game Informer and Player 2 praised the new characters seamlessly integrated into the existing narrative, exploring themes of mental health and societal expectations. Screen Rant and TheGamer commended the captivating and engaging storytelling, with themes of resilience and defiance against abusive figures of power. The narrative was described as thought-provoking, immersive, and original by various critics across different platforms, showcasing the game's ability to resonate with players on a deep and emotional level. Despite some minor criticisms, the general sentiment is that Persona 5 Royal delivers a rich and compelling story that is well worth experiencing for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics unanimously praised Persona 5 Royal for its engaging turn-based combat, strategic gameplay, and new features that enhance the overall experience. Some minor criticisms were noted about pacing and filler battles, but they were overshadowed by the overwhelming positive feedback on the game's deep mechanics, character development, and immersive gameplay loop. Overall, Persona 5 Royal is highly recommended for fans of JRPGs and immersive storytelling due to its polished combat system and rewarding gameplay elements.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

96%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Persona 5 Royal for its engaging and strategic turn-based combat system, with many highlighting the improvements and additions made to enhance the overall experience. GameSpew commended the traditional turn-based combat system and improved fluidity in motion, while Push Square and Softpedia mentioned the excellent gameplay systems and addictive gameplay loop, respectively. Critics like COGconnected and Comicbook.com appreciated the slick, stylish, and strategic gameplay, with new features such as Showtime attacks adding depth to the combat system. The addition of new gameplay elements like Joker's grappling hook, improved mechanics, and quality-of-life improvements were also well-received by critics such as Attack of the Fanboy and GAMINGbible. On the downside, some critics noted minor issues with the pacing or certain filler battles that could make exploration tedious. For instance, Gameplanet mentioned that some filler battles can detract from the overall experience, while Digitally Downloaded pointed out the game's bloat despite the enjoyable gameplay. However, these criticisms were relatively minor compared to the overwhelming praise for the gameplay mechanics and enhancements in Persona 5 Royal. The game's combat system, character development opportunities, and new features like the Thieves Den, grappling hook, and updated soundtrack were generally well-received by critics across different platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Persona 5 Royal. The game is lauded for its deep combat mechanics, interconnected gameplay elements, and engaging turn-based battles that emphasize strategy and exploiting enemy weaknesses. Critics like Game Informer and Worth Playing highlighted the polished combat system, rewarding mechanics like Baton Passes, and the depth added by new confidants. The improvements to everyday aspects, enhanced combat mechanics, and quality-of-life changes were also praised by various critics, showcasing the overall positive sentiment towards the gameplay experience in Persona 5 Royal. Despite minor criticisms, the majority of critics found the gameplay to be very good, making it a highly recommended title for fans of JRPGs and immersive storytelling.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Persona 5 Royal's stunning graphics and visual design, praising its stylish aesthetics, crisp 4K visuals, and beautiful animations. While some mention minor issues like graphical limitations on certain platforms, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers lauding the game's immersive and visually appealing experience that complements its engaging gameplay and storytelling.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

82%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

18%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Persona 5 Royal, highlighting its stunning and stylish aesthetics. GameSpew commended the crisp 4K visuals that brought the game's world to life, with vibrant colors and improved details. PlayStation Universe mentioned the potential for even higher resolutions and advanced features in a native PS5 port, showcasing the game's visual appeal. DarkStation and GamingTrend both appreciated the game's art style, animations, and character designs, with DarkStation specifically noting the beautiful animations, menus, and character designs that contribute to a timeless look. Additionally, Worth Playing highlighted the stylish and polished presentation of Persona 5 Royal, with sharper character models and UI, along with technical improvements like faster load times. However, there were some mixed opinions regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Persona 5 Royal. Push Square on PS5 and Gameplanet on PS4 mentioned that the enhancements in graphics or visual design were minimal or lacking significant improvements. Cubed3 on Nintendo Switch noted some downgrades in graphics compared to other platforms, although it did not significantly impact the overall gameplay experience. Pocket Tactics pointed out the downscaled resolution on the Switch, which may be noticeable on larger screens. GamingTrend also mentioned that the UI suffered at resolutions below 1080p on PC, indicating potential issues with lower resolutions affecting the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Persona 5 Royal. Critics such as Daily Star, GAMINGbible, and Noisy Pixel praised the game's beautifully crafted world, detailed character models, broader color palette, and stunning visuals that enhance the overall experience. The majority of reviewers appreciated the game's unique art style, stylish animations, and attention to detail in both character designs and real-world locations. Despite some minor criticisms about potential graphical limitations on certain platforms, the general sentiment is that Persona 5 Royal excels in delivering a visually appealing and immersive experience that complements its engaging gameplay and storytelling.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics rave about Persona 5 Royal's exceptional Sound Design and Music, praising its iconic soundtrack blending jazz, punk, and pop elements. New tracks like 'Take Over' and 'Colors Flying High' enhance the immersive experience. Stellar voice acting performances deepen the game's powerful scenes, though some critics noted minor drawbacks like compressed sound on the Nintendo Switch version. Despite these, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the exceptional quality of the soundtrack and voice acting shining through. Persona 5 Royal stands out for its stellar audio design, making it a must-play title for genre fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

94%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Persona 5 Royal, highlighting its exceptional quality and immersive experience. Critics like Softpedia, COGconnected, and DarkStation lauded the game for its iconic and infectious soundtrack, which seamlessly blends jazz, punk, and pop elements to create catchy and memorable tunes. The addition of new tracks, such as 'Take Over' and 'Colors Flying High,' was particularly well-received, enhancing the overall audio experience and contributing to the game's immersive atmosphere. The stellar voice acting performances, as noted by critics like Noisy Pixel and Player 2, further added depth to the game's powerful scenes and characters, creating a cohesive and engaging auditory experience. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Persona 5 Royal was positive, a few critics did mention some minor drawbacks. Cubed3 noted that the sound on the Nintendo Switch version seemed compressed, but using headphones improved the experience significantly. Gameplanet criticized the English dub for not providing as immersive an experience as the Japanese voice acting, suggesting a potential area for improvement in localization efforts. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the exceptional quality of the soundtrack and voice acting overshadowing any minor issues. In conclusion, the Sound Design and Music of Persona 5 Royal received high praise from the majority of critics, with many highlighting the game's exceptional soundtrack, voice acting, and overall audio experience. Critics like RPGamer and Trusted Reviews commended the game for its stellar audio infused with jazz elements, new tracks that built upon existing themes, and multiple language options for localization. The diverse and memorable soundtrack, coupled with standout performances in voice acting, contributed to the game's immersive and engaging atmosphere, making Persona 5 Royal a standout title in terms of audio design. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Persona 5 Royal excels in its Sound Design and Music, enhancing the overall gameplay experience and solidifying its reputation as a must-play title for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics widely praise Persona 5 Royal's voice acting, with outlets like Softpedia and Game Rant lauding exceptional performances that enhance the immersive experience. While some dissenting views exist, like Gameplanet criticizing English voice-overs, the overwhelming sentiment is positive. The ability to switch between English and Japanese voice-overs adds versatility, with most reviewers expressing satisfaction across both languages. Overall, the high quality of voice acting in Persona 5 Royal stands out as a major strength, contributing significantly to the game's appeal and storytelling immersion.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

85%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on the voice acting of Persona 5 Royal, it is evident that the majority of critics found the voice acting to be exceptional and a significant highlight of the game. Softpedia, Cubed3, DarkStation, Impulsegamer, Noisy Pixel, Player 2, Game Rant, We Got This Covered, TheXboxHub, XboxEra, and God is a Geek all praised the voice acting, with comments ranging from outstanding performances to stellar delivery that enhanced the overall immersive experience. Critics like DarkStation specifically mentioned the solid and enjoyable voice acting, with new Confidants bringing amazing performances, and the option to switch between English and Japanese voice-overs adding to the versatility and appeal of the audio experience. The consistency in positive feedback from multiple critics underscores the high quality of voice acting in Persona 5 Royal. While the overall sentiment towards the voice acting in Persona 5 Royal is overwhelmingly positive, there were a few dissenting opinions regarding the English voice-overs. Gameplanet criticized the English voice-overs as horrendous and unlistenable, suggesting that the Japanese voice acting provided a significant improvement. This discrepancy in opinions highlights a potential divide among critics and players regarding the quality of the English localization efforts in the game. However, it is essential to note that this negative feedback was in the minority, with the majority of reviewers expressing satisfaction with the voice acting across both languages. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the voice acting in Persona 5 Royal. The exceptional performances, immersive delivery, and ability to switch between English and Japanese voice-overs were highlighted as major strengths of the game's audio experience. Critics like Noisy Pixel and Player 2 specifically commended the stellar performances that added depth to the characters and story. Despite some minor criticisms, such as Gameplanet's negative view on the English voice-overs, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards the excellence of the voice acting in Persona 5 Royal. The consistent praise from a majority of critics solidifies the notion that the voice acting significantly contributes to the game's overall appeal and immersive storytelling, making it a standout feature for many players and reviewers alike.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics praised Persona 5 Royal for its enhanced technical performance on various gaming platforms, with smoother framerates, faster load times, and stable gameplay. While some minor drawbacks were noted for each platform, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the game's polished experience and improvements over the original. Overall, reviewers found the game to deliver an excellent technical performance, enhancing the gameplay for players across different systems.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

75%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

25%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, Persona 5 Royal received positive feedback from the majority of critics. On the PlayStation 5, reviewers like GameSpew, PlayStation Universe, and Push Square highlighted the enhanced experience with smoother framerates, reduced loading times, and silky smooth presentation. The utilization of the DualSense controller with haptic feedback was also praised, adding to the overall immersion of the game. On the Nintendo Switch, critics such as CGMagazine, Game Rant, and Pocket Tactics noted solid performance, quick load times, and stable gameplay both in handheld and docked modes. Pure Xbox and XboxEra commended the buttery smooth 60FPS/4K experience on the Xbox Series X, with no reported technical issues or stability problems. However, there were some minor drawbacks mentioned by critics for each gaming platform. On the PlayStation 4, Gameplanet and Impulsegamer pointed out that while Persona 5 Royal saw improvements over the original game, the technical advancements were not significant. Texture and model improvements were minimal, and the game lacked major graphical enhancements. On the Nintendo Switch, Dexerto mentioned that textures may feel slightly less refined compared to the PlayStation 4 version, and occasional slowdowns were experienced during chaotic moments, as noted by Screen Rant. GamingTrend highlighted lower resolutions as an issue on PC, impacting the visual quality for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the technical performance of Persona 5 Royal across all platforms. The game was praised for its stable performance, faster load times, smooth gameplay transitions, and overall polished experience. Critics like Worth Playing and WellPlayed appreciated the technical improvements over the original game, while others, such as XboxEra and God is a Geek, lauded the flawless performance on next-gen consoles and PC. Despite some minor issues on certain platforms, the majority of critics found Persona 5 Royal to deliver an excellent technical performance, enhancing the overall gameplay experience for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praise Persona 5 Royal for its high replay value, with new endings, story parts, and gameplay features enhancing the experience for fans and newcomers. While some mention concerns about game length and pacing, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the game offering extensive content, new mechanics, and engaging gameplay that encourages multiple playthroughs.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

70%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

30%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics found the replay value of Persona 5 Royal to be very good, highlighting various positive aspects of the game. Critics such as Cubed3 and DarkStation praised the new endings, story parts, collectibles, and revamped features that enhance replayability for both old fans and newcomers. Additionally, the game's significant amount of content, new mechanics, and additions, as mentioned by Gameplanet and GAMINGbible, provide a complex and entertaining experience that encourages multiple playthroughs. The inclusion of over 30 hours of new content, gameplay refinements, and fresh story arcs, as noted by Impulsegamer, adds significant value for returning fans and new players alike. On the other hand, some critics pointed out potential negatives regarding the replay value of Persona 5 Royal. Daily Star mentioned that the length of the game could be daunting and off-putting to some players, while COGconnected highlighted that the pacing and length of the game may deter those who have already played the original Persona 5 from replaying. Player 2 also suggested that certain aspects like the pacing and length of dungeons could be trimmed down for a more approachable experience, potentially affecting the replayability for some players. Overall, despite some concerns raised by a few critics, the consensus among the majority is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Persona 5 Royal. The game offers a wealth of content, new features, and enhancements that make it highly replayable for both fans of the original Persona 5 and newcomers. With the addition of new characters, locations, gameplay alterations, and extensive gameplay hours, as highlighted by Push Square and Worth Playing, Persona 5 Royal provides a rewarding and engaging experience that entices players to revisit the world of the Phantom Thieves multiple times. The game's mix of vibrant characters, challenging gameplay, and multiple endings, as well as the various activities and unlockables it offers, as emphasized by GamingTrend and Pure Xbox, solidify its status as a title with exceptional replay value that is well worth investing time in.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

98%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

Persona 5 Royal has garnered widespread acclaim from the majority of critics, who praise it as one of the best RPGs of the last decade. Critics like GameSpew, Softpedia, and DarkStation commend the game for its improved visuals, enhanced gameplay, and captivating story, making it a must-play for both newcomers and fans of the series. The addition of new content, refined mechanics, and memorable soundtrack are highlighted by reviewers such as COGconnected and Cubed3, who describe the game as a masterpiece that surpasses the original Persona 5. The captivating narrative, engaging gameplay, and exceptional art design are lauded by Gameplanet and Worth Playing, emphasizing the immersive and mesmerizing experience that Persona 5 Royal offers to players. On the flip side, some critics point out certain drawbacks of Persona 5 Royal. Push Square and Gameplanet mention issues with pacing and translations, while Worth Playing acknowledges minor flaws that may affect the overall experience. Additionally, Push Square raises concerns about the full retail price at launch, suggesting that the cost could be a potential downside for some players. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards Persona 5 Royal remains overwhelmingly positive, with the game's strengths overshadowing its minor shortcomings. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Persona 5 Royal is a standout title in the RPG genre, with its definitive edition offering a rich and rewarding experience for players. Reviews from sources like Comicbook.com, The Digital Fix, and TheXboxHub underline the game's status as a must-play masterpiece that excels in storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and visual presentation. The game's ability to appeal to both returning players and newcomers is highlighted by RPGamer and Dexerto, emphasizing its broad appeal and lasting impact on the genre. Persona 5 Royal's success in enhancing the original game, coupled with its engaging narrative and masterful improvements, cements its position as a top-tier JRPG that resonates with a wide range of players.

TL;DR

Persona 5 Royal is hailed as a top RPG of the decade by critics for its improved visuals, captivating story, and new content. While some mention pacing and price issues, the overwhelming consensus is that it's a masterpiece that surpasses the original game, offering a rich and rewarding experience with broad appeal and lasting impact in the genre.

MONSTER

Reviews

206 reviews found

100

GAMINGbible

PlayStation 4

Mar 17, 2020

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

The review concludes that Persona 5 Royal is the definitive version of the game, with enough key differences to make it worth playing for both newcomers and veterans. It is described as a near-perfect game that has been elevated to another level.

100

Dexerto

Nintendo Switch

Oct 17, 2022

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

Persona 5 Royal is highly recommended and considered one of the best JRPGs of the decade. It is a must-play for any JRPG fan and a great starting point for newcomers to the genre.

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100

Pure Xbox

Xbox Series X

Oct 17, 2022

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

Persona 5 Royal is hands-down one of the best games ever played and an absolutely stonking new addition to Xbox Game Pass. Highly recommended.

100

GameGrin

PlayStation 4

Apr 2, 2020

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

Persona 5 Royal is an outstanding game with excellent new additions and improvements, making it one of the best JRPGs of this generation.

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100

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Oct 17, 2022

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

Persona 5 Royal is a must-play RPG and comes close to being a perfect RPG.

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100

TheGamer

Nintendo Switch

Oct 18, 2022

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

The review praises Persona 5 Royal as a masterful port of a masterpiece, expressing how much the reviewer enjoyed the game and missed the Phantom Thieves.

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100

Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 4

Mar 17, 2020

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

Persona 5 Royal is praised as one of the best JRPGs ever developed, with improvements based on fan feedback. The game's style, charm, and new additions make it even better than the original, offering a highly enjoyable experience for both new players and long-time fans.

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100

The Digital Fix

PlayStation 4

Mar 26, 2020

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

Persona 5 Royal is a must-play game that deserves the utmost respect.

100

Screen Rant

PlayStation 4

Mar 17, 2020

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

Persona 5 Royal is a significant upgrade over the base game, offering a marked improvement and cementing itself as the premier way to experience the series. It justifies repurchasing for fans and is an experience well-worth repeating.

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100

Game Rant

Nintendo Switch

Oct 17, 2022

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

Persona 5 Royal is a highly acclaimed Japanese RPG masterpiece that captivates players with its engaging story, deep gameplay mechanics, impressive visuals, and captivating music. The game's enhancements and additions make it a must-play for both new and returning players, solidifying its status as a standout title in the RPG genre.

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