18.7 hours played
Written 4 days ago
Persona 5 Strikers offers a fresh and energetic twist on the beloved Persona series by blending its signature storytelling and characters with a fast-paced, action-oriented combat system. Moving away from the traditional turn-based battles, the game introduces real-time hack-and-slash gameplay reminiscent of the Dynasty Warriors franchise. This change creates a more immediate and thrilling combat experience, where players can chain together combos, switch between party members on the fly, and strategically use Personas and special abilities to overcome waves of enemies. The transition feels natural, preserving the series' strategic depth while injecting a new sense of momentum and excitement.
The story picks up shortly after the original Persona 5, following the Phantom Thieves as they reunite for a summer road trip across Japan. Their trip takes a dark turn when they discover mysterious dungeons known as Jails, which manipulate the desires of various individuals. The narrative tackles modern issues such as social media influence, manipulation, and the echo chambers people often find themselves trapped in. While the plot doesn’t carry the same emotional weight as the first game, it effectively builds on the characters’ growth and maintains the series’ tradition of social commentary through a new, more contemporary lens.
Character development remains strong, with each member of the Phantom Thieves receiving meaningful moments to shine and evolve. The game explores their personal challenges and relationships in ways that feel genuine, adding emotional depth to the high-energy action. Interactions between characters retain the charm and wit fans expect, strengthening the bond between the group and keeping players invested in their journey. This focus on friendship and personal growth grounds the story, even as the game dives into more intense and fantastical battles.
Visually, Persona 5 Strikers stays true to the series’ stylish anime-inspired aesthetic. The character designs are vibrant and full of personality, perfectly capturing the distinct identities of the Phantom Thieves. The game’s environments vary widely, from urban streets to eerie dungeon settings, each crafted with attention to detail that enhances the overall atmosphere. Combat sequences benefit from dynamic camera work, making each fight feel dramatic and cinematic, which elevates the satisfaction of battling hordes of enemies.
The soundtrack plays a crucial role in energizing the gameplay, mixing new tracks with remixed favorites from Persona 5’s iconic score. The music seamlessly adapts to the fast-paced action, heightening the tension and excitement during battles and exploration alike. Voice acting is solid, with the cast delivering their lines convincingly and bringing emotional nuance to their roles, which helps deepen the narrative experience.
Though the shift to real-time combat adds freshness, it may not satisfy all fans, especially those who prefer the more thoughtful pace of turn-based strategy. Some players might find the action repetitive after extended play, and the linear progression can feel limiting compared to the open-ended exploration and social simulation that defined the original Persona 5. Additionally, the absence of the deep confidant system means fewer opportunities for players to build relationships outside of the main story, which may disappoint fans who valued those layers of interaction.
In summary, Persona 5 Strikers successfully reinvents the franchise by combining its engaging characters and storytelling with exhilarating, action-packed gameplay. While it trades some of the original’s strategic and social elements for a more streamlined and fast-paced approach, it delivers a compelling adventure that is both familiar and refreshingly new. For players looking to revisit the Phantom Thieves in a dynamic new format, Strikers offers a vibrant, entertaining journey that expands the Persona universe in exciting ways.
Rating: 8/10
