Persona 5 Royal Review - Both Better and Worse Than the Original

Persona 5 was already an exceptional game, widely praised for its intricate story, beautiful artwork, and engaging turn-based combat. So when Persona 5 Royal was announced as an enhanced version of the original, fans of the series had high expectations. Now that the Royal version has been released, it's clear that it brings both significant improvements and a few downsides that make it a complex, yet highly enjoyable experience.

What's New in Persona 5 Royal?

One of the standout features of Persona 5 Royal is the addition of new content. The game introduces an entirely new semester, with additional storylines, characters, and social activities that were not present in the original. The most notable of these additions is the new character, Kasumi Yoshizawa, a mysterious new member of the Phantom Thieves. She brings her own unique storyline and persona, which adds fresh dynamics to the already well-loved team.

The gameplay has also been improved. The combat system has been refined, with more fluid animations and new abilities for both new and returning characters. The game has added new locations to explore, like Kichijoji, and new ways to interact with the world. These changes help keep the gameplay feeling fresh, even for those who have already played through the original Persona 5. The Royal version also addresses some minor pacing issues, making the flow of the game feel a bit smoother in comparison.

Improved Story Elements

Persona 5 Royal also builds on the original story with more depth and nuance. The extra semester allows for a more fleshed-out narrative, adding new stakes and further developing the story's themes of rebellion, self-identity, and societal change. The new story content adds some much-needed weight to the final acts of the game, with an additional layer of emotional depth that will keep players engaged until the very end. Kasumi’s story arc intertwines seamlessly with the main plot, making her an interesting addition to the narrative rather than a mere side character.

Another significant addition is the third semester finale, which offers an expanded ending to the story. It enhances the original conclusion in a way that feels both satisfying and rewarding, making Persona 5 Royal a more complete experience than its predecessor.

What Went Wrong?

However, not all of the changes in Persona 5 Royal are improvements. Some players might feel that the additional content, while compelling, somewhat disrupts the pacing. The new semester can feel like it’s tacked onto the end, and while it brings fresh material, it can make the game feel longer than necessary. The changes in the pacing and structure of the final acts might feel like a double-edged sword for some—while they enrich the experience, they can also drag it out for those eager to wrap up the game.

The Best Way to Celebrate Persona 5 Royal? With Merchandise

One of the best ways to show your love for Persona 5 Royal is by picking up some Persona 5 Royal merchandise. Whether it's wearing a Phantom Thieves hoodie, collecting figures of the iconic characters, or adding some stylish art prints to your collection, there are plenty of ways to show off your devotion to the game. The Persona 5 Royal merchandise allows you to keep a piece of the game's universe with you, even when you're not playing.

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