Persona 5 Royal
- October 20, 2022
- P Studio
- 100h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games StorePersona 5 Royal is a enhanced port of the acclaimed RPG Persona 5. As a Phantom Thief, explore Tokyo, uncover the secrets of the Metaverse, and battle distorted desires using Personas. This edition includes new characters, story content, and gameplay features for a deeper, more rewarding journey.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Steam Deck
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- story5,709 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story of "Persona 5 Royal" is widely praised for its depth, emotional resonance, and engaging character arcs, making it a standout in the JRPG genre. Players appreciate the intricate narrative that explores themes of rebellion, justice, and personal growth, often highlighting the well-developed relationships between characters and the impactful plot twists throughout the game. However, some critiques mention pacing issues and a tendency for the story to feel overly long or repetitive, particularly in the middle sections, which can detract from the overall experience.
“The story is rich, full of twists and emotional depth, making every decision feel meaningful.”
“The game’s story is captivating, thrilling and entertaining from start to finish.”
“The story, the characters, the art and animation, and of course the music are all so beautiful and wonderful.”
“The story feels very hand-holdy and very basic compared to the others.”
“The story is filled with unexpected twists, intrigue, and emotional moments.”
“The story is generally okay and has some unexpected twists, but a frustrating aspect is that the story kind of spoils itself with flashes forward in time and by sometimes showing you the villains perspective before you've confronted them.”
- music3,014 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The music in Persona 5 Royal has been universally praised, with many reviewers highlighting its exceptional quality and memorable compositions. The soundtrack, primarily featuring a jazzy and funky style, enhances the game's atmosphere and emotional depth, making it a standout element of the overall experience. While some players noted the potential for repetitiveness in certain tracks due to the game's length, the majority found the music to be engaging and a significant reason to play, often listening to it outside of the game as well.
“The music is incredible and only helps to hype you up in battle and truly enhance the atmosphere of your experience.”
“The soundtrack is a perfect blend of jazz, rock, and electronic music, and every track perfectly complements the action on screen.”
“The soundtrack, composed by Shoji Meguro, is a true masterpiece.”
“The music is so damn awful that it gave me a huge headache.”
“The music in Persona 5 is straight garbage.”
“The battle music, whether you ambushed them or they ambushed you since there is a different battle track for each situation, is a blessing so I don't complain (unless it's a very strong enemy then my stress levels are too high to enjoy the music).”
- gameplay2,748 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Persona 5 Royal" has been widely praised for its engaging turn-based combat, innovative mechanics like baton passing, and a seamless blend of social simulation and dungeon crawling. While many players appreciate the depth and variety of gameplay elements, some have noted that the game can become repetitive and easier than its predecessors, particularly with the introduction of new mechanics that simplify combat. Overall, the game is celebrated for its stylish presentation, addictive gameplay loop, and rich character interactions, making it a standout title in the JRPG genre.
“The gameplay has some interesting battle mechanics with techs, persona negotiations, baton passing, etc., and lastly, the persona fusing system is unique and sufficiently complex.”
“The gameplay, music, art, pacing, bosses, ideas, story, concept, ending, even just the menu... almost everything is just so satisfying.”
“The gameplay is unique with multiple traits and ailments, and the way gameplay, story, and battle mechanics intertwine so smoothly and seamlessly is unique, setting a new standard for the genre.”
“The gameplay in this game is innovative in the turn-based JRPG genre, but the JRPG gameplay can actually be frustratingly easy even on the hardest difficulty, which means the bulk of actual game time is spent listening to or reading dialogue.”
“The gameplay is okay, but the 'Royal' edition adds ridiculously overpowered things that trivialize the game even at the hardest difficulty. This makes combat pretty boring if you use the Royal stuff and very tedious if you don't because you always have to manually check on the internet if the mechanic/item was in the original game or was added by the Royal edition.”
“The gameplay loop gets a bit draining at times, but I guess that's why they made the UI the way it is, because you will be looking at it for a long time.”
- graphics1,240 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics of Persona 5 Royal are widely praised for their striking and stylish art style, which combines vibrant colors and anime-inspired designs to create a visually captivating experience. Many reviewers highlight the game's unique aesthetic, including its dynamic menus and character designs, which enhance the overall immersion. While some note that the underlying graphics may show their age, the artistic direction and attention to detail more than compensate, making it a standout title in the JRPG genre.
“Visually, Persona 5 stands out with its bold, anime-inspired art style and slick presentation, enhanced by an unforgettable jazz-infused soundtrack.”
“The art style is stunning, and the soundtrack will stick with you long after you’re done playing.”
“The visuals are striking, and the soundtrack is amazing.”
“The in-game graphics are way outdated, but that didn't hinder the enjoyment at all.”
“Graphics look meh; art direction and menus are great.”
“The graphics are also a huge step up, and the UI is loud and bombastic, perfect for the rebellious tone this game is going for.”
- emotional348 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of Persona 5 Royal is widely praised, with many players expressing that the game made them cry multiple times due to its rich storytelling and deep character development. The game's exploration of themes such as friendship, personal growth, and social justice resonates strongly, creating a profound emotional connection with the characters that feels genuine and impactful. Overall, players describe the experience as an emotional rollercoaster, filled with heartfelt moments that linger long after the game is completed.
“The emotional payoff at the end of the game was something else entirely since I felt I had grown alongside all of these people.”
“I cried extensively when I finished the game as I felt I was ending a journey that I never wanted to end.”
“Persona 5 Royal isn't just a game you play; it's an emotional journey you undertake with a group of characters you can't help but grow attached to.”
- grinding315 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 84 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback from players. While some appreciate the ability to streamline the process through mechanics like instant kills and the mementos system, many find the overall experience tedious and time-consuming, particularly in the later stages of the game. Overall, grinding is often seen as a necessary but unenjoyable part of the gameplay loop, with some players suggesting it detracts from the otherwise engaging story and character development.
“And hey, no grinding being necessary is a big plus for a JRPG!”
“There's (almost) no grinding, just straight up an interesting story and so much of it.”
“Total playtime for the 'true' ending, normal difficulty, completing every side quest I found, no grinding... was about 118 hours.”
“Typically when a JRPG takes that long to complete, it means grinding for hours against hordes of lazily recolored enemies.”
“The two main downsides were Mementos (a randomly generated dungeon, which I found a tedious slog) and the combat in general, which feels very static.”
“You will spend hours grinding levels, and after a while it started to feel more like a chore than anything else, which diminished my fun as I just wanted to get back to building up social ranks.”
- optimization296 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The optimization of Persona 5 Royal on PC has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing significant performance issues such as stuttering and frame drops, particularly in crowded areas. While some users report smooth gameplay on high-end systems, others with capable hardware struggle to maintain consistent frame rates, often attributing these problems to the Denuvo anti-tamper technology. Overall, while the game has potential for good performance, it is marred by optimization flaws that can detract from the experience.
“The game runs smoothly at 60 frames per second with no issues, making it one of the best games to play on the handheld device.”
“The optimization is top-notch, allowing for silky-smooth gameplay even on mid-range rigs.”
“I encountered no performance issues whatsoever over the course of my 171-hour long playthrough, and the game ran flawlessly at max settings on my PC.”
“The game is very poorly optimized, with the main issue being all the background NPCs being rendered moving around.”
“The performance isn't as bad as it was with P4 before the patch earlier this year.”
“Unfortunately, the PC port has a stuttering issue and I've tried every solution people have to fix it and nothing has worked.”
- humor237 mentions
- 97 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mix of dark, self-aware jokes and lighthearted moments, often contrasting serious themes with comedic elements. While many players appreciate the quirky character interactions and funny dialogue, some critiques highlight instances of inappropriate humor and repetitive gags that detract from character depth. Overall, the game successfully balances humor with emotional storytelling, making it an engaging experience for players.
“The game treats him like he's a pervert and makes that a frequent joke, none of the other characters want to accept that he is being honest when he says that he has no interest in the sexuality of the body, and that was never funny.”
“The characters and the game story are well-developed and rich in backstories, with many hours of non-stop laughing at the characters' jokes and the choices you make.”
“The game has some qualities; interesting story, great music, fun art style, and some humor and self-awareness.”
“The biggest disappointment I got from the game is having to see how a character that has an empowering first arc ends up being the sexualized one every possible time, basically killing that mentioned arc, all for the sake of completely unfunny, tasteless fanservice moments.”
“The game seems to expect you to laugh at people lusting for underage girls and boys on several occasions, and it comes off as extremely creepy on the writers' part and not funny at all.”
“Some anime tropes that are insufferable and unfunny are also squished into this game, and I find that to be pretty annoying, like casual sexual harassment from the main male cast.”
- character development181 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
Character development in Persona 5 is widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, with players noting the well-crafted growth of both main and side characters. The game's vibrant character designs and engaging storytelling enhance the player's connection to the characters, making their journeys feel impactful and relatable. However, some critiques mention inconsistencies in character development, particularly with new additions in the Royal edition, suggesting that not all characters receive the same level of attention.
“Persona 5 excels in its character development, world-building, and addictive gameplay loop.”
“The character development is insanely good—each character's growth is so well-crafted that it adds a whole new level of depth to the game.”
“The character development in the game is outstanding and really speaks to you; I may have teared up on a couple of occasions, but that just speaks to the wonderful storytelling.”
“The story has some pacing issues, some characters aren't given the proper character development they deserve (cough Haru), and a couple minor gameplay gripes like only being able to use some of my favorite party members for the last couple hours of the game.”
“Character development is lacking, especially for new characters added in the Royal edition.”
“What this game did worse than P4G, in my opinion, was the introduction of too many characters late in the game, with not enough character development for some party members as a result.”
- replayability100 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability, driven by its diverse personas, choices, and multiple endings, allowing players to explore different strategies and character builds. While the main story remains largely consistent, subsequent playthroughs offer opportunities to complete side quests, utilize different party members, and experience new content introduced in the Royal edition. Overall, players find the game engaging enough to warrant multiple playthroughs, despite its lengthy runtime.
“The ability to customize builds and exploit weaknesses makes combat strategic and dynamic, adding even more replayability.”
“The high duration of the game and the ability to play it multiple times with different choices and characters make Persona 5 Royal one of the most replayable games in the JRPG genre.”
“It's packed with content, offers tons of replayability, and is one of the best gaming experiences I've had in years.”
“I enjoyed a lot of the time I put into the game before that, but now, it really just feels like I wasted so much time that I could have put into something more replayable.”
“The best parts of the game are the final 30 hours with the epilogue, which is a shame because it kills a lot of replay value.”
“Now replaying the game, I realize... the game has very little replayability.”
- atmosphere96 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its vibrant and immersive qualities, enhanced by a phenomenal soundtrack that perfectly complements various settings and emotional moments. Players appreciate the stylish art design, engaging character interactions, and the unique blend of jazz, rock, and pop music that creates a contemporary yet timeless feel. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as captivating, emotionally resonant, and a key factor in the overall enjoyment of the experience.
“The game's intricately crafted world, diverse characters, and striking art style create a rich and immersive atmosphere that draws players in and keeps them engaged throughout the entirety of the journey.”
“The soundtrack is a masterpiece, pulsating with energy during battles and dripping with atmosphere during exploration.”
“The music, as always, is exceptional, with a diverse soundtrack that perfectly complements the game's atmosphere.”
“9/10, sadly it doesn't convey the sinister/creepy atmosphere that Persona 3 has, but it's still a very fun game with more of the same things that you like from the previous games.”
“The color palette so far in the game is great but I am still nostalgic about the gloomy atmosphere Persona 4 Golden had.”
“The tone is definitely more mature than Persona 4, and this is shown with the dialog, level design, and general atmosphere.”
- stability71 mentions
- 54 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 45 % negative mentions
The stability of the game varies significantly across platforms, with many users reporting a smooth experience on consoles and the Steam Deck, while the PC version has been plagued by bugs, crashes, and performance issues, particularly in open areas. Some players experienced no glitches or crashes at all, while others faced frequent freezes and frame drops, often attributed to Denuvo's impact on performance. Overall, while many find the game runs well, especially on consoles, the PC version's stability remains inconsistent, leading to mixed reviews.
“The game runs great, with a locked and stable framerate across all platforms (30fps on Switch, last gen and PS3 | 60fps on current gen), and the PC version allows for 120fps. It looks just as good as you're imagining, and if you liked the staccato look of the original releases, you can lock it at 30fps without affecting gameplay due to being turn-based.”
“Bug free to a surprising degree, the better ease of access desktop gaming provides makes Persona 5 Royal shine; this is a wonderful port.”
“Runs great on the Steam Deck at a smooth 60fps on high settings while also being one of the greatest JRPGs of all time.”
“It's been several months for bug fixes and hours of troubleshooting on my part and my game still crashes randomly.”
“Lags, crashes, freezes... I've already tried all the recommended fixes, nothing works.”
“Unfortunately it seems that Denuvo is causing random stuttering, frame drops, and even freezes that last up to 5 seconds for me.”
- monetization8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 63 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players criticizing the design as tedious and filled with unnecessary tasks, while others appreciate that Persona 5 Royal is a fully packaged game without additional microtransactions or DLCs. However, there are complaints about certain gameplay changes and challenges that feel like cash grabs, detracting from the overall experience.
“Persona 5 Royal is a fully packaged game that includes all of the original game's DLC as well as the Royal expansion, so there are no additional DLCs or microtransactions within the game whatsoever.”
“Usually in-game purchases, I always have a mindset of higher price = longer playtime/content.”
“[b]Price point/monetization model[/b]”
“Sega, your monetization choices are awful (this has nothing to do with this game).”
“This royal version is the unnecessary cash grab that adds unnecessary plot points to the already great game and then introduces unnecessary gameplay changes that are annoying.”
“Horrible microtransactions to play!”
