Persona 5–which was first released September 2016 in Japan and April 2017 worldwide–made me a fan of the series and is a personal favorite game of mine. How could it not be a favorite after investing over 120 hours into it? And now with less than two months away,Persona 5 Royalwill be released on July 28, 2025 in the West, once again charming us with our favorite characters and introducing a new one.
When I first started playingPersona 5, I had no idea what I was getting into; actually backtrack that, I did have somewhat of an idea. ThePersonagames play like a life simulation; you play as the main protagonist who has gotten himself into a little trouble. Your parents then dump you on a family friend, and from there, you pretty much have to figure out stuff yourself in the heart of Tokyo, Japan. You then go on to meet great characters who become friends and overcome what you feared most.
As you playPersona 5, it reminds you to take your time during every loading screen. That’s exactly what I ended up doing: did I mention I put over 120 hours into this game? Throughout my time withPersona 5, I was talking to everyone, running around town, and completing quirky side objectives, like the burger challenge. Some of my other favorite moments inPersona 5included buying a video game console to play with your friends (if you invite them over), or even creating lockpicks for your next journey.
I didn’t complete everything in the game, and I did miss a few things that would’ve helped me later on, but I came out on the other end fine and undefeated.Looking back on the series as a whole,Persona 4was easily one of my favorite games, butPersona 5quickly stole my heart with its story, gameplay, and its characters.The dialogue and each character’s storylines drew me in and made me want to protect everyone: especially Ryuji more than anyone else, because he is a true definition of a “Ride or Die” friend.
[pullquote]“Persona 4was easily one of my favorite games, butPersona 5quickly stole my heart with its story, gameplay, and its characters."[/pullquote]
Altus releasedthe first trailers forPersona 5 Royallast year, once again introducing our beloved Phantom Thieves. Watching the trailer for the first time did leave me impatient because I can’t wait to meet Kasumi– the new girl on the block–and from the looks of it, it seems she has a score to settle. Plus, there’s an extra palace tied to her backstory, if there is one thing I love about Persona it’s palaces. The new character Kasumi apparently grows close to the main protagonist, Joker, and Goro Akechi. She can have Akechi, but stay away from my beloved Joker if your intentions are bad.
Aside from the new characters and relationships in store, I can’t wait to hand it to enemies inPersona 5 Royalwithall-new featured partner attacks. Partner attacks deal heavy damage to your enemies, and I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to see them executed inPersona 5 Royal, but with a quirky stylish touch.
When Atlus first hinted at an announcement aboutPersona 5 Royal, I like many others had one thought come to mind: it was coming to the Switch. Of course we were wrong, but I’m still hoping forPersona 5to make it to the Switch one day. I look at it this way: if TheWitcher 3can come to the Nintendo Switch, then I think so canPersona 5.
[pullquote]“I can’t wait to boot up my PlayStation 4 once again and dive into the world that isPersonaall over again."[/pullquote]
Until then, I’m okay with accepting this newer edition ofPersona, and honestly, any excuse that allows me to go back and explore Mementos is greatly appreciated. My excitement has only grown the closer we get to the Western release date ofPersona 5 Royal. I can’t wait to boot up my PlayStation 4 once again and dive into the world that isPersonaall over again. AllPersonagames have something in common besides taking your time; they have life lessons, incredible music, and characters who you’ll always remember. There’s something about each character that either will have you love them, hate them, or feel sorry for them.
Regardless of how you feel,Persona 5is a great RPG, and if you haven’t picked it up yet, what are you waiting for? Seriously why has it taken you this long to play it? If not, at least you get to playPersona 5 Royalwith all of the extra goodies and updated storyline. I’ll admit I’m a little jealous of those who get to play it for the first time, because you’re sure in for a wonderful treat.
Persona 5 Royalwill release in the West for PS4 on June 15, 2025, andyou can pre-order it right now over on Amazon.
