Persona 5
In short: Persona 5 is an RPG game released in 2016 by Atlus, available on PlayStation, Nintendo, PC and Xbox. Our score: 9.5/10 (highly recommended). Lowest price we found right now: $16.17.
A stylish JRPG that blends high school simulation with turn-based combat against supernatural entities. The protagonist and his group of 'Phantom Thieves' steal corrupted hearts to reform society.
Persona 5 is a critically acclaimed role-playing game developed by Atlus. Released in 2016, it quickly gained widespread recognition for its unique blend of social simulation and dungeon crawling. Players take on the role of a transfer student, codenamed Joker, who is forced to transfer to Shujin Academy in Tokyo after being falsely accused of assault. During his time in Tokyo, he awakens to a mysterious power, becoming a 'Phantom Thief' and leading a group of fellow students to explore the Metaverse, a supernatural realm born from humanity's collective unconscious desires. The Phantom Thieves aim to steal corrupted desires from the hearts of adults, symbolizing societal evils, to change their ways and reform society. The game's narrative is a compelling critique of modern society, touching upon themes of justice, rebellion, and freedom. The story unfolds as a series of intricate arcs, each focusing on a different antagonist representing a societal problem, such as abuse of power, corruption, and exploitation. The characters are deeply fleshed out, with their own backstories, motivations, and personal struggles, which players get to explore through various social links. These social links, or
Game details
- Developer: Atlus
- Publisher: Atlus
- Release year: 2016
- Platforms: PlayStation, Nintendo, PC, Xbox
- Category: RPG
Our review
Persona 5 is a masterclass in JRPG design, offering an unparalleled blend of stylish aesthetics, compelling narrative, and addictive gameplay. From its vibrant art style and catchy soundtrack to its deep character development and intricate combat system, the game excels in almost every aspect. The dual life system, balancing high school activities with dungeon crawling, keeps the experience fresh and engaging throughout its extensive playtime. While some minor pacing issues and repetitive elements exist, they are easily overshadowed by the sheer brilliance and ambition of Persona 5. It's a must-play for fans of the genre and a fantastic entry point for newcomers.
Pros
- Stylish art direction and UI
- Engaging story and characters
- Addictive turn-based combat
- Excellent soundtrack
- Deep social simulation
Cons
- Pacing can be slow at times
- Some repetitive dungeon designs
- Long introductory sequences
FAQ
- How long is Persona 5 Royal?
- Persona 5 Royal, the enhanced version of Persona 5, can take anywhere from 100 to 150 hours to complete, depending on how much side content you engage with.
- Do I need to play previous Persona games to understand Persona 5?
- No, Persona 5 features a standalone story and characters, so you can enjoy it without having played any previous titles in the series.
- What is the difference between Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal?
- Persona 5 Royal adds a new semester, new characters, new story content, quality-of-life improvements, and various gameplay enhancements to the original Persona 5. It's generally considered the definitive version.
- Is there New Game Plus in Persona 5?
- Yes, after completing the game, you can start a New Game Plus playthrough where some of your progress, like social stats, Personas from the Compendium, and equipment, carries over.
More about this game
Similar games
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Disco Elysium
- Mass Effect 2
- Persona 5 Royal
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Last updated: 01/04/2026