Persona 5 Tactica
" Engaging RPG strategy with heartfelt story and tactical combat but limited challenge and depth "
Persona 5 Tactica Review
Persona 5 Tactica offers a distinctive tactical RPG experience, diverging from the mainline Persona series with gameplay reminiscent of Fire Emblem. The game features strong art direction and a soundtrack praised as excellent, maintaining Atlus' signature style. Players appreciate the character-driven story, which is heartfelt and engaging, though some note it can be overly verbose and occasionally padded, particularly in later stages.
Gameplay is generally considered fun and satisfying once mastered, but the difficulty is relatively low, even on harder settings. Some players find the tactical depth lacking, with level design seemingly tailored to specific team compositions rather than encouraging diverse strategies. The inclusion of day-one DLC and changes to core mechanics like Personas being treated as equipment rather than unique summons have drawn criticism. Despite these issues, fans of the Persona 5 cast and style find value in the game, though many recommend purchasing it on sale rather than at full price.
Highlights
The game's art style and music receive consistent praise, capturing the Persona aesthetic beautifully. The storyline is regarded as the best aspect, rich with character moments and emotional depth.
Gameplay mechanics translate well into the tactical RPG format, offering satisfying combat execution. The soundtrack, especially tracks by Lyn, is highlighted as a standout feature. Additionally, the new characters integrate well with the established cast, adding to the narrative appeal.
Criticisms
Players commonly criticize the lack of challenge, finding the game too easy even on higher difficulties. The tactical gameplay is seen as somewhat shallow, with limited incentive for varied team-building.
The presence of day-one DLC and the treatment of Personas as mere equipment diminish the franchise's signature magic. The story pacing can be bogged down by excessive dialogue and padding, particularly in the later stages, which some find boring. The overall value at full price is questioned, with many recommending waiting for discounts.
Pros
- • Excellent art style and character design true to Persona 5's aesthetic.
- • Engaging and heartfelt storyline with strong character development.
- • High-quality soundtrack that complements gameplay and atmosphere.
- • Satisfying tactical combat mechanics once understood by players.
- • New characters blend well with the existing Persona 5 cast.
- • Fun challenges and quests help deepen combat understanding.
- • Smooth and appealing animation and presentation throughout.
Cons
- • Gameplay lacks depth and challenge, making it too easy overall.
- • Level design seems tailored to specific teams, limiting strategy.
- • Day-one DLC content feels like essential content withheld.
- • Personas treated as equipment reduce the franchise’s unique feel.
- • Excessive dialogue and padding cause pacing issues and boredom.
- • Price is considered too high for the amount of content offered.
- • Reused bosses and enemy variety are limited, reducing excitement.
Rating Criteria
Join the Phantom Thieves as they lead an uprising of the heart! Assemble an all-star team of heroes in a brand-new story in this thrilling combat adventure set in Persona’s iconic universe.