Even though I missed Persona 5 when the game was first released, I finally managed to play it earlier this year on PS4. However, at the time, I chose to play the original game instead of Persona 5 Royal, as it was significantly cheaper and slightly shorter as it lacked the new content added in the updated version.
As a huge JRPG fan, Persona 5 was one of the reasons I decided to buy a PS4 Pro in the first place. However, with the release of Persona 5 Royal for Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X / S and PC, the game is no longer a PlayStation exclusive.
Since I had played and enjoyed the original game, I recently volunteered to review the updated version of Tom’s Guide on the Nintendo Switch. Even though my Persona 5 Royal review is now over, I just can’t stop playing. In fact, I intend to spend my weekend boosting my social stats and trying to infiltrate some mansions that I haven’t had time to finish. Maybe it’s the quality of life improvements or the way I can play Persona 5 Royal in handheld mode, but either way, I think it’s one of the best Nintendo Switch games and I wish Atlus had brought the game to the hybrid console of Nintendo even earlier instead of moving all up Shin Megami Tensei V.
A familiar but new experience
Playing Persona 5 Royal after beating Persona 5 is like revisiting an old neighborhood you lived in. Sure, there are some familiar buildings and landmarks, but many businesses have changed ownership and there are probably some improvements as well.
(Image credit: Atlus)
When I first launched the game, I was immediately taken aback by the new Persona 5 Royal title sequence, which is much more action-packed than the more playful introduction to Persona 5. The differences between the start of both. the games didn’t stop there though, as I was able to use the new grappling hook during the game’s introduction; a scene had been added that immediately introduced me to one of the new characters.
Once I finished introducing the game and moved into my new quarters above Cafe Leblanc, it felt like I was walking on familiar ground again. However, the new animations, menus, and other quality of life improvements kept me glued to the screen despite it being a game I had recently finished.
(Image credit: Atlus)
Among the new additions, I really liked the way all Persona 5 Royal confidants call you on the phone after spending time with them. It looks a lot like a friend checking to make sure you get home safe and sound after a night out. The way you can see each character speaking alongside their dialogue has definitely helped me feel more connected to them.
No more first nights
Aside from engaging in turn-based battles in the Metaverse (no, not that), improving your social stats is a huge part of Persona 5 Royal. You increase your knowledge, your courage, your competence, your kindness and your charm by doing various activities such as reading books, creating infiltration tools and taking care of your plant. Even leveling up your characters after a big battle isn’t as good as seeing one of your social stats increase.
While you can engage in activities during the day to boost your social stats, some require you to go to certain places around Tokyo at night. There is already too much to do in the game and the amount of time you have each day after attending school is limited.
(Image credit: Atlus)
At first, a Metaverse character named Morgana comes to live with you in the real world after taking the form of a cat (yes, it’s a weird game). While it’s nice to have her company at night, Morgana often tells you to go to bed instead of leaving the house at night, especially after a long day. This can be really annoying when you’re really close to leveling up a social stat.
While developing Persona 5 Royal, Atlus took this into account and decided to reconsider how often Morgan tells you to go to sleep. While this is the kind of change novice players may not notice, it has made a huge difference to my Persona 5 Royal playthrough so far. Now instead of being forced to go to bed, I spend my evenings reading, watching TV, or even making coffee to improve my social stats.
Screenshots galore
After playing Golden Persona 4 on PC last year, I was incredibly surprised to learn that I wasn’t able to take screenshots while playing Persona 5 on PS4. Like some other JRPGs, Persona games are released in Japan before being made available in other countries. As there is a strong focus on Persona 5’s story, its developer Atlus soon made the decision to disable the ability to take screenshots or videos to prevent people from spoiling the game.
(Image credit: Atlus)
While some people were hoping this feature would eventually be activated, it never was, not even to this day. However, as Persona 5 Royal is an updated version of the original game, Atlus now allows you to take screenshots and videos until the start of the new third half.
(Image credit: Nintendo)
I don’t know about you, but I love taking screenshots while playing. Not only can I share them with friends who may be undecided about trying a game, but I can also go back and look at them to see what I’ve played. While playing Persona 5 Royal, I held my thumb on the Switch screenshot button during each cutscene, but also while listening to the dialogue between the game’s characters. Capturing a funny moment or a line of dialogue is very rewarding for me and being able to take screenshots this time is one of the main reasons I’m still playing Persona 5 Royal.
Even easier to pick up and play
(Image credit: Atlus)
Persona 5 was a fairly long game on its own at around 100 hours to complete, and Persona 5 Royal adds another 30 hours of content. While I’ve played some of Persona 5 using Remote Play on PS4 with the help of GameSir X2, there’s something to be said about how easy it is to play Persona 5 Royal in handheld mode on the Switch.
Despite the Switch’s older hardware, Persona 5 Royal still looks good on a 4K TV thanks to its stylized design. However, being able to take my Switch and play in portable mode gave me the flexibility to play in bed, at home, or even on the go. With a long game like Persona 5 Royal, this can definitely help you deal with it.
While the Switch may not be as powerful as next-gen consoles, the simplicity of its user interface has always been one of its best features. While others often criticize the console for it, you are not bothered by messages, friend requests, or even updates and can quickly and easily return to the game you were playing.
I told myself I’d be switching from Persona and taking a much-needed break from JRPG earlier this year, but playing Persona 5 Royal on the Switch sucked me in again. Sure, much of the story will be the same but pinpointing the differences between the two games keeps me going. Also, being able to play on my TV or in portable mode while taking as many screenshots as I want gave me a completely different experience than the first time.
