Atlus’s Persona 5 Tactics Reviewed
Developer Atlus’s latest Persona 5 spin-off, Persona 5 Tactica, has created a stir with its ability to adopt deep and engaging turn-based mechanics while celebrating the iconic visuals and fast-paced battles of the original series. The game’s so-called rapid-fire style and fluidity may seem at odds with traditional turn-based strategy, but Persona 5 Tactica has managed to incorporate new elements seamlessly.
With over-the-top villains, engaging character interactions, and a palpable sense of mystery, the game’s high-concept tale promises to keep fans of the series invested. However, newcomers to the series may feel lost in the deep end, particularly when it comes to caring about the characters or setting.
A large part of this feeling is due to Tactica’s main plot, which directly addresses the fallout of Persona 5’s finale and slots comfortably into the series’ canon. The game introduces new figures like Erina and Toshiro – characters that may provide a window of access to the ongoing narrative for newcomers. But there’s simply too much baggage from the main game’s story to make Tactica’s own tale accessible to those unfamiliar with the series.
The game’s novel and refreshing take on the turn-based strategy genre, however, has a more universal appeal, offering a rabbit hole of gripping tactical decisions and puzzle-solving to dive into, leading to a satisfying strategy steak that requires plenty of chewing.
One particularly challenging side quest required me to defeat every enemy in a single turn using Triple Threat attacks. I finally mastered the required sequence after experimenting with several different abilities and positions, eliminating half a dozen enemies in a flurry of bullets and spells that gave me one heck of a dopamine hit.
Though Tactica escapes the shadow of Persona 5 when it comes to game mechanics, the same cannot be said for its narrative design. The game leans too heavily on the character development and overarching story found in the main game, making it feel more like an extended DLC rather than a standalone game.
Persona 5 Tactica is an excellent strategy game with a lot to offer to fans of the series. However, it may not be accessible to newcomers or those curious about Persona.
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