Persona 5: The Longest JRPG Ever?

So, you're wondering if Persona 5 is the longest game ever? Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the world of Persona 5 and its many iterations to see just how much time you'll be investing in this JRPG masterpiece. We'll explore the main game, Persona 5 Royal, and even touch on Persona 5 Strikers to give you the full picture. Get ready for a wild ride through dungeons, social links, and stylish turn-based combat!

What Makes Persona 5 So Long?

Persona 5 isn't just a game; it's an experience. From the moment you boot it up, you're thrown into a vibrant world filled with compelling characters, intricate storylines, and a ton of things to do. But what exactly makes it such a time sink? Let's break it down.

First, the sheer amount of content is staggering. You're not just battling shadows in Palaces; you're also navigating the daily life of a high school student in Tokyo. This means attending classes, taking exams, working part-time jobs, and building relationships with your confidants (social links). Each of these activities takes time, and they're all crucial for strengthening your Personas and unlocking new abilities.

The Palaces themselves are massive, intricate dungeons filled with puzzles, enemies, and treasure. Exploring each Palace can take several hours, and you'll need to strategize your approach to avoid getting caught by the guards. Plus, each Palace has a deadline, adding a sense of urgency to your quest.

Then there are the confidants. These are the characters you'll meet throughout the game, each with their own unique stories and abilities. Building relationships with them requires spending time together, answering their questions, and helping them with their problems. As you deepen your bond, you'll unlock powerful perks that can give you an edge in battle.

And let's not forget the combat system. Persona 5 features a stylish and strategic turn-based battle system where you exploit enemy weaknesses to gain an advantage. Battles can be lengthy, especially against tougher enemies and bosses, requiring careful planning and execution.

Finally, the story is incredibly dense and complex. You'll be dealing with themes of justice, rebellion, and societal corruption, and there are plenty of twists and turns along the way. The narrative is so engaging that you'll want to see it through to the end, even if it means spending hundreds of hours in the process.

Persona 5 vs. Persona 5 Royal: How Much Longer?

Okay, so you know Persona 5 is long, but then Persona 5 Royal came along and added even more content. So, how much longer are we talking? Let's break it down.

Persona 5, the original, is already a hefty game. Most players report finishing the main story in around 100 hours. This can vary depending on your playstyle, difficulty setting, and how much time you spend on side activities. Some completionists might even clock in closer to 120-130 hours.

Now, enter Persona 5 Royal. This isn't just a simple re-release; it's an expanded and enhanced version of the original game with a ton of new content. We're talking about a brand-new semester, new characters, new confidants, new areas, and gameplay improvements galore.

The new semester alone adds a significant chunk of playtime. You'll be spending another 20-30 hours exploring new story arcs, facing new challenges, and further developing your relationships with your confidants. The new character, Kasumi Yoshizawa, is a fantastic addition to the cast, and her storyline is well worth the time investment.

In total, Persona 5 Royal can easily take 120-150 hours to complete. If you're aiming for 100% completion, you could be looking at upwards of 170-200 hours. That's a serious commitment, but trust me, it's worth it.

The additions and changes in Royal aren't just about length, though. They also enhance the overall experience. The gameplay improvements make battles more fluid and strategic, the new areas are visually stunning, and the new story elements add even more depth to the already compelling narrative. So, while Royal is longer, it's also a better game overall.

Persona 5 Strikers: A Different Kind of Time Commitment

Now, let's talk about Persona 5 Strikers. This is a bit of a different beast compared to the main Persona 5 games. Instead of being a turn-based JRPG, Strikers is a musou-style action game developed in collaboration with Koei Tecmo, the folks behind the Dynasty Warriors series.

In Strikers, the Phantom Thieves embark on a summer road trip across Japan, battling hordes of enemies in real-time combat. While it's still a story-driven game with social elements, the gameplay is much more action-oriented.

So, how long does it take to beat Persona 5 Strikers? On average, most players finish the main story in around 40-50 hours. This is significantly shorter than Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal, but it's still a substantial time investment.

However, don't let the shorter playtime fool you. Strikers is still packed with content. You'll be exploring various cities across Japan, each with its own unique environments and challenges. You'll also be upgrading your characters, crafting new equipment, and completing side quests.

And while the combat is different from the main Persona games, it's still incredibly fun and engaging. You'll be using the Phantom Thieves' Personas and unique abilities to take down massive waves of enemies, and the boss battles are just as epic as those in Persona 5.

So, if you're looking for a Persona experience that's a bit more action-packed and less time-consuming, Persona 5 Strikers is definitely worth checking out.

Is the Time Investment Worth It?

Okay, so we've established that Persona 5 (in all its forms) is a long game. But is it worth the time investment? Absolutely! Here's why:

• Compelling Story: The narrative is gripping, thought-provoking, and full of twists and turns. You'll become invested in the characters and their struggles, and you'll be eager to see how their stories unfold.
• Memorable Characters: The Phantom Thieves are one of the most iconic and beloved groups of characters in gaming. Each member has their own unique personality, backstory, and motivations, and you'll form strong bonds with them throughout the game.
• Stylish Presentation: Persona 5 is one of the most visually stunning games ever made. The art style is vibrant, the animations are fluid, and the user interface is incredibly stylish. The game oozes personality from every pore.
• Engaging Gameplay: The turn-based combat is strategic, challenging, and incredibly satisfying. You'll need to think carefully about your party composition, Persona selection, and battle tactics to succeed.
• Meaningful Social Links: Building relationships with your confidants is a crucial part of the game, and it's also incredibly rewarding. You'll learn about their lives, help them overcome their problems, and unlock powerful abilities that can aid you in battle.
• Lasting Impact: Persona 5 is a game that will stay with you long after you've finished playing it. The themes, characters, and story will resonate with you on a deep level, and you'll find yourself thinking about it long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, while Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal require a significant time commitment, the experience is well worth it. You'll be treated to a compelling story, memorable characters, stylish presentation, and engaging gameplay. And if you're looking for a shorter, more action-oriented Persona experience, Persona 5 Strikers is a great option. So, grab your mask, summon your Persona, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!