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Persona 5 Royal vs. Persona 5: Which Phantom Thief Experience Should You Choose?

So, you’re itching to join the Phantom Thieves and steal some hearts, but you’re facing a dilemma: Persona 5 or Persona 5 Royal? The short, definitive answer is: Get Persona 5 Royal. Unless you’re on an extremely tight budget and can find the original for pennies, there’s simply no compelling reason to choose the original over its enhanced counterpart. Let’s dive into why.

Why Persona 5 Royal Reigns Supreme

Persona 5 Royal isn’t just a re-release with a few bells and whistles; it’s a vastly improved and expanded version of an already excellent game. Think of it as the director’s cut, the ultimate edition, the definitive way to experience the story of Joker and his crew. Here’s why it’s the superior choice:

Expanded Story and Content: The most significant addition is the entire third semester, a brand-new chunk of story that delves deeper into the characters and themes of Persona 5. This isn’t just some tacked-on side quest; it’s a substantial addition that adds real depth and complexity to the narrative.
New Characters: Meet Kasumi Yoshizawa, a gymnast and fellow student who joins the Phantom Thieves. Her inclusion brings fresh dynamics to the group and her own unique storyline that is seamlessly integrated into the overall narrative. There is also the introduction of Takuto Maruki, who serves as the school counselor and also plays a prominent role in the new third semester content.
Gameplay Enhancements: Persona 5 Royal introduces numerous quality-of-life improvements. Navigation is smoother, combat is more strategic with new Showtime attacks, and the Mementos dungeon has been reworked to be less repetitive. Every single aspect of the game has been refined.
Revamped Boss Fights: Many of the boss battles have been tweaked, introducing new mechanics and challenges that require you to think on your feet. This keeps even veterans of the original game engaged and on their toes.
Social Links and Activities: You’ll find more opportunities to bond with your confidants and engage in various activities around Tokyo. This allows for a deeper connection with the characters and the world around you. The baton pass mechanic has also been expanded and makes battles go smoother.
Presentation Upgrade: While the core art style remains the same, Persona 5 Royal features enhanced visuals, smoother animations, and a generally more polished presentation.
All DLC Included: If you were even remotely considering purchasing DLC for the original Persona 5, then you’ll be delighted to know that all of it comes included with Persona 5 Royal.

The Bottom Line: Spend the Extra Money

While the original Persona 5 is a fantastic game in its own right, Persona 5 Royal takes everything that made it great and elevates it to a whole new level. It’s simply the best way to experience this incredible JRPG. Save up a little more if you have to, because the additional content and improvements are well worth the investment.

Want to learn more about the impact of games on learning and education? Visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website for research, resources, and community discussions.

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