Should You Play Persona 5 Before Persona 5 Royal?
The decision to play Persona 5 or Persona 5 Royal first is a common one, as both games offer unique experiences. While you can certainly play either game in any order, many recommend starting with Persona 5 Royal for a complete and enhanced gaming experience. Here’s why:
Expanded Content
Persona 5 Royal not only preserves the storyline of the original game but also includes additional story elements, new characters, and gameplay improvements. These additions enhance the overall experience, providing a more complete and enriched narrative. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the series, this expanded content ensures you get the best out of The Phantom Thieves.
Quality of Life Improvements
Persona 5 Royal offers several quality-of-life enhancements that make the game easier to navigate and play. Improved mechanics, new features, and refined gameplay elements contribute to a more enjoyable experience. If you’ve already experienced Persona 5, these changes can add a new layer of depth and satisfaction to your gameplay.
Extended Story
The new content in Persona 5 Royal provides a more in-depth narrative and character development. Missing out on the additional story elements could mean you miss out on important character backstories and plot developments. If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the world of Persona 5, playing the Royal version is highly recommended.
Comparing the Two: Direct Comparison
While both Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal are excellent games, there are some key differences. Persona 5 Royal is essentially an enhanced remake of the original game (Persona 5). It includes additional content and improvements over its predecessor. Here are some specific differences:
Additional Story Elements
Persona 5 Royal introduces new storylines, characters, and confidants. Specifically, it includes three new confidants and one new dungeon, which significantly expands the number of confidants and dungeons. This new content can greatly enhance your gaming experience by providing a richer storyline and deeper character development.
New Personas and Game Mechanics
Persona 5 Royal also features new personas available in battle, and it has tweaked and updated several previous ones. The addition of new game mechanics gives you more strategic options in combat. Additionally, a new area in each main dungeon adds new exploration opportunities and challenges.
Multiple Endings
One unique feature of Persona 5 Royal is the ability to choose the ending. If you prefer the original game’s ending, you can choose to avoid the new dungeon by ignoring the Kasumi and Maruki confidants. This flexibility allows you to experience both the original and new endings, catering to different preferences.
Conclusion
The decision to play Persona 5 or Persona 5 Royal first depends on your personal preferences and available options. However, for the most comprehensive and enhanced experience, Persona 5 Royal is generally the recommended choice. It offers expanded content, quality-of-life improvements, and a more extended story, making it a must-play for fans of the series.
If you can only choose one, Persona 5 Royal is the way to go, but keep in mind that both games are deserving of your time and attention, so if you have the chance, experiencing both will likely bring the most satisfaction.