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The Persona series, once overshadowed by its Shin Megami Tensei roots, has become Atlus’s flagship franchise. Following the monumental success of Persona 5, Atlus continues to expand the universe, this time with a tactical RPG spin-off: Persona 5 Tactica. Does this new entry offer a refreshing experience, or does it fall flat like some previous spin-offs? Let’s dive back into the Metaverse with the Phantom Thieves to find out.

alt text: A screenshot from Persona 5 Tactica showing the chibi-style characters in combat.

Small Package, Big Impact

Persona 5 Tactica adopts a familiar grid-based combat system reminiscent of titles like XCOM, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, and Mutant Year Zero, rather than the unique one-dimensional setup of the Majin Tensei series. Players control a three-member squad composed of familiar Phantom Thieves and two new characters: politician Toshiro and rebel leader Erina. Movement and basic attacks—guns and melee—are straightforward, with cover playing a significant role. Full cover negates ranged attacks, while half cover reduces damage. Flanking or using melee attacks to push enemies out of cover becomes crucial.

alt text: Gameplay screenshot of Persona 5 Tactica showing character movement options on a grid-based battlefield.

Adding depth to the combat is the Persona system. Each character wields a primary Persona and a secondary Persona, offering a range of skills and abilities. The classic Fusion mechanic returns, allowing players to collect and combine over 100 Personas throughout the game. These Personas grant access to powerful abilities, such as area-of-effect attacks, crowd control, and enhanced movement, which significantly impact tactical decisions.

alt text: A screenshot from Persona 5 Tactica showcasing the use of Persona skills in combat.

While not as complex as XCOM or Tactics Ogre, Persona 5 Tactica strikes a balance between accessibility and depth. The streamlined mechanics, combined with flashy visuals and satisfying feedback, create a highly engaging experience. The signature All-Out Attack returns, requiring strategic setup but rewarding players with spectacular animations and devastating damage.

alt text: Screenshot from Persona 5 Tactica highlighting the dynamic camera angles during combat.

A Revolution in the Metaverse

Set between the third and fourth semesters of Persona 5 Royal, Persona 5 Tactica finds the Phantom Thieves pulled into a strange kingdom ruled by the tyrannical Queen Marie. Joker and Morgana must team up with Erina to free their captured comrades and overthrow Marie’s oppressive regime. The narrative focuses on Erina and Toshiro’s connection to this new Metaverse realm, with the returning Phantom Thieves providing support and driving the plot forward.

alt text: A story scene from Persona 5 Tactica featuring the main characters in a conversation.

Tactica explores themes of societal perception and the human subconscious, echoing the core Persona series. The game also touches on contemporary political and economic issues, adding depth to its narrative. The unique visual style blends the original Persona 5 aesthetic with the chibi designs of the Persona Q games, resulting in a visually appealing and distinctive presentation. This style extends to the game’s UI and cutscenes, creating a stylish and engaging experience.

alt text: A screenshot displaying the unique art style of Persona 5 Tactica, blending chibi designs with the series' signature aesthetic.

While Shoji Meguro didn’t compose the soundtrack, Toshiki Konishi effectively captures Meguro’s distinct style. Lyn Inazumi’s return as vocalist further enhances the musical experience, offering a lighter and more distinct feel compared to the original Persona 5 soundtrack.

alt text: Promotional artwork for Persona 5 Tactica, showcasing the game's distinct visual style and characters.

Conclusion

Persona 5 Tactica successfully delivers a fresh and engaging tactical RPG experience within the beloved Persona 5 universe. While streamlining some mechanics, the game retains the core essence of the series, offering a compelling narrative, stylish presentation, and addictive gameplay. The blend of familiar and new elements makes Tactica a worthy addition to the Persona franchise.