Summary
Persona 5 Tacticahas one major advantage that could prove to be just as much of an issue for the game. Of course,Persona 5 Tacticadid have some inherent risk involved since it was introducing an entirely new gameplay style to the series. As the latest spin-off ofPersona 5, the game had a high bar to reach to be an acceptable follow-up. The inherent benefits of being aPersonaspin-off, most notably the series' large fan base, are present as well. This could lead directly to a big weakness, though, that being the overuse of the Phantom Thieves.
Persona 5 Tacticais set to be one ofNovember 2023’s biggest game releasesfor a rather obvious reason. Ever sincePersona 3, thePersonasubseries has been expanding in popularity, withPersona 5being the most popular installment to date.Persona 5 Tacticabranching off ofPersona 5is sure to draw attention for that reason alone. The new gimmicks featured in the game, from the tactical approach to the skill tree system, are bonuses to provide more value for people who are already familiar with the game and characters. It would be a surprise ifPersona 5 Tacticadoesn’t end up making a splash, all things considered.
RELATED:How Persona 5 Tactica Could Feature Sophia and Zenkichi
Persona 5 Tactica Continues the Phantom Theives' Time in the Spotlight
Persona Fans May Be Seeing Too Much of The Phantom Thieves
Atlus clearly believes in thepotential ofPersona 5’s Phantom Thieves, explaining why they are appearing in yet another game. Compared to pastPersonaprotagonists, their thief gimmick gives them an appeal that makes them stand out, especially where their flashy thief designs are concerned. They’re the faces of the current phase of the franchise, similar to how thePersona 4Investigation Team was beforehand. The Thieves are undoubtedly popular, otherwisePersona 5wouldn’t have been as successful as it was. Even so, it’s worth wondering ifPersona 5 Tacticacould be an instance of giving players too much of a good thing.
Persona 5 Tacticatreads dangerous ground towards the idea oftoo manyPersona 5spin-offs. Since 2019, the series has only produced games starring the Phantom Thieves, with the exception of the upcomingPersona 3 Reload. Even in the heyday ofPersona 4,, the series was still paying attention to other installments, with most ofPersona 4’s spin-offs includingPersona 3characters as well. Thus far,Persona 5has received:
Of these spin-offs, onlyPersona Q2andDancing in Starlighthave featured other protagonists alongsidePersona 5reprasentatives, and even then, the non-Persona 5characters inDancing in Starlightrequired DLC.
Atlus Needs to Be Careful With How It Handles The Phantom Thieves
The Phantom Thieves may be at risk of overexposure, especially ifPersona 5keeps getting more spin-offs. It doesn’t help that Akechi is often pushed to the side, being absent inStrikersand relegated to DLC inDancing in StarlightandPersona 5 Tactica. While the original Phantom Thieves are certainly enjoyable characters, being focused on so heavily can cause their charm to wear thin, especially since thePersonaseries has so many other characters as well. IfPersona 5 Tacticadoesn’t show any new sides to the Thieves, or introduce new dynamics, it may get more difficult for fans to stay invested.
WhilePersona 5 Tacticamay have a strong cast to build itself off of, it’s one that may be in danger of growing tired.Persona 5 Tactica’s teased new Persona usercould be a step in the right direction, as could another appearance by Sophia and Zenkichi, who have only appeared once so far. FollowingPersona 5 Tactica, it may be wise to hold off on more spin-offs starring the Phantom Thieves for a while, or at least have them share the spotlight with pastPersonaheroes. The Phantom Thieves may bring star power toPersona 5 Tactica, but the developers should take care to not have that star burn out.
Persona 5 Tactica
WHERE TO PLAY
After a strange incident, the Phantom Thieves wander into a bizarre realm where its citizens are living under tyrannical oppression. Surrounded by a military group named Legionnaires, they find themselves in grave danger until a mysterious revolutionary named Erina rescues them and offers an enticing deal in exchange for their help. What truth lies behind Erina and the deal she offers to the Phantom Thieves?Persona 5 Tactica features an all-new story, the return of fan-favorite characters, and brand-new allies and foes. Join the group as they lead an emotional revolution in this thrilling combat adventure!
