Summary
The recently releasedPersona 5 Tacticais yet another genre spin-off of the critically acclaimedPersona 5,featuring its enigmatic cast of heroes better known as the Phantom Thieves. UnlikePersona 5 Strikers, though,Tacticais very much more in line with the turn-based, strategic combat present in its source material, albeit with a great reframing of several ofPersona 5’s mechanics in the context of how they should work in a legitimate tactical game. And, in terms of wherePersona 5 Tacticadraws the majority of its genre inspirations and its easing of new players into the genre, it has quite a bit in common withMario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle.
Last year’sMario + Rabbids Sparks of Hopeabandoned the traditional, grid-based movement that the turn-based tactics genre is famous for in favor of a circular radius-based system that affords more freedom. Its predecessor, on the other hand, is very much what one might expect if a studio were to combine thegrid-based tacticsand cover mechanics ofXCOM: Enemy UnknownwithSuper Mario Bros., and the result was one of the best Switch exclusives in the platform’s early days.Persona 5 Tacticais very much in the same space asMario + Rabbidsthanks to its use of the classic grid-based movement and emphasis on cover in its gameplay.
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Persona 5 Tactica’s Difficulty Curve Is Perfect For Newcomers
How Difficulty Works in Persona 5 Tactica
Players can certainly choose to experienceMario + Rabbids Kingdom Battleon one of its higher difficulties and be put through their paces in a legitimately challenging game, but the standard difficulty of theunlikelySuper Mario Bros.andXCOMhybridis the perfect introduction to the turn-based tactics genre. Similarly,Persona 5Tacticahas an adequate challenge for genre veterans should they go looking for it, but otherwise, the standard difficulty setting provides a perfect ramp-up to the challenges the game has.Tacticaassumes that its players are completely new to the turn-based tactics genre, and it’s both a blessing and a curse.
On the one hand, gently easing players into the mechanics of the game and slowly introducing genre staples such as limited actions per turn, the importance of cover, and recognizing opportunities to synergize attacks between units gives players a suitable tutorial of what to expect throughoutPersona 5 Tactica’s runtime. On the other hand, genre veterans will likely find this extendedprologue section ofPersona 5 Tacticato drag on slightly longer than necessary and provide too much hand-holding. Just likeMario + Rabbids, though, once the required introductions are over, the game nestles into some excellent turn-based tactics gameplay that fits the franchise perfectly.
The Art Styles of Persona 5 Tactica and Mario + Rabbids Invite Comparison
Even thoughPersona 5 Tacticaopts for a cel-shaded chibi look in its art direction, the use of bright, over-saturated colors and bombastic effects immediately calls to mind the over-the-topvisual style of theMario + Rabbidsgames. In the case of both titles, the use of bright color palettes and cartoonish character designs belies the tense and engaging turn-based tactical combat on offer in each, and it’s an interesting juxtaposition to have both games' visuals in contrast to the tension of their gameplay. What’s more, it’s entirely possible that both games use similar visual motifs as a way to entice and then ease newcomers to the tactics genre.
Beyond their visual similarities and newcomer-friendly approach to the genre, bothPersona 5 TacticaandMario + Rabbids Kingdom Battleoffer alternatives to the nail-bitingly tense encounters ofXCOMand other turn-based strategy games, all while offering up narratives that feature familiar characters in separate, low-stakes scenarios from their flagship titles.The Phantom Thievesare one of the more popular ensemble casts of characters in a video game, and while many are ready for the new group thatPersona 6will introduce, taking Joker and companions on another adventure serves as a great distraction from the wait for the next mainline entry in the series.
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!
