Persona 5 Royal, a game that aimed to enhance the beloved Persona 5 experience, falls short of its intentions and leaves fans with a sense of disappointment. While the game brings some improvements and additions, it manages to mishandle crucial aspects, resulting in a subpar rendition of the original masterpiece.

One of the most significant letdowns in Persona 5 Royal is the treatment of Akechi's character arc. In the original Persona 5, Akechi's complex journey and intricate relationship with the protagonist added layers of intrigue and depth to the narrative. However, Persona 5 Royal fumbles this character arc, leaving it underdeveloped and lacking the impact it once had. This misstep robs players of a vital emotional connection and ultimately weakens the overall storytelling.

Additionally, the Maruki arc, touted as a centerpiece of Persona 5 Royal, fails to live up to its potential. Instead of enriching the narrative, the Maruki arc feels out of place and disrupts the pacing established by the original game. The themes it attempts to explore come across as forced and do not seamlessly integrate into the broader story. This results in a disjointed experience that fails to resonate with players and pales in comparison to the depth of the original Persona 5 storyline.

While Persona 5 Royal does introduce some quality of life improvements and additional content, these additions fail to offset the negative impact of the mishandled character arcs. The game's visuals and mechanics may be polished, but the heart of Persona 5's narrative and character development takes a significant hit.

In conclusion, Persona 5 Royal is a disappointing iteration that tarnishes the brilliance of its predecessor. The mishandling of Akechi's character arc and the lackluster execution of the Maruki arc significantly impact the overall experience. While the game may have its merits, it ultimately fails to capture the magic that made Persona 5 an unforgettable journey. Rating: 5.0/10

Reviewed on Aug 02, 2023


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