Persona 5 Strikers: Nintendo Switch Review & Guide

Hey guys! Ready to dive into the world of Persona 5 Strikers on the Nintendo Switch? This game is a wild ride, blending the stylish world of Persona with the action-packed gameplay of Dynasty Warriors. If you're a fan of either franchise, or just looking for a fresh and exciting adventure on your Switch, you're in for a treat. Let's break down what makes Persona 5 Strikers a must-have, especially on the go with the Nintendo Switch.

What is Persona 5 Strikers?

So, what exactly is Persona 5 Strikers? It's not your typical Persona game. Forget turn-based battles – this is a full-blown action RPG where you're hacking and slashing through hordes of enemies in real-time. Think of it as a direct sequel to Persona 5, picking up a few months after the Phantom Thieves saved the world. Instead of chilling and enjoying their summer vacation, Joker and the gang find themselves embroiled in a new mystery involving distorted desires and corrupted individuals across Japan. The story is gripping, filled with twists and turns that will keep you hooked. You'll be visiting various cities, each with its unique atmosphere and challenges.

But don't worry, it's not just mindless button-mashing. Persona 5 Strikers cleverly incorporates elements from the Persona series, such as Persona summoning, elemental weaknesses, and All-Out Attacks. You'll need to strategize and exploit enemy weaknesses to come out on top. Plus, you can switch between characters on the fly, allowing you to experiment with different playstyles and abilities. Whether you prefer Ryuji's brute strength, Ann's fiery spells, or Yusuke's artistic flair, there's a character for everyone. And, of course, you'll be building relationships with your teammates, unlocking new abilities and strengthening your bonds. The social aspect is as important as ever, adding depth and emotional resonance to the action-packed gameplay. It's a fantastic blend of action and RPG elements that feels both familiar and fresh. For those who loved the original Persona 5, Strikers offers a new way to experience the world and characters you adore, while also providing a standalone story that's easy to get into even if you're new to the series.

Persona 5 Strikers on Nintendo Switch: A Perfect Match

Now, why is Persona 5 Strikers such a great fit for the Nintendo Switch? The answer is simple: portability. The Switch's handheld mode allows you to take the Phantom Thieves on the go, whether you're commuting, traveling, or just chilling on the couch. The game looks surprisingly good on the Switch's screen, with vibrant colors and detailed environments that capture the stylish aesthetic of the Persona series. While it might not be as visually stunning as on other platforms, the convenience of playing anywhere more than makes up for it. The gameplay is also perfectly suited for the Switch. The controls are intuitive and responsive, making it easy to pull off combos and special attacks. You can use the Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller, depending on your preference. The game runs smoothly for the most part, with only occasional frame rate dips during particularly hectic battles.

Plus, the Switch's sleep mode allows you to quickly jump in and out of the game, making it perfect for short bursts of play. Need to catch a train? Just put the Switch to sleep and pick up right where you left off later. The ability to play Persona 5 Strikers on the go is a game-changer. It transforms a console experience into a truly portable adventure. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer, the Switch version of Persona 5 Strikers offers a fantastic way to experience this unique blend of action and RPG gameplay. You can delve into the engaging story, develop your characters, and battle hordes of enemies, all from the palm of your hand. The convenience and portability of the Switch make it the ideal platform to unleash your inner Phantom Thief and save the world, one city at a time. The game truly shines on the Nintendo Switch.

Performance and Graphics: How Does it Hold Up?

Okay, let's talk about performance and graphics on the Nintendo Switch. While Persona 5 Strikers looks great in handheld mode, it's not without its compromises. The resolution is lower than on other platforms, and you might notice some aliasing (jagged edges) on certain objects. However, the art style is so strong that these visual imperfections are easy to overlook. The vibrant colors, stylish character designs, and detailed environments still shine through. In docked mode, the game looks a bit sharper, but the performance is roughly the same. The frame rate is generally stable at 30fps, but it can dip during particularly chaotic battles with lots of enemies and effects on screen. It's not a game-breaker, but it's something to be aware of.

Overall, the performance is solid enough to enjoy the game without major issues. The developers have done a good job of optimizing the game for the Switch's hardware. Considering the Switch's limitations compared to other consoles and PCs, the fact that Persona 5 Strikers runs as well as it does is impressive. Just don't expect a visual showcase. This version is all about portability and convenience, and it delivers on that front. If you're a stickler for graphics and frame rates, you might prefer playing on another platform. But if you value the ability to play Persona 5 Strikers on the go, the Switch version is definitely worth considering. The trade-offs in visual fidelity are well worth it for the freedom to take the Phantom Thieves with you wherever you go. The charming art style and engaging gameplay make it easy to forgive the occasional performance hiccup, especially when you're engrossed in the thrilling story and action-packed battles.

Is Persona 5 Strikers a Musou Game?

You might be wondering, is Persona 5 Strikers just another Musou game? While it incorporates elements from the Dynasty Warriors series, it's much more than that. It's a true sequel to Persona 5, with a compelling story, memorable characters, and deep RPG mechanics. Yes, you'll be fighting hordes of enemies, but it's not just mindless button-mashing. You'll need to strategize, exploit enemy weaknesses, and use your Persona abilities to come out on top. The game also retains the social elements of the Persona series, allowing you to build relationships with your teammates and unlock new abilities. These bonds are crucial for success in battle, as they provide valuable buffs and support.

Furthermore, the dungeons, known as Jails in Persona 5 Strikers, are cleverly designed and filled with puzzles and challenges. They're not just empty corridors filled with enemies. You'll need to use your Phantom Thief skills to navigate these environments, such as grappling across gaps, sneaking past guards, and hacking into security systems. All these elements combine to create a unique and engaging experience that sets it apart from typical Musou games. It's a hybrid of action RPG and social simulation, with a dash of Dynasty Warriors thrown in for good measure. If you're a fan of Persona 5, you'll feel right at home with the characters, story, and world. But even if you're not familiar with the series, you can still jump in and enjoy the action-packed gameplay and compelling narrative. The game does a good job of explaining the basics of the Persona universe, so you won't feel lost. Ultimately, Persona 5 Strikers is a love letter to Persona fans, while also offering a fresh and exciting experience for newcomers.

Tips and Tricks for Conquering the Jails

Alright, time for some tips and tricks to help you conquer those Jails in Persona 5 Strikers! First off, always exploit enemy weaknesses. Just like in Persona 5, enemies have elemental weaknesses that you can exploit to deal massive damage. Use your Persona's abilities to target those weaknesses and knock enemies down, setting them up for All-Out Attacks. Secondly, don't forget about Baton Passes. Switching between characters on the fly is crucial for maximizing your damage output and covering different elemental types. Use Baton Passes to chain attacks and build up your Showtime gauge. Thirdly, utilize the environment. The Jails are filled with interactive objects that you can use to your advantage. You can swing from poles, launch yourself off platforms, and set traps to damage enemies. Fourthly, upgrade your Personas. As you progress through the game, you'll unlock new Personas with powerful abilities. Fuse them together to create even stronger Personas that can handle the toughest challenges.

Fifthly, cook food. Food items can provide valuable buffs and healing during battles. Experiment with different recipes to find the ones that suit your playstyle. Sixthly, complete requests. Side quests, known as Requests, can reward you with valuable items and experience points. They're a great way to level up your characters and earn extra cash. Seventhly, manage your SP. SP is used to cast spells and summon Personas. Make sure to conserve your SP by using physical attacks when possible and using SP-restoring items when needed. Eighthly, explore every nook and cranny. The Jails are filled with hidden items and secrets. Take your time to explore every area and uncover all the treasures. Ninthly, level up your Bond level. Your Bond level represents your relationships with your teammates. As your Bond level increases, you'll unlock new abilities and buffs that can help you in battle. Tenthly, have fun! Persona 5 Strikers is a fantastic game with a compelling story, memorable characters, and addictive gameplay. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to becoming a master Phantom Thief.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

So, the big question: should you buy Persona 5 Strikers on the Nintendo Switch? If you're a fan of Persona 5 and you own a Switch, the answer is a resounding yes. The game is a fantastic sequel that captures the spirit of the original while offering a fresh and exciting gameplay experience. The portability of the Switch makes it the perfect platform to take the Phantom Thieves on the go. While the graphics might not be as impressive as on other platforms, the convenience and addictive gameplay more than make up for it. Even if you're not familiar with the Persona series, Persona 5 Strikers is still worth checking out. The story is engaging, the characters are memorable, and the action is thrilling. It's a great entry point into the world of Persona.

However, if you're a stickler for graphics and frame rates, you might prefer playing on another platform. The Switch version has some visual compromises and occasional performance dips. But if you value portability and convenience above all else, the Switch version is the way to go. Overall, Persona 5 Strikers is a must-have for Switch owners who love action RPGs and stylish games. It's a unique and unforgettable experience that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Just be prepared to lose countless hours exploring Jails, building relationships, and battling hordes of enemies. This game is truly amazing. So go ahead, unleash your inner Phantom Thief and save the world! You won't regret it.