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[Giallo Corsa]

Got Royal yesterday for the PS5 since it was 25 Eurodollars on Amazon and :
I really like what I'm playing and I'm in no way a JRPG fan but...it has this very cozy and relaxed atmosphere which after tearing my hair out trying to finish Lies of P the other day is just what the doctor ordered.

Thing is, I'm starting to understand what many people have been saying about it taking its sweet time until it gets going/respecting the player's time : I've been playing it for 3-4 hours and...I've been mostly watching cutscenes and interacting with others having barely fought 3-4 battles so far - and this game is 100hours long apparently ? Shit, I almost fell asleep a couple of times so far when playing it, hope I won't lose my interest cause this is way too slow so far for me (maybe I should have went with SMT5).

Another complaint would be the not so good/lazy remastering (lots of blurry textures/billboards etc), the bad IMO voice acting (hey, it's a JRPG after all) and generally speaking, I just don't see how this is considered one of the best games out there.

The fact that PS5 fans got screwed by having to rebuy a full priced version for that 60fps is also no bueno and super shitty.

 

[StereoVsn]

Yeah, P5 is a slow burn. It will pick up I would say about 6-8 hours in so you aren’t too far off. And really starts going 10+.

 

[Chuck Berry]

Yeah, P5 is a slow burn. It will pick up I would say about 6-8 hours in so you aren’t too far off. And really starts going 10+.

Also I think the game starts off too strong in terms of subject matter/bosses

Like how do you follow up (spoilers for first dungeon)

Spoiler

going after a physically and sexually abusive high school teacher

That whole opening is just so good and a bit risky and I feel like every other boss afterwards and scenario around them is just nowhere near as interesting or unique. It’s one thing I hope P6 fixes big time.

 

[adamsapple]

My options are:

1. Play ps4 version of base persona 5
2. Buy ps5 version of persona 5 royal
3. Buy persona 3 reloaded

I really enjoyed metaphor’s combat and want a cozier experience since metaphor was kind of dark.

So I’m down for some persona again. It’s nice to chip away at these games for months

If you've never played P3 before, either that or Royal are good options.

OG Persona 5 is kinda obsolete with Royal now, perfectly playable in itself, but now that I've played Royal, I can never go back to the OG.

 

[Topher]

My options are:

1. Play ps4 version of base persona 5
2. Buy ps5 version of persona 5 royal
3. Buy persona 3 reloaded

I really enjoyed metaphor’s combat and want a cozier experience since metaphor was kind of dark.

So I’m down for some persona again. It’s nice to chip away at these games for months

Persona 3 Reloaded is fantastic. I actually started playing Persona 5 Royal after beating Metaphor so kind of funny others are doing the same. I'd say go with Royal over base Persona 5. Has some stuff that I don't remember the first time playing that I think are worthwhile. But if I had to pick one: Persona 3 Reloaded.

If Royal is on sale I say cop it.

Can't go wrong with that either.

 

[James Sawyer Ford]

If you've never played P3 before, either that or Royal are good options.

OG Persona 5 is kinda obsolete with Royal now, perfectly playable in itself, but now that I've played Royal, I can never go back to the OG.

Has some stuff that I don't remember the first time playing that I think are worthwhile. But if I had to pick one: Persona 3 Reloaded.

Thanks.

Is P3R more modern playing than P5R?

Better QoL or combat improvements or visuals?

 

[adamsapple]

Thanks.

Is P3R more modern playing than P5R?

Better QoL or combat improvements or visuals?

Similar QoL and combat mechanics to P5R, but it's a very faithful remake so the game 'world' and explore-able locations are smaller, the main dungeon is still the one huge Tartarus tower which can get repetitive and it still retains some of the earlier social link writing etc before Atlus started getting much better at it. Some social links basically last all but 1 minute, for example.

Visuals look about the game, both are 4K/60 on PS5, the art is also very similar so that's not one area where one is better than the other.

P5 (Royal) is just a much bigger / meatier game with more content, Royal is basically 1.5x bigger than OG Persona 5.

P3 also has the Episode Aegis DLC, but it's smaller than the content Royal adds if you want to compare, and is basically a thinner plot-line added over multiple pure-dungeon-crawling areas.

If you only want to play one of those at the moment, I'd say go for Royal.

 

[Topher]

Thanks.

Is P3R more modern playing than P5R?

Better QoL or combat improvements or visuals?

No, I wouldn't say so. P5 adds more gameplay elements like negotiating with shadows and attacking with a gun. P3 had this card draw thing at the end of battles where you could get XP, money or a shadow that P5 doesn't have. I would say they are just different approaches. The overall structure of the game is different as well since P3 is traversing a single massive "dungeon", for lack of better term while P5 is broken up into several individual "palaces". Lots of differences, but you'll recognize how they are basically variations of the same thing, if that makes sense. You'll also recognize similarities to Metaphor as you play.

I don't think you would play P3R and think it feels comparatively old or outdated, imo.

To Chuck Berry 's point, you'll more than likely find P5R much cheaper since it has been around longer than P3R.

 

[James Sawyer Ford]

Similar QoL and combat mechanics to P5R, but it's a very faithful remake so the game 'world' and explore-able locations are smaller, the main dungeon is still the one huge Tartarus tower which can get repetitive and it still retains some of the earlier social link writing etc before Atlus started getting much better at it. Some social links basically last all but 1 minute, for example.

Visuals look about the game, both are 4K/60 on PS5, the art is also very similar so that's not one area where one is better than the other.

P5 (Royal) is just a much bigger / meatier game with more content, Royal is basically 1.5x bigger than OG Persona 5.

P3 also has the Episode Aegis DLC, but it's smaller than the content Royal adds if you want to compare, and is basically a thinner plot-line added over multiple pure-dungeon-crawling areas.

If you only want to play one of those at the moment, I'd say go for Royal.

Damn, it has like 200 hours + of content?

That may be to much for me.

Visually, doesn't P5 share the metaphor engine which has awful IQ? I heard P3R is on Unreal Engine instead and video footage looks much more crisp than Metaphor.

No, I wouldn't say so. P5 adds more gameplay elements like negotiating with shadows and attacking with a gun. P3 had this card draw thing at the end of battles where you could get XP, money or a shadow that P5 doesn't have. I would say they are just different approaches. The overall structure of the game is different as well since P3 is traversing a single massive "dungeon", for lack of better term while P5 is broken up into several individual "palaces". Lots of differences, but you'll recognize how they are basically variations of the same thing, if that makes sense. You'll also recognize similarities to Metaphor as you play.

I don't think you would play P3R and think it feels comparatively old or outdated, imo.

To Chuck Berry Chuck Berry 's point, you'll more than likely find P5R much cheaper since it has been around longer than P3R.

I only download my games, and PS5R is $60 while P3R deluxe edition is $48.

I guess I can't go wrong either way. P5R may be a better "value" but man the hours in that game seem a little daunting.

 

[Topher]

Damn, it has like 200 hours + of content?

That may be to much for me.

Visually, doesn't P5 share the metaphor engine which has awful IQ? I heard P3R is on Unreal Engine instead and video footage looks much more crisp than Metaphor.



I only download my games, and PS5R is $60 while P3R deluxe edition is $48.

I guess I can't go wrong either way. P5R may be a better "value" but man the hours in that game seem a little daunting.

yeah, I'd say P3R is more streamlined than P5R. P5R doesn't suffer from the aliasing that Metaphor had. I'll never understand why that was.

 

[Gaiff]

Damn, it has like 200 hours + of content?

Only if you go for the completionist/platinum which requires 2 playthroughs. Otherwise, a single one can be done in 90-100 hours. I only have one trophy left on PS4 for the original, but it requires me to play through about 80% of the game again because I messed up in the second playthrough. Not doing this shit a third time.

Still, it's an EXTREMELY long game with A LOT of cutscenes and dialogue. It's half-visual novel, half-JRPG.

 

[James Sawyer Ford]

Only if you go for the completionist/platinum which requires 2 playthroughs. Otherwise, a single one can be done in 90-100 hours. I only have one trophy left on PS4 for the original, but it requires me to play through about 80% of the game because I messed up the second playthrough. Not doing this shit a third time.

Still, it's an EXTREMELY long game with A LOT of cutscenes and dialogues. It's half-visual novel, half-JRPG.

Seems very similar to metaphor then, is it a worse offender? Metaphor already suffered from too much text/cinematics. I beat metaphor in around 110 hours and did everything but grind out all the archetypes on a single character

 

[Topher]

Seems very similar to metaphor then, is it a worse offender? Metaphor already suffered from too much text/cinematics. I beat metaphor in around 110 hours and did everything but grind out all the archetypes on a single character

I'd say Metaphor and P5R are very similar in this regard. I'm on my second play through of P5 so I'm fast forwarding through most of the dialogue. There is a lot.

 

[Gaiff]

Seems very similar to metaphor then, is it a worse offender? Metaphor already suffered from too much text/cinematics. I beat metaphor in around 110 hours and did everything but grind out all the archetypes on a single character

Haven't played Metaphor, but having played a lot of Atlus stuff over the past 2 decades, I can tell it's in the same vein. It's also worth noting that a big difference between Metaphor and Persona is the addition of (or subtraction in Metaphor) of romance options in Persona. If you've enjoyed Metaphor, I think you'll enjoy Persona and vice-versa as they're very much typical Atlus JRPGs.

I'd say Metaphor and P5R are very similar in this regard. I'm on my second play through of P5 so I'm fast forwarding through most of the dialogue. There is a lot.

That's what I figured. I just hope they got better at writing because Persona games do way too much exposition. Halfway through the game, they still explain how the palaces and metaverse work. I get it. I've been playing for 50 hours.

 

[Topher]

Haven't played Metaphor, but having played a lot of Atlus stuff over the past 2 decades, I can tell it's in the same vein. It's also worth noting that a big difference between Metaphor and Persona is the addition of (or subtraction in Metaphor) of romance options in Persona. If you've enjoyed Metaphor, I think you'll enjoy Persona and vice-versa as they're very much typical Atlus JRPGs.

That's what I figured. I just hope they got better at writing because Persona games do way too much exposition. Halfway through the game, they still explain how the palaces and metaverse works. I get it. I've been playing for 50 hours.

Metaphor is about the same there as well. Brevity is not their strong suit even though I generally enjoy the writing. Throwing new game mechanics into the mix once you think you've figured everything out is also a habit of Atlus. Can be a bit overwhelming in a game that emphasizes time management.

I do think this is why P3R is my favorite of all of them. Not saying it doesn't do those things, but it is a lesser offender.

 

[James Sawyer Ford]

Haven't played Metaphor, but having played a lot of Atlus stuff over the past 2 decades, I can tell it's in the same vein. It's also worth noting that a big difference between Metaphor and Persona is the addition of (or subtraction in Metaphor) of romance options in Persona. If you've enjoyed Metaphor, I think you'll enjoy Persona and vice-versa as they're very much typical Atlus JRPGs.

That's what I figured. I just hope they got better at writing because Persona games do way too much exposition. Halfway through the game, they still explain how the palaces and metaverse work. I get it. I've been playing for 50 hours.

yep metaphor was like that too

they repeat the same concepts way too much....it's like "I get it!!!".....they could really use a better editor. I also wish that there was less text and more voice acting. I wish the entire game had a voice acting option.

it's not a deal breaker since their games are awesome and very unique for RPGs (almost like their own "Souls" sub genre of the JRPG with their structure)

 

[adamsapple]

Damn, it has like 200 hours + of content?

100~ hours give or take, might be longer if you're trying to maximize social links etc in a single play through *

* it's entirely possible to 100% the game in a single playthrough, though you might need to follow a schedule guide so you don't miss things.

Visually, doesn't P5 share the metaphor engine which has awful IQ? I heard P3R is on Unreal Engine instead and video footage looks much more crisp than Metaphor.

Not sure if it's the same engine, but P5R doesn't have the aliasing issues. It's something wholely unique to Metaphor for some reason.

P5R runs native 4K, everything has hard edges so the high resolution makes everything look pin-sharp, it doesn't have any kind of high frequency textures like foliage etc so it doesn't have those kind of tech issues.

 

[StereoVsn]

IMO, the best game overall is still P4G. I do wish it got updated with newer QoL features, but it is still very good and very cheap.

I think that it has the best cast in the series and you feel like you are hanging out with group of friends. Social Links are well done and the story is quite good.

And the dungeons are more customized vs Tartarus but not as involved as P5. This is especially so if you want a more relaxing game.

Overall P4 is a summer vacation, P3 is your job at the office, and P5 is just all over the place as I don’t think they nailed it well thematically (first palace was by far the best, IMO).

Edit: Length wise, P3R and P4G can be done in about 70-80 hours for your first run and P5R in 80-100, depending on how much you want to complete.

 

[Orbital2060]

Only if you go for the completionist/platinum which requires 2 playthroughs. Otherwise, a single one can be done in 90-100 hours. I only have one trophy left on PS4 for the original, but it requires me to play through about 80% of the game again because I messed up in the second playthrough. Not doing this shit a third time.

Still, it's an EXTREMELY long game with A LOT of cutscenes and dialogue. It's half-visual novel, half-JRPG.

I completed the game 100 % in one playthrough - took me around 200 hours but I didnt skip most of the dialogue and just let it play out naturally.

 

[Regginator]

Only if you go for the completionist/platinum which requires 2 playthroughs. Otherwise, a single one can be done in 90-100 hours. I only have one trophy left on PS4 for the original, but it requires me to play through about 80% of the game again because I messed up in the second playthrough. Not doing this shit a third time.

Still, it's an EXTREMELY long game with A LOT of cutscenes and dialogue. It's half-visual novel, half-JRPG.

Royal doesn't require two playthroughs though. Maybe if you do a completely blind playthrough and as a result miss out on some of the more obscure stuff, like not doing some activities at least once or not getting a certain character to Confidant Rank 9 before the end of the second semester.

Or if you choose an ending that clearly hints at the game being stopped prematurely (in which case you can always revert to an earlier save).

But other than that, just one playthrough. I platinumed it for the first time a few weeks ago, took me about 140 hours.

 

[Giallo Corsa]

I completed the game 100 % in one playthrough - took me around 200 hours but I didnt skip most of the dialogue and just let it play out naturally.

200 hours...
Nope.gif

 

[Orbital2060]

200 hours...
Nope.gif

That was spread out over a year or so, with a couple of long breaks. Looks like 100 hours is more like it for a normal gameplay. The scenes take a long time to play out, if you dont click through the dialogue. Its an awesome game, probably the best made RPG since FF7 imo. And worth every minute spent.

 

[Gaiff]

Royal doesn't require two playthroughs though. Maybe if you do a completely blind playthrough and as a result miss out on some of the more obscure stuff, like not doing some activities at least once or not getting a certain character to Confidant Rank 9 before the end of the second semester.

Or if you choose an ending that clearly hints at the game being stopped prematurely (in which case you can always revert to an earlier save).

But other than that, just one playthrough. I platinumed it for the first time a few weeks ago, took me about 140 hours.

How did you get the twins boss fight trophy? It’s only available in NG+. Did they remove it?

 

[Regginator]

How did you get the twins boss fight trophy? It’s only available in NG+. Did they remove it?

I had no idea you could even fight them, lol. A trophy like that doesn't exist in Royal, so I assume they removed it. In fact, I've been told the trophy list for Royal is much more streamlined and easier than OG Persona 5. In Royal, all the activities related trophies are pretty much "do X once" and that's it.

As long as you do most activities at least once (and progress that one character to Confidant Rank 9 before the end of the second semester), there aren't really missable ones that I can remember. The only somewhat obscure one is the

Spoiler: a certain activity

secret menu from the maids café

, but other than that it's all very straight forward in Royal.

 

[Shifty1897]

This might be controversial, but I think:
- Persona 3 Reload has the best graphics
- Persona 4 Golden has the best writing/story
- Persona 5 Royal has the best gameplay

The music for all three is great and completely up to your taste.
I haven't played Metaphor yet, but I wasn't particularly impressed by the demo.

 

[James Sawyer Ford]

Good news, P3R is 40% off on PSN ($40) and P5R is 60% off ($20)

Looks like I’ll be getting both lol Topher adamsapple Chuck Berry

Guess I’ll play P3R first after I’m done with SH2

Should keep me busy for uhhh 200 hours lol

Should be good to go for Persona 6 next year (maybe???)

 

[adamsapple]

Good news, P3R is 40% off on PSN ($40) and P5R is 60% off ($20)

Looks like I’ll be getting both lol Topher adamsapple Chuck Berry

Guess I’ll play P3R first after I’m done with SH2

Should keep me busy for uhhh 200 hours lol

Should be good to go for Persona 6 next year (maybe???)

Along with RE4, FF12 and Control, P5 Royal is the only other game I own on multiple platforms, digitally on SX but still have the PS4 Steel Book from when it originally launched.

Damn fucking shame that there was no upgrade path for the PS5 version.

 

[Skifi28]

Good news, P3R is 40% off on PSN ($40) and P5R is 60% off ($20)

Looks like I’ll be getting both lol Topher adamsapple Chuck Berry

Guess I’ll play P3R first after I’m done with SH2

Should keep me busy for uhhh 200 hours lol

Should be good to go for Persona 6 next year (maybe???)

P3R is the right game to start with I think. I made the mistake of starting with P5 as my first Atlus RPG and I felt so lost and overwhelmed to the point I quit. After finishing P3R which is much simpler, P5 was so much better and welcoming and I could appreciate the additions and improvements to the formula.

 

[Giallo Corsa]

So, I'm 8 hours in P5 royal and...
don't know boys, it literally puts me to sleep each and everytime I start playing it (when they say "literally" I mean it, I must have dozed off 2 to 3 times already when playing it).
Everything is.so.fucking.slow and so light on gameplay that it feels more like a visual novel than an actual game/JRPG.

...And before you come at me with those laughing emojis gifs, I'm not necessarily saying that the game is bad, just that maybe I'm not the target demographic for this game since I actually like some meat on the proverbial bones.

Now, maybe it gets more "game-y" after the 10hour mark or something but, no game IMO should take more than an hour as to get to "the good part"/get in gear.

It has its charm for sure (otherwise I would have already dropped it) but, again, It's way, way, way too slow and It's making me feel like it's not respecting my time as a player.

Funny thing is, I actually enjoyed my time way more with Final Fantasy 16 (which people apparently hated) which I dropped to start playing persona.