Persona 5 was an interesting game. I really did like the story and the characters but it definitely dragged out. It isn't my favorite RPG and not even the best Persona game I've played. Given that, I was hopeful this game would be good. Although, it is a completely different kind of game, it felt very similar.
To get this out of the way, this is a direct sequel to Persona 5. Instead of being a traditional turn-based RPG, this adopts combat from the Dynasty Warriors (For those that know, it is usually called "musou" gameplay). This means there are a lot of enemies on screen and you directly control the action of your character. So you can dodge, target particularly nasty enemies, and use skills to your advantage. Much like Persona 5, hitting weaknesses and debuffing is key. This style of combat was adapted really well to the Persona aesthetics and it felt natural.
The biggest hang-up I had with this game is the brutal beginning. For some reason the first chapter is just absolutely difficult for no reason. I was playing on Easy and would just one-shotted with very little idea what even happened. I have noticed this trend from Atlus in particular, it is almost as if they don't understand what an Easy mode should be. This game is no exception. It does definitely get easier and less frustrating the further you get but the beginning is incredibly rough.
I really do love these characters though and they are all back. You don't get as in-depth as you would, there are no social links this time but still, they all grow and feel real. Even the new characters that were introduced get their own arcs and story bits. I really grew to enjoy them all over again. The story is also not as deep but it does have some moments that did make me think. There isn't a huge twist like in the first game but still a fun ride.
Another positive note, the game looks beautiful. It hits all the same notes as Persona 5 did with the stylistic menus and tone. All the personas and shadows look good, especially given how many were on screen at any given time. The Jails are all unique and thankfully they didn't make any with any super annoying gimmicks like some of the Palaces in the first game. The soundtrack is also absolutely stellar. If you enjoyed the first games music, this is pretty much remixes of those with some new tracks thrown in. The new tracks fit right in though.
Persona 5 Strikers is a pretty mixed bag. If you like musou-style combat, it is a must play. After the first section of the game, it definitely gets better but man, that is an incredibly brutal start. The new characters and locales are all neat but don't play this without playing Persona 5. It will ruin the story in that game and you will be confused as to what is going on in several parts of this game. I recommend this game but just keep in mind, it starts rough and gets better.
