*SOME SPOILERS* Persona 3 Reload is a remake of a classic game developed by Atlus back in 2006 called ‘Persona 3.’ This game tackle’s theme of overcoming death, embracing life, and finding meaning in once life. Further pushing the theme of mortality upon the player, reflect on oneself, and urges them to strive to find their own meaning to life. I heavily recommended this game to anyone who is willing to grind through one of Atlus’ most tedious things they have created Tartarus. Unfortunately, this game is held down by this shadow ridden building, towing over 260 floors. The gameplay loop on display is very mundane and gets boring fast, but where this game fails in its gameplay looks, it makes up for in its story. We follow a transfer student on Tatsumi Port Island, and discover the “Dark Hour,” a hidden 25th hour where shadows roam, and join S.E.E.S. to fight them, as you progress you develop bonds, and learn the stories of each and every one of them, with some last with you well after completion. I give this game a solid 8/10.
*SOME SPOILERS* Persona 5 Royal is a definitive edition of Atlus' 2016 critically acclaimed RPG Persona 5. This game tackle’s themes of rebellion against societal oppression, achieving personal freedom, justice, and these challenging oppressive systems. This game shares an excellent blend of gameplay and story to make what I consider to be a masterpiece and one of the best games of all time. Though I don’t have any big complaints about this game, I do wish this game went darker into its themes as it once was going to but was unfortunately cut out. As for the story since this is a definitive edition Atlus added a full extra semester of content, continuing what was already completed story and somehow making it 100x better. In this game we follow a Joker, framed for assault, who joins a vigilante group known as the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, stealing one’s distorted desire in the Metaverse to make them confess their crimes. As the story progresses, players experience intense moments of betrayal, moral conflict, and emotional growth that elevate the narrative far beyond a typical RPG. I give this game a 10/10.