Persona 5 Strikers: Is It Worth It On Nintendo Switch?
Hey guys! If you're a fan of Persona 5 and thinking about diving into Persona 5 Strikers on your Nintendo Switch, you're probably wondering if it's worth the plunge. Well, let's break it down and see what this action-packed adventure has to offer on the hybrid console. We will explore the gameplay, graphics, performance, and overall experience to help you make an informed decision. So, buckle up, grab your Joy-Cons, and let's get started!
What is Persona 5 Strikers?
Before we delve into the specifics of the Nintendo Switch version, let's quickly recap what Persona 5 Strikers actually is. Persona 5 Strikers is a direct sequel to Persona 5, but it's not your typical turn-based JRPG. Instead, it's a musou-style action RPG developed by Omega Force, the folks behind the Dynasty Warriors series. This means you'll be hacking and slashing through hordes of enemies in real-time, with a familiar cast of characters and story elements from the original game.
Persona 5 Strikers is set a few months after the events of Persona 5. The Phantom Thieves reunite for a summer vacation, but their plans are quickly derailed when a new series of mysterious incidents begin to occur across Japan. These incidents are tied to distorted desires and corrupted individuals, just like in the original game. The Phantom Thieves must once again don their masks and travel across the country to uncover the truth behind these new threats and save the hearts of the people.
Unlike Persona 5, which features turn-based combat, Strikers employs a real-time action combat system. You control one member of the Phantom Thieves at a time, unleashing combos, special attacks, and Persona abilities to defeat enemies. The game retains many elements from the original, such as exploiting enemy weaknesses, performing All-Out Attacks, and fusing Personas. However, the fast-paced nature of the combat adds a new layer of excitement and intensity to the gameplay.
Gameplay on Nintendo Switch
So, how does Persona 5 Strikers play on the Nintendo Switch? The gameplay on the Switch is a mixed bag, but overall, it provides a fun and engaging experience. The action-oriented combat translates well to the Switch's controls, and the ability to play in handheld mode is a huge plus.
The core gameplay loop involves exploring various cities and dungeons (called Jails), battling enemies, solving puzzles, and advancing the story. The combat is fast-paced and requires you to be strategic in your attacks. Each character has unique abilities and combos, and you can switch between them on the fly to create devastating attacks. The Persona system is also present, allowing you to summon and fuse Personas to gain new skills and abilities.
One of the highlights of playing Persona 5 Strikers on the Switch is the portability. Being able to take the Phantom Thieves on the go is a fantastic experience. Whether you're on a long commute or just lounging on the couch, the Switch allows you to dive into the world of Persona 5 Strikers anytime, anywhere. The controls are comfortable in both handheld and docked modes, and the game is easy to pick up and play in short bursts.
Graphics and Performance
Now, let's talk about the visuals and performance. The Nintendo Switch is not as powerful as other consoles like the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, so there are some compromises in terms of graphics and performance. However, Persona 5 Strikers still looks pretty good on the Switch, especially in handheld mode.
The game runs at a lower resolution compared to other platforms, and the textures are not as detailed. However, the art style of Persona 5 is so vibrant and unique that it still shines through on the Switch. The character models are well-designed, and the environments are colorful and engaging. The game also features the stylish UI and animations that Persona 5 is known for, which adds to the overall visual appeal.
In terms of performance, Persona 5 Strikers generally runs at a stable frame rate on the Switch. However, there are occasional dips in frame rate, especially during intense combat sequences with lots of enemies on screen. These frame rate drops can be a bit distracting, but they don't usually ruin the experience. Overall, the game is still very playable and enjoyable on the Switch, even with the occasional performance hiccups.
Is It Worth It?
So, the big question: is Persona 5 Strikers worth it on the Nintendo Switch? The answer depends on your priorities. If you value portability and don't mind some graphical and performance compromises, then Persona 5 Strikers on the Switch is definitely worth considering. The ability to play the game on the go is a huge selling point, and the core gameplay is still as fun and engaging as ever.
However, if you're a stickler for graphics and performance, you might want to consider playing Persona 5 Strikers on another platform, such as the PlayStation 4 or PC. These versions offer better visuals and smoother performance, but you'll sacrifice the portability of the Switch version. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you value most in your gaming experience.
Here's a quick recap to help you decide:
- Pros:
- Portability: Play the game anywhere you go.
 - Engaging Gameplay: The action-oriented combat is fun and addictive.
 - Stylish Art Style: The game looks great on the Switch, despite the graphical compromises.
 
 - Cons:
- Graphical Compromises: The game runs at a lower resolution and has less detailed textures compared to other platforms.
 - Performance Issues: Occasional frame rate drops can be distracting.
 
 
Alternatives
If you're not entirely sold on Persona 5 Strikers for the Nintendo Switch, don't worry! There are plenty of other great games you might enjoy. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Persona 5 Royal (PS4): If you haven't played the original Persona 5, Royal is the definitive edition with extra content, characters, and gameplay enhancements. It's turn-based, so it offers a different combat experience than Strikers, but it's an incredible JRPG that's well worth your time.
 - Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (Nintendo Switch): If you enjoy the musou-style combat of Strikers, Age of Calamity is another great option on the Switch. It's set in the world of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and features a compelling story and satisfying action gameplay.
 - Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore (Nintendo Switch): This is a unique crossover between Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem. It features a turn-based combat system with stylish visuals and a fun story.
 
Tips and Tricks for Persona 5 Strikers on Nintendo Switch
To make the most of your Persona 5 Strikers experience on the Nintendo Switch, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Master the Combat System: Take the time to learn each character's unique abilities and combos. Experiment with different strategies and find what works best for you.
 - Exploit Enemy Weaknesses: Just like in Persona 5, exploiting enemy weaknesses is crucial in Strikers. Use your Persona abilities to target enemy weaknesses and deal massive damage.
 - Fuse Personas: Don't neglect the Persona fusion system. Fuse Personas regularly to create powerful new Personas with unique skills and abilities.
 - Manage Your SP: SP (Skill Points) is used to cast Persona abilities, so it's important to manage your SP effectively. Use items to restore SP during battles and conserve your SP when possible.
 - Utilize All-Out Attacks: All-Out Attacks are devastating team attacks that can deal massive damage to enemies. Use them strategically to quickly dispatch tough opponents.
 - Explore the Jails: Take the time to explore each Jail thoroughly. You'll find hidden items, treasure chests, and secret areas that can help you progress through the game.
 - Level Up Your Characters: Make sure to level up your characters regularly. The higher your level, the stronger you'll be in combat.
 - Experiment with Different Party Compositions: Try out different combinations of characters in your party. Each character has unique strengths and weaknesses, so experiment to find the best party composition for your play style.
 - Take Advantage of the Environment: Many of the environments in Persona 5 Strikers are interactive. Use the environment to your advantage by performing stealth takedowns, launching enemies into the air, and using environmental hazards to deal damage.
 - Have Fun! Persona 5 Strikers is a fun and engaging game, so relax and enjoy the experience. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. The most important thing is to have fun and immerse yourself in the world of the Phantom Thieves.
 
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Persona 5 Strikers on the Nintendo Switch is a solid experience for fans of the Persona series. While it has some graphical and performance limitations, the portability and engaging gameplay make it a worthwhile addition to your Switch library. If you're a fan of action RPGs and the world of Persona 5, you'll definitely enjoy Persona 5 Strikers on the Nintendo Switch. Just remember to weigh the pros and cons and decide what's most important to you in your gaming experience. Happy gaming!