Persona 5 Strikers: Nintendo Switch Review & Guide
Hey guys! Ready to dive into the world of Persona 5 Strikers on the Nintendo Switch? If you're a fan of the Phantom Thieves and crave more of their adventures, then you're in the right place! This guide will give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about this awesome action RPG, from gameplay and graphics to performance and overall value. So, grab your Joy-Cons and let's get started!
What is Persona 5 Strikers?
Persona 5 Strikers isn't your typical Persona game. While it continues the story of Persona 5, it shakes up the gameplay with a Musou-style combat system. That's right, get ready to take on hordes of enemies in real-time battles! It blends the stylish world, characters, and story of Persona 5 with the fast-paced action of games like Dynasty Warriors. The game picks up a few months after the events of Persona 5, with Joker and the rest of the Phantom Thieves reuniting for a summer vacation. However, their relaxation is cut short when a new series of mysterious incidents begins to occur across Japan. These incidents are linked to distorted desires and corrupted individuals, much like the events of the original game. The Phantom Thieves must once again don their masks and enter the Metaverse to uncover the truth and save the day.
Key Features:
- A direct sequel to Persona 5, continuing the story and character arcs.
 - Musou-style combat system, offering fast-paced action against large groups of enemies.
 - Exploration of various cities across Japan, each with unique environments and challenges.
 - A blend of real-time action and turn-based Persona battles, retaining the strategic elements of the series.
 - A captivating story with new characters and villains, exploring themes of justice, freedom, and rebellion.
 
Persona 5 Strikers on Nintendo Switch: A Deep Dive
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of how Persona 5 Strikers performs on the Nintendo Switch. We'll look at everything from graphics and gameplay to performance and portability.
Graphics and Visuals
On the Nintendo Switch, Persona 5 Strikers maintains the stylish and vibrant aesthetic of the Persona series. The character models are well-detailed, and the environments are colorful and engaging. However, there are some compromises compared to the PlayStation and PC versions. The resolution is lower, and some textures may appear less sharp. In docked mode, the game targets a resolution of 900p, while in handheld mode, it drops to 720p. While the visual fidelity isn't as high as on other platforms, the game still looks great on the Switch's screen. The art style is strong enough to carry the visuals, and the overall presentation remains faithful to the source material.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Persona 5 Strikers is a blend of Musou-style action and Persona-style strategy. You'll be hacking and slashing your way through hordes of enemies, but you'll also need to use your Personas, skills, and elemental weaknesses to your advantage. Each character has their unique moveset and abilities, and you can switch between them on the fly to create devastating combos. The game also features All-Out Attacks, Showtimes, and other signature moves from the Persona series. Exploring the Jails (the game's equivalent of Palaces) is also a key part of the gameplay. You'll need to solve puzzles, avoid traps, and find hidden items to progress. The game also incorporates stealth elements, allowing you to sneak past enemies or ambush them for an advantage.
Performance
Performance is where Persona 5 Strikers on the Nintendo Switch can be a bit of a mixed bag. In general, the game runs at aTargeting 30fps, but there can be frame drops, especially during intense combat situations with many enemies on screen. These frame drops can be more noticeable in handheld mode. While the game is still playable, the dips in performance can be distracting. However, the developers have done a decent job of optimizing the game for the Switch, and the overall experience is relatively smooth. It's worth noting that some players may be more sensitive to frame rate fluctuations than others. If you're used to playing games at 60fps, you may find the performance issues more noticeable. Load times are also longer on the Switch compared to other platforms. Loading into new areas or battles can take a few extra seconds, which can add up over time. Despite these performance issues, the game is still enjoyable on the Switch. The core gameplay is solid, and the story is engaging enough to keep you hooked.
Portability
One of the biggest advantages of playing Persona 5 Strikers on the Nintendo Switch is its portability. You can take the game with you wherever you go and play it in handheld mode. This is perfect for long commutes, travel, or just relaxing on the couch. The game looks great on the Switch's screen, and the controls are comfortable to use. The portability factor adds a lot of value to the game, especially if you're someone who likes to play on the go.
Is Persona 5 Strikers on Nintendo Switch Worth It?
So, is Persona 5 Strikers on the Nintendo Switch worth your hard-earned cash? Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Pros:
- Engaging Story: A direct sequel to Persona 5 with new mysteries and challenges.
 - Stylish Visuals: Captures the iconic Persona aesthetic on the Switch.
 - Addictive Gameplay: A blend of Musou action and strategic Persona battles.
 - Portability: Play the game anywhere with the Switch's handheld mode.
 
Cons:
- Performance Issues: Frame rate drops can occur, especially during intense battles.
 - Lower Resolution: Visuals are not as sharp as on other platforms.
 - Longer Load Times: Loading screens can be a bit lengthy.
 
Overall:
Persona 5 Strikers on the Nintendo Switch is a solid action RPG that offers a unique blend of Musou-style combat and Persona strategy. While the game does have some performance issues and lower resolution compared to other platforms, the portability factor and engaging story make it a worthwhile experience. If you're a fan of the Persona series and you value portability, then Persona 5 Strikers on the Switch is definitely worth checking out. However, if you're very sensitive to frame rate issues or you prioritize graphical fidelity, you may want to consider playing the game on another platform.
Tips and Tricks for Persona 5 Strikers on Nintendo Switch
Alright, here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Persona 5 Strikers on your Nintendo Switch:
- Master the Combat System: Don't just button-mash! Learn the combos and special moves for each character. Experiment with different Personas and skills to find the best strategies for each enemy.
 - Exploit Weaknesses: Just like in the original Persona 5, exploiting enemy weaknesses is crucial. Use elemental attacks and skills to knock down enemies and trigger All-Out Attacks.
 - Utilize Baton Passes: Baton Passes allow you to switch between characters mid-combo, extending your attacks and dealing more damage. Practice using Baton Passes to maximize your damage output.
 - Explore the Jails: Take your time to explore the Jails thoroughly. Look for hidden items, treasure chests, and secret areas. You'll find valuable resources and equipment that will help you on your journey.
 - Manage Your SP: SP is essential for using skills and abilities. Conserve your SP by using regular attacks when possible and using items to restore it when needed.
 - Fuse Personas: Fuse Personas regularly to create stronger and more powerful allies. Experiment with different combinations to find Personas with the skills and abilities that you need.
 - Complete Requests: Complete requests from NPCs to earn rewards and unlock new content. Requests can range from simple fetch quests to challenging boss battles.
 - Upgrade Your Equipment: Upgrade your weapons, armor, and accessories to improve your stats and abilities. You can purchase upgrades from shops or find them in Jails.
 - Cook Recipes: Cooking recipes can provide valuable buffs and stat boosts. Experiment with different ingredients to discover new recipes.
 - Pay Attention to the Story: The story in Persona 5 Strikers is engaging and well-written. Pay attention to the dialogue and cutscenes to fully immerse yourself in the world and characters.
 
Final Thoughts
Persona 5 Strikers on the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic addition to the Persona series. It offers a unique and exciting gameplay experience that combines the best of both worlds: the stylish world and characters of Persona 5 with the fast-paced action of Musou games. While the game does have some performance issues and lower resolution compared to other platforms, the portability factor and engaging story make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the series. So, if you're ready to join the Phantom Thieves on another thrilling adventure, grab your Nintendo Switch and dive into the world of Persona 5 Strikers!