Following a high-profile leak, the announcement trailer for Persona 5 Strikers debuted ahead of its previously planned The Game Awards pre-show reveal, revealing that a direct sequel to Persona 5 will launch on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC in February 2021. While the trailer shows the return of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts from Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal, there are some major changes to how the player will control each one in battle.
Persona 5 was released in 2016 for the PlayStation 3 and later for the PlayStation 4, and was instantly hailed as a smash hit. Contrary to the title, Persona 5 is the sixth installment in the Persona franchise, which is a series of games that take place in the same universe as Megami Tensei. An enhanced version of Persona 5 was later released under the title Persona 5 Royal which added new characters and content but essentially followed the same storyline. Now, Joker and the Phantoms are back again partaking on an entirely new adventure across Japan.
The trailer for Persona 5 Strikers, also known as Persona 5 Scramble, showed various cinematic clips and gameplay footage which gave a glimpse at new characters and mechanics. Persona 5 Strikers will release on February 23rd, 2021, on the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Players who pre-order the digital deluxe version of Persona 5 Strikers on any platform will gain access to the game four days early on February 19. PlayStation 5 owners will be able to play the PS4 version on their systems via backward compatibility.
The trailer showcases gameplay of Persona 5 Strikers' combat, which ditches Persona's traditional turn-based gameplay in exchange for a more Dynasty Warriors type hack-n-slash. Players still have control over their Persona, as the trailer shows Joker, the game's main protagonist, summoning Arsene. Other members of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts are shown using their original Personas against swarms of shadowy figures. The classic turn-based combat from the original Persona 5 was not shown during the trailer, if it's even in Persona 5 Strikers at all. However, it does seem that players will be able to take control of other Phantom Thieves as the trailer shows them being used from the perspective of the player.
Fans of Persona 5 won't have to wait long for a brand new story featuring all of their favorite characters, and now even more players can enjoy the world of Persona as it will also be available on Switch and PC. The inclusion of these new platforms begs the question of whether or not Persona 5 or Person 5 Royal will be ported to new platforms as well, but only time will tell. Until then, it is time to start the countdown for February 23rd when the Phantom Thieves ride once again in Persona 5 Strikers.
Source: Sega Europe
Persona 5 Strikers will be available on February 23, 2021