Musou games are often characterized as laidback action games, mostly for emphasizing visual flair and excitement over systemic complexity.Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamityis a prime example of this: pure simplicity in action with plenty of visual flair to back it up. Combat’s never really challenging, as in this particular case, players are moreso interested in that origin story. However,Persona’s version of a Musou experience is drastically different in comparison. WhilePersona 5 Strikerscombat borrows plenty of its DNA from its Musou-based foundation, it’s far more systemic and mechanically complex in action compared to otherWarriorsspin-off games.
Defining aspects fromPersona 5’s battle system punctuate and expand the combat inPersona 5 Strikersto a far more ambitious version ofWarriors-style gameplay. Arguably,Persona 5 Strikersresembles its source material moreso than the Musou-style games that Omega Force is known to produce. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but for fans expecting a more laidbackPersona 5spin-off are going to find that the combat inStrikersis far more engaging than anticipated. In fact,Persona 5 Strikersrequires far more optimization of its ARPG-like systems to both get the most out of its satisfying combat, and also not be obliterated by its surprising difficulty.
Persona 5 Strikers Isn’t Played Like the Typical Dynasty Warriors
Players jumping intoPersona 5 Strikersfor the first time,regardless of whether they’ve playedPersona 5or not, will find a very different Musou-style game. Mashing attack, stringing together combos, and using flashy finishers are certainly part ofStrikers' combat, but pure offense will not win fights. In fact, just spamming attack on enemies will almost certainly lead to failure, as enemies will utilize spells and special attacks that can melt health at lower levels. This is whereStrikers' similarity withPersona 5proper comes into play. Players need to exploit enemies' weaknesses, utilize Once More, Showtime Attacks, and more to come out of fights on top.
Those who have playedPersona 5will find these systems functionally similar, but with the action RPG framing ofStrikers' gameplay, combat becomes much more tense. Targeting weaknesses in turn-based combat gives players plenty of time to strategize, butPersona 5 Strikersrequires a lot of thinking on the fly. That’s not to say combat becomes too difficult. Once players get in the groove and familiarize themselves with the pace of battle, it becomes an incredibly satisfyingblend betweenPersona 5’s RPG systems andWarriorsfrantic action. Obliterating bosses by targeting weaknesses, swapping characters, and overwhelming them with strong magic is incredibly satisfying.
Strikers' Plays More Like An ARPG With Musou Elements
However, much likePersona 5, SP and item management are significant portions ofPersona 5 Strikers' dungeon crawling. Keeping items, health, and SP stocked at all times is essential, even when players are engaging with combat optimally and not taking much damage/using too much magic. In all fairness, players can hit a checkpoint and return to the real world to regain HP/SP for free. WhilePersona 5 Strikersdoes implement a calendar-based system, days don’t need to pass when players exit the dungeon, so they’re usually free to return and restore health. That being said, some dungeons prevent returning to the real world, so stocking up on supplies is essential.
There’s even level-grinding and experience progression inPersona 5 Strikers, though comparatively far less complicated when looking atPersona 5. Like its source material, Joker can summon and infusePersonas in the Velvet Room just like inPersona 5. Additionally, as players continue through the game’s story, various events will trigger “Bond” experience among the Phantom Thieves to spend on increased damage/defense/magic/etc. It’s a simple but effective injection of RPG elements fromPersonathat doesn’t conflict with the pace ofStrikers' action-RPG gameplay. Fans ofPersonaandWarriorsgames will find a lot to love from both sides of the scale.
Fans of Persona 5 and Warriors Will Find a Lot to Love in Strikers
On one hand, those expecting a more laidback Musou/Dynasty Warriors-style experience will findPersona 5 Strikersis a bit more complex than that. On the other hand, the various RPG-like elemental affinities and progression systems based onPersona 5are never too overbearing inStrikers. Players are still rewarded for hammering attacks and combos on enemies, having strong reaction time and dodging, but they’re also rewarded for analyzing/exploiting enemy weaknesses. Credit is certainly due for Omega Force inbalancing the inspirations ofPersona 5andDynasty Warriorstogether in a way where they don’t interrupt each other’s momentum.
Putting aside any of thestory reasons and fondness forPersona 5in general, players will still find a lot to love fromPersona 5 Strikers. Combat in particular is an incredibly familiar but exciting twist on the turn-based combat from the original game. Neither sacrifices too much fromPersona 5orDynasty Warriorsto create a surprisingly satisfying, and nominally challenging action-RPG that serves as a worthy follow-up toPersona 5.
Persona 5 Strikersreleases on June 26, 2025, for PC, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
