Game Information
Game Title: Persona 5 Tactica
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5 (Nov 17, 2023)
- Nintendo Switch (Nov 17, 2023)
- PC (Nov 17, 2023)
- Xbox Series X/S (Nov 17, 2023)
- Xbox One (Nov 17, 2023)
- PlayStation 4 (Nov 17, 2023)
Trailers:
Developer: Atlus
Publisher: SEGA
Review Aggregator:
OpenCritic - 79 average - 71% recommended - 46 reviews
Critic Reviews
Atomix - Aldo López - Spanish - 90 / 100
If you like Persona 5 and all its spinoffs that have come out over the years, it is clear that Tactica should not be missing from your collection, especially if you are an enthusiast of strategy games.
But Why Tho? - Kyle Foley - 8.5 / 10
Persona 5 Tactica is a great example of how to do a spin-off game right by balancing familiar components with a new approach. There is plenty to enjoy for new and old fans alike and everything is tied together in a package that is equal parts approachable and fulfilling.
CGMagazine - Brendan Frye - 6 / 10
Persona 5 Tactica, while trying some new things in the series ultimately falls flat. With a bland story and mediocre gameplay, I think its time we leave Joker and the gang alone.
COGconnected - Nicola Kapron - 75 / 100
All in all, Persona 5 Tactica is far from perfect. But it looks pretty sound, it sounds excellent, and it is fun. If you just want to see more of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, you could certainly do worse. And if you open your heart to the new cast, Erina and Toshiro have a lot going for them. Just be prepared to replay levels a lot on higher difficulties.
Checkpoint Gaming - Charlie Kelly - 8 / 10
Persona 5 Tactica is another successful voyage for the Phantom Thieves. Little is better than the warm feeling inside of revisiting this cast of characters I've come to know so fondly and intimately in a new, but familiar style. There are small ways Atlus could've made this a more blown-out affair, but it's never too much of a bother when the game is this solid and satisfying to play.
Digital Trends - Jess Reyes - 3 / 5
Persona 5 Tactica's strategic elements are its highlights, but don't expect it to take your heart.
DualShockers - Peter Szpytek - 8 / 10
Persona 5 Tactica takes a while to really get going, but once it does, you'll have no choice but to stick around for the ride. DualShockers was provided with a copy of the game for review purposes.
Eurogamer - Henry Stockdale - 3 / 5
Persona 5 Tactica marks a welcome return for the Phantom Thieves, delivering a fun strategy spin-off with plenty of heart.
Everyeye.it - Antonello Bello - Italian - 8.3 / 10
Just like his Phantom Thieves, ATLUS isn't missing a beat, and against all odds, Persona 5 Tactica has proven to be a solid and enjoyable tactician.
Final Weapon - Raul Ochoa - 4 / 5
Persona 5 Tactica is a really fun RPG that brings interesting new characters, addicting gameplay, and a story that delivers lighthearted and dark themes alike. Although the game doesn't exactly move the Persona series forward in a substantial way, Persona 5 Tactica brings an intriguing twist to the gameplay systems that fans come to know and love in a well-rounded RPG that respects the player's time.
Game Rant - Shane Robert Moyer - 4 / 5
Atlus' Persona 5 Tactica drops the Phantom Thieves in a Medieval Europe-style world as they are dragged into an ongoing revolution by a mysterious figure. Rather than a traditional turn-based JRPG, the Persona 5 spin-off falls within the tactics genre.
GameBlast - Matheus Senna de Oliveira - Portuguese - 8.5 / 10
The new adventures of Joker and company in Persona 5 Tactica manage to mix turn-based RPG with strategy in a very competent way. Exuding style and an engaging story, especially thanks to its charismatic characters, each new mission and its developments are unmissable. In particular, I liked the great freedom in solving missions and their challenges. Although the title is not on the same level as the original game, its quality is undeniable and it certainly has a lot of fun and challenge to offer. Another mandatory release for fans of the series and a good choice for anyone who wants to start getting to know this unique universe.
GameXplain - Loved
Video Review - Quote not available
Gamer Guides - Chris Moyse - 6.5 / 10
While die-hard Phantom Thieves will enjoy stepping into the Metaverse once again - as slick, stylish, and cool as it ever was - Persona 5 Tactica lacks variety, momentum, and challenge. Its key issue lies in a fatal lack of mechanical balance, resulting in an endearing but unsatisfying strategy experience.
GamesRadar+ - Rollin Bishop - 4 / 5
Persona 5 Tactica makes the most of combining Persona and tactics (as the name implies) together, forming a charming amalgamation out of the two for a surprisingly dense mechanical experience and powerful story that nevertheless loses something by omitting anything resembling side activities.
GamingTrend - Dalton McClain - 90 / 100
In summary, Persona 5 Tactica offers a great story with engaging factors, vibrant colors, dynamic art styles, new characters, and music. It masters a compelling story while also presenting older and nostalgic characteristics of Persona 5. With a fresh new coat of paint, Persona 5 Tactica is worth it to suit up as a Phantom Thief and liberate the worlds of the Metaverse.
God is a Geek - Lyle Carr - 9 / 10
Persona 5 Tactica is a tactics game unlike any other, with really clever combat that requires a lot of thought and that Persona style we all love.
God is a Geek - Lyle Carr - 9 / 10
The Switch port of Persona 5 Tactica is absolutely wonderful, and it's a perfect game to play portably thanks to its lovely bite sized missions.
Hobby Consolas - Daniel Quesada - Spanish - 77 / 100
It won't satisfy everyone, but this twist on the Persona formula offers satisfactory moments and a gameplay that becomes more and more attractive with every mision.
IGN - Leana Hafer - 8 / 10
Persona 5 Tactica is a big bag of bite-sized Phantom Thieves adventures that keeps the spirit of the series alive and shows that it can work great with a grid-based battle system.
IGN Italy - Alessandro Digioia - Italian - 7 / 10
Persona 5 Tactica is the first game in the Persona 5 sub-series to make me wonder if we really needed to see the Phantom Thieves again. It's never bad, but it does feel pointless most of the times. The new story is just "more of the same" without any real twists, and the combat system, although pretty fun, lacks depth and isn't particularly challenging. Still, it menages to entertain for most of it's 30 hours duration.
IGN Spain - Esteban Canle - Spanish - 8 / 10
Persona 5 Tactica brings the Phantom Thieves back together for fans to enjoy in a strategy and role-playing game full of possibilities. A new opportunity to live adventures with Joker and his friends, this time leading a new revolution. On a negative note, it may fall short for those with a lot of experience in this type of games.
Nintendo Life - Mitch Vogel - 9 / 10
Persona 5 Tactica is a thrillingly varied tactical RPG that fans of the Phantom Thieves and the genre should take note of. It's a little on the easy side, but the varied gameplay, excellent soundtrack, striking visuals, and lovable characters all make for a very easy recommendation here.
PC Invasion - Jack Salter - 10 / 10
Persona 5 Tactica seamlessly blends the SRPG genre with Persona 5. With combat mechanics that elevate the game and a story that ramps up to be enrapturing and heart-wrenching, Persona 5 Tactica is easily my favorite Persona spin-off, and I hope Atlus makes more SRPGs with this style of gameplay.
PSX Brasil - Thiago de Alencar Moura - Portuguese - 85 / 100
If you're a fan of the series, this is yet another spin-off that will please you quite a bit and introduce you to an addictive new genre.
Press Start - Harry Kalogirou - 7.5 / 10
It certainly doesn't reinvent the wheel, but offers a more than competent tactics experience within a framework that's sure to please any Persona fan.
Prima Games - Shaun Cichacki - 8 / 10
If you’re a fan of Persona, then it’s something you should at least consider giving a try, even if it may be time for the Phantom Thieves to retire into a quieter life altogether, finally.
Pure Xbox - PJ O'Reilly - 8 / 10
Persona 5 Tactica is another very solid and self-assured spin-off for Atlus' stellar RPG franchise. Placing the Phantom Thieves in tactical turn-based battles works a treat here, with addictive and challenging strategy complimented by a slick sense of style, strong writing and a campaign narrative that will keep fans happy. Whether you're here for Persona specifically or you're just wanting a solid slice of tactical action to dig into, this one has got you well and truly covered.
Push Square - Liam Croft - 7 / 10
Joker and co have enjoyed a great run, but Persona 5 fatigue is well and truly beginning to set in.
RPG Fan - Ben Love - 75%
Persona 5 Tactica crafts an engaging personal narrative but falters in conveying its themes and delivering satisfying turn-based tactical combat.
Rock, Paper, Shotgun - Siobhán Casey - Unscored
A turn-based strategy 'em up with the Persona 5 gang that might be a bit too simplistic for some, and anime for others, but still makes for a nice excuse to hang with pals.
Screen Rant - Cody Gravelle - 4 / 5
Ultimately, Persona 5 Tactica is another fun spin-off that proves the depth of its source material. Persona 5 has successfully ported itself to the musou, rhythm, and tactical genres, all the while maintaining the charm and flash that made it so instantly recognizable. At this point, it would be weirder to see a genre that the series didn't successfully adapt itself to than one it does.
Siliconera - Jenni Lada - 8 / 10
Persona 5 Tactica shows the series can adapt well to strategy genre, as the game is largely entertaining and includes familiar concepts well.
Spaziogames - Gianluca Arena - Italian - 7.8 / 10
Despite being an enjoyable SRPG suitable for all age groups, thanks to five levels of difficulty and a challenge rate that is never really prohibitive even at the highest ones, Persona 5 Tactica is, on balance, the least brilliant product among those generated by the fame of the franchise and the talent of the minds within Atlus.
Stevivor - Steve Wright - 7.5 / 10
Highly stylised and easy enough to understand, though complex and demanding as all hell.
The Game Crater - Tom Wilson - 6 / 10
Persona 5 Tactica's deep turn-based mechanics and intriguing story are great, but it fails to live up to the very game it is based on.
The Games Machine - Nicholas Mercurio - Italian - 9 / 10
Persona 5 Tactica is a passionate and better work in every light and nuance. Enriched by a detailed game design, defined at its best by many approaches that can be carried out at your preference, its greatest merit is to be linked to the original title and to involve, at the same time, with a strategic vision à la X-Com particularly successful. It's a video game you won't want to miss, full of nuances and things to do, as well as enriched by a moving story.
TheGamer - Stacey Henley - 3 / 5
Persona 5 Tactica is undone by the fact it's unsure if it's putting the Persona twist on the tactical grid game, or using Persona characters to introduce newcomers to the genre. Maps and missions are repetitive, the more interesting elements that each Persona brings are sanded off, and there's an overreliance on basic gun and melee attacks that don't suit the Phantom Thieves at all. But when it clicks, there is an unmistakable charm about the Phantom Thieves themselves, and drawn-out though they may be, the epic scale of the bosses is a good shake-up for the genre. It's not the perfect goodbye of Strikers, but it is a sign that the sun should set on the Phantom Thieves in peace.
TheSixthAxis - Nic Bunce - 7 / 10
Persona 5 Tactica is a good game, but it is a game that's standing on the shoulders of giants – when the giant is the size of Satanael, you have a lot to live up to. Indeed, it's very difficult to score this and not compare it to the other games in the series as a result. Tactica is good, but it's not great, and while it is always nice to sink into that warm-bath feeling of hanging out with your fictional friends, it won't be remembered as either a series high or the best spin-off the franchise has to offer.
Twinfinite - Rowan Jones - 4.5 / 5
I’m not going to give much away here about the story because it is best to enjoy it as it unfolds. Let’s just say it is camp, surprising, and so much fun! It is clear Persona 5 Tactica was created for both old and new players alike, and I for one am grateful for that. I look forward to seeing what else the Persona series has to offer.
Wccftech - Francesco De Meo - 8.5 / 10
The narrative remains compelling, the characters charming, the presentation slick and the solid tactical rounds the package well, making the game an engaging experience from beginning to end. The game's low challenge level, however, and the established status of the Phantom Thieves limits its appeal to die-hard fans of the series.
WellPlayed - Nathan Hennessy - 6 / 10
Persona 5's toe-tapping tunes and infectious energy are present, but Tactica forgets to bring fresh ideas or variety.
WhatIfGaming - Hristijan Pavlovski - 9 / 10
Persona 5 Tactica is a breath of fresh air for the turn-based tactics genre that feels familiar, yet challenging, and has enough depth to easily stand toe-to-toe with its peers. Despite the genre shift, it retains all the hallmarks of a Persona title and blends those aspects with dazzling polish. It's fun, challenging, a blast to play, and a must-have for any Persona fan, serving as a good entry point for strategy lovers looking to get into Persona.
Windows Central - Alexander Cope - 4 / 5
Persona 5 Tactica is an enjoyable Strategy RPG spin-off romp despite featuring a relatively run-of-the-mill 'good versus evil' storyline. The tactical gameplay elements are filled with exciting and engaging ideas alongside welcome quality-of-life improvements. If you're a die-hard Persona 5 fan who enjoys strategy games, you absolutely will get a kick out of Tactica. However, those looking for a serious challenge will likely find they breeze through the mostly undemanding combat.
Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 8 / 10
Persona 5 Tactica is a fun attempt to bring the ideas and concepts behind Persona 5 into the tactical setting, but at times it can feel more like a proof of concept. The core gameplay is a lot of fun, the story is enjoyable, and it's a good game for Persona 5 fans. It suffers from the cast being so overexposed that it's difficult to get super excited to see them again, and the actual persona element feels a tad lackluster.
Xbox Achievements - Dan Webb - 82%
Persona 5 Tactica is a wonderful take on isometric turn-based tactical games like XCOM, that is good enough to satiate Persona fans, and maybe even win over a few XCOM fans at the same time.
I had an intense love affair with this one earlier in the year that fizzled out quickly once the credits rolled. Solid game, but the only thing that keeps it from being in my collection of 1000-hour games is that it's a little too dense for my taste. Keeping track of what builds what (and which build I had currently unlocked) was taking up a smidge more brain power than I'd like once the difficulty started demanding it. By the end I'd started layering in how to evaluate cornerstones, the best way to do trade, map modifiers, and it became too much. Ironically, I'd probably get to a level of comfort just by putting more time into the game but it'll just feel like work.
One of those "almost there" games for me.