Persona 5: The Phantom X explores a different corner of P5’s story

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Previously this month, Sega and Atlus hinted at additional story content for the universe of Persona 5. They suggested a global launch for Persona 5: The Phantom X, which is an original expansion of the initial narrative. Since it initially debuted as a mobile game in China, there are some uncertainties about its functionality. Shacknews recently visited Sega’s North American headquarters in Irvine, CA to get the game and gather more information.

In Persona 5: The Phantom X, the narrative kicks off with a recognizable setup. Players take on the character of Joker, involved in a heist at an elite nightclub. However, things don’t go as planned, and Joker finds himself confronted by a mysterious individual wielding a gun. It turns out that this enigmatic figure is actually the new main character of The Phantom X, who was dreaming the entire sequence. This plot device echoes a familiar pattern for fans of Persona 5. During the day, the protagonist attends school, interacts with various characters, and participates in school activities. But by night, outside of visits to the Velvet Room, the protagonist delves into the Metaverse realm to rescue those whose hope has been taken away.

In our brief playtime, the gameplay generally mirrored the initial Persona 5. Before venturing into the Metaverse, the lead character encounters Lufel, a helpful owl companion. Lufel offers crucial backstory and takes part in the game’s strategic battles, employing his unique skills and a Persona named Robroy. Although Lufel remains concealed during daily tasks, he serves as a guide for the Metaverse sections of the game.

In the game, battles predominantly follow a style reminiscent of Persona 5. You’ll often encounter Shadow entities and colossal boss characters that align with Atlus’s usual archetype, such as the giant head adorned with ball-and-chains for eyes. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough playtime to build a complete party, but the game permits the protagonist to engage in combat alongside three other allies, each boasting unique attacks and supportive skills. The objective is to prepare a devastating blow from a potent Persona, which can be summoned during battle and becomes more powerful over time.

As a gamer immersed in The Phantom X, I’ll not only embark on missions across the Metaverse or engage in heists aimed at recovering people’s lost hope, but also experience a significant chunk of the game during school hours. This includes joining a band in the rhythm game segment, playing for the school soccer team, and even securing an after-school job to add depth to my character’s storyline. These activities shape my protagonist’s personal journey and influence my interactions with different characters.

In essence, The Phantom X offers a complete narrative similar to Persona 5, yet it’s crucial to mention that this game is free-to-play, which might raise some concerns due to its nature. It includes microtransactions and gacha systems, but during my time at Sega, I didn’t get the chance to delve deeply into these aspects. Atlus assures us, though, that the main story progress will not be affected if you decide to play without spending money. The in-app purchases are primarily aimed at players seeking to maximize their experience in The Phantom X’s endgame. However, it’s uncertain whether this claim holds true; the game’s economy is being adjusted as it transitions from China to North America and Japan.

As a passionate gamer, I can hardly contain my excitement! Mark your calendars for this Thursday, June 26th, because Persona 5: The Phantom X is finally arriving on PC, iOS, and Android platforms, completely free of charge! Can’t wait to dive back into the thrilling world of Persona 5.

This sneak peek is derived from an initial computer version that was played directly at Sega of America’s main office in Irvine, California. However, the finished item may still undergo changes.

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2025-05-27 16:57