When “Persona 5 Royal” launched, it was greeted with high expectations, building on the international acclaim of its predecessor, “Persona 5.” The enhanced edition promised fresh content, deeper character arcs, and new gameplay features. And yet, within active gaming communities and social media threads, the phrase “ペルソナ5 ロイヤル ひどい” (“Persona 5 Royal is awful”) began circulating. This disconnect between critical praise and certain user frustrations reveals a complex tapestry of expectations, design choices, and the evolving nature of Japanese RPG fandom.
Exploring why some label “Persona 5 Royal” as “ひどい” (awful) offers insights not only into this game’s reception but also into the broader dynamics of remastered releases, player expectations, and the challenges of expanding beloved franchises.
One of the most frequently cited grievances concerns content overlap. For fans who completed the original “Persona 5,” “Royal” offers a sense of déjà vu for much of the game. Approximately two-thirds of the experience remains unchanged, and although Royal injects significant new content in the final arc, some players feel this repackage does not justify a full-priced repurchase.
For returning players, the journey through familiar storylines and dialogue can feel repetitive, with the distinctions between versions sometimes blurred until late in the campaign.
“Many longtime fans expected Royal to transform the overall journey rather than concentrate its improvements near the end. The repetition of familiar events, despite their polish, led to disappointment among certain segments,” says a veteran Japanese game reviewer.
Another core complaint centers on the game’s pacing. “Persona 5 Royal” is a lengthy title, easily exceeding 100 hours for completionists. While its narrative depth has been praised, the slow unfolding of plot—especially in the early and middle chapters—can test the patience of even committed RPG enthusiasts.
Casual gamers find themselves bogged down by lengthy cutscenes, daily life simulations, and social link management, whereas the significant new storyline content is tucked away towards the very end. The imbalance in pacing can create a sense of fatigue or even frustration for those hoping for a more streamlined experience.
Kasumi Yoshizawa, a new playable character, and Dr. Maruki, an additional confidant, headline Royal’s expanded narrative. While many laud their depth and the fresh perspectives they bring, a portion of the fanbase sees these additions as retrofitted—feeling “shoehorned” into the existing narrative tapestry.
This sentiment typically surfaces in online forums where long-time fans parse the integration of new storylines, sometimes criticizing the lack of organic development within the established cast.
A practical, but powerful, driver of criticism is Atlus’ approach to the sequel’s release. Unlike smaller expansion packs or DLC, “Persona 5 Royal” launches as a standalone, full-priced game. Gamers who invested substantial time and money into the original must essentially purchase the same journey again to access the extended content.
Several high-profile reviewers and YouTube personalities have pointed out that, had the Royal content been released as DLC or at a reduced price for existing owners, the perception might have been considerably more positive.
On the mechanics side, Royal layers additional systems onto an already robust game. For newer players, the sheer volume of options—from classroom quizzes to complicated fusions, time management, and expanded dungeons—can feel overwhelming, even intimidating.
This depth is a critical part of Persona’s appeal but also a double-edged sword. The steep learning curve, especially for those unfamiliar with Atlus’ formulas, can dissuade casual players or newcomers drawn in by the game’s visual flair and positive reviews.
Despite these criticisms, “Persona 5 Royal” maintains high aggregate review scores worldwide and is regularly cited as the gold standard of modern JRPGs. For many, new additions breathe exciting life into Tokyo’s labyrinthine narrative and deepen the relationship mechanics at the game’s heart.
Many experts argue that Royal raises the bar for re-releases in the RPG genre:
“Persona 5 Royal’s ambition and commitment to expanding its narrative distinguishes it from simple remasters. It provides one of the richest, most stylish RPG experiences available—even as it wrestles with the weight of its predecessor’s legacy,” reflects an RPG-focused magazine editor.
From a commercial perspective, sales data indicate that, even with niche backlash, Royal has achieved notable global success, outperforming various previous Persona entries and regularly ranking in all-time lists for PlayStation RPGs.
Online communities reveal nuanced, sometimes divided, opinions. On platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Japanese game forums, threads tagged “ペルソナ5 ロイヤル ひどい” often contain a blend of frustration, humor, and detailed feedback.
Some players share critical memes about repeated content, while others defend the game’s artistic ambition. On streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube, playthroughs of the third semester (the core of Royal’s new story arc) routinely attract strong viewer engagement, highlighting a continued appetite for the series.
The “Persona” series sits at the crossroads of cultural storytelling, innovation, and commercial strategy. As gaming has globalized, player demands have shifted—replay value, transparency about edition differences, and respect for returning fans are increasingly important.
Atlus’ experience with Royal underscores both the power and the risks of revisiting acclaimed franchises. While new content excites a devoted fanbase, the structure and pricing of these enhancements will continue to spark debate within the industry.
“Persona 5 Royal” embodies both the strengths and growing pains of modern RPG franchise management. Its ambitious new content and lush production values set high standards for narrative-driven games, while its criticisms—price, pacing, and content integration—offer valuable lessons for future re-releases.
The debate around whether “Persona 5 Royal” is “ひどい” ultimately reflects the passionate investment of its audience. For both Atlus and its fans, the conversation ensures that the evolution of this storied series remains vibrant and relevant.
A subset of players feels the game offers too much repeated content from the original, with major new additions only appearing late in the experience. Concerns about pacing, pricing, and integration of new characters also drive the critique.
It depends on your interest in expanded storylines and updated systems. While the new content is significant for devoted fans, those who expect a wholly different experience may find the overlap too great.
Royal adds new characters, confidants, story segments (especially the third semester), and various gameplay enhancements. However, much of the core storyline and gameplay loop remain the same as the original.
Generally, critics and many fans praised Royal for its depth and improvements, although some voiced concerns about its pricing and reliance on existing content. The game maintains high aggregate review scores.
Not entirely. Many remastered or expanded RPGs face similar critiques about pricing, content overlap, and the value offered to existing fans. The discussion reflects broader trends in how modern games are re-released and marketed.
Industry trends indicate this is possible, but future release strategies may evolve based on community feedback and sales data. Players now expect greater transparency and value in how additional content is delivered.
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