We have been anticipating a Persona 5 announcement at the Xbox Games Showcase with all the leaks and rumors in recent months. However, many were surprised that the announcement trailer only showed the Xbox platform.
Persona 5 Tactica, a spin-off title of 2016’s Persona 5 was revealed during the Xbox event. The RPG is being developed by P-Studio and will be published by Atlus in Japan with global distribution handled by Sega.
Many assumed that Microsoft struck a deal with Sega for an exclusivity deal given that only the Microsoft Windows, Xbox, and Xbox Game Pass logos were shown during the announcement. The Xbox maker did strike a deal with the publisher but the exclusivity only lasts for 48 hours and is only for the announcement.
After the 48-hour embargo was lifted, Atlus confirmed that the game will be coming to other platforms. The updated trailer from Atlus adds the Sony and Nintendo logos to the game.
What we know about Persona 5 Tactica
The upcoming Persona 5 spinoff title will be a turn-based, grid-based take on Persona similar to Fire Emblem or XCOM. The animation style for the Persona 5 Tactica characters is a bit more cartoonish than the original game, with the trailer showing the players fighting enemies using a variety of attacks, summons, and even team-based combos.
In Persona 5 Tactica, the Phantom Thieves of Hearts get transported to an alternate universe with a Medieval European motif. During their adventure, they meet up and ally with Elle, the leader of the Rebel Corps, a freedom fighter group that is trying to overthrow the authoritarian rulers of the land called the Legionnaires.
Players will be able to control up to three characters in the turn-based battle system. Gamers can choose to take any of the central members of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts and Elle to each battle. Players can use a variety of closed and long-ranged attacks and summons to dispatch enemies.
Microsoft’s strategy of having announcement exclusivity is a very interesting tactic. During the presentation, it does seem to add value to the Xbox and Xbox Game Pass given that fans of the series will be excited for the game. However, the hype for Xbox doesn’t last long as the exclusivity arrangement only lasts for 48 hours.
It also pales in comparison to Sony’s third-party exclusivity deals for games such as Final Fantasy XVI or Death Stranding. The Hideo Kojima-led title eventually made it to PC and even Mac, but only after several years of being Sony-exclusive.
Persona 5 Tactica is coming to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch as well as the Game Pass on November 17.
