Persona 5’s Phantom Mechanic

Everything in Persona 5 matters... until it doesn't. Atlus' acclaimed RPG video game is a masterclass in game design. Every decision the player makes affects something else in the game. Except for one thing: the romantic relationships. In this video, we'll break down the romance paths Joker can take to see what Persona 5's relationships actually do on a mechanical level.
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Games Discussed: Persona 5, Persona 5 Royal
Publisher: ATLUS, Sega
Developer: P-Studio
Platforms: Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Windows, Steam
Genre: Role-Playing Game, RPG, JRPG, Simulation, Visual Novel, Social Simulation, Dating Sim, Turn Based, Strategy
Key Developers: Katsura Hashino, Daiki Ito, Masayoshi Suto, Shigenori Soejima, Naoya Maeda, Mumon Usuda, Shoji Meguro, Lyn
Topics Discussed: RPG, Battle System, OST, Persona music, Persona 5 Soundtrack, Shumako, silent protagonist, Tokyo, Shibuya, Japan, PS3, PS4, PS5, Catherine, Ships, Relationships, Game Mechanics, Video Essay, Game Design, Motion Graphics, Breakdown, Deep Dive, Iceberg, Phantom Thieves, story, story breakdown, analysis, love, romance, dating, teenage love, nostalgia, voice acting, role play, high school, phantom, ghost, new video games, video game news, calling card, spy, palace, mind palace, take your heart, society, revolution, gay characters, queer coding, orientation, mask, destiny, player choice, battle system design, tutorial, walkthough, faq, longplay, negotiation, confidants, confidant guide, social links, structure, character progression
Major Characters: Joker, Ren Amamiya, Makoto Niijima, Ann Takamaki, Ryuji Sakamoto, Goro Akechi, Yusuke Kitagawa, Futaba Sakura, Haru Okumura, Morgana, Kawakami, Ohya, Chihaya, Takemi, Igor, Kamoshida, Madarame, Kaneshiro
Related Titles: Shin Megami Tensei, Persona 3 Reload, Persona 4 Golden, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Yakuza, Like a Dragon, Catherine, Soul Hackers, Super Smash Bros.

[@orvillewright9246]

Let me put it to you this way. I think Joker is free, despite the linearity of the game. This is his history, what we chose is what we chose, everything after the interrogation is optional. There is only a True Ending, because that was the option Joker would and did pick. That is my opinion, anyway.

[@CantHandleThis6]

Yeah in my opinion he's free cause it's Ren's story not ours. The true ending are the decisions he made.

[@dr.calamity2079]

Yeah. It's not really much of a theory tho cuz igor and the twins are constantly telling joker that he is bound by fate to do his part in undoing the calamity, so the linearity can be implied simply through that. Only after killing [REDACTED] will joker's fate finally be set free

[@orvillewright9246]

@@dr.calamity2079 Fair point.

[@conspiracypanda1200]

​@@dr.calamity2079If you think about it, every Persona game (even pre-P3) is set up by an outside force. When you are trapped in someone else's game, the only real options are "Win" or "Lose". Those who live in the Velvet Room talk a lot about Fate a lot, but they also talk about Potential. I think that "Fate" for each character refers to the strict endings of "Win" and "Lose" at the ends of the paths the characters have already been lured into and trapped upon, and "Potential" is something they can only reach by getting the "Win" end specifically and obtaining their freedom to finally make choices outside of the trap they were forced into.

[@pabloguzman8472]

but in real life people that behave manipulating others are narcisissts

[@nothappening-wi3kz]

not all heroes wear capes: notice he said "joker's girlfriend" not "my girlfriend"

[@bobcatiskindajustthere4879]

It’s he cus I’ll never be him :[

[@mikebliss3153]

I *am* Joker.

[@m0ckyzo185]

Bro putting the role-playing in rpg

[@RedJLP]

@@bobcatiskindajustthere4879 Which is why I find just calling him Joker is a disservice to his actual character and shows where on the axis of player insert to audience surrogate the player views him on while those who call him Ren (or even Akira if you believe in manga above all else or at least that he’d have a pseudonym for outside the Metaverse) shows you being on the opposite end of the scale

[@bobcatiskindajustthere4879]

@@RedJLP not sure how you got that out of my comment but this does tie together well

[@VeeTuTonic]

I never really had any issues with the lack of a mechanical effect/benefit through dating someone. It was more the lack of acknowledgement. It was extremely jarring for me being brand new to the series, dating Makoto and her denying any of it to Sojiro during ‘that scene’ I have never picked her since. I get the game is massive already, though always thought additional mentions here and there throughout would have went a long way. I was hoping when Royal came out it might have done this but no joy.

[@KaioCresendo]

I’ve been saying this for so long, if they simply adjusted the game and interactions with your characters based on your social link level, it would genuinely make the game a lot more immersive, and it gives the player more of a duty to max out every social link

[@knightmare5097]

Still one of the best girls tho.

[@neturalumbrella6688]

The only time this kind of thing happens is when ryuji asks what you think about Marriage when the gang are studying together, sadly this is only limited to Ann, makoto, Haru and futaba.

[@eannamcnamara9338]

It's even worse in Persona 3. The team quite literally live together and go to school together, how do they not notice that makoto is in a relationship with another team member?

[@OPSoup123]

@@knightmare5097anyone who picks Makoto has standards Fact

[@FarelForever]

I remember playing Persona 5, and on my first playthrough maxing out all the Confidants...... exactly on the last available day, without using a guide. My friends were so impressed. It felt great!

[@i_am_a_dot]

That's awesome! You can add me to the "Impressed List" too!

[@FarelForever]

@@i_am_a_dot ah gee, heh. Thanks, but in all fairness, Persona 5 made everything much easier over 3 and 4, where not using a guide would make this impossible. There was a lot more lee-way there.

[@tehepicduckeh1409]

ayyy same did this a couple weeks back on my first play too, before any 3rd semester stuff i was very lucky that yusuke's available on the last two days before the final palace

[@MrLuigiBean1]

I cannot imagine how awesome and satisfying that must've felt!

[@byrontheusurper6505]

Crazy shit!

[@lordoftheslums8741]

I do agree with ya on this, I wish when you got into a romantic relationship with someone in any persona game they have unique skills and stuff. I hate how once you’ve max it out that’s it there’s no real reason to keep hanging with them and that sucks. I also with the other characters would acknowledge the relationship like they sometimes do in P4/P4G, it would help make the world feel a bit more alive.

[@anameofmine]

Compared to persona 4, the relationships in this game feel a bit hollow. Those tiny interactions and acknowledgements between friends go a long way

[@ThyFloorestFloor]

I miss being able to speak with the others during exploration instead of only having the party banter at Mementos. It would be nice to have the party you're using having their own unique dialogues, like acknowledging the fact I spent most of the game in a swimsuit using a joke weapon and stuff

[@kalypso4133]

@@anameofmine Gotta love tinted goggles, aye? I like Persona 4 as much as the next guy, and you can prefer it, but to say Persona 4 did relationships better is straight up wrong >-> 4 was my first Persona game and I can very clearly see the improvements 5 made to both the social links stories and the relationships themselves. It's just the missing link that the video mentions. Everything is linked, but the romantic partner you choose, but both 3 and 4 had that problem as well.

[@anameofmine]

@@kalypso4133 I played persona 5 first, but I still feel like 4 has better characters who interact a lot more with one another.

[@kalypso4133]

@@anameofmine Did we play the same games? xDD

[@GGreenHeart]

I'm playing through 3Reload, and hit Rank 10 with Yuko pretty quickly... now I have a whole Second Semester to play through, and... am I never going to set aside time with her again, even once? I did go out of my way to spend one extra day with her- both to see what would happen, but also because I genuinely like her character. I was pleasantly surprised that they had a unique cutscene for it, even though mechanically speaking I had just "wasted" my day. It's unlikely there's Another cutscene for spending a random day with her, but... I'm probably going to do it a few times before the end anyway. As tempting as it may be, I think it's important Not to always play these games "optimally".

[@GGreenHeart]

(Excellent video, by the way. Really enjoyed the visuals, animations and scene cuts, but also the order of topics and the way you narratively presented each piece of info.)

[@SirBigWater]

You have Christmas to spend with a lover, and there's various dialogue throughout the year that changes if you're romanced or not with a character during certain events.

[@Bl0kymtt]

But in P3 and P4 you HAVE to spend time with your confidants or else they break their bonds with you until you reclaim their friendship

[@Keyw]

​@@Bl0kymtt not true of p4 at all

[@demiryumruk1423]

​@Bl0kymtt isn't this only in the original p3 and p3 fes?

[@banbanthebandit4002]

11:57 seems someone made sure to edit out a little spoiler, can always appreciate when someone takes the time to keep secrets hidden in videos like these so that’s pretty cool of you. Also just good job on the rest of the video, you clearly put a lot of effort into this and it shows.

[@Kutseido.]

God, now i have to play persona. Do i start with 5?

[@insertcontent73]

@@Kutseido.while some of the games are connected through lore details, the story of each persona game is self-contained. you can start with any game in the series you’d like to begin with. i have heard that p3-p5 (the "modern" persona games) have some stronger differences with the older titles in the series.

[@Kutseido.]

@@insertcontent73 omg yay! i wanted to play tru most of the games but it felt pretty overwhelming, so its great to know i can start at my own pace, tysm!

[@justinsaunders110]

Anyone know what the commenter is referencing?

[@banbanthebandit4002]

@@justinsaunders110 if you don’t know see it I’m not going to tell you, it’s a spoiler for a reason

[@tastefull1682]

SO STYLISH... how tf are you not getting more attention this is really good!

[@TheRealLachlan]

My issue with the social link is that when i find a character i like i prioritise leveling them to max and i dont wont to get the interaction 'wrong' so i look up a guide so im not roleplaying im min/maxing because in-game time is precious and i dont see myself having time in my life for this 70h again any time soon and then their character arc is resolved but ive still got 30h of this game left. I think its just fomo and i need to fight myself and accept the experience i have playing the game naturally will be more rewarding than an experience where i get to see more cutscenes. Anyway, cool vid

[@i_am_a_dot]

It's just so easy to have all the best responses ready on your phone while playing. That temptation is real! I do think it's more fun to not look things up but at the same time it's tough missing out on stuff in the long run. The eternal push-and-pull...

[@seannolan9857]

How I do it is saving before each conversation, picking whatever options I want, then reloading to pick the 'optimal' responses.

[@CantHandleThis6]

I just play the game twice. I love these games so much i'm gonna do it anyway so i play how i want then min-max next run

[@RangeCMYK]

​@@i_am_a_dotI think it kind of fits with the Wildcard thing Joker has going on. The wildcard specializes in wearing different personas, so they act the best way they can in every situation. They cannot be true to themselves because there barely is a "true self"

[@acuilnos]

It really depends on the person. I can understand how some people would get more enjoyment out of making their own choices but as someone who suffers from choice paralysis and OCD I really appreciate the effort people put into making 100% guides. That and not everyone has the time to play such a long game twice just to see everything the game has to offer.

[@megascopsasio2015]

OMG that cutscene with all the romanceable characters... You always approach gameplay from such a unique angle. It helps me really appreciate the relationship between mechanics and story / game experience!

[@FarelForever]

I still remember that when Joker joined Smash Bros, someone drew a picture of that cutscene, except that it was all of the female Smash Bros characters in it. A splendid idea!

[@megascopsasio2015]

@@FarelForever I love that lol!

[@seakhajiit]

There is a similar cutscene after valentines day if you romance multiple people but not all of them, they still all yell at Joker but they don't acknowledge each other

[@Wh0gamin]

Rlly?

[@seakhajiit]

@@Wh0gamin Yeah, I've never romanced everyone cause I didn't go for it but I've gotten close because I just wanted to see more content. It's weird that there aren't really any videos of it around

[@Wh0gamin]

@@seakhajiit can u post one pls

[@seakhajiit]

@@Wh0gamin I will have a look but I don't have my ps4 out right now so it might take a few days

[@Wh0gamin]

@@seakhajiit thx

[@Amonimus]

Ah yes, the RPG sociopathic behavior, anything goes as long as it's for the combat stats. Relationships in Persona 3 have extra weight, but they've removed it because the series is a dungeon crawler first and not a real dating sim.

[@WitchLunaEstrella]

I'm glad they changed it. It kinda sucks that the original basically says that guys can't be as close to their friends who are girls unless they want to be romantic.

[@mattwo7]

You can still get reversed social links in P3R but it's harder for that to happen (unless you romance multiple partners) and you can just rewind to fix them. Not to mention they carried less weight gameplay-wise in all versions of P3 as they only gave the extra exp, the key items that unlock ability to fuse ultimate personas of each arcana that the protagonist can use (something this video fails to mention) and the items you'd occasionally receive from some of them like the ones Bunkichi would force upon your character in the Heirophant social link. Also party members have arcana but no social links, their personas instead evolve during the main story. It wasn't until Persona 4 that social links became a particularly important gameplay mechanic.

[@ondururagittandeska2004]

In 3 they are Social Links in 5 they are Confidants. That alone is a big difference.

[@soke_s]

Having the two sides of the game be as flushed out as each other would be amazing and im hoping that happens for Persona 6, its probably not just me but I actually really liked getting attached to the characters and when I was close to completing the game it really sucked having to completley ignore them when I maxxed them out especially when I was romancing Makato (and only Makato if you have taste). Not to say you dont have to ignore them but the scenes after maxxing them out are bare bones to say the least.

[@ondururagittandeska2004]

@@soke_s Persona fans when they see a minor

[@Archetype_Angel]

Wow, that was actually deeper than I thought it would. That last line send chills to my spine and left me thinking for a good while.

[@paulgrotebeverborg1119]

Would've been cool if romancing a party member would grant a unique Showtime with Joker ngl

[@NobuKage404]

As a fellow Makoto fan, this video is amazing but the editing is out of this world, MY GOD.

[@splaturials9156]

Midkoto trash

[@rhaydixprime3760]

Dude how the hell does this video have less than 1k views its so well edited

[@yokaiwatcher8500]

Because it’s less then a day old

[@Joe-Ligma69]

10:52 is false. It's even possible for a monogamous Joker to be attacked by his love interest on valentine's day (happened to me in my most recent playthrough) The game only has three variables for each girl on Valentine's day; Not romanced, ignored, and main romance. Your main romance is the one you choose to hang out with on valentine's day, and ignored is everyone else that you romanced. The scene does not trigger based on if you romanced everyone, it triggers if even one girl is considered ignored by the game. On Valentine's day, you're given the option to hang out with no one even if you have a date. This allows even a monogamous Joker to trigger the scene.

[@JimmyBusher]

please show a video for this

[@Joe-Ligma69]

@@JimmyBusher I am NOT replaying the whole game for that shit

[@zoromax10]

Those are different scenes tho. There is the ignored scene, where all the girls you're romancing but didn't go out with shout at you, that the video doesn't mention. And the "everyone found you out", that is exclusive to harem everyone

[@onurtintas]

You got my like with that beautiful editing with a style really similar to the P5's style

[@spaceace9103]

Love how you mix gameplay details with your personal story of your playthrough. Great video flow/storytelling

[@MN-xh7yu]

That was a big part of me enjoying the Jazz club in P5R, I got to see more of my favorite party members while giving them stat buffs

[@AngelDANSHI]

I just wanted to comment and say that the craftsmanship on this video is incredible! The topic itself, the writing and structure of the video, but especially the editing and visuals were just beautifully done. It's clear that you're very passionate about videography and I deeply enjoyed this video. Looking forward to whatever you have planned next, and keep up the amazing work!

[@KyahnEly]

literally one of the best persona analysis that i didn't think i needed! this was amazing! keep up the great work!

[@deadly5901]

Man, I remember choosing Makoto as my romance and feeling somewhat disappointed when I discovered that continuing to hang out with her has no relevance and that I was just wasting the day. In the end I continued hanging out with her from time to time just because I liked the character even though I knew I could use that day to improve someone else's confidant.

[@EssentialJay]

This is a great mix of both review of the game and a personal story experience you have seen yourself. Great work!

[@doaskishino5455]

dude your editing on this video is amazing! i found myself entertained not only in the story but the intresting/unique style of edtitting you have

[@AnekdotenAusDerGeschichte]

Jesus christ man, loved the actual content of the video but man, is the editing smooth af

[@bleeploughly6311]

this is my third video of yours and i’m so pleasantly surprised and impressed at how the style of your video changes based on the subject you’re talking about:)

[@chaselowell4567]

Your visual style looks really professional im low key impressed.

[@leafeonlink5751]

Absolutely amazing video, so well produced and written I’m in awe. Thank you for this absolutely beautiful and lovingly created video!

[@janesmith5259]

I love this video so much. It's poetic and legitimately gave me chills. The story at the end made me tear up

[@izzyoaks4824]

honestly yeah this is a problem in the persona games. my favorite character from persona 4 golden was reduced to a background character after you romance her, and it made me sad, her story really struck a cord with me, i understood their struggle and i really related. but once you reach social link lv 10. she becomes a cameo character. a cardboard cut out of a person just to experience special occasions with.

[@DyxoXinoro]

Y'know, there is a subtle tragedy to Joker when relationships are framed in this way. To fight against a world built on abusing others' trust, he is required to build bonds... only to abandon them. To use other people in the same way he codemns others for doing so. And I'd like to imagine he's self aware of this if you don't go for the hidden power trip ending. Joker may have earned his own emancipation, if not the entire world's, but at the cost of his happiness and dignity. The cost of being a hero was not being allowed the privledge of a mundane life of going up onto a ferris wheel and giving his girlfriend a small necklace. Or, worse yet, if Joker dated someone that isn't a member of the phantom thieves, then he would eventually have to ghost the person he loves for the sake of the world. Sure, he'd still regularly see Takemi and Kawakami, but the former would amount to sweet nothings being used as currency for illicit and expermental drugs, while the latter would be a secret love where the two can't see each other as equals due to the nature of "Becky's" two different jobs. But everyone else? Its like he vanished into the wind. While I realize that this isn't Undertale and the act of reloading an old save isn't that deep, I do wonder about the implications of doing so. If Joker ever lies during the interrogation to make it sound like he was closer to his partner than he actually is. Did he and Makoto _really_ cuddle on that couch that day? Or did he just tell Sae that to make it sound like he was a proper, loving boyfriend? Gives me ideas for stories I want to write.

[@LunGreenStar]

This video was so well made, visually and well-spoken! it's always been something that bugged me a bit about the romance in Persona 5 Royal that it doesn't really have any significant impact mechanic wise, so it's nice to see a really well-worded video speaking about it and goes into depth about it! The visual was astonishing too!!

[@TheBlackSeraph]

Mentioned it elsewhere, but they tried to tie rank 10 (and its benefits) to romance in P3/P3FES/P3P (haven't played Reload yet) and it meant that you had to be a jerk and date everyone at the same time to max out all social links. I think the reason why relationships don't have any real impact in P4/P4G/P5/P5R is how negatively received this mechanic was in P3.

[@lucashorsman5786]

I'm a video essay connoisseur and, goddamn, you need more subscribers. This was excellent.

[@izbiz5790]

I just can't get over how poetic all your videos are. Just amazing keep going man❤

[@empoleonmaster6709]

I’m now watching all of your videos and I have to say that this really made a difference on how I think about relationships in general. Your videos are truly incredible.

[@SuperChristopher-ll8bd]

So I thought about this during my playthrough of P5R. Does anyone else think that Joker should have gotten a Showtime Attack for whoever he got into a relationship with? The idea would basically be that all female party members would have a Showtime with Joker, Whoever Joker maxed out and romanced would unlock that Showtime. Thing is that it would only happen with the first girl you max out and confess to so as to be fair for people who only date one girl vs people who date multiples. This would replace the one he gets with Sumire since she's romansicable and if you wanted it you just romance Sumire, we could also have it stay as how you unlock it already as a last resort in case you decide to not date anyone.

[@ventusthekey5187]

It is honestly kind of sad how tight you have to plan your schedule in these games. It would have been nice if this game that has built itself on a narrative of how important your relationships are to the strength of your heart gave you more time to spend with your friends and loved ones. I always play these games how I would if I was the protagonist. Just spending my time doing things I enjoyed and spending time with the friends *I* felt a connection to. Then I'd do the optimal route like a year or two later lol. I always name the first playthrough after myself and the second the "cannon" name. Because the second guy isn't me. He's the perfect protagonist.

[@skywoofyt5375]

Man, from the looks of it P5 is wayy more lax with its schedule than P3, I'm already worried about how my p3r playthrough's gonna go😊

[@MontySlython]

Well honestly though if you were these protagonists you would seek out as many relationships as possible because its essential to your survival, thats very clearly why P3s protagonist even tries considering his disposition.

[@sekiro_the_one-armed_wolf]

That is quite literally what the game built itself on

[@Mailodi47]

P5r is SUUUPER lax with your time, i was able to get full social stats while also maxxing every confidant so i personally dont agree that p5r is tight on time but i understand and agree other games are tighter

[@jesserivera2043]

They loosened up in 5, but in three and four I really had to be glued to a guide, which beat the purpose of the game to begin with

[@meritmemory]

I spent Persona 5 playing through each confidant without trying to get the most points. I didn't do what the game wanted to me to do, and match what would be the best possible thing. I said what *I WOULD SAY* if limited to these choices. Makoto, Maruki & Hifumi were the only ones I flawlessly finished. I don't remember what other confidants I finished, and didn't finish, but one thing stood out. I had a choice between Hifumi & Makoto. I chose Makoto, because I believe not only she fit the most for Joker, but for me. I would not LIE, I'd move in with her and do all the cooking & cleaning while she's at work, since she wanted to pursue I think it was being police / an official of some sort. Unfortunately, I had to go back very much because I learned that not finishing Akechi & Kasumi's social links led to a bad ending. Those were the only social links I used a cheat sheet for.. and maybe also Takemi's & Iwai's.. for the shop benefits. But otherwise, it meant I had to not focus on other social links.. so as bad as I felt, I ditched Haru's social link ENTIRELY. In the end, I did realize that it didn't matter that I spent time with Makoto or not.. and did exactly that. I didn't spend extra time with her, except on holidays. But it felt bad. It felt like something was missing, for sure.

[@shirinak.1701]

The endingg, nooo give her that necklace! 😭🤣

[@starrevamped]

In the middle of my Persona 5 playthrough, and this video is very enlightening. I don't know who I would romance in the game, but it makes me realize that the biggest decision to a normal person--a romantic relationship--is so miniscule in the game. Seems like it should be something huge or important, giving a special skill or something. It's kinda dissapointing for this to come from a game I absolutely love. Besides that, insane quality for such a small youtuber, I love the editing and the entire format of the video. Amazing work and I'll stay tuned for more!

[@tonystemple]

Dude, this channel is criminally underrated. The amount of effort and quality is so good! You do make a lot of good points. It's a shame that you no longer need to spend time with people once you max them out. The game really doesn't give you any incentive and even punishes you by wasting the day you spend with them when you could've done something else. By the end of the day though, this game is overall fantastic. Maybe the little things we do and the decisions we make matters as long as it matters to us

[@Cool-Vest]

This felt like even more of a problem in P4. Most S-links (synonymous with confidants) have very little effect on the TV world dungeons, and it is optimal to ignore their existence for the rest of the game once you max them out. It doesn't feel very natural.

[@chasetanner4822]

That is because it isn't natural. You AREN'T controlling a person. It is more like you are controlling a life-like doll. You don't ACTUALLY have emotions. So it makes sense that once the rank is maxed, you have no reason to keep doing it It explains why the Velvet room attendants and the robot for p3/the goddess from p4 is the best match for the mc's. Because the MC isn't really a HUMAN like the others are.

[@Cool-Vest]

@@chasetanner4822 I take issue with this.

[@seannolan9857]

​@@chasetanner4822I once read a fanfic where Makoto thought after finishing Kenji's SL that "Kenji now mattered less to him than a piece of furniture". Basically, the MCs are people-using sociopaths, hanging out with them purely for the power they provide.

[@chasetanner4822]

@@seannolan9857 It makes sense if you think about it. If the persona mc's are like how I described in my original comment, it would make sense why they would think that. Because let's be honest, some characters you wouldn't interact with AT ALL if they DIDN'T have a social link.

[@CantHandleThis6]

@@seannolan9857 That doesn't work from a narrative point. Cause if he didn't care it wouldn't be possible to get the boosts that come from making bonds. Along with the fact that Makoto and Yu have very clear personalities and care a lot not only in game but in any spinoff or side material they end up in. Also it would mess up his sacrifice narratively

[@monkeyshapes3485]

Really thoughtful and optimistic video I really enjoyed your narration and analysis.

[@SpiritThanatron]

First video I found by you, and this is such a very well put together essay. Great listen!

[@ValentinoNicko]

I actually curious why having relationship is so popular for Persona series while it is one of the shallow aspect of the game, yet get all the attention.

[@Mystic-Aidan]

I am beyond bewildered by how good this video was. OUTSTANDING work.

[@OtakuBoxes]

Great insight and editing! Really impressed. This is one of the best games ever made. It just has so much going for it and you're right, it sticks with you long after you stop playing.

[@reyming7079]

You’re doing a great job!! I love the editing you did, I can’t believe you don’t have 100k yet

[@Izzyisneon]

Honestly one of the sickest videos i've seen this year, i hope to see you make a P3 Reload video in the future

[@Celticers]

another great video, the editing was on point again! i played P5R 3 times by now, the first time i played it i didn't care for maxing out every social rank and kept spending time with Takemi even way beyond rank 10, just because i liked her character and her story, it felt right to me as a player even without getting rewarded for it on my 2nd and 3rd play-through i min-maxed the relationships and my stat growths to an extreme where i ended up with weeks of nothing to do to further improve my character in a meaningful way, and instead of spending time with my romance option i went to the batting cages, jazz club, you name it - there was no point in further spending time with my "friends" in-game, no meaning full extra dialogue or anything.

[@chasetanner4822]

That is a why I can't being myself to play a persona game. It feels like you are robot with a limited lifespan going though a check-list than a actual person.

[@Koulouras]

Can we just appreciate how sick the editing of this video is? I also like the storytelling of the creator, very good video

[@fnndhshsbxnf]

This video is insanely well done, deserves way more views

[@EvanH2000]

I know I'm many months late, but this has to be the best motion design for a gaming video I've seen since XboxAhoy. I see some custom assets you made yourself in Illustrator like the pedestals, but blended in perfectly with the art direction of the game. I have no idea how you managed to have so much custom flavour animation for elements springing into place. But overall your ideas for visually presenting your script are just extraordinary. The diagram of how all the different game mechanics coalesced, and especially depicting the rainbow flag with multiple layers of joker are especially stand-out to me. Not even mentioning the painted minimalist sections. Just superb work

[@iamataldi]

The graphic design and editing put into this is gorgeous and blends so well into the gameplay clips. Phenomenal

[@Angel-Dust-The-Prostitute]

16:47 It makes me wonder what royal could have been if it had progressive memory like Undertale did; folders that keep all your data even after you've reloaded, thus you could never truly "erase" giving her the heart shaped necklace, and the fact you went back would of programmed her to express how she felt honestly hurt by your action before entering the palace... Undertale for all the flack it's been given? Is a game with progressive memory; you can't just reload an file without consequences being undone...

[@ember3530]

I'm only about a 3rd of my way into the video, and well- I've never watched someone explain the intertwining of both aspects of the game in such an easily digestible way. For someone who has never played a Persona game before, I'm definitely going to try to explain these systems to them using the words and visuals from your video. I've always found that the Persona series, and 5 Royal in particular due to the greater amount of mechanics compared to earlier entries, a very difficult series to describe to someone from a mechanics standpoint. I can at length discuss what makes the characters, story, and writing very emotionally satisfying, but when I'm introducing the gameplay to people I find I sometimes accidentally make the games sound way more convoluted and unappealing doing so. I think you have a talent for breaking down game mechanics, even though this is the only 6 minutes of your content I have watched, just because you've done this so beautifully. Keep up the great work!

[@i_am_a_dot]

Thanks for checking out the video! I know a couple people that haven't played any of the Personas because of how long they are and how much they have going on, so I get that it can be intimidating to people. I remember feeling kind of overwhelmed when P5 "turns you loose." But after getting over that initial hump, everything clicked and I couldn't put it down. If this video in some way helps some people get into this game/series/universe, then mission accomplished! Thank you for your kind words!

[@guilherememe]

the editing's good😭😭

[@dragonking2248]

Although I do admit that I would have loved for the rest of the characters to react when I entered a relationship, via several cut scene or some dialog during game play, I was not completely disappointed with the relationship mechanic. However, I do agree with everything you have stated.

[@Tetrispriter]

I'm in the middle of a playthrough of p5r where I romance every single available character (my previous/first playthrough I just didn't romance anyone) so this is the perfect video for me

[@shinylemonslol6959]

The channel deserves more love, really good video.

[@thatoddpossum2654]

I really thought I was gonna click off of this after like, 5 minutes but the editing and commentary was amazing!! Subbed.

[@Fr00dyH00p]

the narrative structuring around the necklace in this is astonishing, phenomenal video

[@afanisthedolphin]

Maaan, what a lovely video! Loved how you built a narrative through out it a swell. Plus, I never actually realized that the lack of gameplay context to the romance options was intentional. I'm certainly glad, don't wanna live in the world where dating all of the girls is the "optimal" strategy.

[@SlyPerformer]

Wow, amazing content, always awesome to find new creators with so much passions, keep up the good work.

[@ΦΗ3λιχΦ]

Mate, I found this video by chance on the home page and I opened it without paying much attention, but I immediately changed my mind, your narration and above all editing style are SPECTACULAR, truly compliments, you deserve many, many more subscribers for your work and the quality I saw in this video. I don't know if you have collaborators who help you with the videos or you do everything yourself, in any case my most sincere congratulations. Very happy to have found this channel and to have subscribed, keep it up

[@LorPil0]

You can either romance the girl you prefer, or romance Ann just to make Morgana mad

[@awesome2927]

Just watched your Ace Attorney 1 video, I can really tell that you are very thoughtful in your craft here. I don’t have much to add here but I will be seated for your upcoming videos👍👍

[@thexenocide6013]

this video makes me remember my first playthrough of a persona game- i didn't know any of the right dialogs, i never brought a matching persona, it was a disaster. i only had like, three rank 10s, and multiple confidants i never even started. but...that felt so much more real than my future playthroughs, where i tried to hang out with everyone and say everything right. i still remember my bonds with yusuke, takemi, and ryuji from that playthrough. and i also did something i never did again in a persona game, with one exception; i think i spent like 15 days on having joker dating takemi. in my mind, it was a long battle to start dating her- it would be rude for him to flake now. and it was nice, finding new gift items to bring her, checking up on her. i think thats how persona really is meant to be experienced- a fleeting story. where not everyone is your friend, and where only a chosen few people you can ever have an "unbreakable bond" with. who knows. maybe after my game ended, when my joker left tokyo behind, he probably lost contact with a lot of his 'confidants'; but he still felt sad on the train out, because he was leaving not only his friends behind, but also the only woman who he had ever loved that way.

[@IAmInsideYourWalls-wm9ek]

I think it'd be neat if being romantically involved with someone unlocked extra confidant levels, maybe ones that boost the likelihood of recovery and such. I feel like this would potentially add some repercussions to cheating too, since any social links over rank 10 would be reverted back to being as such and that characters arcana would become inverted like in P4

[@ARS_FICTA]

Excellent video, really taps into the nuances of this special game

[@DWdual]

Actually a super well put together video!

[@XAPDPOK]

love the little pendant story and animation, great work!

[@adamshadow9881]

I love how you approach the topic with real care, understanding of the game, and reason. I always found it a bit strange how many people get hyperfixated on a mechanic, as you perfectly say, doesn't matter. It's really only there for pure satisfaction. From a gameplay and story POV. I get why there isn't this convulted system from the romance. It's because the whole jealousy system was already in Persona 3. And wanting to see evey Social Link. Would ultimately force you to do eveything by a specific guide. Which limits your freedom. Along with Platonic routes not being an option. Having a similar system in 5, would be the most ironic thing there could be.

[@cyzaine]

Oh this was very nicely done. Good deep dive into this mechanic of p5.

[@Leoneluvsu]

great vid dude, criminally underrated

[@jega3593]

Amazing video, loved every second of it

[@randoMMise666]

Great video!! The animations and edits really added a lot!! Just a small note - you don't need to say all of those options to unlock Ohya's romance route - choose only one of the ones from Ranks 7-8, and the option at Rank 9 will be successful. This also applies to Takemi (so you don't need to say every romance flag - just one). Kawakami and particularly Chihaya do have stricter requirements, though as you say, they are also usually the options that flatter the confidant and award the most confidant points, so the rejection mechanic for all of the adult confidants is something that very few players have actually seen in-game.

[@aztro.99]

damn, the editing in this is amazing

[@JackieJKENVtuber]

The ending to that story hurt to hear bro

[@justflavio]

Putting this one in thr Great Persona 5 Video Essays playlist

[@nikolas7999]

the level of video editing is unfairly underestimated

[@phobiaAOE]

Amazing video. Such a beautiful conclusion

[@Guysitscorky]

Tremendous editing, well worded and well made. Definitely subscribing for more!

[@songoku-uy8ni]

Love your videos! Keep up the amazing work!

[@satosen8722]

Holy fuck the editing is SUPERB, amazing video!!!

[@Thaldor_]

That ending HURT man..

[@SpagEddie8113]

One way I think this issue could be solved is if romancing a character unlocked a few more confidant ranks, but the skills gained from those ranks were the same for every character, That way it would still be a matter of who you personally would like to romance, without turning into a mechanical issue. The new romance skills would also need to be good, so that it would warrant going the extra mile for whichever character you’d choose. That wouldn’t solve all the problems, ie dating multiple characters and facing no repercussions, but it solves one primary issue. If the series continued with the traditional social link route, without confidant abilities, than maybe you’d just unlock another persons fusion for maxing out a romance.

[@KarmaxKarma]

Really loved this video and your editing! I feel like I found the next big analysis youtuber before they blow up hehe

[@RaginKavu]

While I understand why it doesn't work that way, I really think that there should be ways in which being in a relationship influences the rest of the party. Shouldn't it be obvious to people whom you see on a day to day basis that there's something going on with their leader and one of them? Imagine Morgana sulking around, knowing you and Ann are dating! Even if Joker never dates anyone from the party, if you fight to the death alongside someone, you'll most definitely know when that person is... happier. That's one of the reasons I want a Persona game with a College/University student. That way, more adult themes can be handled properly. Like drinking, for example. Just look at Stray Sheep! It would be awesome to have that in a Persona game! Even more "mature" things could be more overtly discussed or even mentioned, if in a romantic relationship, if all characters were adults, not highschoolers.

[@littlebabyman8494]

2:40 He does have a predetermined persona, it’s just not the only one he can use.

[@BasilLeaf488]

PLEASE MAKE MORE PERSONA CONTENT I NEED IT 😭😭😭😭 fr I love persona so much but I can never find videos to watch on it so this made me really happy

[@NatharagonKoranys]

Holy shit, the editing on this is phenomenal! The point you make is interesting too, and one of the biggest sticking points for me in P5(R). I've played this game twice and always thought the romance felt shoehorned in, but it's true that having them have more mechanical weight would mean it's no longer a choice of character. Atlus making it so Joker can never have a boyfriend still goes against the game's entire theme though

[@ClickPointXX]

This video is really well made, one of my favourite persona videos I’ve seen in a while, good job. Personally I don’t really have an issue with the romances meaning nothing. I always just saw them as a little bonus you get if you want it. Essentially just Atlus saying “Hey you like this girl? Well here’s a few bonus scenes of her and the Protag doing cute couple shit together, have fun!”. I feel like adding a gameplay benefit would make it more of a tactical decision rather than just “Who do I like most” which would kinda take away from the entire point of the mechanic. All versions of Persona 3 prior to Reload making it mandatory for Makoto aside. I also just wanna correct a few mistakes you made in the video: 1. The valentines day scene happens regardless of if you romance everyone or not, as long as you romance at least 2 people. That’s why non of the girls acknowledge each other’s presence, because it has to work with as little as just one of them. Hifumi even says “are you cheating on me” which kinda gives the whole thing away. 2. Kawakami actually doesn’t have any requirements to unlock her romance route, hers can be done regardless of your choices. Why she doesn’t and Chihaya does is beyond me but I’ve learned not to question Atlus’ decisions at this point.

[@knightmare5097]

Even despite this, I still continue to enjoy the romantic confidants in this game. It was good to know that Atlus still wrote the romances pretty well even if they don’t matter.

[@Rucksack-]

lots of people have probably already said this but wow you're good at editing!

[@joshuawiggins673]

I wish the romances had some weight to them like let’s say you decide to romance makoto I wish it was known in the game by everyone, like the rest of your friends know your dating which would make it feel more alive

[@GabrielBarbosa-gs6vk]

At least you can be monogamous, on p3 you had to jump the fence if you wanted the ultimate personas....

[@scoffeex1740]

Your editing is amazing

[@mikisek0077]

Fantastic video‼️ Great story telling and editing, looking forward to seeing more from you. Although I gotta say that I don’t really have a problem with the romance mechanics not being impactful to the game (I don’t really like the idea of having an “optimal partner” for Joker purely based on who gets the better rank 11 ability). I would still appreciate more hanging out options which maybe unlock some special temporary buff for hanging out with them or something?? Anyways loved the video! Keep up the good work

[@MistyShnekin]

I think this may be why I enjoyed P5R New Game Plus so much- I had the freedom to spend more time hanging out with favorite characters and doing things I had missed in my first run.