What's the verdict between P4: Golden vs. P5?
I picked up P4:G Steam at launch but only played like 10% of it. Enjoyed my time but just got distracted or something as I'm wont to do.
P5 sure looks sexier (tech-wise) but am I okay just sticking with P4 (and never playing it, lol) or is there a compelling reason to jump on P5 if it lands on PC?
My opinion:
P4G is the more mature experience of the two. It tackles themes like believing in your own self, tackling your deepest fears and desires, the expectations of society on you, your sexuality, and many more.
P5 on the contrary felt like a pre-teen view on society's problems or maybe a satirical comment on the sexism, misogyny, authoritarian views, of Japanese society who still seem to be stuck in the early 20th century. And even those are heavily overdrawn.
The BIGGEST issue with Persona 5's "message" is that, although the characters fight against it, they don't learn from them or don't grow as characters.
with heavy messages like
- Sexism = okay,
- if you have a run-in with the Authorities, you are an outsider, even if you are innocent and prove your innocence
- if you are sold of into an arranged marriage because of political considerations and your husband-to-be is an abusive asshole, you should try to make your husband "good" instead of getting out of the marriage
The whole game has an outlying message that you should conform to society's expectations and that you are a rebel that has to fit into society even if the people within wronged you.
The gameplay is ace, I even finished P5 two times on my PS3
But overall, I prefer 4G and 3FES, mostly because of the cast and the cozy feelings when exploring the game. The boarding school environment in 3Fes is so cozy and Inaba in 4G is just an overall chill and cozy place.