On Thursday, Atlus announced the Persona 5 Scramble release date for February 20, 2020 in Japan. The western release is still unknown; however, the trailer did reveal new details about the game.

Gameplay Mechanics Revealed

Fans recall the outrage from April’s initial reveal, but the Persona 5 Scramble release date trailer should reignite hope for the series. While fans thought P5S would be another shallow Koei Tecmo hack-and-slash game, P5S seems to be so much more. Here is a list of new gameplay reveals that we gleaned from the trailer and Atlus’ website:

• Atlus revealed on its official site that P5S is a direct sequel to the base game. This news should ease fan’s concern that the Atlus and Koei Tecmo partnership would result in a shallow game. Atlus emphasized story elements throughout the trailer, which means P5S will not be a mindless hack-and-slash adventure.
• The calendar system defines the Persona series, and Atlus showed off a glimpse of this mechanic in the new P5S trailer.
• RPG elements return with both HP and SP. We did not see Joker or his allies perform special attacks, but we can assume that magic attacks will return.
• Unlike other entries in the Koei Tecmo’s Dynasty Warrior series, the overworld in P5S is separate from combat zones. The trailer shows Joker running through both a busy city and the beach at sunset. No enemies or combat options are present in these areas.
• Although not explicitly shown, the Social Link system will likely make a return. For a brief moment, the main character shares a meal with a friend, which is a staple Social Link option in the mainline series. It will be interesting to see how Atlus and Koei Tecmo incorporate this mechanic into P5S.

Conclusion

Although we were on the fence about PS5 back in April, the new trailer reignited our excitement. While the game will have hack-and-slash elements, PS5 appears to be more of an action-RPG. Hopefully Atlus will not make us wait too long for a Western release.

But we want to know what you think. Are you excited for the new Persona 5 Scramble release date trailer? When do you think the game will come to the West? Is PS5 a day-one purchase? Let us know in the comments section below or the social media links to the right.

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