Persona 5 The Phantom X Review: Gameplay, Features, and Verdict

Persona 5 The Phantom X Artwork 3

Curious whether Persona 5 The Phantom X lives up to its iconic lineage? This new spin-off takes the Persona franchise to mobile and PC, offering a fresh adventure for fans and newcomers alike. Below is our full review, with expert impressions from critics and the community.

Story and Characters

Persona 5 The Phantom X closely echoes the structure and style of the original Persona 5, with a new protagonist named Wonder and a cast of both fresh faces and returning favorites (Megami Tensei Wiki). The game’s narrative features social commentary, memorable side characters, and a familiar focus on friendship, rebellion, and personal growth (RPGFan review). However, many critics say that early story arcs lack the depth and punch of the original, expect a slow start, but more satisfying payoffs later.

Gameplay & Combat Systems

The turn-based combat system is immediately familiar to Persona fans, featuring elemental strengths and weaknesses, baton passes, and stylish “All-Out Attacks” (IGN review). The dungeon-crawling experience returns, with Mementos as a procedurally generated domain for grinding and Palaces for story missions (Wikipedia overview). Elemental strategies, team synergy, and Persona fusion remain integral, though critics note some systems have been simplified to suit mobile play (RPG Site hands-on).

One controversial change: the signature Persona calendar system has been replaced by an energy meter, limiting the number of daily activities unless you spend premium currency. Confidants (bonds) are also present, but with less unique dialogue per rank (Siliconera review).

Monetization & Progression

Persona 5 The Phantom X is a free-to-play gacha RPG, so character and Persona acquisition relies heavily on random pulls using in-game currency or real money. While progression feels smooth at first, many players hit “gacha walls” that demand grinding or spending to advance, especially in later Palaces or high-level content (Reddit review). This monetization model is a frequent community criticism; those who dislike gacha systems may find this a sticking point.

Visual & Audio Presentation

Fans of Persona 5’s signature flair will not be disappointed. The UI, character portraits, and anime cutscenes are vibrant and crisp. The fan-favorite soundtrack and professional voice work, especially in Japanese, remain top-tier (RPGFan reviewIGN review).

Pros, Cons, and Final Verdict

Pros:

  • Deep, stylish Persona gameplay
  • Varied cast, engaging dungeon design
  • Excellent soundtrack and art direction

Cons:

  • Gacha/premium model can cause slow progression
  • Some features simplified for mobile
  • Early story pacing is weak

Verdict:
Persona 5 The Phantom X is a stylish, generous free-to-play RPG that adapts many of Persona 5’s best elements to a mobile and PC audience. While the gacha system and streamlined mechanics may not be for everyone, it offers hours of content for fans who want more Phantom Thieves in their lives. Stay informed on player feedback at Reddit and read more in-depth analysis at RPGFan and IGN.

Jake is an SEO-minded Football, Combat Sports, Gaming and Pro Wrestling writer and successful Editor in Chief. Most importantly, he is a Gacha players who specialises in Genshin Impact. On top of that, Jake has more than ten years of experience covering mixed martial arts, pro wrestling, football and gaming across a number of publications, starting at SEScoops in 2012 under the name Jake Jeremy. His work has also been featured on Sportskeeda, Pro Sports Extra, Wrestling Headlines, NoobFeed, Wrestlingnewsco and Keen Gamer, again under the name Jake Jeremy. Previously, he worked as the Editor in Chief of 24Wrestling, building the site profile with a view to selling the domain, which was accomplished in 2019. Jake was previously the Editor in Chief for Fight Fans, a combat sports and pro wrestling site that was launched in January 2021 and broke into millions of pageviews within the first two years. He previously worked for Snack Media and their GiveMeSport site, creating Evergreen and Trending content that would deliver pageviews via Google as the UFC and MMA SEO Lead. Jake managed to take an area of GiveMeSport that had zero traction on Organic and push it to audiences across the globe. Jake also has a record of long-term video and written interview content with the likes of the Professional Fighters League, ONE and Cage Warriors, working directly with the brands to promote bouts, fighters and special events. Jake also previously worked for the biggest independent wrestling company in the UK, PROGRESS Wrestling, as PR Head and Head of Media across the social channels of the company.