Persona 5: The Longest Game Ever?

So, you're wondering if Persona 5 is the longest game ever, huh? Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into the world of Persona 5, its playtime, and what makes it such a time sink (in the best way possible!). We'll explore why players get so engrossed in this epic JRPG, compare it to other lengthy games, and ultimately determine if it deserves the title of the "longest game ever".

What Makes Persona 5 So Long?

First off, let's be real: Persona 5 isn't your average, run-of-the-mill game. It's a sprawling JRPG that seamlessly blends dungeon crawling, turn-based combat, social simulation, and a gripping narrative. This unique combination is a huge contributor to its length. You're not just fighting shadows; you're building relationships, attending school, working part-time jobs, and exploring Tokyo!

The sheer amount of content is staggering. Each in-game day is meticulously crafted, offering a plethora of activities to choose from. Do you spend the afternoon studying to boost your knowledge stat? Or perhaps you'd rather hang out with your confidants to strengthen your bonds and unlock new abilities? Maybe you're feeling adventurous and decide to delve into Mementos, the game's procedurally generated dungeon, to complete side quests. The choice is always yours, and that freedom is a major part of what makes Persona 5 so captivating.

Then there are the palaces, the game's intricately designed dungeons that represent the distorted desires of corrupt individuals. Each palace is a unique and challenging experience, filled with puzzles, enemies, and a compelling story that ties into the overall narrative. Exploring these palaces thoroughly, finding all the treasures, and defeating the boss can easily take dozens of hours.

But it's not just the quantity of content; it's the quality too. The characters are incredibly well-developed, the story is thought-provoking and engaging, and the gameplay is addictive. You'll find yourself genuinely caring about the Phantom Thieves and their mission to change society for the better. This emotional investment is what keeps players coming back for more, even when they've already sunk hundreds of hours into the game.

Furthermore, the game encourages multiple playthroughs. There are numerous secrets to uncover, confidants to max out, and dialogue choices to explore. You can even unlock a new game plus mode that allows you to carry over your progress from a previous playthrough, giving you an even greater advantage in your quest to conquer the game's challenges.

How Long Does it REALLY Take to Beat Persona 5?

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. How long does it actually take to beat Persona 5? Well, it depends. A lot. If you're just trying to rush through the main story, skipping cutscenes and ignoring side content, you might be able to finish it in around 80-90 hours. But let's be honest, who plays Persona 5 like that?

For most players, a more realistic playtime is closer to 100-120 hours. This includes exploring the palaces, completing some side quests, and building relationships with a few confidants. If you're a completionist, aiming to max out all confidants, find all the collectibles, and see all the optional content, you can easily spend 150 hours or more in the game.

And that's just for the original Persona 5. If you're playing Persona 5 Royal, which adds even more content, including a brand new semester, a new confidant, and numerous gameplay enhancements, you can tack on another 20-30 hours to those estimates. Persona 5 Royal is the definitive experience, and most fans agree that the extra content is well worth the time investment.

So, yeah, we're talking about a game that can easily take over 100 hours to complete, and potentially much longer if you're a completionist. That's a significant time commitment, no matter how you slice it.

Persona 5 vs. Other Long Games: How Does it Stack Up?

Alright, so Persona 5 is long, but is it the longest? Let's compare it to some other contenders for the title of "longest game ever."

• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Skyrim is notorious for its endless content and open-world exploration. A typical playthrough can easily take 100+ hours, and completionists can spend hundreds more exploring every nook and cranny of Tamriel. While Skyrim is certainly a contender, its playtime is more dependent on player choice and exploration than Persona 5's more structured narrative.

• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: The Witcher 3 is another sprawling open-world RPG with a rich story, memorable characters, and tons of side quests. The main story can take around 50-60 hours, but completing all the side content and expansions can easily push the playtime over 100 hours. Again, like Skyrim, the playtime is heavily influenced by how much the player chooses to explore.

• Red Dead Redemption 2: Red Dead Redemption 2 is a massive open-world game with a compelling story, stunning visuals, and a huge amount of detail. The main story can take around 50-60 hours, but exploring the world, completing side quests, and hunting legendary animals can easily add another 50+ hours to the playtime. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a long game, but its playtime is perhaps a little less focused on character development and social simulation than Persona 5.

• Xenoblade Chronicles series: Known for their expansive worlds and intricate storylines, these games often require over 70 hours to beat the main story alone. Players seeking to complete all sidequests and optional content can easily spend over 150 hours on a single playthrough. The blend of real-time combat, exploration, and extensive dialogue makes each entry a substantial time investment.

When comparing Persona 5 to these other long games, it's important to consider the type of playtime involved. Persona 5 is more focused on character development, social simulation, and turn-based combat, while games like Skyrim and The Witcher 3 emphasize open-world exploration and action-oriented gameplay. Ultimately, the "longest game ever" is subjective and depends on individual preferences.

Is Persona 5 Worth the Time Commitment?

So, is Persona 5 worth the massive time investment? Absolutely! Despite its length, Persona 5 is a masterpiece of game design. The engaging story, memorable characters, stylish visuals, and addictive gameplay make it an unforgettable experience. You'll find yourself completely immersed in the world of the Phantom Thieves, and you won't want the journey to end.

The game's length is actually one of its greatest strengths. It allows you to truly connect with the characters, explore the world in detail, and become invested in the story. You're not just playing a game; you're living a virtual life in Tokyo, forming bonds with your friends, and fighting for justice. It's an experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Furthermore, Persona 5 tackles mature themes such as social justice, corruption, and mental health, prompting players to think critically about the world around them. The game’s narrative depth, combined with its stylish presentation, makes it a standout title that transcends typical JRPG tropes. This makes the time commitment not just enjoyable, but also enriching.

If you're looking for a game that will transport you to another world, challenge your mind, and touch your heart, then Persona 5 is definitely worth your time. Just be prepared to say goodbye to your social life for a few weeks (or months!).

Conclusion: So, Is It THE Longest Game Ever?

So, to answer the original question: Is Persona 5 the longest game ever? Well, it's complicated. It's definitely up there, but it's hard to definitively say it's the longest. What it is, without a doubt, is one of the most engaging, rewarding, and unforgettable gaming experiences you can have. It’s a title that respects your time by offering depth and substance in every in-game day.

Whether you're a seasoned JRPG fan or a newcomer to the genre, Persona 5 is a game that deserves your attention. Just be prepared to lose yourself in its world for a long, long time. You won't regret it!