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Persona 5 Tacticais a great spin-off, but it doesnt hold a candle to the original.

However, between missions, the Phantom Thieves dont get to return to reality.

Erina faces off with a footsoldier

Instead, they chill out in a metaverse version of Leblanc, where they prepare for their next engagement.

Do you spend time with friends?

If so, who?

Joker in the classrom in Persona 5 Royal

Will you train with lovable misfit Ryuji or go in for some cerebral people-watching with the artistically inclined Yusuke?

Perhaps youd prefer to do something solitary.

You could read a book or work out at the gym.

The Phantom Thieves in Tokyo

Maybe youll stay in and study, instead?

After all, mid-terms are coming up, and you dont want to look like an idiot.

Swotting up in the library will increase your knowledge, while doing bold activities will bolster your guts.

Toshiro meets the Phantom Thieves

These systems are conspicuous by their absence inPersona 5 Tactica.

This is whyTacticas story feels like a victory lap rather than a full-on race.

The main ensemble has already developed.

Joker and Erina plan their next moves

All of these characters are already fully baked.

New faces

This isnt the case forPersona 5 Tacticas newest characters, however.

Erina has a story of her own, too.

The new characters that crop up inTacticamake the Phantom Thieves seem all the more stagnant by comparison.

Their well-written banter still charms and delights, but it neverchanges.

Looking for more character-driven games?

Our lists of thebest JRPGsand thebest story gameswill have you covered.