Seeing red

Ann Takamaki strikes a blow for victims everywhere

FORMAT PS4, PS3 / PUB DEEP SILVER / DEV ATLUS / RELEASED 2017 / SCORE 10/10

Have you ever felt completely powerless? Unable to do what you know is right for fear of the repercussions? In Persona 5 you’re a teenager in a world of corrupt adults, and the game pulls no punches when exploring this theme in its opening arc.

You uncover a number of abuses of power by a corrupt PE teacher at your new school. As well as being a bully, the ex-Olympic volleyball player Kamoshida keeps far too close an eye on the female students under his care, with your classmates Ann and her childhood friend Shiho both victims of his totally inappropriate advances.

With tremendous guilt in her heart at Shiho’s suicide attempt, Ann stumbles into the Metaverse and gets captured by Kamoshida’s Shadow self. Things go from bad to worse as she is trussed up and forced to listen to his repugnant innermost thoughts. Forced to her breaking point, it’s then Ann realises she’s not at fault for his abuse and vows to make him pay. Awakening to her true self – her Persona – she breaks free. It’s an incredibly powerful moment as Ann’s agency is restored to her and she saves not only herself but you in the process.

But catharthis isn’t immediately forthcoming as Shadow Kamoshida flees the scene. Fittingly, his righthand henchman then transforms into a leering demon sat upon a porcelain throne. Ann, a fire magic specialist, joins your party and is instrumental in dispatching the toilet-twerp. From there, you’re chasing the pleasure of punching Shadow Kamoshida in his stupid face. If Persona 5 hasn’t managed to steal your heart before this point, Ann’s awakening is bound to seal the deal.