Which JRPG Reigns Supreme? Persona 5 vs Final Fantasy 7

by

The classic role-playing game (RPG) Final Fantasy 7 is frequently lauded as one of the best JRPGs ever created, largely due to its endearing characters and captivating plot. More recently, enthusiasts have asserted that Persona 5 matches up to it, boasting a cast just as appealing and a narrative more relevant to modern times.

Simply put, both games are amazing. But which is the better one?

This question poses a challenge due to several factors. The two games, “Persona 5” and “Final Fantasy 7”, had vastly different release periods, which complicates direct comparisons as they catered to distinct eras. Yet, it’s undeniable that both games continue to captivate audiences. Admittedly, the idea of comparing these two masterpieces can be enticing in a somewhat macabre way.

We plan to outline arguments for both the advantages of Persona 5 and the advantages of Final Fantasy 7, allowing players to ultimately determine which they believe is the superior game.

Persona 5 is Better

At a glance, Persona 5 seems like it would take the top spot, given its release in 2017. Its contemporary mechanics have breathed new life into many JRPGs, making older games from even the FF7 era appear less engaging in comparison. With a sleek user interface, striking art style, and compelling gameplay, it’s no wonder that this game is highly respected by many players.

Beyond simply being a fantastic standalone JRPG, this game surpasses earlier Persona titles in various aspects. It boasts the most effective Social Link system, allowing protagonist Joker to activate new gameplay features upon forging connections with others. The narrative also resonates strongly, tackling weighty topics such as abuse, sexual assault, police corruption, and numerous other pressing issues.

The engaging gameplay in Persona 5 could even surpass that of Final Fantasy 7. The tactile feel of using buttons for commands makes battles seem more immediate and interactive. The thrill of exploiting an enemy’s weakness to trigger an All-Out Attack remains captivating.

The impact of this game is evident in contemporary RPGs such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Its appeal has only grown since the re-release of Persona 5 Royal, which enhanced the game with additional features and refinements to an already outstanding Japanese role-playing game (JRPG).

Or, more casually:

This old game still shows up in new RPGs like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It’s become even more popular since they released Persona 5 Royal again, with extra features and improvements to make it an even better JRPG experience.

Final Fantasy 7 is Better

Although it may not measure up in terms of gameplay, Final Fantasy 7 significantly transformed a genre in the ’90s, and the franchise has been unable to escape its influence since then. Despite numerous subsequent games in the series, many continue to compare these journeys to Cloud’s adventure, deeming it as the pinnacle of the franchise.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at how FF7 masterfully combines environmentalism and capitalism in its narrative. The timelessness of this blend is evident, as it remains relevant and relatable for fans even today. This is one reason why the Remake trilogy chooses to maintain the core story elements; they resonate with us deeply because these themes continue to impact our lives. Characters like Cloud, Tifa, Barrett, and their comrades remain a remarkable ensemble, prompting players to revisit the original game time and again, simply to savor the distinct character dynamics that make this world so captivating.

For those who aren’t fond of unpredictable fights and traditional, rigid controls in the original game, Final Fantasy 7 Remake aims to update the experience as well. Although the change to an action RPG format has generated some divided opinions, there remains a dedicated fanbase eagerly awaiting the resolution when the final installment is released someday.

Read More

2025-05-17 19:12