The developers behind the upcoming Persona 5 Tactica explain how the strategy RPG found its unique comic book-like art style. The tactics-based strategy RPG was first revealed during the Xbox Game Show, complete with a trailer for the Persona 5 spin-off. There were some rumors running rampant before its reveal about what the game was, but now fans have a much clearer picture of what the game is - a spin-off that takes place in the middle of Persona 5, more specifically right before the graduation of the third-year students in the Phantom Thieves gang.
Persona 5 Tactica is the first strategy RPG in the Persona series, which was chosen due to producer Kazuhisa Wada's love for strategy RPGs along with user surveys that asked fans what they'd like to see the series tackle next. With the shift in genre, the artstyle has been altered to fit the spin-off's direction. Recently, Atlus commented on how it reached this new direction.
In interviews with Famitsu (translated courtesy of Persona Central), the producer and director of the game stated that Atlus initially tried using the chibi-like designs of the Persona Q spin-offs, but found it was challenging to depict the flashy actions and movements of the Phantom Thieves with the chibi designs. As a result, the art team redrew everything and adjusted their proportions, emphasizing their hands and feet.
The current art style of the game makes it lean towards comic book-like deformities, with some fans noting that the game's visuals are similar to Western animated cartoons like Power Puff Girls or Studio TRIGGER's anime series Panty and Stocking, which was also inspired by western animation. The game's art director, Hanako Oribe, explained that the new look for the game was the correct choice, and thanks to the modeling team, they were able to bring these characters to life in both 2D and 3D.
The new character introduced in Persona 5 Tactica, Elle, was also designed by Hanako Oribe, who is described as the character who is leading the revolution. Alongside her impressive appearance is her slightly unconventional weapon choice, a spear that was made using a flag. Oribe states that it would be a highly visible weapon that conveyed her revolution. She states that the field and enemy designs themselves were inspired by the French Revolution, asking fans to stay tuned and look forward to what they have yet to show.
Persona 5 Tactica will launch November 17th for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
