Final Update: Saying Goodbye
: Well, here we are. The final story update of Persona 5 Royal. Let’s get to it.
: “No, I’d prefer you stick around. Everyone I owe somethin’ to has gotta hear this. …I’m thinkin’ about movin’ away.”
: “Moving?”
: “It’s just, a helluva lot’s happened this past year, y’know? It’s gotten me thinkin’ about the future… and how I still wanna get back on the track team.”
: This scene wasn’t in the base game, and most likely isn’t canon because Ryuji is still in Tokyo as of Persona 5 Strikers, which takes place in the summer of 2017.
: You can tell the writers for Royal wrote this because of the “I want to be back on the track team” line that proves they didn’t fucking read the script for the base game.
: “That’s why I wanna move closer to a physical rehab facility, get my knee fixed up while goin’ to school… at the earliest, all this is gonna kick off startin’ next month.”
: “I see… that is quite sudden.”
: “…”
: “Ann?”
: “Actually, I’ve got some news, too… I’m in the middle of looking into studying abroad - just short-term. I’ve been wondering what would be the smartest move for my career, so…”
: Ann’s going to contact her agent and see if she can get them to make a sequel to Eternal Punishment so she can play Lisa Silverman.
: “You’re moving too?”
: “Both Haru and I are looking for places to live on our own, starting next month. In fact, our moves will probably occur around the same time as Ryuji’s.”
: Also not canon, because Makoto is in Strikers.
: “I plan to keep learning about the business while also attending college. That’s why Mako-chan and I were talking about how we won’t be able to get together like we used to.”
: “Um… so… I passed the entrance exam! I’m gonna be a high-schooler starting in April. First high school, then college… then, I can finally research cognitive psience for real.”
: The writers apparently forgot that cognitive psience only worked because the Metaverse existed, and since it no longer exists…
: “Even you, Futaba? No - I apologize. I should be wishing you all the best of luck.”
: “Nah, you do have a point - we are going our separate ways…”
: “Oh, you mean the bonds we all have? Heh, that’s a great point!”
: “…It seems you’re all taking great strides forward. I, however, will not be going anywhere until I’ve completed my current painting. No matter how many years it takes, I will express this feeling that’s grown within me since we first banded together.”
: “That’s still some kinda stride though, ain’t it?”
: “No matter what we may go through, or how many times we may stumble, we’ll follow the path we believe in… that’s what the Phantom Thieves are all about!”
: “Stop trying to be such a cool cat!”
: “I am NOT a cat… yeah, I guess I am.”
: “There’s still no way I’m acceptin’ Doc’s reality, but if it weren’t for goin’ through that, I dunno if I woulda felt this way now. It’s like, followin’ through with what I wanna do in life… I guess I learned how to really believe in my future?”
: “In that case, wouldn’t you say Sumire learned the same thing? I mean, she is at training camp right now.”
: One thing you’ll notice right away is that Sumire is in almost none of the post-game material in a way that feels a lot like “Poochie died on the way back to his home planet”.
: “Indeed. While her viewpoint may differ from the Phantom Thieves’ beliefs, there’s still much we can learn from her.”
: Didn’t she get over that when the “I’m my sister” magic went away?
: “Oh! That reminds me - Sumire left something with me! She told me she forgot to give us this the other day.”
: Anyway, I have no clue what made the writers do this weird 180-degree pivot with Sumire. First she was in every other cutscene taking up tons of time for dumb shit, and now she’s not even in the game.
: The only thing I can think of is that maybe the writers secretly fucking hated Sumire the whole time, and that Sumire being pushed so hard was a directive from corporate.
: “Guess it was lyin’ on the ground when we got out of Dr. Maruki’s Palace.”
: “…This article!”
: “It’s the case about Dr. Maruki’s loved one - the one whose family was murdered…”
: “I’d be willing to bet… this is Doc’s Treasure.”
: “So, her case was the origin of Maruki’s distortion…”
: No fucking shit! There was only a giant fucking statue of her in the palace! Plus that stupid cutscene!
: "…Would you hold on to this, Akira?’
: “We’ve all gotta keep livin’ with our eyes focused on our dreams… otherwise, Dr. Maruki’s gonna give us all kinds of shit.”
: As far as I’m concerned, Maruki is banished to the “Dead and never coming back” zone with Akechi.
: “…You’re absolutely right.”
: “Well, I’m very impressed. You’ve all become quite mature. So let me throw you a little celebration in honor of the next chapters of your lives. Order whatever you’d like, on me.”
: “Thank you.”
: “Aw yeah! It’s all you can eat and drink, people!”
: “Huh?”
: “Uh, that wasn’t what I said… could you at least go easy on me?”
: This is the last time we’ll hear from Sumire.
: Sumire died shortly after this pose. Death by gymnastics, except not in a way I can laugh at like Gymkata.
: “Sumire’s standing on her own two feet now. We’ll fight for our goals, too!”
: “White Day. That’s tomorrow, right? You, uh… you had kind of a rough Valentine’s Day. So now you got a chance to redeem yourself.”
: Those last two sentences aren’t there if you didn’t date more than one person, and that’s the only change to this scene.
: “So now you got a chance to redeem yourself. What’s your plan? You’ve at least got some kinda present ready, right?”
: On the Yusu-Gay route, it simply cuts here and goes to the date, which I’ve already posted.
: “Get it together, kid… sometimes I don’t know if you’re fearless or just plain careless. Fine. Listen up, and I’ll give you the recipe for the ultimate date.”
: This is kind of rich coming from a 50-something unmarried guy who only sorta kinda dated one person who is now dead.
: “Whoa, the chief has an ultimate date plan? I better listen in too, just in case.”
: “First off… you’re gonna need a gift. This won’t work without one. Can’t go wrong with flowers. Just make sure you buy them before the date.”
: I’m surprised Sojiro didn’t mention the whole “the man gets the woman something that costs three times what the woman gave him” bullshit. White Day is corporate propaganda. No, really.
: I think they mentioned it in the article I linked in the last update, but it was started by a Japanese candy company and named after the color of the candy they made.
: “You gotta present them near the end. Surprise her. So you can’t let her see you buying them on the date, got it?”
: “Aha… gotta give them flowers, huh? I gotta take notes…”
: If this was the next game I’m considering LPing, Sojiro would go on to say that the flowers have a 0.01% drop rate from a specific enemy in a dungeon you have to pay to enter.
: “Next, think about where you’re taking her. You’re gonna want somewhere with the right atmosphere, but it’s gotta be peaceful… oh, how about that new aquarium exhibit in Shinagawa? Just saw a commercial for it. Might be a good spot, right?”
: “The aquarium’s a good place for a date… I see.”
: “Now, once the date part’s over, you gotta take her out to dinner. Somewhere nice, too. But it’s kind of last-minute to make reservations. All the fancy places get booked pretty fast around White Day.”
: “Okay, right, too late to make any reservations - wait, what!?”
: “…Dammit. I don’t usually do this, but… I know a place. Can’t guarantee anything. I bet they’re full up, too. But you might get an edge if you mention my name.”
: “Wow, amazing! The chief has connections!”
: “So once you’re at dinner, you get to talking, enjoying yourselves… that’s when you give it to her.”
: “Good, you were paying attention. It’s the perfect time to surprise her. …That oughta do it. Just follow the plan, and you’re safe.”
: “Wow! This plan is foolproof! Leave it to the chief!”
: “Well, I taught you my secrets. The rest is on you. Do your prep, and make those reservations.”
: “Good luck. On that note, I’m going home. Now it’s up to you.”
: “You should start prepping right away. Don’t waste the chief’s advice, all right?”
: “White Day is crazy, huh… but don’t worry, Akira! All you have to do is mention the chief!”
: This feels like Shenmue for some reason. I played that recently for the first time. It’s… a game, that’s for sure.
: “Dang! The chief has serious clout!”
: “Okay, your dinner plans are locked in. Now you just gotta get the flowers, and then it’s off to the aquarium and dinner! It’s gonna be busy tomorrow, so we’d better get rest while we can.”
: I accidentally missed a line from the flower shop owner, but you can see it in the background so it’s not a huge deal.
: “Hold on! Let me cover this one. You’ve been taking care of me yourself, so… I need to express appreciation for you, too.”
: Plant puns.
: “Okay, now you’re all ready for the date. You know who you plan on inviting… right? Don’t worry, I’m a gentleman who knows his manners. I won’t be tagging along. All right, good luck out there!”
: We’ll be inviting Hifumi. White Day is a lot less terrible to record because you can save immediately before visiting the florist.
: “To… Shinagawa? Sure… let me get my things, and I’ll head over. I’ll see you later…”
: “Everything here is so ethereal… I’ve never been to an aquarium before. It’s beautiful… this might be a good way to relax my mind before a match.”
: “…Then again, I don’t know if I’d feel so calm without you at my side. In that case, perhaps it’s not that I should visit the aquarium, but that I should come see you?”
: “…! I-I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking! Please, forget you heard anything… A-Ah, right, more importantly… today is White Day, isn’t it? Would it be safe to assume the timing of our date was no accident?”
: “So I was right… you’ve no idea how much I wanted to hear that.”
: “It appears the exhibit is almost over. I wish the evening didn’t have to end so soon…”
: “What…? W-Well then… if it means more time with you, all the better.”
: “This can’t be standard fare for high school couples, can it?”
: Given that it’s anime high school, it probably actually is.
: “A fine point, well made. As long as I know I’m in your heart, I’ll be happy. Hee hee… that confidence suits you. I see traces of my valient partner in the great wars of shogi.”
: “And, perhaps… a partner I can rely on in my life beyond the board.”
: “It’s only fitting that I devote myself to supporting you in turn. I’m sorry… please, excuse me a moment.”
: “What could this be?”
: “Thank you so much… the restaurant alone was stunning, but you even got me a beautiful gift… I… don’t know how to thank you.”
: The bouquet is the one they use for Ann and Morgana’s Showtime, which is actually not a terrible re-use of assets.
: “I’ll make it up to you, starting next year. No, starting now. You take such good care of other people… you put their needs before your own without a second thought.”
: “It’s one of the reasons I respect you so much. And yet… respect alone isn’t enough. One day, I hope I can emulate that selflessness myself.”
: “It’s a goal I can devote myself to. But… that can wait until tomorrow, perhaps? Right now, as long as we don’t have a shogi board in the way… the only thing I want to be devoted to is you.”
: You know, it’s kinda weird that they’re having this big intimate moment when Joker is moving away forever in less than a week.
: And here we are. This is the end of the game. Compared to Persona 4, it sucks.
: “Sojiro said you don’t have to help out here today.”
: “Go and see your friends before you leave.”
: “Mm. Off you go then.”
: “Try not to cry.”
: Today’s objective is to talk to every confidant we have maxed out, which is to say all of them. Sumire will be notably absent, as will Akechi (because he’s fucking dead).
: “Kana-chan passed her high school entrance exam! She sent me a message this morning! I told her I was getting into high school too, and she says we can make our student debuts together!”
: “So, like, I did it! Right? I fulfilled the promise to go to high school!”
: “Yesss! Mission complete! …Well, mission started, anyway. I still hafta actually graduate. If I’m being honest, I’m actually… really, really nervous about it.”
: “I dunno if I can make friends, this is way outta my comfort zone, everything I think about’s giving me anxiety… but - I know I can’t stay in my room forever. And that’s way more important.”
: “And I wanna get into college. Major in real cognitive psience. Like my mom… and Dr. Maruki.”
: Maxed-out confidants will give you their item today, which is something that happened in Persona 4 the moment you hit Rank 10.
: These items give you some (but not all) of the abilities from the confidant they belong to. As far as I know, they don’t work like the items in Persona 4 did and allow you to fuse the ultimate Persona associated with them - this is why you want to have everything you need for Satanael fused before you fight Maruki.
: “For now… I’ll give up my notebook, and that reward. The one where I don’t have to leave you, I mean. And when I make my dream come true one day, when I’ve earned it, I’ll… I’ll take them both back.”
: Now, here’s what I fucking HATE about this shit. In Persona 4, the max confidant items all had descriptions with actual writing in them. This game?
: Nah, fuck that. That takes effort, and we all know what Hashino’s stance on effort is.
: “Just remember to pack once you get back, you hear? I don’t want you forgetting anything important here.”
: “Oh yeah, I forgot about this… the diary of the Phantom Thieves’ leader, huh? Probably gonna be worth a lot someday. …Thanks, though. I’ll keep it safe.”
: “Well, we’ve all been through a lot… but it seems like everything’s changed for the better. Try to behave yourself back home, would ya? Ah, not like you ever listen to me anyway…”
: The recipe notes unlock the ability to make the best curry and best coffee. This is marginally more useful in a New Game + run because you don’t need to spend nights boosting stats.
: “Here, I want you to have these. I’ve got 'em memorized already. With that stuff, you can make the same… well, no, that’d be a waste. Put your own spin on the flavor. Develop it. Make it yours.”
: All of the female confidants who you are on the romance route with will send you messages. I immediately got the two worst ones out of the way.
: “But… I wanted to see you before you left, Akira. It won’t be long until I’m living alone, too. We’ll both have to get used to the quiet.”
: “You can do it, Makoto. You can develop an actual personality.”
: “Somehow it’s easier to believe when I hear you say it, Akira… my sister and I are actually going to go look at my new place soon. A year ago, all this would have been unthinkable for me.”
: The real question is, how is she paying for an apartment in Tokyo? As far as I understand it, living there is crazy fucking expensive and she’s going to college.
: “But nobody told me to do this. It’s a path I chose for myself. Of course, I’d never have gotten to this point alone. You gave me the push I needed, Akira.”
: “Back then, I was just another honor student. Meeting you helped me change how I define myself.”
: Makoto’s item unlocks all of one ability, which is the one that lets you see whether the attack you’re about to use will be nulled/repelled/absorbed or not.
: “So I want you to have this. It helped me learn to love studying. One day, I’ll be a police commissioner. I know it won’t be easy… but I also know I’ll never give up.”
: “By giving this to you, I want to prove that. And… I hope it’ll comfort you when I can’t be there myself. It doesn’t matter if we’re far apart. Our hearts will be as close as ever… and that’ll help me keep fighting.”
: While we’re in Akihabara looking for Mishima, we can stop and meet that idol again.
: By the way, the official name of the song is “He’s a Trick * ster” which uh… yeah.
: “So you’re finally heading home tomorrow, huh? I guess this means the Phantom Thieves have disbanded… my documentary script is going well though. It’s not really close to done, but it’s coming along.”
: “Ugh, there’s still so much to do… I don’t wanna think about that right now. But just because I don’t have a time limit doesn’t mean I’m slacking off. I want to do this right.”
: “Makes me wonder how many people I can reach with my work… it’s exciting, but kind of scary, too. It might be a bestseller… or it might just fade into obscurity.”
: “But I want to put my hope into this. It’s a message from the old me to everyone in the world. So… even if I’m scared of failing, I’ll face this head-on! Just like you did with that first calling card!”
: “Oh yeah… it’s still a pretty early draft, but…”
: Mishima’s item unlocks everything he can give you, rendering him pointless on a New Game + run.
: “It’d mean a lot if you could read it sometime. I could really use your feedback. You probably had tons of crazy fights I don’t even know about, right?”
: “So we should sit down and talk about them sometime. The more of it I get on record, the better. I’ll make sure the story of John Persona goes down in history!”
: “I have some words of reflection for you in this time of parting. This twisted, broken world sought to crush you. Yet you salvaged it, and with your ideals stitched it whole.”
: “You were a true Trickster of this modern age. A beloved champion of a burdened public. And a man of such great heights… well, where will his path take him next, I wonder?”
: “…Now, I don’t know about that. To accompany a Trickster on so twisting and winding a path? I fear I’d soon be outpaced. … I have more than mere words to give you today though.”
: “Allow me to grant you a parting gift, not as the one who leads you, but simply as Lavenza. This is my blessing to you, to carry on your journey.”
: This unlocks all of Caroline and Justine’s abilities, but does not unlock them until you’ve started their confidant.
: “You were confined to your cell for so long. Now, at least, it seems only right that you bear its key. In the past, guests of the Velvet Room have received their keys upon their very first visits.”
: I don’t know what she’s talking about. Jihei and Tatsuya never had keys and just walked right into a store in the mall that presumably anyone could go into.
: “However, I was unable to pass it on to you at that point. This is the least I can do for you now… with this key in hand, you will be able to break free of whatever trials may imprison you in the future.”
: The writers for Strikers clearly never read this (even though it’s unchanged from the base game) because the Velvet Room is still a prison there.
: “Though of course, you have already chosen the path of true freedom. By inspiring others to take up arms, and fight for their own beliefs… you may change the world itself.”
: “I recall the days… when you helped me out with my speeches here.”
: “We’ll be treading separate paths, but as long as we share a common purpose, I’m sure I’ll see you again. If I’ve earned the support of an upright young man like you, well… that must surely be my greatest achievement.”
: “You expect farewells to be so sad, but here we are, beaming… from now on, your life is your own to live. Now. I suppose I’d better send you off with a parting gift.”
: “It’s an incredibly expensive fountain pen I bought back when I had strayed from the right path. Embarrassingly enough, I hardly used it. I hope you’ll put it to better use than I did.”
: I’m not sure if that gift is sending the message you’re intending it to, but it unlocks all of Yoshida’s abilities.
: “I’m going to be lonely here since you’re leaving tomorrow, but… I’ll work hard so I will continue to grow while I wait for you to return.”
: “Oh, is that so! Well, in that case, I should work extra hard. I’ve been receiving encouragement from my clients lately. I’ve realized… what may first seem like an obstacle can actually be a valuable, meaningful stepping stone.”
: She sounds like she picked up a self-help book written in the 80s and… wait, wasn’t that what she actually did?
: “If I hadn’t left my hometown and ended up here, I couldn’t have used my powers to help people. And… more importantly, I’d never have met you, Kurusu-san.”
: “Here - this card represents your future. Please, take it as a good luck charm.”
: Chihaya’s item was nerfed from the base game for some weird reason - in the base game, it unlocked everything. In Royal, it unlocks all of the readings except the Rank 10 one.
: “An upright Fortune card represents happiness to come, but it’s an omen of doom when reversed… then again, it seems like you have the power to bring joy to anyone’s fate.”
: “I understand now. We don’t have to cling to fate - we can change it with our own hands.”
: “Isn’t it kinda refreshing to see each other like this in broad daylight? Okay, let’s start off this celebratory moment with something to drink!”
: “That’s the spirit! Oh, sorry, I was just kidding. You can join in on the booze once you’re of age. …So, I’m thinking it’s time for me to write an article about Kayo’s case.”
: “Ever since all that stuff happened with Shido, the stories haven’t stopped rolling in. …But it looks like I can finally avenge her. And it’s all thanks to your hard work.”
: Wait, didn’t they only get him on the finance crimes because no one can prove the Metaverse exists?
: “You know, you and I are partners now. In a lot of ways. Here. It’s a record of all the struggles we shared.”
: This unlocks all of Ohya’s abilities, which admittedly weren’t much to begin with.
: “So this is it, huh? You go your way, and I go mine? It’s gonna get so boring around here… though something tells me going home isn’t gonna keep you from stirring up some trouble. Call it a reporter’s hunch, I guess.”
: “I suppose you’re just a permanent person of interest. So no dropping off the map, okay?”
: We can also say goodbye to Lala.
: “Even though it’s Sunday, aren’t you nervous being at school, just the two of us? It sure was a crazy year, huh? Try to be a little more diligent with school once you’re home.”
: By ‘diligent’ she means ‘try not dating your teacher’.
: “That’s the spirit. But this is the last time we’ll see each other for a while. You can at least look a little sad about it. I’m kidding. Honestly, seeing you so happy gives me peace of mind.”
: “This year has felt so fulfilling… I had to take care of you sometimes, but I also learned from you. So this isn’t meant to thank you for all of that, but…”
: Kawakami’s item unlocks the only ability anyone gives a shit about: the massages. This guarantees you several extra nights that you will never, ever use because you probably have max social stats.
: “You get special treatment, Master…<3 So… make sure you let me know if you need anything, okay? It wasn’t even for that long but… you’re my student and my master.”
: And so the kouhai becomes the senpai.
: “No matter where you are, no matter how long it takes, you’ll always have me. Take care. If you ever need me, just say the word, and I’m there.”
: “I wanted to update you on Miwa-chan. Her symptoms subsided thanks to the new medicine. She still has some way to go, but… it won’t be too long until I get to see her smile.”
: “Yeah, I’m relieved too. …I wouldn’t have been able to finish the new medicine without your help. Thank you so much, my little guinea pig - oh, I guess I can’t call you that now that you’ve helped me so much.”
: “Same goes for the situation with Oyamada… you did everything you could to help me with it. I don’t know where all that devotion comes from. Maybe I should take a cue from you.”
: “Here… I want you to have this.”
: Tae’s item gives you the ability to purchase all of her items - I’m not sure if it gives you the discount or not.
: “So… here today, gone tomorrow, huh? Now I’m just a neighborhood doctor. No more assistant. Wonder if it’s gonna be rough without you. Well… the thought crossed my mind. But somehow I think we’ll be fine.”
: “And hey. If I feel like it, I can always surprise you with a house call. Look after yourself, all right? Not just for your own sake.”
: While we’re here, we can do Sae’s event. Sae’s item is one of the two items you are guaranteed to get. It does NOTHING.
: “I decided to stop by after work. I used to come by this area on occasion. I was always a fan of Leblanc’s coffee. …It’s tomorrow, right? The day you go home.”
: “Ha, right - I"m taking you in. On the record, you’ve been cleared of all the crimes you were accused of. Unfortunately, the stigmas that came with them are a little harder to simply wipe away.”
: “You might find that even now… sometimes, it’ll feel like the whole world’s against you. So, just in case… take this.”
: “Whenever you need help, I’ll be on your side. Remember that. I’ll be doing my part to bring some real justice to our legal system. Can’t rely on the Phantom Thieves forever.”
: You know, I wondered around this point how many people even bothered to do a second playthrough, so let’s look at some stats.
: This is from P4 Golden on the Vita. The numbers are much lower on the Steam re-release, presumably because most people had already played it by the time the re-release happened.
: Defeating Margaret basically requires two complete playthroughs (or pretty close to it) so we can assume that around 9% bothered to complete a second run.
: Caroline and Justine have a significantly higher completion percentage in the base game… but that’s because you can fight them almost immediately and roll them with Satanael.
: It’s impossible to say how many people did this in Royal, due to Royal not having a trophy for defeating the Twins or Lavenza.
: Anyway, there’s some NPCs from Tae’s confidant outside the clinic and the dialog is amusing enough that I’ll post it.
: “It still hasn’t hit me that you’ll be gone soon. I’m busy getting ready for my study abroad, too. Gotta research schools, places to live… we’re gonna be pretty far away from each other.”
: “Wha - But I’ll be on the other side of the world! And you’ve got tons to deal with already! Then again, it’s not like that’s stopped you before… okay then… I’ll be waiting. Drop by whenever you want.”
: “By the way, um… a little girl stopped me the other day in Shibuya. She said she saw me in magazines… and she wants to be just like me when she grows up. It felt incredible.”
: “Oh right - Vague did a special piece on me in this month’s issue.”
: This gives us Ann’s ability to cancel enemy attacks.
: “I said it all in the interview, but… I’m gonna work hard. One day, I’ll be modeling across the world. I’ve gotta reach people. I wanna give someone hope - like you did for me.”
: “Maybe when you see me next, I’ll be a total bigshot. Some kinda fancy jet-setter lady…! Or maybe not.”
: I didn’t notice this when I recorded, but Kaoru is standing right behind Joker, which makes this entire conversation SUPER awkward.
: “Kaoru got accepted to high school. He’ll be a Shujin Academy student in the spring.”
: “…Apparently, he wants to become like you. Ain’t that dumb? You won’t even be at that school anymore. Well, being a bro means someone will be followin’ your footsteps.”
: “But I can’t leave everything to you. I’m the parent here, so I gotta do my job. …Oh yeah, here. It’s an Iwai-family gecko. Take good care of it, okay?”
: Iwai’s item unlocks all of his gun customization options, but not the discount or the Rank 10 ability that makes customization free.
: “Having you around the place helped me realize, times sure have changed… but I’m not goin’ obsolete just yet. I still got more to learn - just like you.”
: “Looks like you’ve got plenty of guys followin’ your lead now… I’m real glad we met. Take care.”
: “You know, I’ve asked for your help so many times to this point… but thanks to you, the new coffee shop venture is progressing toward opening its first location.”
: “Actually, I’ll be involved with its launch, even while attending college.”
: Haru’s smiling because she’s going to drive Sojiro out of business, along with every other local cafe.
: “Well, quality tests are ongoing among my employees. We don’t want to lose that local brewing flavor. I can only imagine it’ll be difficult. I’ll have to balance my studies and managing the company…”
: If I was directing this, there would be a cut to a shot of Haru buying Colombia from the government. You know, for the ‘local flavor’.
: “But it’s all for the sake of making my dream come true. I swear I’ll make this work. …That said, of course, it does make me a bit nervous. I have to wonder if it’s really within my power…”
: “But as long as I have you, I have to ensure I’m worthy of your support - and your pride. By the way, I tried making something for you.”
: Haru’s item unlocks the ability that makes the crops grow faster.
: “I’d like to sell handcrafted goods at my cafe as well… so this is the first step in my practice. I have my grandfather’s reputation to think of, after all… and my father’s legacy.”
: “It has to be a comforting, welcoming space for everyone - someplace to spend your peaceful hours. When my cafe’s ready to open, you’ll be the first to know. I’ve already decided you’re going to be my first customer, Akira-kun.”
: You’ll notice Takekuma from Shinya’s storyline in the foreground. You can talk to him, but he doesn’t have much to say.
: “Man, spring break’s supposed to be the most fun part of the year, but instead you’re just movin’ away… then again, so am I. I guess this is probably the last time we’ll be meeting up here.”
: “Don’t even have to ask - I was already gonna do that. Spring break is gonna be boring as hell, anyway. Wait a sec, your hometown isn’t near the countryside, is it?”
: “I was just thinkin’ it’d be great to run an’ train somewhere out where it’s all big, naturey open space. Honestly, even with the rehab, I dunno if my leg’s ever gonna be how it was before…”
: “But when I think about how much I wanna run, well… I figure there’s no point lyin’ to myself. Nothing’s guaranteed. I dunno if I’m gonna get anywhere. But you could say that for any goal, right?”
: “I don’t wanna live stuck on regrets, or shame. I’d rather just run… and keep on runnin’.”
: Ryuji’s item is another one nerfed from the base game. In the base game, it gave you Insta-Kill. In Royal, it gives you the ability that makes dashing stealthy and Harisen Recovery instead.
: “And hey, you better practice too! See, if we share our times, we can even compete from far away. Man. When I think about going to school without guys… I dunno. I can’t imagine it.”
: “It’s a nice feelin’ like I got a future worth lookin’ forward to for once, though. And it’s all thanks to you, man.”
: “You’re moving tomorrow, right? Don’t forget to practice at home!”
: “Yeah. Whatever happens from now on, I’m gonna keep winning too. And if I lose, then… I’ll deal with it! Just like you taught me, Kurusu-san. Oh, right. I returned the money… and he forgave me.”
: “We’re friends now, and he’s even playing Gun About with me! He’s still a total newbie, so I’m teaching him all the pro strats. Oh, but don’t stress. It’s not all boot camp this time - I’m going easier on him.”
: “…Thanks for everything, Kurusu-san. You’ve helped me so much, I’m gonna give you my secret weapon.”
: I thought this seemed kinda weird, but there were gun controllers for the PS3 and the Wii - and I wouldn’t be surprised if there was one for the PS4 as well.
: Anyway, this gives Joker all of Shinya’s abilities except Down Shot.
: “See, that’s my strategy. I used this to practice at home. But these days I’m kinda too busy helping mom, or playing with my friends.”
: “At first, I thought you were kind of weird, but… now, uh… you seem pretty cool. So… I’m still your teacher when it comes to games, but you’re my teacher in real life, Kurusu-san.”
: “I have a shogi tournament tomorrow so I can’t see you off, but… um… have a safe trip.”
: “…Please take care of yourself. I’ll visit once things have calmed down. If I do well, that will make it ten straight wins… I’ll work hard so I can give you a good report.”
: “After hearing that you’re going home, I prepared myself for this moment every day… but somehow, seeing your face has dispelled all anxiety. If anything, I feel oddly optimistic.”
: “It’s a strange clarity. Like I can see all possibilities on the board, and grasp all of them at once… thus, my next move is clear. I’d like to give you this.”
: Hifumi’s item is kind of a mystery. It only gives you her Rank 9 ability that gives you a 100% run chance from battle, and not the party swap abilities the game expects you have from the moment you’ve cleared Futaba’s dungeon.
: “The lance piece moves exclusively forward. No other direction is possible until it is promoted. Our lives demand the maneuvers of a Lance. And so we shall continue onward on our own paths.”
: “However, a promoted Lance can also move sideways. If so deployed, it can even end up next to another… so now we will part ways, if only briefly. When we have promoted, we’ll find each other again.”
: Finally, it’s time to visit our boyfriend.
: “That’s right… you’ll be departing tomorrow. It’s sad to see this as a season of farewells, but I didn’t expect we’d all go our separate ways…”
: “And that’s putting it mildly. This time last year… I’d never have imagined I’d meet you all, leave my home, or become a phantom thief.”
: “Do you remember the painting I submitted to that competition? ‘Desire and Hope,’ it was. Well, I would like to bestow it upon you as a parting gift.”
: This allows you to use Yusuke’s skill card copying service, and I believe also gives you the instant copying ability.
: “…As of now, my canvas is still blank. It’s not for lack of inspiration. There’s so much I want to express - I can barely contain my passion. But my heart has not led me astray yet. I’ll paint as it guides me.”
: “Even should I scar my work with doubt, hesitation, chaos… certainly, that’s a beauty all its own. Your life is no worse for its own scars. Your truest beauty lies in them, and I hope you tell me their stories someday.”
: Anyway, that’s everyone. You can’t say goodbye to Sumire, and I’m not sure why.
: This reminds me of Persona 4 a little and makes me remember how much better Persona 4 was. “Your friends are waiting for you, do you REALLY want to go back to Junes?”
: “Hey, um… I actually have a present for you too, Akira.”
: Morgana’s item gives you Pickpocket, an ability I don’t think I ever saw at any point. It’s supposed to let you steal items if you melee attack.
: “Even when I was human, I kept holding onto this for some reason. Between a cat, a human, or some kind of vehicle… it’s been hard to say for sure who or what I am.”
: Apart from horny for human women.
: “But whatever else I am, I can say without a doubt… I’m your partner. Well then… we should probably go home and get packed, huh?”
: “Well, how’d it go? Did it make you feel like you wanna stay?”
: “I see. You must’ve made a lot of good memories here. You’re leaving early tomorrow from Shibuya, right? Make sure you pack up before you head to sleep.”
: “Oh, and take that stupid cat with you. I don’t want it getting lost and ending up back here.”
: “Don’t make fun of me! I can go wherever I want all by myself!”
: “It really never stops meowing, huh? Hey Futaba, what’s he saying? Is he sad that he has to leave me?”
: “What!?”
: “What kind of translation is that!? Let me have a nice goodbye!”
: “Mona’s your responsibility now. Leave Sojiro to me!”
: “All right! I’ve been counted on!”
: “Oh man…”
: “Even if you’re not here, I’ll make sure I do my best… so… you go do your best too, Akira!”
: “You got everything? When I took you in, I thought I was the one helping you… but it turns out it was the other way around. …Take care.”
: “Don’t be so cheeky. Oh, and sorry… I wanted to have Futaba see you off too… I haven’t been able to find her since this morning though. Same with that cat…”
: “If you end up back in the city, come on by. I’ll at least treat you to a nice cup of coffee. …Wait, that means I can’t go closing the store, huh… what’re you doing? Hurry up and go.”
: “…Yeah.”
: Wait a second, isn’t that the Shibuya scramble crosswalk? How the fuck did they manage to park a van there?
: You might notice that this line makes no sense, almost like I missed something. I didn’t. Let me explain what this cutscene is.
: This cutscene is a recut of the base game’s final cutscene, with a number of lines and several shots removed in order to slot in a piece that makes zero fucking sense.
: This shot is not in the base game. In the base game’s version of this scene, the party simply drives off into the horizon.
: I’m not sure who these guys are supposed to be. They’re not with the police, because while the police DO have an Anti-John Persona Squad in Strikers, they’ve forgotten the party exists.
: Seriously though, who the fuck are these people? The cutscene is acting like we’ve seen them before. I have to wonder if this was part of some dropped plot thread.
: Wait, what the fuck?
: You can see the black suits chasing the van, when they could pretty clearly see Joker get in the taxi. This entire ending is about as coherent as Futaba’s post-Casino bit in the base game.
: Why did they have to shoehorn Maruki into this final scene? I mean, other than because focus groups.
: Also, what the fuck is this dialog? This feels like it was meant to be a 10-minute cutscene and they just randomly cut bits of it out and glued them together until they got… whatever the fuck this is.
: This is the third time they use this exact shot.
: The second ticket is for Yusuke.
: Sumire gets reduced to two lines in a cutscene that probably isn’t canon.
: And roll credits. There’s some artwork in them that I’ll post.
: I have no idea who the fuck Daiki Ito is. The wiki doesn’t mention him as having worked on any other games - just P5 Royal. The other writer is Shinji Yamamoto, whose only other credit is SMT IV.
: Always a great sign when you have literal fucking nobodies working on your $60 triple-A re-release. Neither of these writers worked on SMT V, which gives me hope they’ll find a competent writing team for Persona 6.
: …Wait a second. Aren’t those the trans flag colors?
: I cut about a minute and a half of credits. And now, I hope you’re ready for some BULLSHIT.
: Joker’s phone goes off.
: Remember when Lavenza said there are no exceptions? The cutscene studio clearly was not aware of this.
: This reeks of sequel bait, and I hope there is never a fucking sequel. Let Persona 5 rot.
: And with that, it’s all over. I’d like to thank Eligap, Salty Vanilla, and Yokobox for doing the art for More Like Yusu-Gay and everyone else for reading as I screamed “Fuck” thousands of times.
: …And now I have to go back and record all those dates. Fuck.