Gameplay
Persona 5 vs Mass Effect: Andromeda
Gameplay is where Mass Effect: Andromeda and Persona 5 differ the most. Both feature a character progression system that sees the protagonist level up and get stronger over the course of the game, just as you’d see in most RPGs, but the moment to moment gameplay couldn’t be much more different.
Andromeda sees you explore the Tempest (a space ship that acts as your main base), accepting quests from people, and travelling to unexplored planets. Once you reach the planets you will undoubtedly be faced by a huge number of foes that are trying to protect, or rival you for, space on the planet. The combat in Andromeda is similar to that seen in the original trilogy – it is third-person shooter combat with added abilities that keep it from becoming stale. Alongside gunplay, you can use powers such as singularities, electricity, teleporting, and your trusty jetpack to get the upper hand against the enemy. You choose what fighting style suits you best, you choose your loadout, and utilize the world and the streamlined cover system to protect yourself. The gunplay feels good and each weapon feels unique and has its own strengths and weaknesses. It may not be the most typical third-person shooter gameplay, but it is one of the best aspects of Andromeda. Since most of the planets are relatively open, you will be given freedom to explore on foot or via the Nomad, a four-wheel-drive dune buggy-type vehicle. Exploration introduces more characters and can lead to more quests being discovered.
Persona 5’s combat is entirely different. In palaces you will be faced by enemies with a variety of personas and you will use your own team of personas to defeat them. The combat is typical turn based fighting that sees each characters attack in turn. While there are additions such as Hold-Ups and nuances such as the weaknesses of each persona, the basic combat structure is easy to understand. For those that haven’t played a Persona game before, the combat is similar to what you’d see in an older Final Fantasy game, only with more freedom to choose how to attack. When you aren’t fighting your way through dungeons, the gameplay is slower paced. You can explore, hang out with Confidants, read, or study for class, the choice is up to you. It is a great chance to get ready for upcoming fights or to get to know the friends you spend time with.
Which you’ll prefer comes down to which combat style you enjoy. If you enjoy the slower, more tactical turn based combat then Persona would be the best choice but if you enjoy the engaging, third-person shooter combat you saw in the first three Mass Effect games then Andromeda is more likely to suit you.
