The recently announced fifth entry in the long-running acclaimed JRPG series has teased us only with an image. So why is it my number 1? Because from the outset, from its very first image, the only image we have thus far, it's clear that Persona 5 is about liberation from the confines of institutions. The image included above shows us the theme: high school chairs, with antiquated chains shackled at the legs. The message couldn't be clearer: "Overcome trials to free yourself from your shackles." The Persona series has always not-so-subtly hinted at its larger psychological and philosophical allusions, with one recent entry from the Tri-Edge Arts blog confessing that to one gamer, the last main entry, Persona 4, "changed life." The gamer tells us that the series reminded him "that humanity is constantly on trial. There might or might not be a God or gods who is/are judging us, but the fact doesn't change that we, as a whole, are always under trial; to see if we can reach a better state of living, or will just lead ourselves into destruction." The Persona series - as per its title - revolves around the questions of identity. The protagonists are almost always youth, undergoing the formative years of their identity, often in conflict with the expectations of society. While the critique of social systems is focused on Japan, the themes are universal. A title such as Persona 5, blatantly declaring its emotional and intellectual agenda, and one that runs counter the message of the Party, won't likely see a Chinese release. (Probable) Official Statement: Banned for "inciting unnecessary political disobedience...corrupting the youth" and "well worn JRPG gameplay mechanics. Guys, it's 2014, it's time for real-time combat."
