in China, we have a famous meme for Persona 5: “P5 is the best in the world!” Then there’s a completely different game — Yakuza: Like a Dragon — which we nicknamed: “Your party is a group of tattooed, unemployed middle-aged guys, but it plays like a Persona game.”
The funniest part isn’t the translation of the Chinese title “Goddess Chronicle” (which is nothing like “Persona” as “mask”). It’s the contrast: The most serious yakuza faces performing the most chuunibyou turn-based actions — plus Ichiban’s afro. Perfect.
When I first played Yakuza 7, it felt weirdly connected to Persona 5. So I went to a Chinese forum and asked: “Is there a gender-swapped Persona 5?” People laughed and said, “Aren’t you asking on purpose?” I was confused for a few seconds, then we all burst out laughing.
(For Chinese speakers: I originally asked for “Male Goddess Chronicle” — ridiculous, I know.)
So my question to Western players: What do you think of this meme culture unique to Chinese players? Share your funniest thoughts.
I may be quite off topic but I really don’t get all the comparisons of Yakuza Like A Dragon to Persona series. It sure is an RPG but its battle system is so goddamn boring. There are aspects of building relationships with party member but it so mediocre I didn’t feel I have any impact on what was going on, as if I watched some plain cutscenes and there is no time management aspect. I really wanted to like this game but i ended giving it up halfway because I just wasn’t having fun.
“That’s a fair point. But maybe the real difference is: Persona 5 is about the confusion of being young, while Yakuza 7 is about the weariness of being middle-aged. Different vibes for different stages of life.”