The official PlayStation twitter account announced that Persona 5 will be released in North America on February 14, 2017. The PlayStation exclusive game will be released on both PS4 and PS3. The PS4 version also has a special edition that will include:
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Soundtrack CD: A selection of music from Persona 5 by legendary series composer, Shoji Meguro, in a CD sleeve featuring special P5 artwork.
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4” Morgana plush: Morgana the Phantom Thieves’ cat is not just the mascot of the Phantom Thieves, but also a member – and also not just a cat! The premium edition includes an exclusive 4” plush of Morgana.
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64-page hardcover art book: This art book is full of concept sketches, character art, and more by character designer Shigenori Soejima.
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SteelBook: As strong as a vault, the game disc for the PS4 will come specially packaged in a SteelBook collectible case, emblazoned with Persona 5 designs.
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School bag: Designed after the traditional school bags in Japan, the exclusive replica bag comes complete with the Shujin Academy crest.
Per the official PlayStation blog, game developer Atlus gives the following reason for the numerous delays, "
'Why 2017!? You promised us 2015, and then 2016! Now it’s 2017?!!!?!”
Well, the biggest factor in the 2017 release date is attention to detail. When we show off Persona 5 footage at E3 next week (Next week!), I think you’ll understand what we mean. We’re making sure every bit is in place. Persona has exponentially grown as a franchise, and considering that this is our first numbered sequel since 2008, ATLUS is taking its time to ensure this is the best possible experience."
It's time to start high school at Shujin Academy in Persona 5, so be prepared for all the danger and drama of the non-conformist teenage life with the PlayStation 4 exclusive “Take Your Heart” Premium Edition. Rebelling against the man requires the right tools and style, and this premium edition has what the disaffected youth needs to do it. The game disc will be encased in a SteelBook featuring a bold design inspired by the game's theme of teenage rebellion. Also included is a CD featuring a selection of the game's unforgettably catchy acid jazz soundtrack from legendary composer Shoji Meguro. Plus there is a hardcover art book full of concept sketches, character art, and more by character designer Shigenori Soejima. Exclusive to this set is a 4-inch plush of Morgana the cat/team member/mascot. Also exclusive is a Japanese-style school bag emblazoned with the Shujin Academy crest. All of these items come in a large collector's edition box that will simply look like a video game to nosey authority figures. Persona 5 is a game about the internal and external conflicts of a group of troubled high school students - the protagonist and a collection of compatriots he meets in the game's story - who live dual lives as Phantom Thieves. They have the typically ordinary day-to-day of a Tokyo high schooler - attending class, after school activities and part-time jobs. But they also undertake fantastical adventures by using otherworldly powers to enter the hearts of people. Their power comes from the Persona, the Jungian concept of the “self”. The game's heroes realize that society forces people to wear masks to protect their inner vulnerabilities, and by literally ripping off their protective masks and confronting their inner selves do the heroes awaken their inner power, and use it to strive to help those in need. Ultimately, the group of Phantom Thieves seek to change their day-to-day world to match their perception and see through the masks modern-day society wears.