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Arist
Feb 13, 2012

who, me?


and then akechi's alive and he gets our face and we have to hunt him down

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Blueberry Pancakes
Aug 18, 2012

Jack in!! MegaMan, Execute!
I know you guys are probably referencing Face Off, but I would be down with that.

amigolupus
Aug 25, 2017

As long as it ends with everyone dunking on Akechi that they knew it was him all along because he mentioned pancakes.

Stroth
Mar 31, 2007

All Problems Solved

amigolupus posted:

Assuming Maaku does go to jail, would there actually be any chance he'd get hurt in there? If the story spreads that he tried to take down a corrupt politician and they used their power to send him to jail, won't that make him more of a hero instead?

I mean yeah, but having a pissed off Yakuza weapons maker spreading the word that if this kid gets messed with he's gonna destroy everyone involved still helps.

Sydin
Oct 29, 2011

Another spring commute

AriadneThread
Feb 17, 2011

The Devil sounds like smoke and honey. We cannot move. It is too beautiful.


getting the world card after the last(?) battle seems kind of perfunctory

Funky Valentine
Feb 26, 2014

Dojyaa~an

AriadneThread posted:

getting the world card after the last(?) battle seems kind of perfunctory

Isn't that how it always happens.

"Congrats Persona MC! You died?/killed a weird goddess/shot a false God in the face with Satan! Here's The World, you can't do anything with it, bye!"

rannum
Nov 3, 2012

Funky Valentine posted:

Isn't that how it always happens.

"Congrats Persona MC! You died?/killed a weird goddess/shot a false God in the face with Satan! Here's The World, you can't do anything with it, bye!"

I'm pretty sure The World is what lets the P3 protagonist use the seal and what lets Yu defeat Izanami

Clarste
Apr 15, 2013

Just how many mistakes have you suffered on the way here?

An uncountable number, to be sure.
In this case the true enemy isn't God, who is easily shot in the face by Satan, but the police, who must be defeated with the most powerful Arcana.

Night10194
Feb 13, 2012

We'll start,
like many good things,
with a bear.

Clarste posted:

In this case the true enemy isn't God, who is easily shot in the face by Satan, but the police, who must be defeated with the most powerful Arcana.

The police have honestly done way more to put Maaku in danger and gently caress with him than God has so far.

Jen X
Sep 29, 2014

To bring light to the darkness, whether that darkness be ignorance, injustice, apathy, or stagnation.

Clarste posted:

In this case the true enemy isn't God, who is easily shot in the face by Satan, but the police, who must be defeated with the most powerful Arcana.

sure looks like we're about to lose to the police tho

Blueberry Pancakes
Aug 18, 2012

Jack in!! MegaMan, Execute!

rannum posted:

I'm pretty sure The World is what lets the P3 protagonist use the seal and what lets Yu defeat Izanami

Was Satanael not The World Persona?

SugarAddict
Oct 11, 2012

Arist posted:

and then akechi's alive

But hopefully he kills alot of corrupt police and other people that stabbed him in the back. Because what's a little murder to him at this point?

VanSandman
Feb 16, 2011
SWAP.AVI EXCHANGER

amigolupus posted:

Awww, that was really sweet seeing everyone try their best to help you out. :3:

Assuming Maaku does go to jail, would there actually be any chance he'd get hurt in there? If the story spreads that he tried to take down a corrupt politician and they used their power to send him to jail, won't that make him more of a hero instead?


Ah, so that's what they're saving Shiho for in P5R. Truly the P5 writers have thought of everything. :v:

I'm gonna guess Japanese prison culture is VERY different from the US prison culture is.

Req.Martyr
May 4, 2016

I don't go by my caste, creed, or religion. My works speak for me.

Hobgoblin2099 posted:

Was Satanael not The World Persona?

I don't think it's a spoiler, but no. He's the penultimate Persona of the Fool Arcana

And I'm pretty sure that American prison culture is uniquely extreme. If I had to guess, I'd assume that originally, Iwai's request was to make sure that no one tries to recruit Maaku, as well as victimize him. Prison is still risky, but having someone "protect you", so that you owe them when you get out, is a thing.

Req.Martyr fucked around with this message at 12:23 on Jan 10, 2019

MonsterEnvy
Feb 4, 2012

Shocked I tell you

Req.Martyr posted:

I don't think it's a spoiler, but no. He's the penultimate Persona of the Fool Arcana

And I'm pretty sure that American prison culture is uniquely extreme. If I had to guess, I'd assume that originally, Iwai's request was to make sure that no one tries to recruit Maaku, as well as victimize him. Prison is still risky, but having someone "protect you", so that you owe them when you get out, is a thing.

No He is the Ultimate Persona

GuyUpNorth
Apr 29, 2014

Witty phrases on random basis
If crossovers were allowed, I'd love for Maaku's juvie "accidentally" being the same place Kiryu is doing his time or other way around with request being passed. Alas not happening.

Arist
Feb 13, 2012

who, me?




Anon: There’s no doubting it now.
Anon: im gonna thank them here
Anon: might be a good year~
Anon: we won’t be mad! plz come!
Anon: im gonna try hard this year




Oh god, it’s the baron of my misery! Get away, foul demon! You shall blight me yet again with your infernal attraction of everlasting suffering and woe!

Music: Alleycat



“First, the massive spiders that are currently being installed in your cell are mildly venomous, but are not lethal. If you do not approach the nest, they will not swarm and devour you. Second, it’s Meatloaf Monday.”

First, we finally managed to prosecute Masayoshi Shido. He’ll likely be found guilty. I’m grateful for your cooperation with the trial. Your testimony proved to be very useful.



To be frank, it seemed almost hopeless at one point. But thanks to the civil protests, some of the more indecisive prosecutors came to our side. It will likely be some more time until the hearing begins, but this is the first step to true change. The only charges right now are for breaking election laws, breaking funding control laws, and bribery. I knew that proving the Metaverse’s existence would be difficult… but I still find myself dissatisfied. Shido did admit to all of his crimes though, including everything you know about.

It’s really hilarious and really subtly dark that none of the murder or blackmail and almost none of the conspiracy got included here, instead only focusing on the light financial crimes. Nobody cares about all the small, anonymous schmucks Shido had killed, the real issue here is that he interfered with the system.

I mean, I get it, the Metaverse is gone with no way to really definitively establish its existence any more, and it’s not even a P4 situation where the culprit totally gives up on resisting upon capture and becomes willing to just lie about their methods to make their indictment flow more smoothly. Shido’s compelled to tell the truth out of guilt here, so he’s absolutely gonna blab about the Metaverse and cognitions and poo poo and muck things up. It’s just really hosed how small-time these charges are.

Now for the other piece of good news.



Uh… what? This feels really sudden! Like an entire series of scenes of Maaku in juvie were cut for time or something! (I don’t actually know if this happened, but it wouldn’t surprise me) As it is, we’ve been in captivity for about ten minutes, probably less, of actual game.

Hashino-san, the juvenile hall scenes still aren’t finished, and the deadline is tomorrow!
Eh, gently caress it. We spent the rest of the budget on animated cutscenes of Ann in a bikini anyway. Just paper over it.



That’s right.

Sae’s gonna set us free, let us walk out of the building, and then call and inform us that there’s now a billionaire hunting us for sport.



We were able to prove your innocence in the original assault charge that led to your arrest.

It seems like I probably should have been like, kept updated on this in some capacity. I understand that Japan’s legal system is wildly different than the United States’, but over here your defense attorney—and by the way, Sae is not ours—can’t do poo poo like that without the client’s consent. I know Phoenix Wright has undertaken defense strategies that were contrary to his client’s wishes at times, though, so maybe that’s just not a thing in Japan. But still, I should probably at least, like, know that someone’s filing an appeal on my behalf.

Your sentence will no doubt be rescinded. You’re a free man.

But you just said it “will” be rescinded, meaning it hasn’t happened yet, so I’m actually not?

The others did everything they could for you. Bringing in the woman who was the victim in your case as a witness was the turning point. That wasn’t all… An unbelievable amount of support has come in from various other places as well. To think they’d be able to track down someone involved in a case from well over a year ago…

Seems like Ohya’s visit to our hometown paid off.

Regardless, the righteous Phantom Thieves are gone. All that remains is for us adults to lead society in the right direction.

Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

...Then again, I have to wonder if you believe what I say.



Really regretting not picking that second option. I’m too sentimental sometimes.

Thank you.



...Wait, is she our defense lawyer? What?

I’m not quite sure how to put it, but… saving your future meant more to me than my own career. I feel like you even taught me how to live.

Oh jeez, this is getting sappy.




...By the way, there’s something that’s been on my mind. What did the Treasure of my world turn out to be?



I suppose it doesn’t matter now one way or the other.

(It was her father’s police notebook, if you don’t remember)

There is… one more thing. I haven’t even told Makoto about this… But I realized something after meeting all of you. My most prized “treasure” is the justice I use to protect those important to me. Makoto helped show me that as well.

Weak! Get outta here with these lame-rear end metaphorical treasures! The Real Persona 5 Was The Friends We Made Along The Way, gently caress off! Gimme some cursed pirate gold, that’s the good poo poo!



Okay, she’s not our lawyer, what the hell’s going on?

I wanted to reform the system, but I’ll have to leave that to someone else.

Eh, someone else’ll do it. Whatever.

Going forward, I want to enact justice not for myself, but for the sake of others.




Sae moves to leave, then pauses.




According to your testimony, you could have stopped after taking Kamoshida down, couldn’t you? Why did you continue acting as the Phantom Thieves…?



A thief who justly stole the hearts of others, and a criminal who controlled them for his own gain… It seems your destiny has been tied to Shido’s for some time… and now, it’s finally settled.




Had I not encountered Shido back at that hotel, the Phantom Thieves may not have continued on…




Why, it’s simply bad, overly-convenient writing, my dear!



That’s quite a fitting response for you. You know, this job has shown me my fair share of criminals and convicts.




I shouldn’t keep that man waiting for too long…



See you later.

Release




Wait, Sae just submitted the paperwork today. We’re being released immediately?





Part 197: 2/13: Home Again





To be honest, I didn’t really wanna come… But Futaba just wouldn’t stop bugging me.

Gee, thanks Sojiro.

Anyway, you’re a free man now, aren’t ya?



It’d look bad on me if you did something again under my watch.





Sojiro took his hat off because the model is too big for the car.






Thinking back, I was pretty awful, to you, throwing you in that storage room all by yourself…

Yep, you were a real shitheel. JK, Sojiro, I love you. Water under the bridge.

Then again, soon you’re gonna be…



Reunion








Sojiro motions for Maaku to go inside. Also, his hat is back.












We’re home.

Music: Break it Down (Elp Version)



Sojiro’s hat is gone again! Ghost hat!

Whoa.
You did it!
It has been a while.
Not bad. You look fine.
I’m glad you seem well.
Come sit over here!



I’m sure you guys have plenty to talk about.



I’m so glad we didn’t give up.
This was certainly worth the effort.
We didn’t know what to do once you were gone… But then we realized something. Even if we don’t have the Metaverse or any other special powers, we can still change reality.
We were runnin’ around everywhere we could since the new year… It musta been over a month.
Not just us. Everyone who believed in you joined us.
Thanks to that, we’ve got our leader back!



What’re you talkin’ about? You’re the one who took the hit for us.
They treated you fine, right? Actually… did you lose some weight?
It would be understandable… I’ve heard the food in prison is quite foul… So… what did you eat?
Was it bugs? Fermented mackerel? Or maybe durian?

Enough about food!



You’re missing the point.
Eh, you’re gonna get some good food soon enough though. Boss is out gettin’ stuff for our party right now. C’mon, everyone’s back together! It’s time to celebrate!



Well, not quite everyone…



Right… Morgana…

Jeez, way to kill the mood, guys.

...He may have been the key person on this whole mission. We even considered what he would do when we were about to give up.
Mona totally woulda done something, right? That cat would never quit on you.
He was always there to pull us forward.
Morgana truly was the engine of the Phantom Thieves.
He was a car, after all!
I wanna see Mona again…






Oh gently caress off



Music: Swear to My Bones



What’re you doing here!? I-I mean, didn’t you disappear!?
Looks like the only me that disappeared was the one in the Metaverse.



...Huh?
So… you stayed in reality as a cat?
When I woke up, I was out in Shibuya looking like this.
That don’t make any sense though! I mean, if you were alive, you shoulda come back right away!
I… It was right after I had said goodbye. It would’ve been awkward to come back so soon…

Jesus christ, what!? Yeah, this game has a really weird love affair with fake deaths, to the point I’m half-expecting Sojiro to come back and peel off a mask Scooby-Doo style to reveal he’s actually Akechi in disguise. But you didn’t let anyone know you were alive for a month and a half because… you thought it would be awkward?

Also sorry Morgana, we have to kick the poo poo out of you for fake dying, it’s the law. We did it to Ryuji.

It seems he finally learned how to be tactful.

...Not the word I would use there.



I knew you guys had found your witness, so I was just waiting for Maaku to get discharged. Well done on that, seriously. You pulled it off even without my help.



I’m sorry I worried you all. Oh, can I borrow the shower before you all rush to hug me? I was stray for so long I think I might smell.




You are unforgivable.




Futaba grabs Morgana’s cheeks.

Sh-Shtop ith!



*giggle*
This is how it should be.
Matters are finally back to normal.
Right!



It’s great that you’re back and all, but what’re you gonna do now?
Hm? Well, I’ve been thinking…
About what?
How to become human, of course.
Oh really?
I might’ve learned that I’m not a human now, but that doesn’t mean I can’t turn into one!

Yeah, I’m suuuuuuure that’ll work out for you.

Plus, I think there’s a reason I survived like this.
Regardless, I’m glad to see you’re safe.
Now this is just a guess… but I think I’m still here because you all remained cognitive of me… Even after the world’s distortions disappeared, you kept me in your minds… That means you guys think there’s a place for me in the real world.
Of course! This is where you belong, Mona!
*giggle* She’s correct.



Sorry for buttin’ in and all…




Why did none of you know this? Not even my girlfriend? Surely it would have come up in relation to my being on probation for a year?



Sure we proved you’re not guilty, but people’re still gonna label you there, aren’t they? Ain’t it just gonna be uncomfortable goin’ back?



Maaku pensively looks downward. Gee Ryuji, hadn’t considered that. Thanks.



...How about this? If our leader is leaving, the Phantom Thieves are truly disbanding, correct? Today we can celebrate Maaku’s release… and commemorate the day of our disbandment.

Music: Break it Down



I was serious when I said it…
It sounds like a good idea to me.
I guess you’re right! We just gotta double excitement for today!
Ahem…



I’m sorry, what?

He’s pretty special, after all. If I stay by him, I might be able to figure out how I can become human too.

I’m not cool with this!

Plus, we need someone there in case he turns back into a delinquent!



What the gently caress, dude?

Really? Either way, I want you guys to add my farewell party to the one we’re having tonight!




It is far too early for a farewell party.
That’ll just muddy the purpose of this celebration.



I demand sushi! Sushi!



I was just out buying these delicious pancakes, dear friends. I am the real Sojiro, everyone. He is not locked in the trunk of his car.



Oh, I was wondering why I heard meowing. The cat’s back.
Chief! They’re so mean!
Noisy as always…






Sheesh, what an assertive little guy… I wonder where he got that from.
If Morgana becomes human, he may end up just like Maaku.



I know you mean well, honey, but you have grievously wounded my self-esteem with that remark.

Totally possible.

Futaba too? Man…



...Well, that wouldn’t be so bad.

On the subject of the whole “Morgana trying to be human” thing, I feel I should mention something relevant. While I’m definitely severely dating this writing by bringing it up, I’ll talk about it anyway: a few months ago, Atlus released Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight, a rhythm spin-off for Persona 5 similar to the treatment Persona 4 got with Persona 4: Dancing All Night. In place of a traditional story for Dancing in Starlight (and its sister game, Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight, released simultaneously), the spin-off instead contains a series of “hangout” scenes with the main party members, presumably because “gently caress it, nobody cares and this is way cheaper.” I haven’t actually seen all (or even most) of those scenes, because grinding out all the unlocks is very tedious and they’re all very samey, but they contain some interesting stuff. For one, Haru probably gets more (and more interesting) development in those scenes than in the entirety of Persona 5 proper.

But I digress. Anyway, Morgana gets his own scenes in this mode (just like everyone but Akechi), and they… contextualize some things. Like, for instance, part of the reason he wants to be human so badly! Morgana’s crush on Ann is… weird, but it’s a relatively minor part of this game and hasn’t come up in a good while anyhow. In the dancing game, though, which as a less serious and plot-focused showcase for these characters has to elaborate, exaggerate, or even create character traits, this is taken a little further.

What I’m awkwardly dancing around (heh) is that in that game, Morgana’s crush on Ann is not just given more focus, he explicitly states his wish to marry her. It’s fuckin’ weird. Anyway, back to the game.

I definitely don’t want to be like Ryuji though.

Ah, yes, these stupid petty arguments and insults I’ve been missing so much have returned.




God, this cat is an rear end in a top hat.

You little…! Why don’t you go disappear again!?
Ugh, shut up! We’re supposed to be celebrating, not fighting!
They’re at it again…



Seriously… That weirdo Inari.
Who are you calling a weirdo!?
In any case, we’re all here! Let’s kick this party off!
Very well…
Sojiro! I want sushi!



(party not depicted in this game)

I guess home is what you make of it… even in this abandoned building of all places. Hey, take care of me like this back home too, OK?
*nod*

Ugh, goddamn cat. I kinda missed you... I guess. Whatever.

Arist fucked around with this message at 21:37 on Sep 4, 2019

DeafNote
Jun 4, 2014

Only Happy When It Rains
I am okay with the game skipping the juvie scenes.

No sense in wasting the players time that much.

(Though a persona-themed prison game with social links would be mesmerizing)

Gruckles
Mar 11, 2013

Hey, transforming into a human thanks to a strong desire to gently caress worked out for Teddie. Not sure there's space for a bishonen to grow inside Morgana though.

Funky Valentine
Feb 26, 2014

Dojyaa~an

Do Maaku's parents even want him back?

DeafNote posted:

(Though a persona-themed prison game with social links would be mesmerizing)

I can feel my bond with Louie "the Leg Breaker" Genovese grow stronger...

Arist
Feb 13, 2012

who, me?


Funky Valentine posted:

Do Maaku's parents even want him back?

See, there's the thing: the obvious implication from the complete lack of contact from Maaku's parents, or really any reference to them whatsoever outside of Sojiro's introduction as someone who knows someone who knows them, is that they're complete asshats, similar to the way the P4 protagonist's parents are also implied to suck hard for the same reasons plus their mutual obsession with work causing them to constantly move and uproot Souji/Yu and ditch him in Inaba. That there's no mention or reference of any kind of resistance or pushback at all to Maaku getting accused is a glaring omission that ostensibly indicates that they're either: complete doormats bending to the will of authority, which due to their failure to protect their son is already thoroughly contemptible; or just absolute poo poo-rear end garbage people who don't give a gently caress about Maaku.

lunar detritus
May 6, 2009


Arist posted:

Seriously That weirdo Inari.
Who are you calling a weirdo!?


I love how gratuitous that was. :allears:

Arist
Feb 13, 2012

who, me?


The only modern Persona protagonist who escapes the "lovely parents" curse is Minato/Minako, because their parents are loving dead

Jen X
Sep 29, 2014

To bring light to the darkness, whether that darkness be ignorance, injustice, apathy, or stagnation.
Hooray, you were in solitary confinement for 6 weeks, and your grand reunion is now about the mascot cat who decides he’ll be there to berate you forever

What a satisfying conclusion

Robindaybird
Aug 21, 2007

Neat. Sweet. Petite.

honestly, I kind of wish we got cat!Morgana the entire game, it looks much better and sly than the doofy rear end mascot we get.

But again, lot of swings and misses, being a stray in Shibuya there's already a few better explanations than 'I don't wanna be awkward' - Got picked up by animal control and only busted out just recently.

Honestly, as much of an annoying sexpest Teddie is, I just he's more endearing than Morgana as he's a naive bear trying to fit in, than an incompetent bossy type.

Funky Valentine
Feb 26, 2014

Dojyaa~an

Teddie didn't run out on the team because he was too much of an arrogant douche, so he's better than Morgana in that respect.

RareAcumen
Dec 28, 2012




Wow, six weeks is way longer than I was expecting. I was sure they'd bait and switch it somehow like everyone except Akechi's deaths.

Blueberry Pancakes
Aug 18, 2012

Jack in!! MegaMan, Execute!
We went from 100% belief to 45%? What the heck?

DeafNote posted:

I am okay with the game skipping the juvie scenes.

No sense in wasting the players time that much.

(Though a persona-themed prison game with social links would be mesmerizing)

Given Persona seems to take bits of inspiration from JoJo parts (compare DiU and Persona 4, for instance), I'm surprised that Persona 5 used the prison motif before Persona 6.

Omobono
Feb 19, 2013

That's it! No more hiding in tomato crates! It's time to show that idiota Germany how a real nation fights!

For pasta~! CHARGE!

Arist posted:

God, this cat is an rear end in a top hat.
Diagnosis: is a cat

Robindaybird posted:

honestly, I kind of wish we got cat!Morgana the entire game, it looks much better and sly than the doofy rear end mascot we get.

But again, lot of swings and misses, being a stray in Shibuya there's already a few better explanations than 'I don't wanna be awkward' - Got picked up by animal control and only busted out just recently.

Honestly, as much of an annoying sexpest Teddie is, I just he's more endearing than Morgana as he's a naive bear trying to fit in, than an incompetent bossy type.

As proud slave owner to two assholes cats assholes, I can affirm with complete confidence that Morgana is a 100% match to how a cat with human sapience would behave.

Funky Valentine
Feb 26, 2014

Dojyaa~an

Hobgoblin2099 posted:

Given Persona seems to take bits of inspiration from JoJo parts (compare DiU and Persona 4, for instance), I'm surprised that Persona 5 used the prison motif before Persona 6.

ANN - Touched the rainbow and for some odd reason is transforming into a snail.
YUSUKE - Doesn't really understand what's going on. Just kind of following Ryuji to find Maaku.
AKECHI - He should be around here somewhere...

Arist
Feb 13, 2012

who, me?


Where the gently caress is Teddie!?

Sydin
Oct 29, 2011

Another spring commute

DeafNote posted:

I am okay with the game skipping the juvie scenes.

No sense in wasting the players time that much.

(Though a persona-themed prison game with social links would be mesmerizing)

On the one hand, I see where you're coming from, but on the other we've been robbed of seeing Maaku strolling around juvie like a boss with a gang of "protection" courtesy of Iwai.

megane
Jun 20, 2008



At least in the slammer I got to go to sleep when I loving wanted to, asscat.

Coq au Nandos
Nov 7, 2006

I think I would say to my daughters if they were to ask me this question... A shitpost is the greatest gift that you can give someone, the ultimate gift of giving and don't give it to someone lightly, that's what I would say.

Arist posted:

The only modern Persona protagonist who escapes the "lovely parents" curse is Minato/Minako, because their parents are loving dead

One of these days I’d like to see a reveal that the big boss who’s secretly been pulling the strings the entire time is actually the protagonist’s parent, who left them in bumfuck nowhere as part of some secret demonic plan.

Hwurmp
May 20, 2005

Persona 2 IS did that already

Coq au Nandos
Nov 7, 2006

I think I would say to my daughters if they were to ask me this question... A shitpost is the greatest gift that you can give someone, the ultimate gift of giving and don't give it to someone lightly, that's what I would say.

Really Pants posted:

Persona 2 IS did that already

Yeah but only dorks played that

megane
Jun 20, 2008



Sae is actually the only lawyer in Japan

When she talks about "other prosecutors" it's like when ask a retail guy if they have a thing and he says he'll "check in the back"

Haifisch
Nov 13, 2010

Objection! I object! That was... objectionable!



Taco Defender
As the 100% accurate Ace Attorney series has shown, it's kosher for a prosecutor to take over defense for a day.

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Kith
Sep 17, 2009

You never learn anything
by doing it right.


gently caress off forever morgana, thanks

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