Persona 5 is the result of a decade of evolution on the part of the Persona series. It shared its predecessors’ critical acclaim, but its modernized gameplay and style contributed to an overwhelming success. By the time of its release, Persona was one of Atlus’ signature series, usurping the franchise it spun off from, Shin Megami Tensei. Persona 5 proved the series can thrive, and the Persona IP was integrated into the mainstream, cemented by Joker’s inclusion in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.