Summary
It’s not unusual to see video game franchises build their storylines around a popular cinematic theme.Alice in Wonderlandis a source of inspiration for many distinct pieces of media, from theWhole Cake Island arc inOne Pieceto the legendaryFar Cry 3. TheShin Megami Tenseiseries and its franchise spin-offPersonahave flirted with an adaptation of the fictional character in past games. InPersona 5 Royal, Alice is depicted as a powerful ghost and an incarnation of the Death Arcana, andPersona 5 Tacticaseeks to borrow her vibes once again in the latest spin-off ofP5.
Each installment in thePersonaseries has unique focuses, and the franchise has a knack for exploring the base tendencies of humanity, as its unique ideas about the soul and human heart combine to create enthralling stories. Following the Phantom Thieves on epic journeys of rebellion, the franchise hit unmatched levels of fame with its expertly weavedPersona 5storyline, and the title’s blockbuster nature has demanded multiple spin-offs while fans wait for news ofPersona 6’s development.Persona 5 Tacticais the latest addition to the timeline, and details of its setting and characters draw parallels toAlice in Wonderland’s tale.
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Persona 5 Tactica and Alice in Wonderland Share Similar Themes
Similarities to Alice’s story start to appear fromTactica’s opening scenes, as the Phantom Thieves are mysteriously transported to a world of Kingdoms during a meet-up atCafe Leblanc.Persona 5 Tactica’s story differs in choice, however, as Alice famously tumbled into her rabbit hole without sparing a thought for her retreat, while the Phantom Thieves had no say in their multidimensional transportation. Now in unfamiliar territory, the group comes under attack from a militia, minions of the first Kingdom’s monarch, Marie. Only Joker and Morgana escape the ruler’s brainwashing clutches with the help of Erina, and players will fight to reunite the team.
Getting the band back together will not be an easy feat, and the remnant of the Phantom Thieves strikes an alliance with Erina, the leader of the Rebel Corps, to assist in the battle against the monarch’s oppressive rule. Marie runs an authoritarian regime, and her injustices are more pronounced in preparation for her big wedding.Persona 5 Tactica’s settingfeatures a gigantic cathedral in the middle of the playable area in preparation for the royal nuptial ceremony, anticipated to be a brilliant display of wealth and grandeur. This overarching theme has a direct lookalike inAlice in Wonderland’s Tea Party with the Mad Hatter, and Marie’s dictatorial leadership can easily mirror that of the Queen of Hearts.
Defeating Marie and stamping out her tyranny is merelyPersona 5 Tactica’s first phase, as players take a trip to another Kingdom based on feudal Japan. Once again, thePhantom Thieveshave little time to orient themselves in the new world before facing danger. The Phantom Thieves learn of the nation’s oppressive practices, with the citizens under careful monitoring from Yoshiki, their seemingly moral leader. It’s not far-fetched to assume the country’s political landscape is in turmoil, and Yoshiki’s vocal opponents are whisked away to begin forced labor.
This dynamic toes the line of sham trials and unjust incarcerations, another ofAlice in Wonderland’s themes. The Knave of Hearts stands accused of theft of the Queen of Heart’s tarts, a case supported by flimsy evidence and shoddy testimony, before Alice’s stance against the unfairness on display.Persona 5 Tactica’s parts, although distinct, mirror the prevalent themes fromAlice in Wonderland’s story, ensuring the title has the dystopian vibe of the classic novel.
Persona 5 Tacticais set to release on August 01, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
