The definition of literary merit is hard to establish in today’s world. Now, more than ever, people of every social, political, and economic class have the opportunity to share their opinions of what defines merit and art. However, one of the most simple and digestible definitions of literary merit is the deceptively simple phrase “something that makes you feel.” By this definition, anything someone creates that is meant to and does elicit an emotional response constitutes art. Persona 5, a game by Japanese developer ATLUS, does just that through its riveting story, captivating characters, and engaging gameplay.

Persona 5, a game by Japanese developer ATLUS, exemplifies this principle in one of the most emotional and significant ways I have seen in a video game. In Persona 5, the narrative choices the player makes create bonds between their character and those portrayed in the story, which eventually become bonds the player feels themselves. This concept of community and friendship is present throughout the story, becoming a central point of the narrative soon after the game begins.