Man, imagine if Sae had actually come along with Futaba & Zenkichi here and *she* had also gained a Persona (so that she would go from having been a Palace Ruler in the original game to a Persona-user in Strikers, that would have made for quite the interesting character arc).
@@Binks7077 REALLY ? You don't see how, after being blinded by her ambition and competitiveness, she would take action against the people who forced her into that twisted mindset and fight alongside the PT with her renewed goal of fighting for justice instead of social climbing and success ??? You can't see how that would have a been a great arc ? Not to mention having a palace ruler become a member of the team being a great twist.
@@iridium6714 I could take it or leave it to be honest like I wouldn’t be opposed to the idea but it ain’t anything I needed to see happen in the game.
A man seeking redemption for his crime, his family turning their backs on him, and after doing even more crimes, was given a second chance by the people he swindled. Valjean truly is the best fit for Zenkichi.
As badass as his awakening was, his reaction afterwards was priceless "Condemn the evil, and hunt them down!" *Few seconds later* "What the- What happened to my clothes!?"
I'd call it the Unmasked Trance. Pretty much every character's awakening has them like so into them as a Persona user. For Zenkichi though it must be a complete tonal whiplash for him.
I just realized that this was a direct Les Miserables easter egg. "They condemn the good to slavery. Pretend they do not see their agony." (Lines from Valjean's Who Am I?) "But another story must begin" (Lines from Javert's Suicide) And literally, well, Valjean. Well played, Atlus. Well played.
That "another story" line is actually from Valjean's Redemption early in act one. Javert's Suicide has the same tune, but the lyrics are different in some places -- namely, "story must begin" is changed to "there is no way to go on."
Also, the part where it says to "show your gaolers that you will wear a different chain" is a reference to the Confrontation between valjean and javert. God damn this game.... it's too good.
For comparison’s sake, here’s the lyrics of that song Who am I? Can I condemn this man to slavery? Pretend I do not feel his agony? This innocent who bears my face Who goes to judgement in my place
to think i mocked people so much for overreacting to things, only to screech like some weirdo after hearing the awakening theme and even more when will power came on... they really knew what not to change from the p5 formula in this game
CompleteWingback I truly wasn't expecting more than a spin off shadow of what P5/Royal was narratively speaking when I picked up Strikers. I can't think of a time in my whole life that I've been happier to be proven wrong.
Oh man, Gramps awakening gives me such Persona 4 vibes! The Shadow calling out all his insecurities and bullshit, knowing exactly why he was doing it, pushing him to LISTEN. Ah, the nostalgia!
@@zaqareemalcolm Futaba was indeed unique because her true self knew she wasn't really a bad daughter. Futaba was suppresing that due to all the adults bullying her into submission. And she put up a mask of accepting that fate. So she was like the reverse of the Persona 4 characters, where they'd put up a mask of being good and confident people but their true selves were full of insecurities.
There’s something oddly poetic about Zenkichi and Akane’s dynamic. They’re the same as the Phantom Thieves in that it’s a kid unable to fight back to an adult, but different in whose right and wrong. Zenkichi was wrong to put Akane’s safety over his justice and try to use the Phantom Thieves, but unlike the Palace Rulers from P5, he learned from his mistakes and ended up awakening to his Persona. While Akane seems like someone who should be a Phantom Thief, being a kid restricted by authority and even a huge fan of the Phantom Thieves, she ignored one of the biggest rules of the Phantom Thieves, fight for others, not yourself. She just wanted to change the Phantom Thiefs’ hearts because she wanted to be saved not save others. Zenkichi remembered that acting out of selfishness isn’t justice, something that Akane failed to remember. Sorry I made this so long, I just really love how Atlus subverted the P5 Palace Ruler and Phantom Thief dynamic here! :D!
Nah u r right, I love seeing people passionate about this game, it my favorite game ever, but one thing that is wrong the reason akane is acting like this is because of konoe and not her own will, remember this whole thing is all his plan well it actually Emma but u get the point
"But another story must begin..." I just realized that's the exact ending line of "Valjean's Soliloquy" from the Les Miserables musical. Hella subtle shout-out from the translator of this game!
The one thing I see in this scene is so crazy is that he tears the mask APART as he tears it off. I know I've seen Makoto power through her awakening, and Yusuke rip the mask off without screaming in pain. Those scenes are awesome on their own, but this IMO, is awesome of a different sort (can't forget about the roar he lets out as he rips the mask off).
I think it may be representative of how he and Valjean are represented - as both of them are given a second chance, but also how valjean fought against the law then became the law later on (as a soldier), who saw the law from both sides. In the case of Zenkichi this is also true given by this point he has been on both sides of the law, his character design seems to be more in line with Marius as he was split between the law and ethics near the end of the story.
"Couldn't beat the heat." "Shouldn't have messed with Gramps." "Shh, the adults are talking." I could not get enough of him after unlocking him, he was a staple in most dire shadows and side bosses and was in the frontlines for the final one. Not to mention Konoe. What a beast.
Not just because he's cool, but because his moveset is genuinely busted. No idea what atlus was fucking thinking, lmao. No weaknesses, Almighty and Gun (two of the most broken afinities) as his primary affinities, every buff + debilitate, a berzerker mode, and enduring soul? He's so busted that he pretty much carried us in the Konoe fight.
*Using Wolf at first* "I need to be careful and manage my health so I don't die." *Using Wolf after getting Enduring Soul and Heat Riser* "LETS DO THIS! LEEEEEEEROY JEEEEEENKINS!!!"
Either to be fully commited in the path of "justice"... Or, to protect those who are dear to you with all of your life... ...Or to tread another path, that seeks the fulfillment of the law and devotion to the letter. You truly deserve that number, Zenkic- No, *_24601._*
When was the last time an adult who wasn't an antagonist awakened to a persona? I guess Baofu from Eternal Punishment? There haven't been very many at all.
@@lschris To be fair, even back in P2 where a large portion of the persona users were adults, many of the adult persona users (at least the party members) awakened as kids and then grew up. Same with Strega, since they were implied to have had their personas implanted as children. I think the only adults who awakened as adults since P2 were Adachi and now Zenkichi.
The difficulty summoning a persona has been displayed different ways. In 3, it's all psychological. A mental block overcome by willpower. A confrontation against the users fear of death. In 4, it's confronting the truth, and it's emotional and interpersonal, an internal struggle turned external. The pain of being known, of being exposed, which incites change. In 5, it seems more like metamorphosis. An internal change brought on by external forces. But the pain seems much more physical. If I were to guess, I think it's how close the metaverse is to the real world vs how removed the tv world is. Evokers, I believe, can operate in the real world, but because they are an aid they don't induce physical pain. Also it's shown to always be hard the first time, and after that it gets easier...
The last time I cried and cheered for awakenings was with Ryuji and Ann. Zenchiki’s just stole my heart. He reminds me a lot of my father and how he raised our family. Valjean was also a main character in Les Miserables. His character definitely fits Zenchiki’s to the core.
Akane is proof that some kids(not all) don't know how to process loss. And even though she heard what she NEEDED to hear, she shut it down cuz she just WANTED to keep throwing her tantrum
Though as shown it was also Zenkichi's fault she kept becoming like this and even became a Monarch it's not just her having a hard time processing death, it's also cause Zenkichi shielded her a lot and sacrificed everything even others who are innocent all to protect her and she was aware of what he was doing which fueled that feeling in a sense Zenkichi was the bad guy he was corrupt but for a good reason and I love this awakening because we are seeing a corrupt officer realize what they were doing while good at first is actually hurting their loved ones more than they think even if it's for their sake it's a running theme that's also present with Mariko it's essentially selfish compassion your being selfish to others so you can protect the ones you love but at the cost of hurting and even sacrificing others it's why I love Persona when you think about it many people in real life have been in both positions whether Zenkichi or Akane and this game essentially dissects those parts of human nature in a way that's wonderfully done. His awakening is better as he is a 30+ year old adult and unlike the kids it takes a lot more to finally make an adult not just realize but awaken so his realization took the whole game and Akane to make him finally realize.
Can I remind y'all she wasn't originally in the plans to be a monarch? Konoe allowed EMMA to turn her into one to try capturing the PT's. It's just a fancy coincidence that she has a form of trauma. Sophia didn't even notice a jail when they arrived in Kyoto first.
I find it a bit humorous that it comes right after he gave this epic speech, acquiring his Persona. Like his realization kicked in and he realized that something new happened to him.
Zenkichi feels like he comes straight from Persona 2, I'm so glad they added this character in the Persona lore. Edit: Akane thinking about the victim's family was such a sad line. I didn't even think about that. This game really made me think about a lot of things.
Zenkichi: Are you sure I'll be safe in the Meta-verse? Futaba: Sure! But you might need to tear off your own face... Zenkichi: What?! Futaba: Nothing. But here, practice with this duct tape. *Later* Ryuji: Hey, Zenkichi's here. Thank G-aaaaaaah! Wha- Did you shave your eyebrows? Futaba: He's ready! Now, we just need to make him feel bad about his life!
Can we talk about an uncomfortable subject: the exponential growth of male Persona-users collars? Joker's was fine. Ryuji had to go bigger and Yusuke even bigger. Now, Zenkichi's looking like he was just born as a hunter but hadn't had his bris yet.
You know I like how his Shadow says "Just as you once did." It feels like acknowledges he's become like the evil he wanted to fight. There's also the little rant Shadow Zenkichi gives him before the awakening.
@Jason Munoz Jr. technically, kill joy is correct, at least by person 4 standards. For context in P4, shadows become persona's when the person finally listens and accepts them as part of their self
@@Toby-tk4zvi think it's the same in 5 too, albeit done slightly differently, since we see their eyes turn yellow during their awakening their becoming in tune with their shadow (accepting them) and awakening
The Apostle Arcana is a variation of the Hierophant Arcana, and represents sticking to one beliefs of right and wrong. At least, that’s what I could gather from looking things up after Lavenza told me what it is.
"Valjean!" Wait... As in Jean Valjean??! I don't understand why these kids are still surprised to see someone call upon a Persona when they have seen it so often. But I'm personally (no pun intended) taken aback that one of my favorite musicals was referenced in this series. That's so awesome! Look at that; he even has 20641 marked on him, the same as the actual character, and it fits Gramps well on account of him being a policeman seeking redemption with Valjean being a reformed criminal. God damn!
all the persona's are from stroies like that. Arsene is Arsene Lupin from the french book, Carman is from a opera, sure you know Zorro, Captain Kid, Goamon and Johanna actually exsisted and M'lady is 3 musketers......alot of french ones in this game :/
@Thanatos 13 To be fair, until the Revolution France was heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic Church, so it makes sense that extrabiblical characters, especially those of the Gnostic tradition, would be used as villains. It's why 3 was heavily influenced by Greek mythology and 4 by Japanese.
I got the inverse of most everyone. I wasn't much interested in Strikers until I learned that a new party member was a middle-aged guilt-ridden man who dads the teenagers. As soon as the game started I loved Zenkichi. All through the game I've been trying to control my hype for his awakening, cause I was sure it wouldn't be as good as I hoped. And it was everything I hoped for and more, just as brutal and haunting as Joker's and Ryuji's, I love it. Now if only I weren't so bad at this game and could do those sweet smooth combos like the guy in the video does...
Well its not like there were any other options, all the other elements were covered, and i dont think anyone would use him if he was an ailment spammer
That actually sounds pretty awesome but knowing Atlas they won’t bring back Robin Hood/Loki/Hereward unless they bring back Akechi. Would be an awesome concept for All the thieves from royal and strikers to team up in another game.
@@zamaskowany12 true but they would have to tackle Akechi being alive after shido’s palace and make him different from both Sophia and Zenkichi in terms of gameplay, which in my eyes seems kinda hard when Sophia uses bless attacks and Zenkichi uses almighty. Then again they could easily surprise us with him being different from everyone if he does in fact make a return.
What I like about how Zenkichi fights is that despite using a huge-ass Zweihander, he swings it super fast. And that's EXACTLY how greatswords like the Zweihander were used. They aren't slow weapons, they're actually quite fast, especially because of the weight they have.
after he said that he gonna use every last of phantom thieves i know he was gonna get a plot twist, just like how akechi acting all good but then he is the bad guy( yeah i know akechi worth forgiving)
Thought he would have gained their trust, became a phantom thief, and betrayed them later, but I’m surprised with how well he’s done. That’s what I get for underestimating Atlus, I suppose.
This game is great at confusing you decision making those good person like Ichinose become bad at the end and those were good at the start like Zenkichi we thought they were bad ....
They knew exactly what they were doing with the goofy cop [Adachi] and the 'let's seek the truth together' [Akechi] as things to keep in mind. I was expecting either betrayal or tragedy.
The best ever awakening in Persona 5. So badass, so glad for Zenkichi and so hyped of his outfit and Valjean. Only for that I can said that played P5S worth it
This man is busted. He has life steal, a beserker mode, Almighty and gun, Debilitate, heat riser and then the skill that resurrects him at full that i can't remember. This man is busted
My opinion is that he is Akechi but if Atlas actually cared to give him a move set that could compete with the others when playable. He gets the Megido line of skills as well as the gun skills(except riot gun) and then heat riser and debilitate. Doesn’t get bless or curse skills like Akechi but i don’t think he needs them. His moveset easily made him on my most played characters in this game.
@@ghostdragon3589 Bless and curse skills are the weakest skills in the game be it in royal or strikers since they low base atk/dmg and their strongest forms are still mudo and hama skills and we all know that all mini, elite, monarch and palace bosses are immune to it. So atlus made zenkichi OP by making him both strong in gun and almighty dmg and his fury mode makes his sword waves deal almighty dmg.
@@Morichoradio I completely agree with you on bless and curse being the weakest of magic in all 3 persona 5 games (doesn’t help that they don’t have a severe level damage skill) I was just pointing out how Zenkichi was the better almighty member between the two. Because even if we cut Akechi’s bless and curse attacks from him, p5 and p5r nerfed almighty hard(though if it is still needed in strikers feel free to correct me) which made Akechi a little disappointing in my eyes compared to Zenkichi who like you said, is OP.
His Shadow was right on the verge of going berserk, just like the ones in Persona 4. But he did something none of the Investigation Team ever could. Immediately accept his own Shadow without a fight!
another fun detail, Valjean happens to have a plate on his chest that reads "24601", which was Jean Valjean's prisoner number when he was serving as a slave.
Almighty, the only damage type to effective every Shadow. Nothing is weak to it, and nothing is resistant to it. It effects everything and everyone equally. Just like true justice.
So for those who know about the Dark Knight quests in FF14, I can say Zenkichi makes a great glamour to use while fitting to the theming of that Job class
@@farouktalbi863 Damn it why would they leave that out of the dub?! Still flipped my shit when I saw it this is where the game went from a 7/10 to a 9/10
Imagine how the remnants of the P3 crew would react to Zenkichi, especially Mitsuru the French enthusiast! All in favor of a switch-based PQ3 game starring the P5S gang with the P1-4 gang?
Me playing P4: Give the dad a Persona.
Me playing P5: Give the dads a Persona.
Me playing P5S: eyyyyyyy
Man, imagine if Sae had actually come along with Futaba & Zenkichi here and *she* had also gained a Persona (so that she would go from having been a Palace Ruler in the original game to a Persona-user in Strikers, that would have made for quite the interesting character arc).
I think that Sae getting a Persona would have made Persona 5 better! That would have been epic! She deserves one!
@@a.rustici1972 I don’t see how it would’ve made anything better
@@Binks7077 REALLY ? You don't see how, after being blinded by her ambition and competitiveness, she would take action against the people who forced her into that twisted mindset and fight alongside the PT with her renewed goal of fighting for justice instead of social climbing and success ???
You can't see how that would have a been a great arc ? Not to mention having a palace ruler become a member of the team being a great twist.
@@iridium6714 I could take it or leave it to be honest like I wouldn’t be opposed to the idea but it ain’t anything I needed to see happen in the game.
A man seeking redemption for his crime, his family turning their backs on him, and after doing even more crimes, was given a second chance by the people he swindled. Valjean truly is the best fit for Zenkichi.
I agree! Valjean is perfect!
There's also the desire to protect daughters. Both Valjean and Zenkichi will fight to protect their daughters happiness.
@@ventinian8475 Valjean fought the Law and then he became the Law.
@@deathbykonami5487 Yeah nice touch their
And of course, the French stink. For trying to support family
"Tonight, Wolf joins the hunt"
One of the best awakenings.
Indeed. Such a build up with an incredible pay off that fits so well with a unique member of the team.
Gehrman be like
Sounds like a Smash Bros tagline.
A hoonter must hoont
"It always comes down to the Thief's helpers to sort out these messes!"
As badass as his awakening was, his reaction afterwards was priceless
"Condemn the evil, and hunt them down!"
*Few seconds later*
"What the- What happened to my clothes!?"
It's very Zenkichi of him
Post-Nut Clarity can be a bitch
To be fair, most of the phantom thieves were like that in their first awakening, especially ann with her suit
I'd call it the Unmasked Trance. Pretty much every character's awakening has them like so into them as a Persona user. For Zenkichi though it must be a complete tonal whiplash for him.
@@HarmonicVectorI mean it makes sense when you think about. Adrenaline and shock are both one hell of a drug.
I just realized that this was a direct Les Miserables easter egg.
"They condemn the good to slavery.
Pretend they do not see their agony." (Lines from Valjean's Who Am I?)
"But another story must begin" (Lines from Javert's Suicide)
And literally, well, Valjean.
Well played, Atlus. Well played.
Didn't see that coming.
Plus “You will wear a different chain” from The Confrontation I think
Not to mention his prisoner number is on him too.
That "another story" line is actually from Valjean's Redemption early in act one. Javert's Suicide has the same tune, but the lyrics are different in some places -- namely, "story must begin" is changed to "there is no way to go on."
that’s so well played
The '24601' on his Persona's chest is a nice touch, the prison number of Jean Valjean in Les Miserable.
there's also the lines "They Codemn the Good To Slavery, Pretend they Do Not See Their Agony" in reference to the song "Who Am I"
Also, the part where it says to "show your gaolers that you will wear a different chain" is a reference to the Confrontation between valjean and javert.
God damn this game.... it's too good.
For comparison’s sake, here’s the lyrics of that song
Who am I?
Can I condemn this man to slavery?
Pretend I do not feel his agony?
This innocent who bears my face
Who goes to judgement in my place
I didn't think that we saw that coming.
PRISONER 24601! YOUR TIME IS UP AND YOUR PAROLE’S BEGUN!
He just become a freaking Bloodborne hunter
never thought id see the day a zweihander wielding hunter. it looks so cool
Tonight Zenkichi joins the hunt.
EXACTLY WHAT I SAID
@@testone6588 basically my reaction.
@@testone6588 THIS... IS A ZWEIHANDER!!!
Finally, we have an adult Persona user again (at least, as a party member).
Don’t recall the last time this happen. P2EP? Or P3?
@@AnimeGamer75 Persona 2: Eternal Punishement, Katsuya Suou (Baofu counts?)
And a father, no less. Gives me the same wholesome feeling as I felt for Goofy.
@@WoomyBoomyGG Yes Baofu and Katsuya are adult Persona users, including Nanjo,Ellie,Ulala and Maya
@@WullNar Last time is Adachi on Persona 4
I was literally fanboying throughout that scene , they built it up really good and it doesn't come early in the story at all , so it really hits
to think i mocked people so much for overreacting to things, only to screech like some weirdo after hearing the awakening theme and even more when will power came on... they really knew what not to change from the p5 formula in this game
CompleteWingback I truly wasn't expecting more than a spin off shadow of what P5/Royal was narratively speaking when I picked up Strikers. I can't think of a time in my whole life that I've been happier to be proven wrong.
Oh man, Gramps awakening gives me such Persona 4 vibes! The Shadow calling out all his insecurities and bullshit, knowing exactly why he was doing it, pushing him to LISTEN. Ah, the nostalgia!
Futaba awakening the same way too
@@rawrdino7046
Futabas shadow seemed to be nicer about it tho
@@revolvingworld2676 because Futaba's been more or less repressing her positive aspects and thinking out of misplaced guilt
@@zaqareemalcolm Futaba was indeed unique because her true self knew she wasn't really a bad daughter. Futaba was suppresing that due to all the adults bullying her into submission. And she put up a mask of accepting that fate. So she was like the reverse of the Persona 4 characters, where they'd put up a mask of being good and confident people but their true selves were full of insecurities.
His shadow was one “your not me” away from going berserk.
Zinkichi is like the Protag who missed out on the whole "Teenage Protag" phase until they became an adult
Dojima walked so Zenkichi could run.
But at least Sojiro could handle jogging.
@@iantaakalla8180 I mean he was able to figure out who the phantom thieves were faster then Dojima could solve the murder.
@@2bdaqueen268 TBF, Sojiro got lucky cause Futaba doesn't clean her room.
now that you mention it. dojima wife was killed by hit and run too.
Dojima sprinted so Zen could sprint faster, both are fuckin amazing
There’s something oddly poetic about Zenkichi and Akane’s dynamic. They’re the same as the Phantom Thieves in that it’s a kid unable to fight back to an adult, but different in whose right and wrong. Zenkichi was wrong to put Akane’s safety over his justice and try to use the Phantom Thieves, but unlike the Palace Rulers from P5, he learned from his mistakes and ended up awakening to his Persona. While Akane seems like someone who should be a Phantom Thief, being a kid restricted by authority and even a huge fan of the Phantom Thieves, she ignored one of the biggest rules of the Phantom Thieves, fight for others, not yourself. She just wanted to change the Phantom Thiefs’ hearts because she wanted to be saved not save others. Zenkichi remembered that acting out of selfishness isn’t justice, something that Akane failed to remember.
Sorry I made this so long, I just really love how Atlus subverted the P5 Palace Ruler and Phantom Thief dynamic here! :D!
Nah u r right, I love seeing people passionate about this game, it my favorite game ever, but one thing that is wrong the reason akane is acting like this is because of konoe and not her own will, remember this whole thing is all his plan well it actually Emma but u get the point
Tonight, Zenkichi joins the hunt!
Yeah.
Blood borne?
Beware the Old Blood
Hes Just The Edgy Hunter Of BloodBorne
@@ginojose1550 amazing comment
Im gonna be honest. Dear god Valjean is one of the coolest personas.
Not only does he knock zenkichi down a peg in a good way but gets him on the right path most abusive awakening ever but it was still awesome
@@KudaGeatsune3821 You could say Zenkichi was facing himself
@@Hilversumborn well I'd think so I mean facing accepting oneself is how it works
I agree completely. His design is amazing and his backstory is one hell of a tale
As expected, he's from Baguette's country after all 🥖
I like how Zenkichi doesn’t just say his persona’s name he out right ROARS it!
More like a howl!
Like a true wolf!
11:11 *ARM JOE!*
@@Ramsey276oneGodammit
"But another story must begin..." I just realized that's the exact ending line of "Valjean's Soliloquy" from the Les Miserables musical. Hella subtle shout-out from the translator of this game!
The song in question: ruclips.net/video/pJx1pRCey78/видео.html
Oh! And the "wear a different chain" statement is directly lifted from "The Confrontation." ruclips.net/video/9jfRE_FljrE/видео.html
And the "Condemn the good to slavery..." line is from the musical number "Who Am I?"
So maybe the shout-outs aren't so subtle.
I just loved Ryujis "For real?" here! Just a perfect expression of disbelief, and I adore the way he sits behind the barsxD
They really gave this man Almighty skills and every buff
Edit: he also gets almighty damage on his basic attack string with an upgrade he unlocks
Fr he never left my party ever since he joined
Yea on god the best party member in the game perfect all rounder
That's Zenkichi for ya!
can't run from the law
Still don't know how to use him properly, but he's good to have on team
This is considerably the most badass awakening in the whole game, especially his shadow turning into his persona
Especially because there are just 2 awakening
He did it on a P4 way
is that a mf persona 4 reference
My one hope was that Valjean sounded as awsome as he did in the Japanese version and this did not disappoint
When me and my sister saw this, we literally started screaming and cheering because of how cool and badass this scene was
Thats so Awesome and wholesome
My 6 old daughter always watching me playing and when this scene came we both screaming like crazy fan girl over Zenkichi transformation, it was epic
The one thing I see in this scene is so crazy is that he tears the mask APART as he tears it off. I know I've seen Makoto power through her awakening, and Yusuke rip the mask off without screaming in pain. Those scenes are awesome on their own, but this IMO, is awesome of a different sort (can't forget about the roar he lets out as he rips the mask off).
He's a big adult unlike the other PT.
I always assumed that if the mask was broken in half, it would result in two persona. Altus proved me wrong
That would actually make a pretty cool design. Like two separate characters split in half and when combined creates a whole Persona.
don't forget yoshiawas awaking littery forced that thing off
I think it may be representative of how he and Valjean are represented - as both of them are given a second chance, but also how valjean fought against the law then became the law later on (as a soldier), who saw the law from both sides. In the case of Zenkichi this is also true given by this point he has been on both sides of the law, his character design seems to be more in line with Marius as he was split between the law and ethics near the end of the story.
"Couldn't beat the heat."
"Shouldn't have messed with Gramps."
"Shh, the adults are talking."
I could not get enough of him after unlocking him, he was a staple in most dire shadows and side bosses and was in the frontlines for the final one. Not to mention Konoe.
What a beast.
Not just because he's cool, but because his moveset is genuinely busted. No idea what atlus was fucking thinking, lmao. No weaknesses, Almighty and Gun (two of the most broken afinities) as his primary affinities, every buff + debilitate, a berzerker mode, and enduring soul? He's so busted that he pretty much carried us in the Konoe fight.
@@baraness24 honestly every character is busted when you understand their gimmick but I do say Sophie and wolf are the most busted alongside joker
@@cameronthompson4039 Yusuke isn't too far behind them, though.
@@cameronthompson4039 Yeah joker fucks, but he kinda had too
*Using Wolf at first* "I need to be careful and manage my health so I don't die."
*Using Wolf after getting Enduring Soul and Heat Riser* "LETS DO THIS! LEEEEEEEROY JEEEEEENKINS!!!"
This made me love Zenkichi as a character. That, and himself getting arrested in an attempt to save the Phantom Thieves.
Either to be fully commited in the path of "justice"...
Or, to protect those who are dear to you with all of your life...
...Or to tread another path, that seeks the fulfillment of the law and devotion to the letter.
You truly deserve that number, Zenkic- No, *_24601._*
Well said. Very well said.
I don’t get the 24601 part can someone explain
@@TheRawyan it is Valjean’s numbers when he was in prison.
Les Miserables song?
@@iskoconquers man in the iron mask
I appreciate that this Awakening points out that just protecting your family is no excuse for complicity.
Walter White moment
Valjean, a man always seeking redemption.
Condem me to Slavery, Cannot see my Agony... They really pulled from the musical script.
24601!!
and was punished for doing the wrong thing for the right reasons
"A new story must begin."
"...you wear a different chain."
"We will see it done!"
I see what you're doing there, English localization.
When was the last time an adult who wasn't an antagonist awakened to a persona? I guess Baofu from Eternal Punishment? There haven't been very many at all.
@@lschris To be fair, even back in P2 where a large portion of the persona users were adults, many of the adult persona users (at least the party members) awakened as kids and then grew up. Same with Strega, since they were implied to have had their personas implanted as children. I think the only adults who awakened as adults since P2 were Adachi and now Zenkichi.
@@Thesaurus_Rex and Maruki
@@Thesaurus_Rex Adachi was given persona
@@Thesaurus_Rex don't forget maruki
@@lloydbagby8355 he specifically said an adult that wasn't an antagonist
Damn... Now that I can understand what they say, this is even harsher than I thought...
Ouch. It's painful.
Even more than the Persona 4 Shadows...
The difficulty summoning a persona has been displayed different ways.
In 3, it's all psychological. A mental block overcome by willpower. A confrontation against the users fear of death.
In 4, it's confronting the truth, and it's emotional and interpersonal, an internal struggle turned external. The pain of being known, of being exposed, which incites change.
In 5, it seems more like metamorphosis. An internal change brought on by external forces. But the pain seems much more physical.
If I were to guess, I think it's how close the metaverse is to the real world vs how removed the tv world is. Evokers, I believe, can operate in the real world, but because they are an aid they don't induce physical pain. Also it's shown to always be hard the first time, and after that it gets easier...
The last time I cried and cheered for awakenings was with Ryuji and Ann. Zenchiki’s just stole my heart. He reminds me a lot of my father and how he raised our family.
Valjean was also a main character in Les Miserables. His character definitely fits Zenchiki’s to the core.
Akane is proof that some kids(not all) don't know how to process loss. And even though she heard what she NEEDED to hear, she shut it down cuz she just WANTED to keep throwing her tantrum
Though as shown it was also Zenkichi's fault she kept becoming like this and even became a Monarch it's not just her having a hard time processing death, it's also cause Zenkichi shielded her a lot and sacrificed everything even others who are innocent all to protect her and she was aware of what he was doing which fueled that feeling in a sense Zenkichi was the bad guy he was corrupt but for a good reason and I love this awakening because we are seeing a corrupt officer realize what they were doing while good at first is actually hurting their loved ones more than they think even if it's for their sake it's a running theme that's also present with Mariko it's essentially selfish compassion your being selfish to others so you can protect the ones you love but at the cost of hurting and even sacrificing others it's why I love Persona when you think about it many people in real life have been in both positions whether Zenkichi or Akane and this game essentially dissects those parts of human nature in a way that's wonderfully done.
His awakening is better as he is a 30+ year old adult and unlike the kids it takes a lot more to finally make an adult not just realize but awaken so his realization took the whole game and Akane to make him finally realize.
I mean the game does show that Zenkichi wasn't taking proper care of her and didn't really help, even tho he had good intentions.
it's not that easy. plus she's a kid
Remember even if she wanted to come to her senses the Jail would continue to reinforce her trauma and keep her in the position where she’s a monarch.
Can I remind y'all she wasn't originally in the plans to be a monarch? Konoe allowed EMMA to turn her into one to try capturing the PT's. It's just a fancy coincidence that she has a form of trauma.
Sophia didn't even notice a jail when they arrived in Kyoto first.
(10:44) That voice line delivery is GODLIKE.
I can hear a lot of Gilgamesh (Final Fantasy XV) in Tom Taylorson's voice there.
Can I say this game is a worthy sequel of Persona 5?
Abso-frickin-lutly.
For real.
Damn straight
Now all we need is the sequel to this include Sumire and Akechi!
Definitely
So sad that no one suggested his code name to be gramps as a joke
And with this, I remembered why I loved the awakenings in the original.
wow this zorro outfit for dante is looking cool
Nice.
Lol
I mean we already have Vergil so it fits
Love how the "What the- What happened to my clothes!?" line was delivered
I find it a bit humorous that it comes right after he gave this epic speech, acquiring his Persona. Like his realization kicked in and he realized that something new happened to him.
Zenkichi feels like he comes straight from Persona 2, I'm so glad they added this character in the Persona lore.
Edit: Akane thinking about the victim's family was such a sad line. I didn't even think about that. This game really made me think about a lot of things.
Also persona 4, his own shadow judged him, and he stood up to it, and it turned into his shadow.
Zenkichi: Are you sure I'll be safe in the Meta-verse?
Futaba: Sure! But you might need to tear off your own face...
Zenkichi: What?!
Futaba: Nothing. But here, practice with this duct tape.
*Later*
Ryuji: Hey, Zenkichi's here. Thank G-aaaaaaah! Wha- Did you shave your eyebrows?
Futaba: He's ready! Now, we just need to make him feel bad about his life!
I see her doing this with Sojiro in case they have to recruit him
Can we talk about an uncomfortable subject: the exponential growth of male Persona-users collars? Joker's was fine. Ryuji had to go bigger and Yusuke even bigger. Now, Zenkichi's looking like he was just born as a hunter but hadn't had his bris yet.
I think it was intentional so no one can reconize him
Akechi has no collar at all
Between the collar, the mask, and the hat, how does Zenkichi see a damn thing in his Phantom Thief outfit?
@@Effkin176That's the REAL reason why he was a traitor!
You know I like how his Shadow says "Just as you once did." It feels like acknowledges he's become like the evil he wanted to fight.
There's also the little rant Shadow Zenkichi gives him before the awakening.
Actually, that was Valjean ranting.
@Jason Munoz Jr. technically, kill joy is correct, at least by person 4 standards. For context in P4, shadows become persona's when the person finally listens and accepts them as part of their self
@@Toby-tk4zv
I don’t know about 1 and 2, but in persona 3 as well, personas are confirmed to be shadows
@@Toby-tk4zvi think it's the same in 5 too, albeit done slightly differently, since we see their eyes turn yellow during their awakening their becoming in tune with their shadow (accepting them) and awakening
As a 40 year old man who li es all sorts of RPGs I'm glad ro see more older characters.
So Zenkichi is officially the Apostle Arcana, not the Priest huh?
Yes.
The what arcana
The Apostle Arcana is a variation of the Hierophant Arcana, and represents sticking to one beliefs of right and wrong. At least, that’s what I could gather from looking things up after Lavenza told me what it is.
I think they just changed the name in the English release.
Luke Crawford oh
"Valjean!" Wait... As in Jean Valjean??! I don't understand why these kids are still surprised to see someone call upon a Persona when they have seen it so often. But I'm personally (no pun intended) taken aback that one of my favorite musicals was referenced in this series. That's so awesome! Look at that; he even has 20641 marked on him, the same as the actual character, and it fits Gramps well on account of him being a policeman seeking redemption with Valjean being a reformed criminal. God damn!
The awakening speech makes references to the musical too, which is neat. "Can I condemn another man to slavery?\Pretend I do not see his agony?"
all the persona's are from stroies like that. Arsene is Arsene Lupin from the french book, Carman is from a opera, sure you know Zorro, Captain Kid, Goamon and Johanna actually exsisted and M'lady is 3 musketers......alot of french ones in this game :/
@Thanatos 13 To be fair, until the Revolution France was heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic Church, so it makes sense that extrabiblical characters, especially those of the Gnostic tradition, would be used as villains. It's why 3 was heavily influenced by Greek mythology and 4 by Japanese.
Really love Zenkichi as a character. So much to relate. Love how he just rolls with everything and doesn’t care much about the details
Zenkichi is the best boomer.
Zenkichi and Sojiro, in my opinion.
He’s like 30’s he’s not a Boomer 💀
@@sunl6539 I think he's 40 as mentioned it the game
@@joeltect3731 oh is he, looks good for a 40 something lol
@@joeltect3731 even still, not a boomer.
Am i the only one who got goosebumps when his awakening began?
hearing the word "Valjean" in this game made my theater/anime fangirl scream with joy
Valjean saying “I am thou, thou art I” in a mysterious hollow tone gives me the chills
I got the inverse of most everyone. I wasn't much interested in Strikers until I learned that a new party member was a middle-aged guilt-ridden man who dads the teenagers. As soon as the game started I loved Zenkichi. All through the game I've been trying to control my hype for his awakening, cause I was sure it wouldn't be as good as I hoped. And it was everything I hoped for and more, just as brutal and haunting as Joker's and Ryuji's, I love it. Now if only I weren't so bad at this game and could do those sweet smooth combos like the guy in the video does...
"You there! Bring out, The *Black* Mamba!"
- Zenkichi (probably)
Strikers dev team: Hey so what affinity should Zenkichi have as a party member.
Some fucking megachad: ALmIghTy.
"Also gun."
"What about Haru?"
"Who?"
So he’s wearing all black and his persona is black and white so let’s give him ble-
ALMIGHTY
Well its not like there were any other options, all the other elements were covered, and i dont think anyone would use him if he was an ailment spammer
Zenkichi has to be one of my favorite characters, even if he's new. Gramps is just beyond cool
That was the most JAW DROPPING awakening i ever felt
Imagine a world where Hereward and Valjean could be in the same party
Persona 5 arena hopefully
That actually sounds pretty awesome but knowing Atlas they won’t bring back Robin Hood/Loki/Hereward unless they bring back Akechi. Would be an awesome concept for All the thieves from royal and strikers to team up in another game.
@@ghostdragon3589 Akechi is a crazy popular character. I don't see why they wouldn't bring him back.
@@zamaskowany12 true but they would have to tackle Akechi being alive after shido’s palace and make him different from both Sophia and Zenkichi in terms of gameplay, which in my eyes seems kinda hard when Sophia uses bless attacks and Zenkichi uses almighty. Then again they could easily surprise us with him being different from everyone if he does in fact make a return.
Im personally more a fan of Loki
What I like about how Zenkichi fights is that despite using a huge-ass Zweihander, he swings it super fast. And that's EXACTLY how greatswords like the Zweihander were used. They aren't slow weapons, they're actually quite fast, especially because of the weight they have.
Zweihander is my Dark souls 1 weapon
I’ve been waiting for this!
Did you see that shinji
Yeah.
Didn't really trust him at the start of my 1st play through slowly down the storyline I realize he just wants to make peace for everyone .
after he said that he gonna use every last of phantom thieves i know he was gonna get a plot twist, just like how akechi acting all good but then he is the bad guy( yeah i know akechi worth forgiving)
Thought he would have gained their trust, became a phantom thief, and betrayed them later, but I’m surprised with how well he’s done. That’s what I get for underestimating Atlus, I suppose.
This game is great at confusing you decision making those good person like Ichinose become bad at the end and those were good at the start like Zenkichi we thought they were bad ....
They knew exactly what they were doing with the goofy cop [Adachi] and the 'let's seek the truth together' [Akechi] as things to keep in mind. I was expecting either betrayal or tragedy.
Involved with the Police and his name ends with an I, they knew what they were doing
The best ever awakening in Persona 5. So badass, so glad for Zenkichi and so hyped of his outfit and Valjean. Only for that I can said that played P5S worth it
This man is busted. He has life steal, a beserker mode, Almighty and gun, Debilitate, heat riser and then the skill that resurrects him at full that i can't remember. This man is busted
its been a while since they used a shadow as a literal shadow
chilling, well done too
I bet now, Zenkichi goes into Akane's room and just thinks, "Oh those damn kids."
Never knew Keanu Reeves had his own Persona
No cap, this is coming from a long time persona fan, Zankichi is a top tier character, he may be the best on the persona 5 cast....
Gameplay wise or character wise? Either way I agree lmao
I kinda though his skillset was similar to Darkechi but no Curse skills
If Zenkichi has Salvation/Samarecarm he would be waaaay broken
My opinion is that he is Akechi but if Atlas actually cared to give him a move set that could compete with the others when playable. He gets the Megido line of skills as well as the gun skills(except riot gun) and then heat riser and debilitate. Doesn’t get bless or curse skills like Akechi but i don’t think he needs them. His moveset easily made him on my most played characters in this game.
@@ghostdragon3589 Bless and curse skills are the weakest skills in the game be it in royal or strikers since they low base atk/dmg and their strongest forms are still mudo and hama skills and we all know that all mini, elite, monarch and palace bosses are immune to it. So atlus made zenkichi OP by making him both strong in gun and almighty dmg and his fury mode makes his sword waves deal almighty dmg.
@@Morichoradio I completely agree with you on bless and curse being the weakest of magic in all 3 persona 5 games (doesn’t help that they don’t have a severe level damage skill) I was just pointing out how Zenkichi was the better almighty member between the two. Because even if we cut Akechi’s bless and curse attacks from him, p5 and p5r nerfed almighty hard(though if it is still needed in strikers feel free to correct me) which made Akechi a little disappointing in my eyes compared to Zenkichi who like you said, is OP.
His Shadow was right on the verge of going berserk, just like the ones in Persona 4. But he did something none of the Investigation Team ever could. Immediately accept his own Shadow without a fight!
My most used character after unlocking him. Joker is second on that list.
Same. Once I've gotten him, I never ejected him from the party at that point.
*In Vegeta's voice* OH MY GOD HE'S SO GOD DAMN COOL!!!!
I was experiencing nothing but hype when the awakening theme started playing
Akane dear, you know it's true
These Thieves bear no more guilt than you
Thou art I...
*24601!*
another fun detail, Valjean happens to have a plate on his chest that reads "24601", which was Jean Valjean's prisoner number when he was serving as a slave.
Belongs in a museum dude you're the coolest looking one of them I mean you actually pull it off and you look cool in it and cool fighting in it.
Zenkichi is one of my favorite characters now. He’s bad ass in his own way from being comedic to serious bad ass.
it's been a while to see someone awaken his Persona.. the music is still slaps
That part where Valjean was tearing into Zenkichi gave me Persona 4 vibes.
Almighty, the only damage type to effective every Shadow. Nothing is weak to it, and nothing is resistant to it. It effects everything and everyone equally. Just like true justice.
I nearly shat a brick when the awakening theme kicked in, and a second one when his Persona turned out to be a LesMis reference.
Damn is hard to play while you are crying.
I thought it was just me man
Easily the best awakening in all of Persona 5, maybe even the entire Persona series
this scene was so epic in the game i needed to see it again, its so damn epic!!!
The fact that this man's Persona/Shadow was talking to him _through his literal shadow_ is so clever, I can't
are we just gonna ignore how FLAMBOYANT that hand gesture from joker was
Which one
8:14
Started screeching at 2am when Will Power started playing, neighbors probably think I'm insane.
10/10
The last playable adult character to have persona was in one of the second games. It has been years since something like this has occurred
No matter how many times I see a Persona awaken, I'm always overwhelmed.
I screamed so hard and fanboyed even harder. Valjean is just the absolute persona for Zenkichi
Did they actually do a TV trope it "Belongs in a Museum". I guess translators can do what they want huh XD
EDIT: 14:40 timestamp
I immediately thought of Indiana Jones, as it's one of his more well-known lines. But yeah, the devs definitely acknowledged this particular trope.
Neat the comeback of an adult persona user, and uses a zweihander (love the throwback persona 1 - 4 references.)
10:05 When his head hurts from awakening
In cutsences Zenkichi sounds so serious but he sounds cool
Valjean is cool, he sounded like a judge. I'm glad I read les miserables back at high school!
Mr Wick is now in Action
Fun Fact: Zenkichi's English dub was done by Tom Taylorson, who you may also know as the voice of Bunger from Bugsnax.
Bloody hell mate, this is impressive!
Looking forward to when Kagato the Final Boss gets to see this.
So for those who know about the Dark Knight quests in FF14, I can say Zenkichi makes a great glamour to use while fitting to the theming of that Job class
Bloodborne-like clothes, greatswort and wolf as codename ...
Yes, the soulsborne-fanboy in me is happy ^^
You should definitely check a French movie called
The brotherhood of wolves
Actually, in the Japanese version, they actually reference his outfit as a Bloodborne, tho it's absent in the English version, just a fun fact
@@farouktalbi863 Damn it why would they leave that out of the dub?! Still flipped my shit when I saw it this is where the game went from a 7/10 to a 9/10
THE HUNT IS ON BOYS!
ngl, Valjean looks so fucking badass, I love it
Imagine how the remnants of the P3 crew would react to Zenkichi, especially Mitsuru the French enthusiast! All in favor of a switch-based PQ3 game starring the P5S gang with the P1-4 gang?