Persona 6 Should Ditch One Series Tradition that SMT5: Vengeance Cemented

by

Persona 6 Should Ditch One Series Tradition that SMT5: Vengeance Cemented

Highlights

  • Persona 6 should skip re-releases to focus on developing its existing characters for a more impactful experience.
  • While new characters like Yoko in Shin Megami Tensei 5 may enhance a game, they risk overshadowing existing cast members.
  • Persona 6 should prioritize its core cast rather than introducing new characters to ensure a well-rounded, engaging story.

As a seasoned veteran of the Atlus universe, I’ve seen it all – from the Phantom Thieves’ daring heists to the intricate web of relationships in Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth. With over a decade spent traversing the Metaverse and battling Shadows, I’ve grown attached to the characters that make this world so rich and engaging. That’s why I wholeheartedly believe that Persona 6 should break away from tradition and skip the re-release girl trope.

With the recent surge of spin-offs and remakes concluding, the spotlight is now squarely on Persona 6. The upcoming game has a lot to live up to as fans eagerly await its contribution to the series narrative, potentially establishing or altering established traditions. While there’s still much unknown about the game, it would be beneficial for Persona 6 to avoid one particular trope that has become less appealing over time.

Before the announcement of Persona 6, it’s almost guaranteed due to the series’ tradition that we’ll see a re-release or remake. Every main installment in the franchise has had some form of re-release, which isn’t necessarily negative. These re-releases usually involve more than just a new coat of paint. However, they often introduce new characters, and this could potentially dilute the future versions of Persona 6.

Persona 6 Should Leave the ‘Re-Release Girl’ Trope Out of a Potential Re-Release

Shin Megami Tensei 5 Brings Series Tradition Back with a Vengeance

While Persona might be strongly associated with this particular trope, it’s not the only one that adheres to it. Similarly, Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance also falls into this pattern and has been generally well-received for doing so. A fresh character named Yoko Hiromine was introduced in Vengeance, and she significantly alters many aspects of the game.

Yoko Hiromine represents yet another instance of a recurring theme in Atlus games, and even Catherine: Full Body featured this characteristic with an extra female lead character. If Yoko appears in Vengeance, it might mean that the “remake” girl trope is going to persist. However, it would be more beneficial for Persona 6 to steer clear of this trend entirely.

Persona 5 Royal Featured a Fan Favorite Character

The most sound counterargument against dropping this trope is the sheer popularity of some of the characters it has spawned. There’s perhaps no better example than Kasumi Yoshizawa in Persona 5 Royal. Kasumi had a very compelling story, and quickly became a fan favorite. Persona 5 Royal featured another new character, Takuto Maruki, who was similarly well-received. As much as Royal highlighted the benefits of this age-old approach, it also revealed the most persistent downsides.

In “Persona” video games, they are often known for their extended playtimes, providing ample opportunity for each character to receive adequate development. However, these same titles often stretch themselves thin by featuring a large party. For instance, “Persona 5” received criticism for this issue, as characters like Haru Okumura entered the story too late to make a significant emotional impact. Many players anticipated that this issue would be addressed in the game’s potential re-release.

In a more conversational style: Persona 5 Royal has made noticeable enhancements, particularly in character development. Haru appears earlier on, and every party member gets a chance to stand out more. Yet, Kasumi joins the team right from the start as well, which can sometimes make previously introduced characters seem less prominent. Introducing returning characters always carries this risk of overshadowing their original counterparts.

Persona 6 Should Stick to its Guns

In the anticipated release of Persona 6, it seems we can expect another extensive party lineup, filled with characters bursting with untapped potential. It’s crucial to ensure that each character receives adequate development to fully realize their potential. Interestingly, while Kasumi and Maruki were fan favorites in Royal, they didn’t resonate as deeply for everyone as other characters did.

In the game “Persona 5 Royal,” some established characters had less screen time due to the introduction of new ones. Yet, this wasn’t true for all characters. Particularly, Goro Akechi underwent more character development than initially given, and his storyline enhancements are frequently praised as one of the game’s standout aspects.

Few people might overlook re-appearing characters nowadays, but they surely wouldn’t miss a character they aren’t aware exists in the first place. Conversely, Akechi’s storyline in “Persona 5 Royal” demonstrated that Atlus is skilled at giving focus to returning characters. In fact, if other Phantom Thieves members had received similar attention, it could be that these modifications would have been equally appreciated.

As a devoted fan, I eagerly anticipate each new installment in the Persona series, but it’s crucial not to let tradition overshadow the potential of Persona 6. The Persona franchise is renowned for its rich, layered characters, and I believe Persona 6 can continue that legacy. Instead of prioritizing a fresh face, Persona 6 should focus on strengthening the returning cast who will undoubtedly form the core of the game.

Read More

2024-08-13 19:35