Why Future Persona Spinoffs Should Follow P5 Tactica’s Lead

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Following several offshoots of Persona 5, it was anticipated that Persona 5 Tactica would be met with skepticism among fans, as fatigue from repeated appearances of the Phantom Thieves had been building up. However, unlike games such as Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight and P5 Strikers, Persona 5 Tactica managed to pleasantly surprise players with its supporting role. Rather than focusing heavily on the Phantom Thieves, the game takes a backseat to Toshiro’s narrative, leaving some wondering if future Persona spinoffs might adopt a similar approach.

For quite a while now, spin-off games have been a recurring element in the Persona series, particularly within its recent releases. The teams behind Persona 3, 4, and 5 have ventured into various gameplay styles beyond the traditional turn-based combat that defines this series. This ranges from the fast-paced 2D fighting games like those in the Arena series to action-packed musou-style games such as Persona 5 Strikers. Although these spin-offs have been successful at exploring different genres, they face a challenge when it comes to storytelling; while effectively using the strengths of their beloved characters is important, overdoing fanservice can actually detract from the overall experience.

How Persona 5 Tactica Focuses Outward Rather Than Inward

The Obstacles of Recurring Casts in Persona Spinoffs

When working with pre-existing characters, it can sometimes be challenging to imagine them in unfamiliar situations. Placing them in new storylines can help achieve this, but maintaining freshness in their personalities and group dynamics is another challenge entirely. This difficulty is one reason why the timeline of the Persona spinoffs can become complex, as they must not only take into account the outcomes of certain characters within their main series stories, but also how these characters might behave in their current state (for example, Akechi’s recurring appearances may present a regression of his personality), which limits the degree of deviation allowed.

Persona Spinoffs Recycle Character Tropes and Party Interactions

To clarify, it’s not that past spinoffs haven’t managed to avoid repetition effectively. Games like Persona Q shine because they facilitate interactions between different parties, while Arena Ultimax provides a glimpse into the adult lives of the Persona 3 cast, showcasing their growth following the events portrayed in their main games. However, some spinoffs may seem like a rehash of previous content, leaning too heavily on familiar jokes or character stereotypes. Repeated instances of Akihiko’s protein obsession or Persona 5‘s Makoto scolding the party for studying can become repetitive and tiresome, veering more towards “remember this” moments rather than fresh takes, and potentially reinforcing similar tropes.

Persona 5 Tactica Puts the Spotlight on Someone Else’s Story

In contrast to the typical pattern of games like P5 Tactica, it offers a unique twist as the Phantom Thieves serve more as supporting characters rather than the main focus. The narrative thread that follows Toshiro and Erina’s past makes them the central figures in the storyline. Although the Phantom Thieves are present to provide assistance, they don’t dictate the direction of the plot. Despite occasional light-hearted interactions between the Thieves, many of their references to Persona 5 are given new significance through Toshiro’s perspective. Characters such as Yusuke and Futaba share past events from Persona 5 intentionally, demonstrating how their past hardships echo Toshiro’s current predicament, emphasizing that even the most challenging situations can be overcome.

In other words, including fanservice in games like Persona isn’t always negative, especially given the popularity of its primary characters. There’s potential for more fanservice in future spin-offs. However, it can also be suggested that these spin-offs are particularly impactful when they explore external themes rather than focusing solely on internal matters. They excel at demonstrating how the core gameplay mechanics of Persona can apply to various genres and settings. By emphasizing new characters and narratives, they manage to keep the recurring cast relevant without overshadowing other stories. While the characters of Persona play a significant role in shaping the spin-offs’ identity, they often have their most profound impact when they function as supporting characters within someone else’s tale rather than retelling their own story.

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2025-04-19 03:05