Persona has always set itself apart through a unique blend of traditional dungeon crawling and life simulation elements, which allow its psychological and philosophical themes to shine within the greater Shin Megami Tensei IP. With Persona 6 on the horizon and speculation building around potential remakes of earlier titles, there's a growing sense that the next numbered entry could serve as a bridge between the old and the new of the series. If this ends up being the route the game takes, one character who hasn't made a full appearance in decades could be the key to tying the future of Persona together.
Each Persona title has marked a distinct evolution in the spin-off series' identity, but Persona 6 has the opportunity to blend these changes with classic elements by reintroducing Philemon. Originally serving a crucial role as an overseeing figure of the Velvet Room, he has since been largely replaced by Igor in more recent releases. However, considering that the introspective core of Persona still lives on, the return of Philemon could provide an impactful experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
The First Two Persona Games Both Featured a Story Guided by Philemon
With origins tracing back to Jungian concepts of a spirit guide in the collective unconscious, the mysterious character of Philemon is a representation of ideas that shaped the creation of the Persona series. He helped the casts of Megami Ibunroku Persona and the Persona 2 duology through their respective journeys, even being revealed as a reflection of the protagonist's inner self in Innocent Sin.
Persona 3 Marked a Major Shift in the Series
The presentation of Persona's Velvet Room was transformed going into P3, with the role of Igor expanded and his attendants taking much more of the spotlight ever since. Philemon, while no longer appearing as a person, has still lingered in what appear to be subtle forms like butterflies. The series' blue butterfly could be meant as a sign of him watching over the protagonists of these games, but his direct influence has never been as pronounced as it was in years prior.
The Return of Philemon Could Help to Ground Persona 6
A Refreshing Highlight of Persona's Jungian Roots
Reappearing in P6 would mean more for Philemon than just paying homage to the franchise's origins, as this could reinvigorate the philosophical themes that these games were originally built upon. Persona is about an exploration of self at its core, and a symbol like Philemon is meant to embody all the hidden desires and fears of humanity which have only grown more pressing in recent years. In Persona 6's presumably modern setting, bringing him back could deepen its look into the psyche, with these ideas acting as more than just a backdrop for supernatural battles. If the proper moral questions that typically accompany his presence are able to be effectively delivered by Philemon, the game's storyline could reflect complex, current issues that still more closely evoke the beginning of the series.
Potential Connections to Upcoming Remakes
If the rumored remakes of the original Persona and its sequels come to fruition, this would only reinforce Philemon's possible return. This kind of synergy could provide a more seamless transition into Persona 6, focusing on establishing that this is the same universe over the more isolated scenario resets seen across the last few entries. Considering the disparity between the psychological intensity of the earlier games and the more accessible and laid-back titles that have followed, tying the series together through a game that melds these through a shared character could make for a more cohesive Persona identity for the foreseeable future.
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
