MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD for Persona 5.
Summary
- Persona 6 should aim to surpass Persona 5's standards with an upgraded story, characters, and gameplay to stand out.
- A major plot twist like in Persona 5 may not fit in Persona 6, as repeating the same trick could seem repetitive and less special.
- Persona 6's party deserves a defining scene to shine, whether it's a big twist or a simpler moment that shows their unique skills and strengths.
Persona 6 can replicate the same kind of plot twist that Persona 5 pulled off, but the real question is whether it should. Naturally, Persona 6 will have to live up to the standards that were set by the previous game. That means that the story, characters, and gameplay will all need to take a step up. In fact, the story is one of the ways that Persona 6 will have a prime chance to emulate its predecessor.
Persona 5's plot twist was one of the story's highlights. For most of the game, Joker's interrogation by Sae is used as a framing device. However, Persona 5 party member Goro Akechi was actually a traitor, and it turns out that the Phantom Thieves knew about his treachery and set up an elaborate scenario to fool him. It's an incredibly effective moment in the story, and acts as a perfect approach towards Persona 5's endgame.
Persona 5's Plot Twist Showed the Phantom Thieves' Greatest Trick
One main perk of Persona 5's plot twist is how exciting of a development it was. After the framing device was so intense throughout the game, finding out that the party had a plan the whole time, and that Akechi didn't have them fooled for a second was a wonder to witness. It helped to establish Persona 5 as a classic among modern JRPGs to see what seemed like their darkest moment actually be one of the Phantom Thieves' greatest triumphs.
Persona 5's Twist on the Framing Device Was a Masterstroke
The big plot twist also further established the competence of the Phantom Thieves. While Persona 3's S.E.E.S. And Persona 4's Investigation Team showed their skills largely through fighting through their games' respective dungeons, Persona 5 went the extra mile with the Phantom Thieves. Having them pull off such a long con, even hidden to the player, makes them truly seem like the master thieves that their namesake implies. Overall, it's a defining moment for Persona 5's heroes.
The big twist regarding the interrogation showed the full potential of Persona 5's Phantom Thieves. Attributing a similar trick to Persona 6's protagonists would do a lot to help them look like valid successors. Not to mention, it was simply cool to watch the scene unfold as the party showed how they never lost control of the situation after all. Persona 6 could definitely benefit from making its own party members look strong in such a way.
A Persona 5-like Plot Twist May Not Fit Persona 6
While the Phantom Thieves teaming up to trick Akechi was cool, it's not guaranteed to be an effective twist in every game. After all, every game's story is different, and it may not always be appropriate to unveil such a major twist. The overarching theme of Persona 6 could render such a scene unnecessary, after all. In addition, there are some outside factors that developers may want to keep in mind.
Repeating Persona 5's Plot Twist One Game Later May Seem Too Repetitive
While the interrogation plot twist was excellent in Persona 5, another such shift in the very next game could have diminishing returns. For one, pulling the same kind of twist again so quickly could seem repetitive, especially if it's in a similar situation. It could make Persona 6's story seem less special if its plot beats are too similar to Persona 5's. Not to mention, after Persona 5, some fans may be on the lookout for such a scene.
There's nothing wrong with Persona 6's story taking hints from Persona 5, but it can't repeat too much. Persona 6's party obviously deserves chances to look great in the story, but they should be reasons that work on the game's own terms. In that sense, Persona 6 may not need a major twist reveal in the same vein as the previous game. It will all depend on what works best for the story.
The Protagonists of Persona 6 Deserve Their Moment in the Sun
There is a way to meet halfway when it comes to whether to replicate the Phantom Thieves' biggest stunt. After all, every game needs a moment to both raise the stakes, as well as show that the heroes are up to the occasion. A way to shake up Persona 6's story for the better should be on the table. However, the method for doing so must be one that suits the angle that Persona 6 is aiming for.
Persona 6's Party Needs a Defining Scene, Whether It's a Big Twist or Not
Persona 6's protagonists need a big moment that makes them feel special. After all, while deftly fighting through dungeons is impressive, these feats are more complimentary to the player's tactical skill. A big story moment where the party manages to put their skills into action, especially for a major turning point in the story, is a more than valid approach. It doesn't need to be a covert operation like what the Phantom Thieves pulled on Akechi, though.
Why Persona 6 Needs Its Own Version of Persona 5 Royal's Sae Niijima
Sae Niijima was a pivotal character in Persona 5, and she could provide the basis for an excellent new character in Persona 6's story.
There's nothing wrong with Persona 6's story taking hints from Persona 5, but it can't repeat too much.
Whatever the party dynamic for Persona 6's team is could play into their respective big moment. They may be classical heroes, planners, tricksters, or simply too determined to give up against impossible odds. Any of these traits provide fodder for great character-defining moments. If Persona 6 does go down this route though, it must make sure not to reuse too many elements from Persona 5's plot twist. Otherwise, it could detract from not just that moment, but Persona 5's as well.
Persona 5's interrogation plot twist was a highlight of the game, and one of the finest moments of the story. It's reasonable to expect the developers to expect something similar from Persona 6. Persona 6 has several decisions to make in the future, including its theme, story and the party members themselves. Something like Persona 5's narrative surprise may not be plausible to repeat. Whether Persona 6 repeats this feat of Persona 5 or not, the developers should consider how to recreate the effect it had on the party.
Persona 5 Royal
- Released
- March 31, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Don the mask and join the Phantom Thieves of Hearts as they stage grand heists, infiltrate the minds of the corrupt, and make them change their ways! Prepare for the award-winning RPG experience in this definitive edition of Persona 5 Royal, featuring a treasure trove of downloadable content included!
Forced to transfer to a high school in Tokyo, the protagonist has a strange dream. “You truly are a prisoner of fate. In the near future, ruin awaits you.” With the goal of “rehabilitation” looming overhead, he must save others from distorted desires by donning the mask of a Phantom Thief.
Explore Tokyo, unlock Personas, customize your own personal Thieves Den, experience alternate endings, and more. Become the ultimate Phantom Thief and defy conventions, discover the power within, and fight for justice in the definitive version of Persona 5 Royal.
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Drug Reference, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Atlus, P-Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Atlus
- Franchise
- Persona
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
- How Long To Beat
- 100 Hours
- Metascore
- 95
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
