Speculation surrounding Persona 6 continues to grow, despite the lack of official information from Atlus. While the social elements that made Persona 3 through 5 successful may be present in the next installment, there is also potential for significant changes that could make it a benchmark game in the series. While such a departure from the formula may disappoint fans who enjoyed the social simulator aspect, it could also attract a wider audience. With spin-offs still being released for Persona 5, some fans may be ready for a fresh take on the franchise. Atlus' decision to capitalize on the success of Persona 5 is understandable, but a complete overhaul for the next mainline entry could be just what the series needs after almost seven years since its original launch.
How Persona 6 Can Overhaul The Series
The early Persona games, including the first title and the Persona 2 duology, were centered around dungeon-crawling RPGs set in a modern-day city, where players battled demons to save humanity. While Persona 2: Innocent Sin featured a romantic subplot, with the option of a same-sex male relationship, it was limited to a single choice between the protagonist and several party members with whom they shared romantic chemistry. The first three games in the series followed a linear plot, with few options for player choice beyond the initial route selection.
While a streamlined structure with some plot-altering options has potential, there are other directions the series could explore. One option could be revisiting the road trip concept initially pitched for Persona 5, but with Persona 5: Strikers already covering that ground, a mainline title with a similar premise might feel too familiar, despite the potential for returning characters and locations.
Taking inspiration from other titles in the Megami Tensei franchise, Persona 6 could benefit from incorporating elements from Devil Survivor, such as its calendar system. While Devil Survivor operates at a faster pace with limited days for characters to prevent their deaths, Persona 6 does not necessarily need to be as extreme. However, by slimming down the calendar and focusing on a single city, the writers can create a more briskly paced plot with stronger pacing and potentially more options for the story's direction.
Expanding the concept of social links by incorporating the impact of team members on the main plot could be a compelling direction to increase players' sense of connection to the cast. Persona 3 Portable's female protagonist route is a prime example of this, where the death of a party member can be prevented by developing a close relationship with them. This approach can also be integrated into combat by emphasizing smart decision-making that fosters trust between the protagonist and their allies. While the idea of a more focused plot may be controversial given the series' typically sprawling narratives, prioritizing a stronger storytelling experience could be a promising avenue for Persona 6. However, any details about the game's plot and setting are likely still far from being confirmed.
Persona 6 is currently in development.
