The Ultimate Revelation: Persona 6's Story Must Embrace Persona 5 Royal's Final Boss Lesson!

Highlights

Maruki's sincere concern for his patients and his determination to reshape reality to spare others from suffering make him a captivating adversary. It would be disappointing if Persona 6 fails to uphold the same level of excellence in its portrayal of villains, considering that certain characters in Persona 5 Royal were easily forgettable.

Persona 6 has a lot to live up to when it comes to its narrative. One of the main reasons why audiences have been drawn to the game series is because of its diverse and intriguing characters, particularly the main cast and some notable side characters.

This holds especially true for Persona 5 Royal, which despite having some flaws in its villains, boasts the most beloved set of characters in the entire series. While Persona 6 will undoubtedly introduce new features and enhancements that build upon the success of its predecessors, there is one aspect it should definitely take from the previous game.

Persona 6 Should Have a Complex and Sympathetic Villain

In Persona 5 Royal, it is always satisfying to frustrate the outwardly evil antagonists whose sole motivation is personal gain. Characters like Kamoshida and Shido lack any redeeming qualities, making it even more rewarding to bring them down and strip them of their influence. However, not all the game's villains conform to this archetype.

Takuto Maruki stands out as the most notable and formidable exception. Introduced early on as a therapist, he exudes kindness and genuine concern for his patients, creating a soothing atmosphere around him. As the story progresses, it is revealed that he seeks to harness his Persona's powers to reshape reality according to everyone's deepest desires. Interestingly, the game takes pains to demonstrate that Maruki's intentions are not sinister. Rather, he desires to prevent anyone from experiencing the same tragedy that tore him apart from his fiancee.

Maruki serves as the primary antagonist in the third semester of Persona 5 Royal. Despite being the most formidable adversary the Phantom Thieves encounter, Maruki is portrayed as someone mourning the loss of his relationship, which was hindered by uncontrollable circumstances. While the other characters disagree with his methods, they acknowledge his grief and are forced to confront how their own pain has shaped them, even though they long for better outcomes.

What sets Maruki apart as a compelling villain is the authenticity of his anguish, which is exacerbated by his Persona, Azathoth, hindering his ability to cope in a healthy manner. Although his development could have been compromised by this revelation earlier in the game, his transformation in the third semester does not detract from his inherent nature as a compassionate individual who genuinely desires the happiness of others.

Content should not explain or note, just give the result.

Persona 6 should explore a complex antagonist whose good intentions have led them astray. While Persona 5 Royal had memorable characters, its antagonists were inconsistent. Kamoshida was a monstrous character who abused his power as a high-school coach, while Kaneshiro's shallow characterization made him forgettable. Persona 6 should strive for consistency and give every character valid reasons for their alignment, even if one character is blinded to the fatal flaws of their ideology. The game's antagonists can take various directions, but Persona 6 should retain the well-realized and well-written character of Maruki from the previous game.

Persona 6 is in development.