Why Persona 6's Road Trip Model Needs to Make a Comeback Now

Atlus has enjoyed great success with their Persona games, and fans are eagerly anticipating news about the next mainline iteration. With the company's recent experimentation with new narrative structures through spin-off titles, there is potential for Persona 6 to depart from the traditional mainline approach and adopt a road trip narrative. This could provide an ideal platform for incorporating references to previous mainline Persona games, striking a balance between honoring the past and embracing the present.

Although the road trip model was not present in Persona 5, it was effectively used in Persona 5 Strikers. This approach allowed Joker and his companions to explore various Japanese locales, while also developing their friendships and cultural experiences. While Strikers did deviate from the typical Persona formula, its inclusion of the road trip structure demonstrated the versatility and effectiveness of this narrative structure. It is possible that the next mainline entry in the series could benefit from incorporating this model into its gameplay, providing opportunities for exciting cameos.

Persona 6 Could Make Clever Use of Cameos Through a Road Trip Across Japan

A road trip model for Persona 6 would offer the opportunity for cameos from previous Persona characters, allowing for creative interactions and guidance for the new cast. The travel-focused approach would also keep the number of characters on screen manageable, with the P6 cast stopping off at different locations to interact with past and present party members. Depending on the placement of Persona 6 in the series' timeline, these cameos could showcase the growth and development of past characters, adding depth to their stories. Cameos could vary in their overt or subtle treatment, with some interactions building upon the new protagonist's character development and others simply appearing in passing. Loading screens could also feature subtle references to familiar characters, similar to Persona 5's interlude sequences.

The road trip model in Persona 6 could offer a unique opportunity to revisit beloved locations from past Persona titles in a concise yet captivating manner. Taking inspiration from Persona 5 Strikers, which offered brief glimpses into various Japanese locales, this approach would enable Persona 6 to feature diverse environments without the need to create entire cities for exploration. For instance, a quick stop at the Tatsuhime shrine from Persona 4 or the Tatsumi Port Island mall from Persona 3 could evoke feelings of nostalgia while simultaneously allowing the party members to gain new perspectives by experiencing different walks of life. With the frequent change in setting, each character could also have their own time in the spotlight, leading to intriguing implications for their dynamic as a group.

The upcoming Persona 6 game might take a different approach than its predecessors, as the protagonist and supporting characters could already have established relationships at the beginning of the game. This could add an interesting twist to the usual "strangers on a road trip" premise that has been used in previous entries. Additionally, this could allow for a different portrayal of the P6 protagonist compared to past games, while ensuring that no character is left behind, which was a hurdle in Persona 5 with Haru's treatment. As of now, Persona 6 is still in development.