If there is one thing that can be taken fromPersona 5: The Phantom X, it is thatPersona 6will almost certainly feature another animal party member or mascot. It’s a pattern that has been running for the last few games, and although it isn’t particularly focused on, there seems to be little reason to change course. Of course, nothing is truly set in stone due toPersona 6still being a complete mystery. However,Persona 5: The Phantom Xcould hint towards trends the next game in the series may follow, and has already provided some ideas.
The upcomingmobile spinoffPersona 5: The Phantom Xhas shown off some of its gameplay and characters, and the most notable part of the cast thus far is Luffy. A strange owl-like creature, Luffy has a persona of his own, Rob Roy, and fights alongside the protagonists as a party member. Similar to Morgana fromPersona 5, Luffy is also capable of transforming into a more realistic owl, as well as a car to provide transportation for the team. He seems almost certain to fill Morgana’s niche inThe Phantom X’s party, although the full dynamic has yet to be revealed.
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Animal Companions Are A Persona Series Tradition
Animal companions have been a recurring element inPersonagames ever sincePersona 3’s impressively varied partycame to be. The first was Koromaru, the heroic dog fromPersona 3, and the only completely normal animal to play such a role so far. Teddie fromPersona 4and Morgana fromPersona 5were not only party members, but they also acted as their respective game’s guides until the main navigator characters joined the party. Even inShin Megami Tenseigames outside thePersonaseries, this arguably continues with the owl drone Mimi inSoul Hackers 2, who is a robot controlled by another character, but follows the pattern otherwise.
One thing that makesPersona’s animal companions so interesting is the variety that they bring to the game.Non-human party members inPersonaoften have unique weapons or fighting styles, such as Koromaru fighting with a knife held in his jaws, and they bring a unique feel to the party when they tag along. They also call into question just how many types of creatures could potentially develop Personas. If any form of life can have one, that opens the idea for bugs or even plants to have Personas. Such a move would makePersona 6an interesting experience for sure.
Although Teddie and Morgana were major figures in their respective games, it may be best if a more mundane animal like Koromaru was one ofPersona 6’s new party members. Teddie and Morgana may have been major players in their respective games' plots, but their personalities could be quite abrasive at times, particularly in Morgana’s case. On the other hand, Koromaru represents a variety of animal companion that thePersonaseries has only used once so far, and had a charming Social Link inPersona 3 Portableto boot. The next animal companion inPersonamay be better as a loyal pet than a team mascot.
Given the series' track record, it would be more surprising ifPersona 6ended up lacking an animal companion than having one. Ever sincePersona 3’s many versionsmade the series mainstream, not a single installment has gone by without a nonhuman party member in the cast.Persona 5: The Phantom Xonly makes it clearer, with Luffy looking almost exactly like an owl version of Morgana. Out of all the series' traditions, this is one that has every reason to continue. When teasers forPersona 6finally come out, players should be on the lookout for a new animal friend.
