Summary
The importance of positioning inPersona 5 Tacticacould lead to a new aspect of game design inPersona 6. AlthoughPersona 5 Tacticais a spin-off rather than a true next installment of thePersonafranchise, that doesn’t disqualify it from acting as an inspiration for future games. There are a surprising amount of ideas fielded byPersona 5 Tacticathat could comfortably find their way into the main series, with a few feeling like shoo-ins. This includes a variant on one of the game’s main mechanics that could be repurposed in a novel way.
WhilePersona 5 Tacticais the latest in aseries ofPersona 5spin-offs, it still feels fresh due to its own innovations. It does primarily consist of the same Phantom Thieves that the player has been spending the last few games with, but the shift in gameplay helped it substantially. It helps that there was a completely new story that was largely centered around the game’s new characters, so the game felt like a continuation rather than a retread of old ground.Persona 5 Tacticawasn’t perfect, but it was a respectable effort. Most importantly, it keeps fans entertained while they continue to wait forPersona 6.
Persona 5 Tacticaisn’tShin Megami Tensei’s first strategy spin-off. That would beMajin Tensei, which came out in 1994.
Persona 5 Tactica’s Position-Based Strategy Could Direct Persona 6’s Dungeons
As the name clearly states,Persona 5 Tacticais a tactical RPG, and with that comes the importance of movement and positioning. Rather than full parties fighting face-to-face likePersonagames normally do, battles take place on a grid-based map, and characters have to move into the proper position in order to attack. The game even has its own version ofPersona’s all-out attack in the form of the Triple Threat Attack, where three characters form a triangle around an enemy on the map and all attack at once. To succeed, players have to master proper positioning and use it to their advantage.
Some aspect ofPersona 5 Tactica’s focus on movement could act as aninspiration forPersona 6’s design.Persona 5’s dungeons had several quirks and puzzles, butPersona 6could change up its approach and create a new flavor of obstacle for players to deal with. Movement and positioning could play a big role inPersona 6’s puzzles, requiring players to move to certain places, or in certain ways to traverse an obstacle or unlock the next area. These could take the form of mazes, illusions, or any number of unique floor designs. All that matters is that the resulting task is challenging and satisfying.
This kind of dungeon design could also benefit from having different party members moving individually. Bysplitting the party like inPersona 3,Persona 6’s dungeons could feature alternate paths for different characters. For example:
There could even be rebalanced enemy encounters to accommodate the party’s state in these instances. Bringing back the party-splitting mechanic would open the door to a new direction in dungeon design.
Persona 5’s dungeons had several quirks and puzzles, butPersona 6could change up its approach and create a new flavor of obstacle for players to deal with.
Persona 5 Tactica’s position-based mechanics probably won’t reappear inPersona 6, but they could be an inspiration. Thedungeon designs ofPersona 6could be some of the most intricate in the franchise, with a whole new selection of secrets and tricks. Changing the way that players approach these dungeons, with more emphasis on positioning and planning could lead to a game that requires players to take a more tactical approach.Persona 5 Tactica’s position-based gameplay could be a hidden gimmick forPersona 6.
Persona 5 Tactica
WHERE TO PLAY
After a strange incident, the Phantom Thieves wander into a bizarre realm where its citizens are living under tyrannical oppression. Surrounded by a military group named Legionnaires, they find themselves in grave danger until a mysterious revolutionary named Erina rescues them and offers an enticing deal in exchange for their help. What truth lies behind Erina and the deal she offers to the Phantom Thieves?Persona 5 Tactica features an all-new story, the return of fan-favorite characters, and brand-new allies and foes. Join the group as they lead an emotional revolution in this thrilling combat adventure!
