There’s one recurring trend for parties in thePersonaseries thatPersona 6can finally break, even ifMetaphor: ReFantaziopassed on the opportunity. Having a full party of characters is one of the things that fans can almost certainly expect fromPersona 6. However, there is one recurring detail surrounding the party members players recruit that some players may not have picked up on. It’s a surprisingly common trend, to the point that it even appeared inMetaphor: ReFantazioas well.Persona 6needs something special, and one of its perks could be changing one party status quo.
The player’sparty in thePersonagamesare the most important characters in the story, apart from the protagonists themselves. Not only do they do most of the legwork to drive the plot forward, but without them, the protagonists would be hopelessly outnumbered in their fights. At the same time, they are set apart from the protagonist by their lack of the Wild Card ability, leaving them with only one Persona apiece, not counting Persona evolutions. This lack of flexibility does not harm their utility though. They’re still extremely important at every step of the journey, in gameplay as well as story.
Persona 6 Can Change the Tradition of Axe-Wielding Party Members Always Coming Late
The Axe-Wielding Basilio is Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Final Party Member
A good way into thelong story ofMetaphor: ReFantazio, players will recruit Basilio, the final member of the party. He acts as the party’s most focused physical specialist, with stats that are geared towards sheer power over all else. This is backed up by his weapon choice, a large battleaxe, as well as his Berserker Archetype, which focuses on powerful Strike attacks. While these traits make Basilio stand out amongMetaphor: ReFantazio’s party, they do give him a connection to party members of pastPersonagames. Ironically, he also echoes those same characters in another way due to another series trend.
Hulkenberg and other knights can use a halberd inMetaphor: ReFantazio, but it isn’t classified as an axe in-game.
Axe Users Have Historically Come Late in Persona Games
Basilio has a lot of similarities to characters likePersona 3 Reload’s Shinjiro AragakiandPersona 5’s Haru Okumura. All three characters are hard-hitting physical fighters who wield axes, and are the last of the main party members to join the team in their respective games. It’s strange how this archetype seems to be set as a late-game party member, especially since magical specialists likePersona 4’s Yukiko have been early recruits in the past. At this point, if an axe user was revealed forPersona 6, they would likely be expected to be the final party member. However,Persona 6has the chance to change that.
Persona 6’s Axe User Could Break Tradition by Appearing Early
It could be a good shift of expectations if theparty setup inPersona 6includes an axe user early on. The fact that axes are always such a late addition seems odd in the first place. Not to mention, a huge axe is a great compliment for a character that’s focused on physical strength. After so many games of only being available for the later chapters, it would be good to shake things up with an axe user inPersona 6’s initial or early party. At the very least, it would give players much more time to appreciate them and their story.
Axes are a common sight in RPGs in general, but have been stuck inPersona’s late game for several installments.Persona 6has lofty expectations to meet, fueled byMetaphor: ReFantazio’s high praises as well as thePersonaseries' own successful track record. Making a few shifts to the status quo could help it reach its potential.Persona 6doesn’t need to limit axes to its final chapters once again. Instead,Persona 6’s own axe fighter can join in the early hours, making them more prominent in the game.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
WHERE TO PLAY
From the creative minds behind Persona 3, 4, and 5 comes Metaphor: ReFantazio, a unique fantasy world, where your protagonist will journey alongside his fairy companion, Gallica, to lift the curse from the kingdom’s lost prince.Control your destiny, face your fears, and awaken magical Archetype powers that lie dormant in your heart. By awakening to an Archetype, you will unlock the power to channel and combine the abilities of unique job classes. Strengthen your bonds and build your party to take down powerful foes and discover the kingdom’s true nature.
