Persona 3 Reloadrevisiting the past ended up shining a light on one of the biggest strengths ofPersona 5’s Social Links. Social Links are one of the most important mechanics in thePersonagames, and a key part of their identity. SincePersona 3 Reloadis a remake ofPersona 3, it obviously carries over the Social Links from that game. At the same time, it creates a contrast between them and the Confidants that were seen inPersona 5. The distinction between the two spotlights a direction that Social Links can take inPersona 6and beyond.
TheSocial Links of thePersonaseriesare a core part of its overall formula. Each Social Link is tied to a character that the player can regularly interact with. Furthering their relationship with these characters will grow their Social Links, imparting a selection of advantages to the protagonist. The effect is even stronger for Social Links with Party members, who will gain new abilities through the process as well. While Social Links only became prevalent starting inPersona 3, they have become one of the series' calling cards since then. It’s difficult to imagine a mainlinePersonatitle without Social Links at this point.
When players are developing theirSocial Links inPersona 3 Reload, they may spot a trend among them. ManyPersona 3 ReloadSocial Link characters more or less exist solely for their own Social Link, rarely appearing elsewhere. For instance, Hidetoshi has a full plotline about his duties on the student council, but he doesn’t really have a role outside of it. The same is true for most Social Links outside of the party, even inPersona 4. There are some exceptions, likePersona 4’s Dojima family, and most Social Links do have worthwhile stories. However, they largely exist outside of everything else in-game.
Many of Persona 5’s Confidants Retain Relevance Through the Story
Persona 5takes this dynamic in the opposite direction. Among theConfidants players meet inPersona 5are several characters who play important roles, even if they aren’t in the main party. For example, Takemi and Iwai are two of the most prominent shopkeepers in the game, and both are Confidants. Sojiro, who the protagonist lives with during the story, is also a confidant. As is Sae, who is a major part of the game’s framing device. Though not everyPersona 5Confidant plays a bigger role, far more of them have a more notable role than simply providing Social Links.
ManyPersona 3 ReloadSocial Link characters more or less exist solely for their own Social Link, rarely appearing elsewhere.
Persona’s Social Links Are More Memorable With More Important Roles
With both of these approaches in mind, there would be a lot of potential forPersona 6to emulatePersona 5’s Confidantsin terms of how they are presented. If a character is well-established in the world rather than existing for a singular purpose, it makes the world feel more alive. This is especially true with games that are as driven by story and character as thePersonatitles.Persona 5pulled this off quite well, andPersona 6would do well to expand on it. Even more Social Link characters could end up as important figures in the storylines of future games.
Persona 3 Reload’s Social Links are solid, but they aren’t the peak of what they could be. When it comes toPersona 6’s approach to Social Links, a few adjustments to make them more important could prove notable. If the bulk of Social Link characters also play another role in the game, their increased presence will help them become more memorable while also ensuring that the game’s world feels more fulfilled. AfterPersona 3 Reload, it’s clear thatPersona 5’s Confidants forged a path for futurePersonagames to follow.
Persona 3 Reload
WHERE TO PLAY
Step into the shoes of a transfer student thrust into an unexpected fate when entering the hour “hidden” between one day and the next. Awaken an incredible power and chase the mysteries of the Dark Hour, fight for your friends, and leave a mark on their memories forever.Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era.Experience the pivotal game of the Persona series faithfully remade with cutting-edge graphics, modernized quality-of-life features, and signature stylish UI. Fully immerse yourself in an emotional, gripping journey with new scenes, character interactions, and additional voiceover. Choose how to meaningfully spend each day through various activities from exploring the Port Island to forging genuine bonds with beloved characters. Build and command your optimal team to take down otherworldly Shadows and climb closer to the truth.
