Persona 3 Reload Could Set Up One Social Link for a Return in Persona 6

Persona 3 Reload could revive one classic Social Link and set him up for a return in Persona 6. As a remake of the game that kicked off the tradition of Social Links, it’s only natural to expect them to be spotlighted in Persona 3 Reload. However, while the game is calling back to the past, it could prepare fans for the series’ future as well. The cast of Persona 3 features a number of memorable characters both in and out of the party. In particular, one would be perfect for a cameo appearance in Persona 6.

Atlus has already started showing off Persona 3 Reload‘s Social Links, and many of them should be familiar to players of the original. Players had two reasons to pursue Social Links in the game. They let the player see a personal story for the side character in question, and it also strengthened Personas of the corresponding arcana. The Social Links ranged from party members, to classmates, to seemingly random people around town, such as the elderly owners of the local bookstore. Social Links help to make most characters involved interesting and likable. It’s no surprise that the mechanic has grown into a staple for the Persona series.

Tanaka’s Persona 3 Reload Appearance Could Build Him Up For Persona 6

Tanaka is a Shady Yet Compelling Social Link in Persona 3

The announcement of additional voice acting for Persona 3 Reload‘s Social Links should be especially beneficial for one character in particular. Tanaka is a salesman who owns a home shopping network, and his personality is quite memorable. While most Social Links come off as nice or at least affable, Tanaka makes it clear that he’s all about making a profit. Despite this, his antics while interacting with the protagonist are quite entertaining thanks to his eccentric and shady charm. The fact that he doesn’t hide his selfish nature combined with his strange likability makes his Social Link a standout in Persona 3.

Tanaka is One of Persona’s Few Recurring Characters

It’s worth noting that while Tanaka has never been a party member in a Persona game, he has had a consistent spot in the series since his debut. In addition to his Social Link, Tanaka ran his shopping show, which the player could watch and buy products from on Sundays. In Persona 4, while Tanaka didn’t appear in person, players could still watch his show. Persona 5 changed things, with him now selling products from a website that the player has to get a laptop to access. If tradition holds, then Tanaka’s salesmanship will likely be on display once more in Persona 6.

Persona 6 Could Give Tanaka Another Prominent Role

Considering his recurring role in the series, Tanaka feels like a good fit for a cameo in Persona 6, although his exact role could be up for discussion. He could continue his usual shopping show, or he could make a much more impactful return to the series. Him returning as a Social Link could be interesting to see, but a more daring move could be for Persona 6 to feature him in a plot-important role, or even as a party member. Such an elevation may not be likely, but Tanaka would surely be a unique flavor of Persona user.

Persona 3 Reload should put Tanaka back in players’ minds, and it could prime him for a future appearance. Whatever Persona 6‘s theme ends up being, there could be a way to reintroduce Tanaka, even if it’s just for his usual shopping scheme. Even so, Reload‘s fully-voiced Tanaka would be a perfect springboard for giving one of the series’ more roguish Social Link characters a revival. Persona 3 Reload shouldn’t be the last players see of Tanaka.

Persona 3 Reload

Released

February 2, 2024

Developer(s)

P-Studio

Genre(s)

JRPG

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence