Persona 6 could have a good idea on its hands by revitalizing one of the lesser-appreciated mechanics of Persona 5 Royal. The Persona games have established a lot of mechanics over the years, and Persona 6 is pretty likely to follow the same general approach. Even beyond that, though, there are a lot of good ideas that could benefit from a second look. Something that wasn't especially noticeable before could get turned into a highly useful feature in the next game, and Persona 6 could be due for a big, yet unexpected upgrade with an unorthodox approach to weather.
There are plenty of features that should return in Persona 6, some of which are obvious. For instance, the Social Link system and Extra Turn mechanic are not only series mainstays, the game's strategy is practically built around them. These are features that have held up the series since Persona 3 gave it a boost into the mainstream, and barring an extreme formula change in the vein of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Persona 6 will be bringing them back for yet another game. However, it's the differences in the formula that help each Persona game stand out, and that's why Persona 6 will need to improvise.
If Persona 6 Has Weather It Needs to Make an Impact
Time Management is Key in Persona 5 Royal
One detail of great importance is time management in Persona 5 Royal. Since the game is on a set calendar, every action that the player takes matters. Complicating this is Persona 5 Royal's weather system. The possible weather conditions in Persona 5 Royal include:
- Clear
- Cloudy
- Rain
- Snow
- Cold Wave
- Flu Season
- Heat Wave
- Hot Night
- Pollen Warning
- Thunderstorm
- Torrential Rain
Weather played a much more important role in Persona 4 , with rainy days and fog being tied to the game's main storyline.
Persona 5 Royal's Weather Isn't Worth Changing Schedules Over
Unfortunately, despite its interesting effects, weather was not a defining aspect of Persona 5. While its effects can shake up a dungeon run to a degree, the player is already on a tight schedule no matter what. There's little reason for them to deviate from their existing plans just because of the weather. In addition, the effects themselves aren't game-changing enough to encourage the player to plan around them. The most notable impact the weather will have is rain's aforementioned effect on Confidants and activities. Even then, that is something that players will quickly learn how to deal with in advance.
Persona 6 Can Make Weather Worth Paying Attention To
A rework of the weather system could act as a good way for Persona 6 to fix a P5 mistake. Weather has potential in Persona games, but it needs more of an impact. For example, hot days could provide a small boost to Fire damage, while cold days could do the same for Ice damage. There could even be certain circumstances, such as a boss fight, potentially being easier on a certain day prior to the deadline due to weather effects or a similar circumstance. That would reward players for specific planning while also giving weather more of an impact on the game.
Weather probably isn't a detail that springs to mind at the mention of Persona 5 Royal. However, it could represent a way for Persona 6 to evolve beyond Persona 5 if weather gets a notable overhaul. It could become something that players have to seriously take into account, rather than something that can be so easily glossed over. Of course, the effects can't be too overpowering, but they should be something the player has to think about. Persona 6 could turn weather into a part of the player's strategy.
