ReFantazio’s Damage Affinities Could Be an Omen for Persona 6

In Metaphor: ReFantazio, Atlus continues its more traditional RPG mechanics with a complex system of damage affinities that shape each encounter. Players must strategize around these elemental affinities, which determine the effectiveness of different attacks. These mechanics echo core elements in Persona games, particularly the “Press Turn” system.

As Atlus gears up for Persona 6, Metaphor: ReFantazio‘s affinity system could signal a continuation of this tactical combat approach. Observing how Metaphor expands on these principles offers insight into what might evolve in Persona 6’s combat, merging established Persona strategies with fresh, challenging gameplay.

Metaphor: ReFantazio’s affinity structure revolves around familiar RPG elements—Fire, Ice, Electric, Wind, Light, Dark, and three melee types (Pierce, Slash, and Strike). Each character’s moves align with a specific affinity. For instance, Fire moves can burn enemies vulnerable to heat, while Ice attacks hit especially hard against fire-aligned foes. This rock-paper-scissors system is fundamental to managing battles.

This system draws parallels to Persona 3 Reload, where an identical list of elemental and physical types balance each other to cover various enemy weaknesses. While Persona 5 leaned into a more magic-heavy combat experience, Persona 3 Reload follows a more balanced approach. If Persona 6 follows Metaphor‘s balance of affinities, it could signify a return to the precise system seen in earlier games, prioritizing strategy over brute force.

Persona 6 Could Adopt a Broader Affinity Range

With Persona 6, Atlus may consider expanding on its damage affinity categories. Persona 3 Reload refined the basics by reintroducing types like Slash, Pierce, and Strike that Persona 4 dropped. Metaphor: ReFantazio’s broader set of affinities, including distinct melee types, could influence how Persona 6 structures its encounters. Adding such a system would mean Persona 6 could challenge players to assess and adjust party strengths with increased specificity. It would do this while also ensuring each character’s skills complement the team’s overall strategy.

Accessibility vs. Challenge in Persona 6’s Combat

While Metaphor: ReFantazio’s system offers depth, it also raises the game’s difficulty, contrasting with the more accessible design Persona games have favored in recent entries. Persona 5 and its predecessors are known for being beginner-friendly, often allowing players to win battles without memorizing every weakness. If Persona 6 follows Metaphor’s lead, however, Atlus may have to balance challenging gameplay with the series’ trademark accessibility.

Keeping the system accessible while adding depth could mean tweaking how elemental and physical affinities function. For instance, simplified icons and assistive tools to mark vulnerabilities might ease players into more complex battles without sacrificing challenge. This would retain Persona’s reputation as a welcoming RPG while adding enough tactical depth to appeal to veteran players.

Damage Affinities Could Foreshadow Persona 6’s Direction

The similarities between Metaphor: ReFantazio and Persona 3 Reload suggest Atlus has found a good balance between physical and elemental damage types. Given that Metaphor’s affinity system already aligns with Persona 3 Reload’s categories, Persona 6 could be designed with an expanded, yet familiar, roster of affinities. If so, it will hopefully offer long-time fans something fresh without losing the iconic strategic rhythm that defines the Persona combat experience.