Summary
Persona 3 Reloadcould revive one classic Social Link and set him up for a return inPersona 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 inPersona 3 Reload. However, while the game is calling back to the past, it could prepare fans for the series' future as well. The cast ofPersona 3features a number of memorable characters both in and out of the party. In particular, one would be perfect for a cameo appearance inPersona 6.
Atlus has already startedshowing offPersona 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 thePersonaseries.
Tanaka is a Shady Yet Compelling Social Link in Persona 3
The announcement of additionalvoice acting forPersona 3 Reload’s Social Linksshould 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 inPersona 3.
Tanaka is the source of one ofPersona’s funniest and most useful glitches. InPersona 3 FES, starting his Social Link on January 31 will send the player to the final day and ending, skipping the final boss.
Tanaka is One of Persona’s Few Recurring Characters
It’s worth noting that while Tanaka has never been aparty member in aPersonagame, 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. InPersona 4, while Tanaka didn’t appear in person, players could still watch his show.Persona 5changed 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 inPersona 6.
Persona 6 Could Give Tanaka Another Prominent Role
Considering his recurring role in the series, Tanaka feels like a good fit for acameo inPersona 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 forPersona 6to 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 Reloadshould put Tanaka back in players' minds, and it could prime him for a future appearance. WhateverPersona 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 Reloadshouldn’t be the last players see of Tanaka.
