The Phantom X Could Have a Surprise With its Phantom Idols

Persona 5: The Phantom X could use its Phantom Idols to make a move that could prove thrilling for the fanbase. Persona 5: The Phantom X is already a very unique addition to the series, being a mobile entry that shakes up a few of the series’ signature mechanics. The Phantom Idols are a part of the package that makes it such a memorable entry. This mechanic could also be used to spark a bit of extra interest in the game for longtime Persona fans. All it would take is one decision from the developers to make a move.

The Phantom Idols of Persona 5: The Phantom X are a unique take on party members compared to past games. The Phantom X still has regular party members, but Phantom Idols are extra characters that can fight alongside the protagonist. Rather than being Persona users like past games have featured, Phantom Idols are instead cognitive manifestations of people that the protagonist knows. They have their own Phantom Thief outfits and Persona Duos, but they are not the actual person in question. Essentially, they’re a representation of what they might be like as a phantom thief. However, Phantom Idols are still fully capable of fighting alongside the hero.

Matoi, Phoebe, and Leon from Persona 5: The Phantom X in the Velvet Room

Persona 5: The Phantom X’s Phantom Idols Put the Ball in Persona 6’s Court

The Phantom Idols from Persona 5: The Phantom X presented some cool concepts that could fit well into future Persona party dynamics.

Persona 5: The Phantom X’s Phantom Idols Could Give Old Characters New Spotlight

Persona 5 Has Great Characters That Weren’t In the Phantom Thieves

Some of the Confidants from Persona 5 could have valid reasons to appear as Phantom Idols. Characters like the ex-yakuza Iwai and goth doctor Takemi had some very interesting stories to tell through their Confidant links in Persona 5. Even though the Confidant roster featured many cool characters, they never got to take part in battle since they weren’t Persona users. Persona 5: The Phantom X could change that through its Phantom Idol mechanic, creating cognitive versions of them that have their own Phantom Thief identities. While they may not be the same, it would be a welcome gift for Persona 5 fans.

The Phantom X Has Already Included Characters From Past Games

It should be noted that Persona 5‘s Phantom Thieves are already in the game as Phantom Idols, as well as S.E.E.S. from Persona 3. That shows that the developers are fully willing to put characters from past games into Persona 5: The Phantom X. Of course, there is a significant difference between the protagonists and NPCs. However, there is already a reason for fans to think that more past characters to appear. In that sense, Persona 4‘s Investigation Team likely takes precedent before any NPCs. That doesn’t change the fact that the door is open for Social Links or Confidants.

Party members have crossed games before, with Kei, Eriko, and Yukino from Persona also being playable in Persona 2.

There’s another factor to take into account. The Phantom X‘s global release is looming, and some major announcements could help the game maintain its momentum. New story chapters and the aforementioned Investigation Team would be two obvious ways to excite the fanbase. At the same time, giving some fan favorite Social Links and Confidants their own chance to shine could be another way to draw some positive attention. Persona 5: The Phantom X is already trying a lot of ways to innovate. Letting some previously unplayable characters get a spot on the Phantom Idol roster could be another exciting new development for the game.

The possibilities for The Phantom X‘s Phantom Idols are immense. The Phantom X can be a trailblazer for the series in a few ways, and the Phantom Idols are just one of the tools at its disposal. The Persona games have featured several characters that were interesting, but didn’t get to join their respective game’s party. The Phantom Idols are a perfect opportunity for these sorts of characters to make a grand return. Persona 5: The Phantom X‘s Phantom Idols could pay tribute to some previous fan favorites.