Persona Protagonists Are Invariably High School Boys Due to ‘Mental Age’

As a gamer who has grown up with the enchanting world of Persona, I find myself deeply immersed in its intricate narratives and captivating gameplay. Yet, as someone who is no longer a high school student, I can’t help but feel a tad left out, especially when it comes to embodying the protagonist in these extraordinary journeys.

As a devoted fan, I’ve always admired the Persona series, a legendary JRPG franchise that combines exhilarating combat, deep philosophical discussions, and unrivaled style. The later installments delve into the ordinary life of a Japanese high school student, be it in suburban settings (Persona 3), small towns (Persona 4), or the iconic city of Tokyo (Persona 5). With only one exception, the main characters in these games are typically teenage boys.

As a seasoned gamer who’s grown up with Persona, I can attest that many of us are likely older than the series’ heroes, yet it continues to resonate deeply with us, including women who adore the franchise. While Persona 3 Portable did offer a female protagonist, providing exclusive content for this playthrough, sadly, this option was absent in the 2024 remake, Persona 3: Reload. However, fans have been clamoring for an adult protagonist in future games, perhaps one attending college or university, and I believe incorporating Japanese corporate/salaryman culture could make for a fascinating twist. Keeping the calendar aspect would be key to preserving the series’ unique charm.

Regarding this matter, Kazuhisa Wada, the director of the Persona team, appears to hold a contrasting view. At the CEDEC + KYUSHU 2024 conference, he discussed why the main characters in the Persona series possess many unchanging traits. These insights were shared at the Famitsu-attended event, as reported by GamesRadar+.

The story ‘Persona’ revolves around maturing experiences, making it particularly relevant for teenagers on the brink of adulthood. A key aspect is that many can relate to this stage in life due to its universality. Regarding gender, it’s more about emotional maturity rather than biological sex. It appears that female high school students often exhibit a greater degree of emotional maturity compared to their male counterparts. That said, we don’t imply that adults or women are in any way unsuitable for understanding this narrative.

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2024-12-19 06:06