Almost all of Atlus’s original properties blend different game genres into cohesive experiences. While this isn’t unheard of in the video game industry, the way Atlus games present themselves with such style and confidence makes them feel like they reinvigorate both the genres they pull from and the video game landscape itself. So while Atlus may be great at combining aspects of different genres, one can only imagine what would happen if the company focused all of its efforts on a single type of game - the dating simulator.
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Atlus Is Good At Telling Character-Driven Stories
Having Atlus make a dating simulator isn’t too out of left field. Games like Persona 3, 4, 5, and Catherine have their characters closely intertwined with their respective stories and gameplay. The more recent Persona games have confidants - pacts between players and their comrades which allow them to get stronger by forging solid connections. Catherine’s main campaign has players making important decisions between its puzzle levels; decisions that ultimately determine which girl the player character, Vincent Brooks, ends up with.
The decisions players make in these games allow them to form special relationships with some of these characters. Persona 3, 4, and 5’s special relationships provide players with extra dialogue and cutscenes with their special someones, as well as give them certain boons and items depending on who they romance. Catherine’s relationships are more straightforward, as they are based on the decisions players make during key moments in the game. These relationships affect what happens during the later stages as well as the final outcome of the game.
Some People Only Play Atlus Games For The Romance
While relationships aren’t as big a part of the Persona games as they are in Catherine, the variety of romanceable, well-written characters in Atlus games is more than enough for some people to play them. Players grow attached to characters like Persona 5’s Makoto Nijima - whose desire to step out of her sister’s shadow and become her own person is admirable. Katherine McBride from Catherine is also a compelling character, what with her assertiveness and go-to attitude being a stark contrast to Vincent Brooks’ indecisiveness and laid-back nature. These characters, which are filled with personality and dimensions to them, are so integral to their games’ plot that players can’t help but become invested in them - a definite must when it comes to creating a dating simulator.
By cutting out the other aspects of their games such as turn-based combat and puzzle-solving, Atlus can focus on creating even more compelling characters that players would love to get to know. The developers can include more romance options that better reflect the modern age (as it stands, Atlus is pretty stingy when it comes to LGBTQ+ relationships). They can also add more variety to their choices, as the Persona series and Catherine only allow players to pick from a handful of them (some choices even consist of simple yes-no answers). This new dating simulator should be developed into a new series so as not to upset the fans of Atlus’s other franchises. It won’t be for everyone, but it will allow Atlus to flex their character writing skills and ability to write compelling, well-written dialogue. It will also allow those who play Atlus games for their story to indulge themselves in what they love most.
Persona 6 is in development.
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