A fan-favoritePersona 5character seems to be absent from the upcomingPersona 5: The Phantom X, and players are curious about their apparent disappearance. Earlier this month, Atlus and Chinese game publisher Perfect World Games revealed more details aboutPersona 5: The Phantom X- orPersona: Phantom of the Nightas it is also called. Though this mobile-based spin-off is currently only set to launch in China, fans all around the world are eagerly awaiting new information about it.
Persona 5: The Phantom Xwas initially announced in April 2021 under the working title ofCode X. Just like the originalPersona 5,The Phantom Xis set in Tokyo, with players taking on the role of a new high school student balancing their everyday life with battling monsters in dungeon-like Palaces within the parallel world Mementos. WhileThe Phantom Xlooks to followa fresh cast of characters(including an owl-like mascot named Luffy), classicPersona 5characters like Joker can be spotted in the most recentPersona 5: The Phantom Xtrailer.
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However, not everyone is coming back forPersona 5: The Phantom X, and Reddit user speedychirp recently noticed the absence of one of the original game’s most prominent side characters. As discovered by a player who found their way into the game’s ongoing closed beta, the gruff-but-good-hearted Sojiro Sakura has seemingly been replaced by an unnamed character as the head of Café LeBlanc. Some users have lamented the disappearance ofthe beloved PlayStation father, while others are taking Soijro’s absence as proof thatPersona 5: The Phantom Xtakes place in an alternate universe as some fan theories suggest.
Persona 5players were first introduced to Sojiro Sakura at the very beginning of the game, as he is the one assigned to look after main character Joker during his probation in Tokyo. While he is initially cold and strict toward Joker, Sojiro begins to warm up to him as he builds a close-knit group of friends and confidants - includingSojiro’s adoptive daughter Futaba.
Sojiro’s story arc and fierce love for his daughter have made him extremely popular among thePersona 5fanbase - and his apparent disappearance inPersona 5: The Phantom Xis all the more striking because of it. Fans will likely discover more about Sojiro’s absence and how it might tie into themain plot ofPersona 5: The Phantom Xwhen it eventually releases in full in Japan, but for now players are already missing their favorite café owner.
Persona 5: The Phantom Xis currently in development for Mobile devices.
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