If there's one thing that the Persona series is known for, besides its Social Links and Persona 5's breathtaking UI, it is the game's turn-based combat. Every time you encounter an enemy, you instigate a battle where you summon the manifestation of your soul to defeat Shadows. Both Personas and Shadows are based on a variety of deities and mythical creatures. But wouldn't it be cool if there were Personas based on Nintendo characters?
Imagine summoning a Persona and suddenly, instead of Arsène emerging, a beloved Nintendo mascot appears to help out. Whether they're a proud angel or an intergalactic bounty hunter, here are our top choices for Nintendo characters who would make good Personas.
10 Samus Aran
Before you ask, no, this heroine's name isn’t Metroid. It's Samus Aran. As a stoic bounty hunter hired to take care of the galaxy’s toughest foes, Samus has a keen dedication to her work. In most of her games, Samus prefers to carry out her missions alone, often leading to her bringing justice to her foes single-handedly. This just attitude makes Samus a good candidate for the Justice arcana.
When summoning Samus, you’ll be able to access the full arsenal of her Gun Skills as well as her Electric Skills, an homage to her stunning weapon and whip she uses when Zero-Suited. Maybe you can even unlock abilities like her Flamethrower or Ice Beam, which can lead to Fire and Ice Skills being learned.
9 Sheik
By now, everyone knows that Sheik is Zelda. But back when this mysterious figure first appeared, Sheik identified themselves as the last surviving member of the Sheikahs and would immediately leave after assisting Link. A good match for Sheik would be the Death arcana, as Sheik only exists thanks to Ganon taking the Triforce and bringing an end to Hyrule’s peace. And it’s through this ending that Sheik could be born.
Sheik’s move set can focus on both Bless and Curse Skills, signifying their dualling nature as both Zelda and Sheik. Sheik can also come equipped with Ailment and Support Skills that can debuff an enemy and leave them more vulnerable to hits, similar to how Sheik left Link to do all the hero-ing in Ocarina of Time.
8 Piranha Plant
The Persona series needs more plants. And no, the garden on top of Shujin Academy's roof doesn't count. Instead, more plant-based and plant-like Personas should appear in the game. And the best Nintendo plant for the job is the Piranha Plant from the Super Mario series. This polka-dot spotted shrub with teeth may seem shy at first, but don’t be fooled. They’ll wait until an opportunity presents itself, then take a bite out of anybody that crosses their way. This habit of concealment can classify the Piranha Plant as a Hermit arcana.
The Piranha Plant can mainly specialize in Fire Skills, an homage to their fire-spitting abilities. They can also come equipped with several Physical Skills that will help showcase their chomping tendencies. Though they might be an odd Persona choice, they’re the best plant for the job.
7 Ridley
If Samus gets to make a Persona appearance, why not include her greatest rival, Ridley? Ridley is a space pirate that has been terrorizing the galaxy and making Samus’ job harder for years. He’s ruthless, bloodthirsty, cunning, and keeps coming back, despite his many defeats. These qualities make him the perfect candidate for the Devil arcana.
Ridley’s Persona skills can focus on Physical attacks that can cost the protagonist HP to use. But, like the recurring antagonist that he is, Ridley can also regenerate that lost health rapidly. Additionally, Ridley would also be able to use Curse Skills, allowing him to wipe out multiple Shadows on the field with little to no remorse.
6 Agent 8
You might recognize this cephalopod as Agent 8, the main character from Splatoon 2's Octo Expansion. A defector of the Octarian Army, Agent 8’s first step to self-discovery leads them on a quest to get to Inkopolis Square. Because of Agent 8’s hope to one day reach the surface and the tenacity they show while completing the difficult challenges thrown at them, they would be best classed as a Sun arcana. Ironically, one of the first things they do upon escaping the Deepsea Metro is to stare at the sunset in awe.
Agent 8’s move set will consist of using their Gun Skills as their main offense while catching their enemies off guard with their defensive Ailment Skills. They may not be the strongest Persona, but they make up for it with their sneaky abilities and quick shots.
5 Meta Knight
Meta Knight is a mysterious-masked character who both fights and aids Kirby in the latter’s adventures in Dreamland and beyond. A silent and proud sword wielder with a penchant for battling and misunderstanding the situation, Meta Knight’s best Arcana fit would be the Emperor arcana. Even though Meta Knight often appears in front of Kirby as an enemy, his desire to protect those in need leads him to being more anti-hero than foe.
Meta Knight’s Persona attacks would consist of Physical Skills, as a reference to how handy he is with his blade, and Wind Skills, an homage to his attacks like Mach Tornado and Drill Rush. Just make sure to summon Meta Knight with his mask on; he’s never seen without it.
4 Pit
Sorry to keep you waiting on this Persona. Pit is the goddess Palutena’s right-hand angel from Kid Icarus Uprising. Cheerful and silly when bantering with the gods and serious when it comes to taking down his opponents, Pit is known for keeping a level head even if he's facing opponents ten times his size. The arcana that would best match Pit’s attitude is that of the Chariot, as his many battles done on Palutena’s behalf defines his loyalty to his goddess and drive to win but also lands him in trouble time and time again.
Pit’s Persona Skills can consist of Bless, Nuclear, and Physical, all callbacks to the Bows, Orbitars, Cannons, and Arms he could equip in Uprising. As long as there isn’t a Shadow that can turn you into veggies or tempura, you’re safe to summon Pit during any battle.
3 Luma
Though star-shaped Personas already exist, like Kaiwan and Decarabia, those guys are a bit scary to look at. Luma, on the other hand, isn’t. Lumas are characters you meet in Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel. They have the power to transform into items that can greatly aid Mario in his journey. Their friendly and helpful nature can fittingly be connected to the Star arcana, an arcana associated with hope.
Because of their transformative nature and their general floating nature, Lumas’ main attack Skill can be Psychokinesis. They can also have a focus on Ailment Skills that can hinder their enemies. After all, Mario definitely got a little bit Dizzy after multiple Launch Star launches.
2 Urbosa
One could say that Urbosa is already a Persona. After all, you do gain access to her abilities after her spirit is released from the clutches of Thunderblight Ganon. Even though this Gerudo leader no longer has a physical form, her power continues to live on through every Spin Attack.
Urbosa’s authority in leadership, strength in battle, and caring, almost mothery nature towards Zelda makes her the perfect contender for the Empress arcana. As a Persona, Urbosa will have access to Electric Skills, like her lightning, Physical Skills, like her Scimitar, and a couple of Healing Skills as well. Get ready to unleash your Fury against all your Shadowy foes.
1 Captain Falcon
Captain Falcon is a lot of things. He’s a racer, a fighter, a bounty hunter, and a beloved meme. Yet there is still so much about him that is unknown. Like, for example, if he is ever going to get another F-Zero game.
Jokes aside, Captain Falcon’s best arcana fit would be the Fool. He’s done a little bit of everything and is willing to adapt himself if the situation calls for it, like when he’s out of his racing car and needs to punch something flaming Falcon-style. As a Persona, his Skills can be Fire, Nuclear, and Physical based. Why Nuclear, you may ask? Well, who’s to say that the summoned Captain Falcon won’t appear in his Blue Falcon, just like how Johanna appeared as a bike?