Arsène

Arsene
Official artwork of Arsene from Persona 5.
Universe	Persona
Debut	Persona 5 (2016)
Smash Bros. appearances	Ultimate
Most recent non-Smash appearance	Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (2018)
Console/platform of origin	PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
Species	Persona
Gender	Male
English voice actor	Xander Mobus (reveal trailer)
Japanese voice actor	Jun Fukuyama (reveal trailer)

Arsene (アルセーヌ, Arsene) is the initial Persona of Joker in Persona 5. The source of Joker's supernatural abilities, he represents the rebellious side of Joker's soul.

Origin

Arsene is the personification of the rebellious side of Joker's soul, expressing righteous indignation for his mistreatment and desiring retribution against those responsible. Personas exist within all people, but without the right catalyst, a person usually goes their whole life unable to learn about their existence. After Joker's friend Ryuji Sakamoto is nearly killed, Arsene is able to make contact with Joker and form a contract with him. From there, he grants Joker his supernatural abilities to combat malevolent forces.

Arsene is based off of the character Arsène Lupin from a series of novels written by Maurice Leblanc. He was known for targeting criminals or those who were much worse than himself, making him an anti-hero of sorts within his own stories.

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Joker summoning Arsene.

Arsene plays a critical role in Joker's moveset, appearing when his Rebellion Gauge has been filled and upgrading Joker's special moves. When Joker uses Rebel's Guard with a full Rebellion Gauge, Arsene appears. Joker's normal attacks are enhanced with additional hits by Arsene, who is fully intangible to attacks while active. Joker also has longer rolls when he is summoned.

Strangely while Arsene is fully voiced in Joker's reveal trailer, during gameplay he will remain silent.

Spirits

Arsene is included in both of Joker's Fighter Spirits, which can be obtained by completing Classic Mode. They are also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 500 coins, only after Joker himself is downloaded. Unlocking Joker in World of Light allows the player to preview the first spirit below in the Spirit List under the name "???".

• Jack Thief Spirit.png

  1,304. Joker (Phantom Thief)

• Jack Student Spirit.png

  1,305. Joker (Student)

Gallery

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  Official Ultimate render of Joker and Arsene.

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  Alt. Official Ultimate render of Joker and Arsene.

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  Arsene's appearance in Joker's character trailer.

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  Arsene attacking with Joker.

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  Arsene attacking with Joker.

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  The cut-in effect of Joker summoning Arsene in the Japanese version of Ultimate.

Trivia

• In Joker's reveal trailer, Ryuji notes that Arsene is one of his weaker Personas and that Joker could use a much stronger one, referencing how Arsene, as the starting Persona, is often fused early on in the game, with Arsene even having a line prior to his fusion.
• Unlike fellow characters with a pivotal role in the entirety of a character’s moveset, Luma and Pikmin, Arsene is not mentioned in Joker’s announcer call or title in any language.
  • However, unlike Luma and Pikmin, Arsene is psychically connected to Joker rather than simply being a companion, and is a singular entity rather than a species.
• Arsene is the only character who speaks in a trailer, but is silent in game.
• During a Home-Run Contest with Joker, the Rebellion Gauge will always be full and Arsene will always be present.

External links

• Article on the Megami Tensei Wiki