The Ultimate Persona Remakes You've Been Waiting For: Unveiling the Persona 1 and 2 Revival After Persona 3 Reload!

Highlights

Revamping previous Persona titles such as Revelations: Persona and Persona 2 would present a more significant hurdle due to their distinct gameplay mechanics and somber atmospheres.

To achieve a successful remake of Persona 1 and 2, it is crucial to balance the original horror aesthetic and serious tone, while incorporating elements from modern Persona games. The announcement of Persona 3 Reload was met with great anticipation, as it served as the foundation for the franchise as it exists today. Considering the immense popularity of Persona 5 and the attention it garnered, it was only logical to bring older entries to modern consoles. While Persona 4 Golden may be less renowned than Persona 5, there was still a strong demand to make it available on more systems. However, remaking Revelations: Persona and the Persona 2 duology would present an even greater challenge compared to Persona 3 Reload.

Persona found its humble beginnings as a franchise in the mid-90s, originating as a spin-off to the Megami Tensei series. It is worth noting that Revelations: Persona and Persona 2 share more similarities with the mainline Shin Megami Tensei games than they do with the contemporary Persona titles. The well-known social simulation mechanics that are now expected from the series were not fully developed until the third entry in the franchise, and it was only in the fourth installment that they took on their current form. Additionally, the earlier titles in the series had a much darker tone and presentation. While they revolve around young individuals grappling with a distorted reality, not much else remains unchanged in the modern Persona games.

Persona 1 and 2 Remakes Raise Many Questions

Fans often request remakes of the early Persona titles, but the actual outcome of such remakes remains a mystery. These original games had distinct gameplay systems, lacked social simulation mechanics, had unique art styles, and did not reflect the influence of the early to mid-2000s moe boom that permeated Japanese Otaku culture during the releases of Persona 3 and 4. While modern Persona games focus on both social interactions and defeating foes, the earlier entries had a more serious tone. The key question surrounding a remake of these games is how faithfully they would capture the essence of the originals.

A complete restoration of Revelations: Persona or the Persona 2 duology may not align with the preferences of current Persona enthusiasts. However, infusing cozy slice-of-life anime themes into Persona 2, a game that portrays Hitler as an antagonist, would detract from the original's serious tone. The adaptation of Persona 2 poses additional challenges due to its separate releases and distinct protagonists. Remaking the initial two Persona games would undoubtedly present a daunting yet rewarding endeavor.

What Might Persona 1 And 2 Remakes Be Like?

To cater to both new and longtime fans, any remakes of the first two Persona games would need to strike a balance between the old-school and modern aspects of the series. A successful remake of these initial titles would preserve the horror-inspired aesthetic and the somber undertones that shaped them. While the addition of social links could further develop the characters, the overall dialogue should maintain a level of seriousness akin to the earlier installments, as opposed to the more light-hearted social interactions found in later games. Drawing inspiration from Persona 5's groundbreaking combat system, the remakes could incorporate unique elements that pay homage to the original releases. However, it is important for the art style to remain faithful to the distinct visuals of the original titles.

Atlus aims to satisfy the majority of fans by bridging the gap between classic and contemporary Persona games, infusing a darker narrative within the framework of modern Persona titles. A successful release of Persona 3 Reload may pave the way for remakes of Persona and Persona 2, as hinted by leaked information. The manner in which Atlus handles Persona 3 Reload will offer valuable insights into the potential future remakes of the first two titles. Regardless of the approach, it is essential for Revelations: Persona and the Persona 2 duology to be made accessible on modern platforms, allowing fans of the series to fully enjoy and engage with them. Persona 3 Reload is scheduled for an early 2024 release on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.