Unleashing the Ultimate Persona Experience: Why Persona 4 Remake Outshines Persona 3 Reload

Highlights

Persona 3 Reload has the potential to be as popular as Persona 5, and it could have significant implications for the future of the series.

Once the frontrunner of the franchise, Persona 4 has lost some of its former glory in the wake of Persona 5's triumph. By remaking Persona 4, Atlus has an opportunity to establish a new release pattern, revitalizing the series and connecting it to the present era. This could pave the way for the triumph of Persona 6.

Persona 3 Reload, slated for an early release next year, has the potential to elevate the popularity of the third installment to that of the widely acclaimed fifth. With Persona 5 propelling the spin-off series of Shin Megami Tensei into the gaming mainstream after two decades, the upcoming launch of Persona 3 Reload holds significant implications for the future trajectory of the franchise.

Prior to the announcement of Reload, Persona 3 existed as a cherished relic of a game, revered for its distinctive blend of turn-based battles and dating simulation. However, Persona 5's dominance since its breakthrough into the mainstream has overshadowed its predecessors. Despite the Persona series currently thriving with a harmonious balance between its past and present, there remains one significant title that has somewhat faded into obscurity amidst the celebration.

Persona 4 Used to Be the Face of the Franchise

Persona 5 is often the first thing that comes to fans' minds when discussing the series, but Persona 4 was the game that defined its genre for many years. Released just two years after the original Persona 3, it not only built upon the beloved aspects of its predecessor but also introduced a more vibrant atmosphere. For a decade, Persona 4 was the defining symbol of the series, leaving a lasting influence on fans of that era.

While there have been various spin-offs for the latest Persona game, they have yet to match the legacy of Persona 4. Despite receiving treatments like Persona Q and Dancing All Night, it was Persona 4 Arena that truly showcased the game's cast. As a sequel set years after the original story, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax even received an update with rollback netcode last year, making it a fighting game comparable to the most competitive titles. With its continued relevance and an upcoming release window, Persona 4 has a fantastic opportunity for a comeback.

Persona 4 Remake's Potential to Play Off of Persona 6

Atlus has successfully updated Persona 3 by incorporating the technical fidelity seen in Persona 5, which has helped create a more cohesive identity for the series. Persona 6 is expected to thrive within the prime environment created by Reload, which is anticipated to succeed both inside and outside of Xbox Game Pass. Additionally, if Atlus continues this path and releases a remake of Persona 4 next, it could establish a new release cycle that keeps the entire franchise fresh. Remaking Persona 4 is necessary to bridge the gap between modern gaming experiences, despite its lower visual presentation fidelity. In terms of Persona 6's scenario, it may depart from the high school setting and consider a return to Inaba, striking a perfect balance. Moreover, rumors of remakes for Persona 1 and Persona 2 have given hope to fans of the forgotten games in the series, and remaking one of its franchise-defining classics will likely be remembered as one of Atlus' best decisions.

Persona 3 Reload releases February 2, 2024 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.