The success of Persona 3 Reload has sparked rumors of remakes for the earlier Persona titles, including Revelations: Persona and the two Persona 2 games. While fans eagerly anticipate these potential remakes, there’s a recognition that they will set precedents and pose challenges for Atlus in balancing faithfulness to the originals with modernization.
Revelations: Persona, the inaugural entry in the Persona series released in 1996, diverges significantly from its successors and the Megami Tensei games it stems from. Its first-person grid-based dungeons and arcane mechanics offer a unique gameplay experience that sets it apart. However, aspects like obscure side-content, exemplified by the Snow Queen Quest, have divided fans. Remaking Revelations: Persona presents a dilemma: while streamlining its quirks for modern audiences seems logical, doing so risks losing the essence that makes it distinctive.
On the other hand, Persona 2—comprising Innocent Sin and Eternal Punishment—represents a different challenge. Released in 1999 and 2000 respectively, these titles are criticized for their generic gameplay compared to the broader Persona series. A remake combining both games offers an opportunity to revitalize Persona 2, leveraging well-written narratives and characters against a backdrop of polished modern gameplay. With Persona 2’s focus on character interactions, integrating the Social Links mechanic from later titles could enhance its appeal.
Atlus has prior experience with remakes through the PSP ports of the first three Persona games, which maintained fidelity to the originals while improving visuals and translations. However, changes to the soundtracks were met with mixed reactions, illustrating the delicate balance between modernization and preservation of the originals’ charm.
Given Atlus’s recent successes with the Persona series, including Persona 5, fans eagerly await news of how the potential remakes will be approached. Whether Atlus opts for modernization or retains the quirks of the originals, the prospect of revisiting Persona’s origins with modern sensibilities is met with excitement and anticipation.