Persona 5: The Phantom X Could Be Fertile Ground to Setup Remakes

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Initially conceived as a mobile trial run, Persona 5: The Phantom X is rapidly evolving into something significantly more tactical. Atlus is broadening the game’s playable characters, subtly integrating vintage figures and alternate realms into its systems and storylines. Given the success of games like Persona 3 Reload and Metaphor: ReFantazio, it’s clear that Atlus is eager to utilize their past and upcoming titles to steer the direction of the Persona franchise in the future.

The fact that characters from “Persona 3 Reload” and “Persona 5 Royal” have been added to “The Phantom X” implies that Atlus might be tapping directly into its popular console series. This could pave the way for less mainstream titles like “Persona 1” and the “Persona 2” duology to make an appearance in this mobile game. If all goes well, these characters may gain the attention they deserve ahead of their highly anticipated remakes.

Persona 5 Phantom X Could Introduce Lost Characters

Unlike Persona 4 Golden, which has been readily available due to its release on PC, Vita, and current consoles, Persona 1 and Persona 2 are comparatively obscure. These older games have become hard to find in recent times, particularly in the Western market. Most of their characters haven’t received the same level of attention that the later series’ characters have enjoyed. This could pose a problem if Atlus aims to reacquaint modern audiences with these stories.

One effective approach could be to gradually introduce players to the universe of Persona 1 and 2 within The Phantom X, by incorporating well-known figures from these games. By designating these legacy characters as “Phantom Idols,” newcomers can interact with them without needing to play the original games initially. This method is reminiscent of how Fire Emblem Heroes has reintroduced older characters through limited-time events and unique stories.

In essence, Persona 2 consists of two separate games, namely Innocent Sin and Eternal Punishment. However, only the former was translated into English for the PSP, making characters such as Tatsuya Suou and Maya Amano relatively challenging to encounter for Western players.

If these initial game characters become part of the Phantom Idols collection, it’s a move that offers both potential benefits and minimal risks. This way, Atlus can evaluate fan enthusiasm, track user interaction data, and subtly introduce character nuances or iconic Personas without having to fully translate or redevelop the older games right away. Players get an opportunity to interact with these characters, while Atlus receives valuable feedback in return.

Phantom X’s Crossovers Show a Clear Pattern

In the game structure of Phantom X, it’s easier for Atlus to conduct unique events that might feel strange or inconvenient in a traditional RPG setting. For instance, time-bound announcements and collaborative quests have introduced characters from Persona 3 Reload such as Aigis and Yukari. Also, popular figures like Ryuji and Ann from Persona 5 Royal have made appearances. This trend suggests that new characters seamlessly join the roster with little story disruption, and fans eagerly summon these additions to their gameplay.

This model establishes a robust foundation for future growth. Should Atlus adopt this strategy, the likelihood of a surge in Phantom Idols inspired by earlier characters significantly increases. Characters like Tatsuya from Persona 2, Maki Sonomura from Persona 1, or beloved Jun Kurosu might make an appearance through themed events or storylines.

Tatsuya is frequently praised by fans for being one of the most intricately developed main characters in the series, grappling with guilt and self-identity to a degree that Persona 5 might merely hint at.

Atlus has demonstrated its knack for reworking classic games, and the upcoming “Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army Remaster” serves as another example of their dedication to preserving their rich history. Bringing back old characters from the “Persona” series in “The Phantom X” could not only whet players’ appetites for a potential “Persona 4” remake, but it might also subtly pave the way for future remakes of their earliest installments.

Persona 5 Phantom X Supports the Bigger Plan

Atlus tends to plan its moves strategically for the long term. Given the success of Persona 3 Reload and the renewed interest in Metaphor: ReFantazio, it seems like an ideal moment to remind fans of the series’ origins. The Phantom X offers a low-risk, high-reward platform, especially with whispers of a Persona 4 remake growing louder.

If there’s a remake of “Persona 4” in development, it could potentially pave the way for other earlier entries. By introducing early characters from “The Phantom X,” Atlus can gauge audience engagement, popularity, and commercial potential in real-time. This strategy is more about strategic planning than just relying on nostalgia. First, they’ll establish familiarity with these initial characters, and when the time is ripe, they’ll reintroduce the full games to the public.

A similar scenario is unfolding as with Persona 3. Initially, Atlus introduced Persona 3 Portable in contemporary marketplaces, and later released Reload when there was renewed interest. The same pattern may be recurring now, given the expansion of mobile content that is becoming increasingly narrative and mechanically complex.

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2025-05-30 03:35