Persona 4 Remake Could Avoid Persona 3 Reload’s Biggest Mistake

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It’s quite possible that we might see a remake of Persona 4 following the successful release and positive reception of Persona 3 Reload in 2024. Although developer Atlus has yet to make an official announcement, whispers suggest that a new version of the game, initially launched for PlayStation 2 in 2008, could be unveiled soon. A potential Persona 4 remake would likely incorporate many enhancements seen in Persona 3 Reload, such as enhanced graphics, improved combat mechanics, and innovative methods for character development. Moreover, unlike the previous remake, it could seamlessly integrate content from Persona 4 Golden without having to cut any characters or storylines.

Persona 3 Reload Saw Criticism For Ignoring The Female Protagonist

Originally in Persona 3, the main character was male, and only female characters were eligible for romance. Additionally, male team members from SEES didn’t have Social Links, limiting bonding opportunities with them. However, the Persona 3 Portable edition introduced a new route starring a female protagonist, offered male romance options, and revised Social Links to include both fresh characters and the existing male SEES team members. Unlike earlier Persona games that had slight variations in which party members the player obtained and enemies encountered, this was the most significant instance of such differences within the series.

In the remake of Persona 3 named Reload, they chose to focus solely on the storyline and relationships involving the male protagonist, disregarding the female protagonist’s route as seen in Portable. However, it did add elements from an enhanced version called Persona 3 FES, such as Aigis’ Aeon Social Link and the additional content known as Episode Aigis (originally The Answer). Some fans were unhappy about the exclusion of the female protagonist, particularly since she hasn’t received much attention compared to the male character. Interestingly, she was absent in spin-off games like Persona 4 Arena, but made an appearance in Persona Q2.

A Persona 4 Remake Could Likely Include Golden’s Content With Ease

Just like how Persona 3 was followed by an Enhanced Edition, called Persona 4, it subsequently received its own Enhanced Edition known as Persona 4 Golden. This version was first launched for the PlayStation Vita in 2012. Unlike Persona 3 Portable, Golden did not have a split path, and continued with a single male protagonist. Instead, it introduced new events, a fresh dungeon to explore, and two additional Social Links. One of these new links was with Marie, a character who could be romanced and played a significant role in the game’s extended plot. The additional events of Golden later inspired an anime adaptation and were referenced directly in spin-off titles like Persona 4 Arena Ultimax.

It’s not certain if an upcoming remake of Persona 4 will incorporate Golden’s extra elements, but it appears very probable. Potential inclusions could be the character Marie, an additional dungeon, and a Tohru Adachi Social Link. Unlike the split routes and Social Links seen in Portable, these additions wouldn’t compromise the original content of Persona 4.

Atlus has chosen to regard Golden as the definitive version of Persona 4; this version was initially released on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles in 2023, following a 2020 launch on PC via Steam. This decision increases the likelihood that Golden will be the game remade if rumors of a Persona 4 remake prove accurate. Atlus might combine the improved narrative of Golden with the combat and stat-raising updates from Persona 3 Reload, specifically Theurgy system that grants each playable character unique and powerful abilities, to craft a fresh take on the fourth installment in the Persona series, tailored for current console generations.

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2025-04-03 14:04