The Best Gameplay Change a Persona 4 Remake Could Make is Obvious

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Enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating updates about Persona 6, but while they wait, whispers from within Atlus hint at other projects in development, one of which is rumored to be a remake of Persona 4. Originally launched on the PlayStation 2 in 2008, this game later received an enhanced re-release titled Persona 4 Golden for the PS Vita in 2012. Given that the Golden version was ported to various modern consoles in 2022, it’s no longer a hard-to-reach game. However, considering its age compared to some of Atlus’ more contemporary titles, a remake could potentially breathe new life into it.

Last year, Atlus unveiled a reboot of the game “Persona 3,” called “Persona 3 Reload.” Many gamers assumed that a remake for “Persona 4” with a comparable scale would take several more years to launch. However, it appears that its release is closer than anticipated. As per recent whispers, the “Persona 4” remake could be announced during the Xbox Games Showcase this June. If these rumors are true, the game will be available on Xbox Game Pass the same day as its release, just like “Persona 3 Reload.” If Atlus does indeed create a “Persona 4” remake, it would be exciting to see some changes in the gameplay, perhaps incorporating a feature that debuted in “Persona 3 Reload.

A Persona 4 Remake Should Borrow the Theurgy Mechanic from Persona 3 Reload

Persona 3 Reload Made Some Major Changes to Persona 3’s Combat

In the initial version of ‘Persona 3’, battles were distinctly different from those in the more recent games within the series. Unlike today’s versions, players didn’t have direct control over their team members during fights, and certain afflictions could keep them from participating in activities outside of combat. These unusual design choices made the combat in ‘Persona 3’ feel considerably tougher than it perhaps should have been. However, ‘Persona 3 Reload’ eliminated unnecessary elements that increased the game’s difficulty, such as the Tired and Sick conditions and uncontrollable team members. Moreover, it introduced a significant new battle mechanism called Theurgy, adding depth to the combat system.

The New Theurgy Mechanic in Persona 3 Reload Adds More Depth to Combat

In the game, the Theurgy mechanic functions similarly to the Showtime feature seen in Persona 5 and Persona 5 Strikers. Essentially, it represents a unique set of abilities that are available only to specific characters within the game. These abilities can be employed following the completion of certain conditions. In Persona 3 Reload, each character has their own Theurgy Gauge displayed alongside their Health bar during combat. This gauge grows as the player takes part in battles; different actions will cause the gauge to fill up at varying speeds depending on the character. The Theurgy skills can bring about diverse effects during battle, such as completely healing a user’s HP and dealing massive fire damage to an enemy, or doubling the magical attack damage an ally can inflict for one turn.

In the game Persona 3 Reload, many characters possess two separate Theurgy abilities, one of which becomes accessible after completing a Social Link. However, the main character boasts up to six Theurgy abilities thanks to his Wild Card abilities. These skills can be acquired by enlisting various Personas and blending them in the Velvet Room. Each Theurgy skill comes with its own unique animated sequence that plays during battle when it’s used.

A Persona 4 Remake Would Easily One-Up the Original By Implementing a Theurgy-Like Mechanic

In the game, Persona 3 Reload, the Theurgy skills enhance the battle system of the initial Persona 3. Although they don’t eliminate the monotonous Tartarus battles entirely, they do encourage players to finish Social Links and gather Personas by providing an extra motivation. If a hypothetical remake of Persona 4 were to be made, it would be advantageous to include a feature akin to Theurgy skills. While it doesn’t have to be identical, any significant new battle mechanic similar to the ones in Persona 5‘s Showtime and Persona 3 Reload‘s Theurgy would significantly upgrade the original combat system of Persona 4.

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2025-04-15 02:34