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The Dilemma Facing Atlus: Remaking Persona 1 and 2

As Atlus considers remaking Persona 1 and 2, tough decisions loom on how faithful the new versions should be to the originals.
The Dilemma Facing Atlus: Remaking Persona 1 and 2

Highlights

  • Rumors suggest Atlus may remake Persona 1 and 2, posing challenges due to the unique features of the original games.
  • Revelations: Persona differs significantly from the series norm, featuring old-school mechanics and distinctive gameplay elements.
  • A potential remake of Persona 2 could rejuvenate the game by modernizing gameplay and enhancing its well-crafted narratives.

Speculations are rife following the success of Persona 3 Reload that Atlus might be gearing up to remake Revelations: Persona and the two Persona 2 games. While fans are thrilled with this news, it's evident that remaking the initial three games will establish some critical precedents. Persona 1 and 2 offer a starkly different experience from the more recent Persona titles, presenting Atlus with the challenge of deciding how closely any potential remakes should adhere to the originals.

Debuting in 1996, Revelations: Persona marked the inception of Atlus' immensely popular Persona series, a spin-off from the Megami Tensei games known for their philosophical dungeon-crawling adventures. Standing out with its well-developed characters, intricate storytelling, and exceptional music, Revelations: Persona quickly gained popularity and held the title of the best-selling entry in the franchise until Persona 5's release in 2016.

Revelations: Persona - A Unique Entry in the Franchise

Revelations: Persona closely aligns with the Megami Tensei lineage, featuring first-person grid-based dungeons, isometric exploration, and a complex magic and experience system. The game's identity is deeply rooted in its distinctive quirks, which a modern remake may seek to address. Notably, the game's approach to side quests can be likened to Dark Souls' abstract style, deviating from the recent Persona games. While refining peculiar aspects may seem logical, oversimplification in a remake risks diluting what makes Revelations: Persona a standout in the series.

Persona 2: Prime for a Revamp

Contrasting its predecessor, Persona 2 is criticized for playing it safe and lacking uniqueness. A remake combining Eternal Punishment and Innocent Sin provides an opportunity to revitalize Persona 2, spotlighting its compelling narratives and characters against a backdrop of engaging modern gameplay. Similar to the Final Fantasy 7 reboots, a Persona 2 remake could leverage the original plot to evolve the franchise, potentially introducing the Social Links mechanic from recent Persona titles.

Drawing Lessons from Persona's PSP Remakes

Previous PSP ports of Persona games maintained the essence of the originals with improved visuals, accurate translations, and enhanced combat complexity. However, changes in the soundtrack, aligning it with Persona 3 and 4's music, stirred controversy among fans. While well-received, these alterations underscore the delicate balance required in remaking beloved classics.

Atlus' Legacy with Recent Persona Games

Atlus faces a pivotal decision on whether to align the early Persona games with modern sensibilities or preserve their unique charm. Despite the uncertainty, recent Persona remakes have garnered significant praise, generating anticipation for potential modern adaptations of Persona's distinctive origins.

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