The impending release of Persona 3 Reload is just around the corner, with eager fans already pre-ordering the game ahead of its launch in February 2024. The trailers and recently released gameplay footage showcase how Atlus has revitalized the decade-old game by bestowing it with modern graphics and exploration that rival the franchise's latest installment, Persona 5. Consequently, there are fervent calls for a remake of the 2008 sequel, Persona 4. However, if such a remake were to materialize, it would be prudent to avoid a crucial mistake that P3R is on the verge of making.
Similar to the other games in the series, Persona 4 revolves around a protagonist who has recently moved to a new school away from home. However, this time, he and his friends embark on a supernatural journey triggered by a series of mysterious killings in the area. Despite its darker tone, Persona 4 garnered immense popularity among fans, with its Golden edition receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam. Like P3, it continues to captivate both old and new players despite its age. Hence, it is only fitting for Atlus to contemplate remaking this classic as well.
Why Atlus Should Consider Remaking Persona 4 Golden Instead of its Base Game
The Persona franchise has a penchant for crafting expansive definitive editions that inject an abundance of story and gameplay content, as evidenced by Persona 5 Royal, Persona 3 Portable, and Persona 3 FES.
- Persona 3 Portable introduces the ability to play as a female protagonist with distinct social links and interactions.
- On the other hand, P3 FES incorporates The Answer, an epilogue that extends the gameplay hours and elaborates on the story’s conclusion.
- Persona 5 Royal integrates a new Phantom Thief, Palace, section of Tokyo, and semester, thereby substantially expanding its narrative and offering new ending options.
Persona 3 Reload will solely remake the base game, implying that it will not feature the option to play as a female protagonist or include The Answer content from P3 FES. This misstep should not be replicated if P4 undergoes a remake. After all, its definitive version, Persona 4 Golden, also introduces significant alterations to the game, such as new characters, social links, locations, and even a darker ending.
Persona 4 Golden Introduces a Pivotal New Character
Arguably the most significant narrative change in Persona 4 Golden compared to its base game is the inclusion of Marie, one of Igor’s assistants in the Velvet Room. Players can elevate their Aeon Arcana and summon the new Persona Kaguya when they enhance their social link with Marie. She also unlocks an additional dungeon, introducing an entirely new storyline to the game, accessible only if the player maximizes her Social Link before defeating one of the final bosses.
Persona 4 Golden Offers Players a Choice of a Darker Ending
While players can conclude Marie’s dungeon in Persona 4 Golden to attain the true ending and a new epilogue, there are additional ending options. Here, they also unearth the identity of the killer but have the option not to reveal it. They can even aid the culprit in concealing their tracks to ensure that the investigators never uncover the perpetrator of the murders.
Persona 4 Golden Showcases a Winter Slice of Life Tale
The narrative of Persona 4 fast-forwards to the end of the school year in March after the players complete the game in December (based on the in-game calendar). However, the additional winter months in Persona 4 Golden enable fans to delve into the events that unfold between these months. During this period, they can further develop their social links and even revisit unfinished dungeons. Particularly noteworthy is the skiing trip storyline, which presents numerous lighthearted slice-of-life moments, serving as a delightful contrast to the game’s somber main story.
The definitive editions of the Persona games offer the most compelling story and gameplay experiences. Therefore, it would be logical to use them as the foundation for a remake instead of the base game. While P3 Reload is undoubtedly enticing, fans will lament the absence of the option to play as a different protagonist and the storyline of The Answer. If a remake of Persona 4 is in the pipeline, Atlus should integrate the exceptional gameplay and narrative expansions present in Golden.