The Possibility of Remaking Persona: A Glimpse into Atlus' Future Aspirations

Atlus has not currently scheduled remakes for the first two entries in the Persona series, though the producer for the JRPG franchise has expressed interest in exploring these projects in the future. The series has seen various updates and remakes, with Persona 3 Reload being the latest addition, leaving some fans eager for a revival of the original titles.

In a conversation with GameSpot, Kazuhisa Wada, a long-time producer and the head of P-Studio, shared that while there are no active plans for remakes of Persona 1 and 2, these games remain on his mind. As the team completes Persona 3 Reload and its upcoming epilogue DLC, Episode Aigis, Wada acknowledges that the journey of reimagining the initial titles is something he desires to undertake someday.

The producer mentioned that there are no immediate plans in the works, but the sentiment offers a glimmer of hope. The journey behind remaking Persona 3 itself took nearly two decades from its original Japanese launch in 2006, highlighting the complexities involved in breathing new life into a classic title. Wada emphasized the difficulties in establishing a production framework and securing project approval as significant challenges encountered during development.

After nearly twenty years, the team needed to discover effective ways to retain the essence of the original content, which had been polarizing at its release, while also refining and enhancing its aspects for a modern audience. The narrative and character portrayal demanded a thoughtful and intricate approach, especially for themes that had not been revisited in years. These factors likely contribute to why remakes of Persona 1 and 2 have yet to materialize.

Atlus has seen substantial success with its remakes and enhanced re-releases, from Persona 3 Reload to Persona 5 Royal. This strong track record may encourage a return to the series' earlier and darker chapters. Additionally, such remakes can introduce a fresh generation of gamers to narratives they might have missed. Personally, my own journey with the series began with Persona 4 Golden, leading me to explore every installment apart from the first two. If Wada eventually manifests his aspirations, that could very well alter the landscape for newcomers and longtime fans alike.

In the meantime, if you're eager for more from Atlus, consider diving into some of the best JRPGs currently available.