We Don’t Need a Persona 4 Remake but I’ll Buy it Anyway

by

News about a potential remake for Persona 4 has generated both positive and negative responses among fans. While many acknowledge that the fourth installment is undeniably a standout in the series and has gained immense popularity, there’s a general sentiment that a remake may not be necessary.

As someone who’s conquered Persona 4 Golden not once, but twice – on my PlayStation Vita and Nintendo Switch – let me tell you, it stings that I’ll be shelling out for that remake when it drops. The anticipation is tough!

Following the widespread acclaim of Persona 3 Reload among both fans and critics, it seemed only natural that a remake for the fourth game would eventually be created. Given that the fourth game shares many enemies with its predecessor, some groundwork has already been laid. Moreover, the engine used in Reload can enhance the appearance of the beloved characters from Persona 4, which further strengthens the case for this project. In essence, it appears that a remake is imminent given these factors.

There’s a compelling case that Persona 4 doesn’t necessitate a remake, given that Persona 4 Golden is accessible on every contemporary gaming platform currently, allowing fans to experience this classic JRPG at their leisure. Moreover, the re-release boasts a smooth 60 FPS performance across all platforms, such as Nintendo Switch, ensuring both visually appealing graphics and flawless gameplay.

Supporters passionately defend the original Persona 3, yet it appears somewhat outdated today. Originally, your main character could only romantically interact with women, which seems unfair and sexist by modern standards. Additionally, the battle system allowed party members to make their own decisions, which sometimes led to frustration because you couldn’t control them directly. The arrival of Persona 3 Portable enabled players to manage their teammates, but unfortunately, it excluded anime cutscenes and the post-game epilogue when played on a PSP.

The Persona battle system in the game remains engaging and addictive, making it feel fresh rather than dated. The blend of dungeon exploration and social interactions is still enjoyable as it was on Vita or PS2, maintaining its allure even today. Despite the graphics appearing a bit outdated, there’s an endearing quality that makes it distinctive and continues to captivate contemporary players.

In terms of content, it’s possible that the remake of Persona 4 could make some enhancements. Some jokes in the original game, such as those involving sexual innuendo and body shaming, may not resonate well today, so it could be beneficial to revise them. On the other hand, some might argue that these elements were a reflection of the time in which Persona 4 was created, and keeping them could serve as a reminder of how far we’ve come since then.

If there’s a reboot of the game, it’s likely we’ll hear a fresh English dub, which is somewhat disappointing considering the impressive cast of Persona 4, including Yuri Lowenthal, Laura Bailey, Troy Baker, and Johnny Young Bosch. The voice actors from the original P3 were given new roles in P3 Reload, so perhaps they could be given similar opportunities for this remake as well.

Regardless of any reservations I may have, I’m planning to grab the Persona 4 remake when it hits the shelves. Atlus has a knack for crafting excellent JRPGs, and I’m confident that this remake will live up to expectations. The musical remixes alone make the purchase seem like a no-brainer.

Read More

2025-03-21 17:12