Atlus just leaked Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Tactica

The pair of long-rumored titles were initially believed to be set for a reveal at the Summer Game Fest, which recently concluded.


Persona 3 Portable is the original "remake" of Persona 3. (Image via Atlus).

Whoever was handling Atlus’ social media accounts might want to write up their resignation letter sooner rather than later.

The renowned video game developer recently found itself in the spotlight sooner than expected because of an inadvertent leak of two trailers for its upcoming Persona games – Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Tactica.

Although these were quickly deleted from their social media accounts, the internet has already re-uploaded them several times since.

Starting with Persona 3 Reload, this is not a mere re-release but a full-blown remake of the 2006 RPG classic, complete with Persona 5-level tech. Persona 3, long-adored for its unique story and compelling characters, ushered in the modern era of Persona games. Yet, some elements from the original game, such as its grinding tower, have aged less gracefully. Whether the remake will make some modern concessions remains a mystery. For now, we know that it’s due for release in early 2024 on Xbox, PC, and Cloud, with visuals that are in line with Persona 5, and it’s built on the powerful Epic Games’ Unreal Engine (it isn’t clear if it’s using Unreal Engine 4 or Unreal Engine 5).

The second leak, Persona 5 Tactica, signals a shift from the series’ traditional RPG gameplay to grid-based tactical battles reminiscent of Fire Emblem and XCOM.

Expected to debut on November 17, 2023, on Xbox and PC, this new spin-off features Persona 5’s cast in a slightly more cartoonish form. They engage in strategic battles against foes, complete with team-based moves and Persona summons. Despite being a tactical turn-based game, it seems to retain the charm and charisma of the original Persona 5, an element that fans will no doubt appreciate.

The Persona franchise holds a special place in many JRPG fans’ hearts.

Both games are confirmed for the Xbox Game Pass on Day One but the specifics about other platforms remain undisclosed, but the trailers, possibly part of Xbox’s June 11 showcase, hint at wider availability in the future. Given the absence of any mention of exclusivity, it seems plausible that PlayStation platforms will also host these much-anticipated titles.

The remake of Persona 3 has been a topic of speculation among the gaming community for quite some time now. We’re treated to gameplay snippets and iconic cutscenes from the original game in the leaked trailer, all sporting the visual style of Persona 5. This is expected to satisfy fans who have long been clamoring for a remake that encapsulates the charm of the original while providing a modern gaming experience.

With these leaks, what was initially speculation has transformed into eager anticipation. Although Atlus might be holding its cards close to its chest, it’s clear that both Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Tactica are on the docket.

The only question now after these revelations is, “Where the heck is Persona 6?”

Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Persona series or new to the universe, these upcoming titles are sure to offer an intriguing blend of nostalgia and novelty.

So, mark your calendars and stay tuned. It seems that the world of Persona is about to expand in thrilling and unexpected ways, offering gamers yet another opportunity to immerse themselves in the fantastical worlds that Atlus so expertly crafts.

Ray Ampoloquio
Ray Ampoloquio // Articles: 7186
With over 20 years of gaming experience and technical expertise building computers, I provide trusted coverage and analysis of gaming hardware, software, upcoming titles, and broader entertainment trends. // Full Bio