According to a reliable source, Persona fans could hear the shuffle of battle cards once again with a fighting game spinoff that’s been rumored to be gaining traction.
The source, Twitter user @MbKKssTBhz5, known for previously accurate leaks regarding the Persona franchise, has claimed that multiple Persona games are currently in the works. Among these titles, the much-anticipated and a still-to-be-revealed Persona 6 leads the charge. Alongside it, we can expect to see the upcoming Persona 5 Tactica, an intriguingly named new game, Persona Asa, and the aforementioned fighting game. However, the leaker hinted that the development focus remains on Persona 6.
Curiously enough, the leaker unveiled is that Atlus has been working on the fighting game since 2015. The game’s original concept, conceived eight years ago, has undergone significant evolution, evolving to such a degree that the leaker doubts the final product will bear any resemblance to its original design. It’s like that caterpillar turning into a butterfly, or perhaps a Mothman, in true Persona style.
Question 1:
Is there a new Persona fighting game?Answer:
Yes. I did not say it was cancelled. But English is bad, so I understand. But it has changed a lot from 2015. I don’t think it will resemble the original concept. There was a time where people were worried.— みどり (@MbKKssTBhz5) July 16, 2023
But that’s not where the story ends. Alongside these new titles, Atlus is also confirmed to be releasing a remake of Persona 3, titled Persona 3 Reload, early next year. And let’s not forget the much-anticipated Metaphor: ReFantazio, a new RPG under Atlus’ wing.
Though fans are speculating about the possibility of further Persona remakes, MbKKssTBhz5 revealed there are currently no additional remakes beyond Persona 3 Reload in development. Nevertheless, it seems Atlus is interested in revisiting older games in the series, with potential remakes of Persona 1 and Persona 2 being mentioned.
There’s some speculation about what form the new Persona fighting game will take. With the remaster of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax that dropped in 2022 and the considerable evolution of the new title since its concept stage, could we be looking at a Persona 5-themed fighter, or perhaps a broader ‘Persona All-Stars’ title?
From the outside looking in, Atlus’ timetable appears hectic, which raises the question of where the fighting game fits into this jam-packed schedule. However, given the leaker’s assertions about Persona 6’s development team, which comprises largely of new staff members who worked on Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 spin-offs, it would seem that Atlus has the resources to juggle these multiple projects simultaneously.
Looking at the larger picture, Atlus’ roadmap for the Persona series seems to be in a state of flux, with plans and priorities expected to shift based on various factors, as stated by the leaker. This fluidity of direction implies that Atlus has grand plans for the series, yet maintains an awareness of the need for adaptability.
The forthcoming Persona 5 Tactica is slated for release on November 17 on multiple platforms, including PS5, PS4, PC, and Xbox Series X/S. In the meantime, although Persona 6 hasn’t officially been announced yet, rumors have been swirling about a potential 2024 launch and a possible PS5-timed exclusivity.
A team of fresh faces is reportedly working on Persona 6, which may sound worrying to some but is actually a good idea. By injecting new ideas into the decades-old franchise, Atlus must be hoping to prevent the series from stagnating going forward.
