As the complete Persona 2 package turns 25, it’s time for a remake

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The first time I stumbled upon the Persona series was nothing short of serendipity. Back in the ’90s, during a shopping trip with my dad, I found Revelations: Persona hidden in a discount bin at a drugstore. Being a Buffy the Vampire Slayer enthusiast at the time, the peculiar artwork on the box and the prospect of summoning demons piqued my curiosity. Unbeknownst to me, Shin Megami Tensei wasn’t part of my gaming vocabulary yet.

When I finally sat down to play it, I grappled with the gameplay mechanics and design. Yet, there was something about it that resonated with me – its brooding atmosphere, chaotic nature, and distinctiveness stood out sharply against the backdrop of Squaresoft’s Super Nintendo games I had grown accustomed to.

Stumbling upon that unexpected gift (thanks Dad!), I found myself diving deep into a whirlpool of mythologies, teenage melodrama, and Jungian theories. That peculiar game, which I never fully completed, sparked my fascination with Atlus. Fast forward almost a decade, and I was taken aback when Persona 3 graced the PlayStation 2. But the question lingered: how could I have overlooked Persona 2? As it turned out, many others had shared the same experience.

Now, as we celebrate its 25th anniversary, let’s discuss the less celebrated titles in the franchise. I’m not referring to Persona with its peculiar grid mechanics and translation issues. Nor am I talking about the bubbly and self-assured Persona 3 that took the series to unprecedented popularity worldwide, or the flashy Persona 5 that followed suit. Instead, I’m pointing towards Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2 – Innocent Sin and its sequel, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment. These games for the original PlayStation seem to be forgotten in a sort of limbo.

Initially, Persona 2: Innocent Sin was exclusively released in Japan on the original PlayStation back in 1999, with an English version never making an appearance. Consequently, when its sequel, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, came out in North America a year later, in June 2000, Western players only got half of the storyline. This is similar to watching Back to the Future Part II or The Godfather Part II without having seen the first part. For English speakers, the complete narrative didn’t become clear until the remake of Innocent Sin for the PSP emerged in 2011, but Eternal Punishment’s PSP remake remained confined to Japan.

In the West, enjoying the complete experience of Persona 2 involves playing two distinct versions, or enduring a tedious process of emulation, imports, and fan translations if you prefer gameplay consistency. Unfortunately, these games boast some of the most daring storytelling Atlus has ever undertaken, which is regrettable.

Innocent Sin narrates the tale of Tatsuya Suou and his fellow high school companions who uncover that rumors are transforming into real occurrences within the city of Sumaru. As peculiar events transpire throughout the city, the group grapples with their past traumas, figurative and literal demons, as well as a masked cult leader who shares a chilling link to their background. Similar to the initial Persona, it incorporates turn-based battles where you engage with creatures, offering the option to combine and manufacture new Personas. Back then, this combat system seemed reminiscent of Satanic Pokémon. Today, it’s become a standard aspect.

In an alternate timeline, the story shifts from Eternal Punishment. It centers around investigative journalist Maya Amano (from Innocent Sin), who delves into a mystery from a new perspective and ultimately uncovers the truth. I appreciate that this game primarily focuses on adult characters, which is something fans of Persona often request for potential Persona 6. It’s important to note that Atlus has previously ventured into ‘adult Persona’ storylines as well.

Straightforwardly, these games tackle weighty subjects such as abuse, repressed memories, societal guilt, and growing up. They delve into rumors as a shared subconscious, where beliefs mold reality – even affecting gameplay events due to the spread of rumors. Each character has their secrets, stakes, and hidden agendas. At times, it’s chaotic yet captivating. Regrettably, these games are frequently overlooked in favor of series like Persona 3, 4, and 5.

It’s not too unexpected that Persona 2 doesn’t share the same mechanics as later installments, such as character relationship development, time management, and complex combat systems. While both PlayStation and PSP versions may find the combat feeling a bit bland, and the dungeon design lacking in excitement, the real gem lies within its intricate, interwoven narrative that sets it apart from other Persona games, delving more into psychological thriller territory. Despite the lack of spinoffs and companion content compared to newer Persona games, Persona 2 should receive more recognition for its unique storytelling.

Refreshing the roots of the franchise once more with Persona 3: Re-Run, and the announcement of Persona 4: Reborn, now is an ideal moment to revamp Persona 2. This wouldn’t be a straightforward port or enhanced re-release, but rather a complete overhaul in the vein of Reload and Revival. The same characters, the same storyline, but crafted with modern technology and contemporary design aesthetics.

Let’s enhance Sumaru City with the aesthetic touch it requires. Simultaneously, let’s improve the user interface, update the encounter system, and incorporate voice acting for dramatic character scenes. However, avoid altering the soundtrack to mimic the style from Persona 3, and I don’t see a convincing reason to integrate Social Links unnaturally. This game stands alone – and that’s perfectly fine. They serve as significant milestones in the evolution of what Persona has become today.

A significant group of fans have only experienced Persona with the fifth installment, unaware of the rich history that precedes it. If Atlus aims to honor the heritage of this series authentically, then discussions about Persona 2 should be included. Merely using Joker in crossovers doesn’t suffice when characters like Tatsuya and Maya risk becoming more forgotten. I’m not proposing a Persona 2 dancing or combat game, but rather seeking a way for this duology to finally emerge from the limelight of fragmented worldwide releases on different consoles.

It’s about safeguarding a crucial milestone in the series timeline. The games dared to address mature themes such as trauma, self-discovery, and society’s dark underbelly, well before they became popular topics. They paved the way for what followed, establishing foundational elements of the franchise.

Dear Atlus, we believe the moment has arrived. Please consider a remake, allowing both novice and seasoned gamers to immerse themselves in the chilling enigmas of Sumaru City. A chance for old fans to rediscover the duology with renewed perspective, and perhaps ignite the whispers once more about what lies ahead.

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2025-07-06 15:56