In the last couple of months, we heard rumors left and right suggesting that a Persona 4 remake was in the works. However, nothing popped up, and I felt like these reports would never end up materializing, just like the ones for Half-Life 3. However, all of that changed at the June 2025 Xbox Games Showcase
At the event, Atlus finally ended the rumors by revealing Persona 4 Revival. Even though it received a short trailer, I was hyped to see the familiar locales and visuals. However, I low-key feel like this remake lacks the soul that made the original title so beloved for me in the first place.
Persona 4 Revival might end up flopping hard
Let’s be honest: It was Persona 4 that brought the Shin Megami Tensei spin-off into the mainstream gaming world. Although Persona 3 did an incredible job and still has a niche fanbase to this day, the fourth entry in the franchise managed to nail down everything. Its characters, atmosphere, and PS2 visuals were truly unique, something players had never seen before.
Seriously, I can’t ever forget the rural town of Inaba in Persona 4 due to its charm and subtle tension. The rainy school commutes, fog, and riverbank conversations with friends brought an element of comfort, yet there was constant anxiety. As an outsider to this town, I felt the time was slipping away. The PS2 visuals were simple yet perfectly expressed everything about the game.
However, I fear this might not be the case with Persona 4 Revival. Just like in Persona 3 Reload, the vibrant visuals contrast with the aesthetic of the original game. Sure, the remake will undoubtedly recreate the original locations and characters perfectly, but it looks too polished. This goes against the raw and gritty atmosphere that marked the original game.
From the early looks, Persona 4 Revival feels like a flashy Unreal Engine 5 project meant to provide great visuals, but lacks a soul. The visual clarity simply ruins the original game’s charm, bringing it millions of fans. It’s not the first time I’ve seen remakes make this mistake, either, as they try to go overboard with visuals and everything we, as fans, loved about the game.
When is Persona 4 Revival coming out?
It wasn’t just the Persona 4 Revivals‘ visuals that concerned me. At the Xbox Games Showcase, Atlus didn’t reveal a release date. Whenever developers shy away from opening up on release dates, I expected the game to be years away, as modern game development can prove to be tedious.
However, that doesn’t look to be the case with Persona 4 Revival. ComicBook reports that the remake might launch in the second half of 2026. If you’ve forgotten, Persona 3 Reload was originally announced in 2023, and it was mentioned that the title would hit the shelves in early 2024.
Atlus’ release window proved to be correct, as Persona 3 Reload debuted in February 2024. Even though the Persona 4 Revival didn’t state a release year, the reports suggest that, based on the developer’s record, the second half of 2026 is most likely the release window for the game.
Recently, Atlus even hinted that Persona 6 is in development and the franchise is preparing for the future. This means that Persona 4 Revival will likely be released at the end of 2026, so there’s some breathing room for the next entry.
With that said, are you excited for Persona 4 Revival? Let me know in the comments below.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
