News about Persona 4 Revival’s release date has left fans hungry for more Persona content, but it seems Atlus is taking their sweet time with their best-selling franchise and not releasing anything new just yet.
However, fans have also been left wondering what Atlus plans to do with the black sheep of the Persona series, namely, Persona 1 and 2. Is Atlus working on something to reignite their relevance? Or are they just going to keep pretending these games never existed?
Why a Persona 1 and 2 Revival Is Almost Impossible
There are plenty of reasons why Atlus isn’t trying that hard to bring Persona 1 and 2 back into the spotlight. For starters, these games feel like relics from a different era, with a completely different combat system that newer fans might find intimidating.
They don’t have the slice-of-life moments where the protagonist wanders through vibrant shopping districts and downs a giant burger. Instead, you're stuck running through long, repetitive hallways, hitting your head against difficult encounters over and over. At least the music is still a banger.
Modern Persona players would probably be shocked by how strange and unforgiving the first two games are. They’re darker, more mature, and much harder. The turn-based combat lacks the flashy visual style and “Weakness” system seen in modern titles. Instead, it sticks to that classic Shin Megami Tensei formula, where one wrong move could wipe out your entire party.
Possible Controversies
The first two Persona games were made in a different time, when the gaming culture was far less reactive. But now, with the rise of social media and more vocal gaming communities, the presence of controversial figures like Hitler in the original games could easily spark backlash. Given today’s political climate, especially in the U.S., it might not be the kind of attention Atlus or SEGA wants.
Atlus and SEGA Just Don’t Care
The most likely reason is simple: Atlus and SEGA just don’t care enough. Leaked sales data shows that demand is heavily skewed toward modern titles, especially Persona 5, which makes it a safer bet for the company. They don’t want to spend valuable resources remastering or remaking games that might not perform well.
Still, if the timing ever feels right, maybe they’ll change their mind. After all, they remastered RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, a pretty niche title. So it’s not impossible for Persona 1 and 2 to get their chance someday, but it’s definitely a long shot.
As of now, Atlus and SEGA seem focused on their next Sonic racing game, Persona 4 Revival, and finding more ways to milk Persona 5 again and again.
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