One specific move from Persona 3 Reload should not be repeated in Persona 4, and there's a good reason why. To be fair, Persona 3 Reload in many ways set a blueprint for future Persona remakes, and was a definite improvement over the original. At the same time, Persona 4 isn't Persona 3, so not all of the pieces will fit the exact same way. This rings especially true when it comes to one part of Persona 3 Reload's overall package. In fact trying to repeat said strategy in Persona 4 could easily end up as a colossal misstep.
The ways that Persona 3 Reload can inspire Persona 4's remake are immense. Two improvements that immediately jump out are the addition of voice acting to Social Link scenes, and the overall bump in presentation quality. While these don't directly impact the gameplay, they do wonders for the game's aesthetic and immersion. Admittedly, Persona 4's battle system needs less of an update than Persona 3's did since players could already directly control their teammates in Persona 4. However, a few new features like Theurgies would certainly be welcome. In most ways, Persona 3 Reload is a good standard for Persona 4's remake to emulate.
A Persona 4 Remake Would Make a Strong Case for a Kingdom Hearts-Like Release Ahead of P6
The Persona series could pull off a move that Kingdom Hearts previously employed if Persona 4 gets a remake before Persona 6's release.
Persona 4 Golden's Story Content Can't Be Treated the Same Way The Answer Was
Persona 3 FES' The Answer Campaign Was DLC in Reload
One part of the package that should be discussed is Persona 3 Reload's The Answer campaign from the Episode Aigis DLC. Based on the similarly named feature from from the game's first remake, Persona 3 FES, The Answer is a second campaign that takes place after the main story, putting the player in the role of Aigis. While The Answer isn't as highly praised as the original story, it was good to see it make it into Persona 3 Reload. However, its status as DLC is something that a Persona 4 remake should not to with its own additions to the story.
Persona 3 Reload didn't bring back everything, as Portable's female protagonist and her associated content were not included.
Persona 4 Golden's Story Changes Were Ingrained in its Campaign
Similar to Persona 3, Persona 4 had its own previous remake with the updated Persona 4 Golden. Among the new features in this game was a new character, Marie, who played an important role in changing the game's story. In fact, by pursuing her Social Link, players unlock an extension of the story that plays out after the original final boss. The crucial difference between Golden's extra content and The Answer is that Marie's story takes place during the main campaign. Conversely, The Answer was an entirely separate mode that didn't intersect with Persona 3's main plot at all, which is a crucial difference.
Persona 4's Remake Should Include Golden's Content By Default
Making Persona 4 Golden's new story content DLC in a remake similar to Persona 3 Reload's Episode Aigis would not be an ideal move. Since Marie's role in the game starts during the main story, she would effectively have to be removed from the game unless the player had the DLC, which would essentially require two separate versions of certain parts of the campaign. It would be much simpler and more reasonable for Golden's content to be included with a Persona 4 remake right out of the box. That way nothing would be left out, and the developers could avoid awkward story issues.
Persona 3 Reload certainly did a lot of things right. However, in order for an improved remake of Persona 4 to thrive, locking Marie's arc behind DLC would not be the way to go. The way that it's structured would make it too awkward to simply remove and reinsert depending on whether or not the player had a certain DLC. Plus as a remake, it's better to keep old enhancements rather than removing them. As a result, Persona 4 is better off keeping Golden's content intact in its remake.
WHERE TO PLAY
The world-renowned Persona 4 Golden promises unforgettable adventures, meaningful bonds, and heartwarming experiences shared together with friends.
They say your soulmate will appear if you stare into a television set on a rainy night…
This strange rumor slowly spreads through the rural town of Inaba, the protagonist’s new home, just as a chain of mysterious murders begin. As the protagonist and his teammates chase after the truth, they find themselves opening the door to another world.
Explore otherworldly dungeons, take down monstrous Shadows, and confront the darker sides of one's self as you inch closer to the truth behind the serial murder cases.
Venture around the town of Inaba, partake in an eventful school year, meet kindred spirits, and forge invaluable bonds.
New quality of life features including improved graphics and smoothness, difficulty selection and quick save functionality.
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
