ThePersonaseries may be incredibly popular these days, but its origins were rather humble. The franchise got its start on the original PlayStation as a spin-off of theShin Megami Tenseiseries, one which centered around a high school setting and incorporated Jungian psychology into its narrative. For years,Personawas a series that was known only by the most diehard of JRPG fans, but with the releases ofPersona 3, 4, and in particularPersona 5, the franchise skyrocketed into international fame.Personais now, without a doubt, developer Atlus' most popular IP, to the point that it has surpassed its parent franchise,Shin Megami Tensei, in terms of renown.
Even though thePersonafranchise has received near-annual installments since the launch ofPersona 5in 2016, there is still no sign of a new mainline entry in the series. AlthoughPersona 6has been in the rumor millfor quite some time, Atlus has yet to reveal anything regarding the upcoming game. Unless the company decides to drop a surprisePersona 6announcement in 2025, it’s likely that the game is still years away from being released. Fortunately, Atlus does have some other titles to keepPersonafans busy untilPersona 6inevitably comes out.
RAIDOU Remastered May Tide Persona Fans Over Until Persona 6’s Launch
RAIDOU Remastered is an Enhanced Version of a Cult Classic PS2 JRPG
During the March 2025 Nintendo Direct, Atlus announced its next project,a game calledRAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army. This isn’t a completely new game, per se, but it is a new version ofShin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, a cult classic JRPG that Atlus developed exclusively for the PS2 back in the day. The game’s name may be a bit of a mouthful, but it is one of Atlus' most underrated works from that era.
Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Armyis a 2006 role-playing game that serves as the third entry in theDevil Summonerseries, which itself isa part ofShin Megami Tensei. Unlike mostSMTgames, which are largely set in modern times,Raidou Kuzunohatakes place in the year 1931, during the Taisho era of Japan. It follows the adventures of the titular Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, a young detective who has the power to capture and control demons. The game’s plot is, of course, entirely fictional, but it does feature some real-world historical figures, like the controversial Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin.Raidou Kuzunohais one of the shorter entries in theSMTfranchise, clocking in at about 25 to 30 hours.
RAIDOU Remastered Aims to Improve Upon the Original Game in Several Ways
Most of theShin Megami Tenseigames, including the ones from thePersonaseries, have turn-based battle systems.Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, however, hasan action-based combat system instead. Although it is an interesting take on the traditionalSMTformula, the game’s combat is pretty underwhelming, even for its time. Luckily, Atlus aims to overhaulRaidou Kuzunoha’s battle system inRAIDOU Remastered. This new edition of the game is not only going to include improved graphics, but also several quality-of-life upgrades and new voice acting. Despite being labeled as a remaster,RAIDOU Remasteredis more of a full-on remake, akin toMetroid Prime Remasteredand the recentDead Rising Deluxe Remaster.
Despite Its Historical Setting and Action Battle System, RAIDOU Remastered May Still Appeal to Persona Fans
Due to its drastically different setting and real-time combat mechanics,RAIDOU Remasteredmay not appeal to allPersonafans right out of the gate. However, anyone who likes Atlus' style of RPGs and is a fan of theShin Megami Tenseiseries in general will likely find something to enjoy in this game. Unlikethe elusivePersona 6,RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Armyactually has a release date. It’s coming out on all modern platforms, excluding the Xbox One, on Jul 19, 2025.
