Why Persona Enthusiasts Should Follow the RAIDOU Remastered Release

The Persona series, adored by fans around the globe today, had a rather modest start. It began as a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei series, debuting on the original PlayStation. The game embraced a high school setting woven with elements of Jungian psychology. Initially, Persona appealed mainly to devoted enthusiasts of Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs), but with the launch of Persona 3, 4, and notably Persona 5, the series gained widespread international acclaim. Today, Persona has undoubtedly become developer Atlus’ signature franchise, eclipsing its progenitor, Shin Megami Tensei, in popularity and recognition.

Despite the steady flow of releases tied to the Persona universe since Persona 5 rocked the gaming world in 2016, fans eagerly await a new mainline installment. Rumors of Persona 6 have circulated for a while, yet Atlus remains tight-lipped. If there’s no surprise reveal in 2025, the next chapter may still be some distance away. Nevertheless, Atlus keeps its fan base engaged with various spin-offs and re-releases to tide them over until the much-anticipated Persona 6 makes its debut.

At the March 2025 Nintendo Direct, Atlus unveiled their latest endeavor, RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army. While not a brand-new game, it revamps a classic from the Shin Megami Tensei series: Devil Summoner – Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, originally a PS2 exclusive. The title, albeit lengthy, represents one of Atlus’ hidden gems from that era.

Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, launched in 2006, is the third installment of the Devil Summoner series, a part of the broader Shin Megami Tensei universe. Unlike most of its SMT counterparts set in modern times, this game unfolds in 1931 during Japan’s Taisho era. It chronicles the exploits of Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, a young sleuth wielding the power to bind demons. While the storyline is fictional, familiar historical figures like the enigmatic Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin make appearances. Despite a shorter playtime of around 25 to 30 hours, it stands as a notable entry in the SMT series.

The original Raidou Kuzunoha game utilized an action-based combat system, a departure from the typical turn-based mechanics of Shin Megami Tensei titles. Although intriguing, the combat wasn’t particularly strong by contemporary standards. For RAIDOU Remastered, Atlus promises a significant overhaul. They’re enhancing graphics, introducing quality-of-life improvements, and adding new voice work. This fresh edition is more akin to a full remake, similar to the treatment seen in Metroid Prime Remastered and Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster.

While RAIDOU Remastered veers from typical Persona fare with its historical backdrop and action combat, it still holds potential to captivate fans. Those who appreciate Atlus’ unique RPG style and have an affinity for the Shin Megami Tensei lineage will find appeal. Unlike the elusive Persona 6, RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army has a set release date. Set to launch on all major platforms, except Xbox One, it will grace gamers worldwide on June 19, 2025.