A Persona 4 remake seems increasingly likely given the success of Persona 3 Reload. While no official confirmation has been made, Atlus would have every reason to bring the fan-favorite RPG to modern platforms with a new coat of paint. However, the biggest question surrounding a potential remake is how its dungeons—randomized, simplistic layouts in Persona 4 Golden—would be updated.
Unlike Persona 3, which featured the sprawling, procedurally generated Tartarus, Persona 4’s dungeons were more thematically focused but still lacked the structured design seen in Persona 5. If Atlus were to revisit Persona 4, the development team would have to decide whether to refine its existing system or reimagine dungeons entirely.
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Persona 4 Dungeons Are Unique but Could Be Expanded
Each dungeon in Persona 4 Golden represents the inner struggles of a key character, taking the form of stylized environments that embody their repressed thoughts. For example, Kanji Tatsumi’s dungeon is a steamy bathhouse, reflecting societal expectations about masculinity and his struggles with self-expression. This concept gives Persona 4’s dungeons a level of thematic depth that Persona 3’s Tartarus lacked, but mechanically, they were still simple, randomly generated corridors with little in the way of unique gameplay mechanics.
A Persona 4 remake could retain this symbolic storytelling while improving dungeon structure. Rather than sticking with purely randomized layouts, Atlus could introduce bespoke level designs with intricate puzzles, branching paths, and unique interactive elements. This would align more closely with Persona 5’s Palaces, which offered hand-crafted levels that encouraged exploration and puzzle-solving.
For instance, Kanji’s bathhouse could feature steam-based mechanics where players manipulate valves to clear pathways or uncover hidden routes. Similarly, Rise Kujikawa’s strip-club-themed dungeon, which represents her struggle with identity and being perceived only as an idol, could be redesigned with shifting stages, forcing players to navigate a labyrinth of illusions.
How Persona 3 Reload Sets a Precedent for Changes
Atlus already proved its willingness to refine old dungeon mechanics with Persona 3 Reload. While Tartarus retained its core procedural design, the remake introduced destructible objects, automatic party banter, and refined visuals to make exploration more immersive. Similar improvements could be applied to Persona 4. The introduction of destructible objects would add variety to exploration, allowing players to smash through obstacles or uncover hidden chests.
Another enhancement could be enemy encounters. In Persona 4 Golden, Shadows simply wander the map until engaged. A remake could implement stealth mechanics like those in Persona 5, allowing players to ambush enemies from cover or avoid unnecessary battles.
Balancing Structure and Random Generation in Persona 4
While a more structured dungeon system would make Persona 4 feel more modern, completely abandoning its random generation could remove an aspect of replayability that some fans appreciate. One possible solution would be a hybrid approach: core story dungeons could be more structured and puzzle-heavy, while optional dungeons or late-game content could retain procedural elements for variety.
For example, Yukiko Amagi’s castle, which represents her longing for freedom from familial expectations, could feature shifting staircases that change each visit, adding a layer of unpredictability while maintaining its castle-like structure. Meanwhile, Teddie’s dungeon, a surrealist void representing his struggle with identity, could incorporate shifting gravity mechanics, allowing players to walk on walls and ceilings in a way that alters how they approach exploration.
A Persona 4 remake could also introduce mid-dungeon save points, fast-travel options, or side quests that require players to revisit dungeons with new objectives. This would encourage exploration without making dungeons feel tedious, which was a common criticism of Persona 4 Golden’s later stages.
Ultimately, how Atlus approaches dungeon design in a Persona 4 remake will play a significant role in shaping the experience. While refining the game’s core mechanics is a necessity, finding the right balance between structured exploration and the randomness that defined the original will be key to ensuring the game retains its identity while feeling fresh.
- Released
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December 9, 2008
- ESRB
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M For Mature 17+ due to Alcohol Reference, Animated Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Violence