Why Persona Fans Should Follow the RAIDOU Remastered Release

These days, the Persona series is a household name among JRPG enthusiasts, but it didn’t start out that way. Initially launched on the original PlayStation, it began as a spin-off from the Shin Megami Tensei series, focusing on high school life and infusing elements of Jungian psychology. For a long time, it was a niche series that only the most dedicated fans were familiar with. However, with the advent of Persona 3, 4, and most notably Persona 5, the series catapulted to international stardom. Now, Persona stands as developer Atlus’ most recognized franchise, even eclipsing its predecessor, Shin Megami Tensei, in popularity.

Even though the Persona series has seen frequent releases since Persona 5 debuted in 2016, we’re still waiting for news on a new mainline installment. Speculation about Persona 6 has been swirling for a while, but Atlus remains tight-lipped about any official announcements. If the company doesn’t surprise us with Persona 6 in 2025, fans might have a bit of a wait ahead. Fortunately, Atlus has other projects lined up to keep enthusiasts entertained until Persona 6 finally arrives.

In a recent highlight from the Nintendo Direct in March 2025, Atlus revealed its latest project, RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army. While not entirely new, this game revives the title Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner – Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, which originally launched on the PS2. Although the original name was quite a mouthful and the game often flew under the radar, it’s a gem from Atlus’ earlier catalog.

The story of Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army is set in 1931 during Japan’s Taisho era, a departure from the typical modern setting of most SMT games. Players follow Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, a young detective with the ability to control demons, as he navigates a world where fiction and fantasy intersect with some real historical figures, such as the infamous Grigori Rasputin. Despite its engaging narrative, the game is one of the shorter entries in the Shin Megami Tensei series, clocking in at around 25 to 30 hours.

Unlike most titles in the franchise, known for their turn-based battle systems, Raidou Kuzunoha features action-based combat, which at the time was innovative but felt somewhat lackluster. Atlus aims to remedy this in RAIDOU Remastered by overhauling the combat mechanics, updating graphics, adding quality-of-life improvements, and introducing new voiceovers. This revitalized edition isn’t just a remaster; it’s more akin to a complete remake, reminiscent of the recent Metroid Prime and Dead Rising remasters.

While the historical backdrop and real-time combat might not immediately draw every Persona fan, those who appreciate Atlus’ RPG style and the broader Shin Megami Tensei universe will likely find much to enjoy in RAIDOU Remastered. Unlike the elusive Persona 6, this remastered version is ready to make an entrance, launching across all modern platforms, except the Xbox One, on June 19, 2025.