The Tokyo Game Show is the gift that just keeps on giving. After months of radio silence, Atlas has finally gone into full promo mode on their upcoming title; Persona 5. Here is all the news from the Persona Special Stage at TGS.
Opening Theme
The Persona series has always had amazing soundtracks to back up the solid game-play and gripping story. For many the music sets the tone and forms an important part of their Persona experience. The opening themes in particular are always eagerly anticipated and known for their catchy beats. Earlier today, Atlas finally debuted the opening theme for Persona 5. The jazz influences of past entries in the series are still very much on display in this beautifully animated and stylish intro movie. Those familiar with the Lupin III series may notice a few similarities between some stylistic choices Persona 5 seems to be making music and character wise. This is unsurprising given that the game centers around a group of Phantom Thieves. The opening also teases a new character Atlas have yet to introduce us to.
[embedyt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBofQ_WgKdw[/embedyt]
Anime Special
Atlas announced that a “special program” for Persona 5 would air next year. Persona is no stranger to anime with two separate adaptions of Persona 4, the non-canon Trinity Souls and an ongoing Persona 3 film series (the second of which is currently available on Netflix). While a full Persona 5 anime series may be on the cards at a later date, it is more likely that the “special program” will act as a prologue of sorts.
Persona Festival
To celebrate 20 years of the Persona franchise, Atlas announced they would hold a festival in 2016. If past events are any indication, expect a number of concerts and live performances akin to the FES concerts. I wouldn’t be surprised if the latest Persona 3 movie made its debut there either.
Character Profiles
The Persona 5 TGS website (http://persona5.jp/tgs2015/character1/) was updated with character profiles for the core cast following a QR code related viral campaign. The guys over at Persona Central have been kind enough to provide us with English translations.
Developer Interview
Siliconera translated an interview with chief developer, Katsura Hashino surrounding the game’s delay and some of the things fans can expect in this new installment.
Hashino says that at the moments, all the “parts” of Persona 5 have been assembled, and they’re currently tuning up the gameplay. In order to meet all the expectations from fans, the chief director and the others are focusing on making Persona 5 into a more complete game, so he asks if it’s okay to keep you guys waiting just a little longer.
As for the game’s development, he says that everything is going smoothly, so not to worry about that.
On the subject of the trailer that was shown at Tokyo Game Show 2015, the part Hashino wanted to share most with everyone is about the concept of “stealing hearts,” which is done by sneaking into one’s heart in phantom thief-like fashion, which will be a focus in the game’s story.
Since Persona 5 is being developed for a new console, Hashino didn’t want to hold anything back and just make a short game, so instead, they’re packing the game with all kinds of content, and it’ll be the most voluminous title the series has yet to see as far as gameplay and play time goes.
For the main cast, Atlus got help from very talented individuals, so Hashino says that you can expect great things out of everything, from event scenes,to battle sequences and dungeon play.
To end the video, Hashino asks if all of you enjoyed the recent trailer, which he believes had a lot to share. However, regarding the development delay of the game, he deeply apologizes to everyone that has been waiting in anticipation for so long. That said, he feels that in order to make the game into something more complete, and something that can provide players with a better experience, more time will be needed, so he asks if you can wait just a little longer.
Welcome to the Velvet Room
The new Velvet Room Attendants; Justine and Caroline were also revealed.
New Music and Illustrations
Atlas also provided fans with a new wallpaper following an hour-long streamed illustration session. The session featured an unreleased song from Persona 5 is well worth checking out for that alone.
[embedyt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbZUvWs-XyE[/embedyt]
Persona 5 will release in Japan in Summer 2016.
