The Persona series, while immensely popular today, began with quite modest beginnings. Initially launched on the original PlayStation, it was merely a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei series, uniquely focused on high school experiences and laced with elements of Jungian psychology. For years, this series was something of a hidden gem, only truly recognized by the most dedicated JRPG enthusiasts. But with the advent of Persona 3, 4, and particularly Persona 5, the franchise soared to international fame. Persona has unquestionably become the crown jewel of developer Atlus, even overshadowing its parent series, Shin Megami Tensei, in terms of popularity.
Despite the Persona franchise’s frequent releases following the success of Persona 5 in 2016, there’s yet to be news about a new mainline entry. Although rumors have circulated for some time about Persona 6, Atlus has remained tight-lipped regarding any official announcements regarding this anticipated sequel. Unless Atlus decides to surprise fans with a Persona 6 announcement in 2025, it seems the game may still be years away from hitting the shelves. Luckily, Atlus has a few more tricks up its sleeve, offering fans plenty of content to dive into before Persona 6 eventually arrives.
In a recent announcement during the March 2025 Nintendo Direct, Atlus introduced their latest project: RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army. This project isn’t a fresh title per se, but rather a revamped version of Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner – Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army. Originally a cult classic on the PS2, this game is often viewed as one of Atlus’s underrated gems from that era.
Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, released in 2006, is the third installment in the Devil Summoner series, which falls under the umbrella of Shin Megami Tensei. Unlike the modern-day settings typical of SMT games, Raidou Kuzunoha transports players to 1931 during the Taisho era in Japan. The game follows Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, a young detective with the ability to capture and control demons. While purely fictional, the game’s narrative features intriguing historical figures, such as Grigori Rasputin. As a shorter entry in the SMT franchise, this adventure wraps up around the 25 to 30-hour mark.
RAIDOU Remastered doesn’t aim to merely reissue the original but rather strives to enhance it significantly. Atlus has overhauled the game’s combat system, transforming its previously underwhelming action-based combat into something more engaging. Alongside improved graphics and new voice acting, it includes various quality-of-life improvements. So, though labeled a remaster, it feels closer to a full-scale remake, similar to the approach taken with Metroid Prime Remastered and Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster.
Although its historical setting and real-time combat system may not initially seem like a perfect fit for all Persona fans, RAIDOU Remastered presents an intriguing option, especially for those who appreciate Atlus’s unique style and the broader Shin Megami Tensei universe. Unlike the elusive Persona 6, RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army has a set release date, launching on all contemporary platforms—excluding the Xbox One—on June 19, 2025.
