Beyond Persona: Why Character Backstory Matters in Video Games

Nostalgia plays a significant role in video game remakes, as they aim to recapture the magic of past games in modern form. Persona is no exception, with its constant return to beloved characters and spin-offs that extend their lifespan. A remake of Persona 4 Golden could potentially delve deeper into Adachi's Social Link, providing more insight into his life. Similarly, a possible remake of Persona 5 Royal could revamp underdeveloped characters like Kaneshiro.

While Atlus has not confirmed any remake plans beyond Persona 3 Reload, it's logical to assume that they would want to expand on other characters in future remakes. After all, the investment in these characters' stories is evident. That's why it's crucial that Persona 3 Reload provides a more complete story for its antagonists.

Even characters like Kaneshiro and Okumura from Persona 5 are lacking in fully fleshed-out origin stories. Shuji Ikutsuki's motivations for bringing about the end of the world in Persona 3 are also somewhat unclear. Meanwhile, Tohru Adachi's philosophical motives for committing murders in Persona 4 Golden don't receive a clear picture, even after completing his Social Link.

There are numerous examples of this lack of character backstory throughout the series. While Persona 5 sheds some light on key NPCs like Sae Niijima, several other characters remain mysterious. Games before Persona 5 often don't devote time to supporting characters outside of Social Links. The close lens used in these games means that there's limited room for detailed backstories.

In Persona 4 and Persona 5, story arcs that take up an entire month focus on the latest party member. Every Persona game strives to establish the lives, personalities, and relationships that define its playable characters. By providing a more complete story for antagonists like Ikutsuki, Atlus can create a richer world with deeper character connections.

In conclusion, beyond persona is not just about nostalgia; it's also about giving characters a fuller backstory. By doing so, Persona 3 Reload and future remakes can provide players with a more immersive experience, fostering a deeper connection to the game's world and characters.

Beyond persona