Persona 5, the stylish and rebellious RPG from Atlus, captivated players with its Phantom Thieves, eccentric confidants, and a Tokyo steeped in rebellion. But what if the beloved world of Persona 5 was once set to collide with another familiar corner of the franchise? Recent leaks have shed light on early development plans, revealing fascinating details about potential guest appearances from Persona 4 that never came to be.
A Glimpse into Development:
Imagine stepping into Persona 5 and encountering familiar faces from Inaba. Early development documents and leaked beta builds suggest this could have been a reality. Driven by the challenges of development, Persona 5 underwent substantial changes before its 2016 release, leading to the cutting of certain elements, including these intriguing guest appearances.
Persona 4 Heroes in Beta:
The Persona 5 beta, unearthed in December 2015, offered a treasure trove of hidden secrets. Modders delving into its depths stumbled upon remnants of cut content, including initial cutscenes and music tracks like “Rivers in the Desert” and “Last Surprise.” But the most intriguing discoveries were the traces of Persona 4 characters waiting in the wings.
Nanako Dojima: All Grown Up:
Twitter user A Mudkip unearthed a fully modeled version of Nanako Dojima, the protagonist’s enigmatic cousin and symbol of the Justice Arcana in Persona 4. This older Nanako sported a thick coat and her signature hairstyle, but with a surprising twist – animations resembling Persona 3 Portable’s female protagonist, complete with a tennis racket.
Yu Narukami’s Unfinished Form:
Another Twitter sleuth, EllenZappa, unearthed a model for Yu Narukami, Persona 4’s charismatic protagonist. However, this Yu was far from his usual self. Depicted in a limited chibi style, Yu’s model was incomplete, showcasing only his underwear. Fans’ imaginations ran wild, speculating how these guest characters could have impacted the narrative.
Story Integration Theories:
The initial development concepts for Persona 5 sparked numerous hypotheses about how these Persona 4 heroes might have been woven into the story. One popular theory involved the Phantom Thieves embarking on a global adventure, potentially visiting Inaba during their rebellious escapades. Another suggested Yu, being a city dweller with baseball animations found in the beta, could have appeared alongside Nanako.
Lingering Regrets and Enduring Connections:
While Persona 5 ultimately didn’t feature full-fledged appearances from Yu or other members of the Investigation Team, Persona 4’s presence wasn’t entirely absent. The final game included subtle nods, like a TV interview with Yukari Takeba from Persona 3 and an advertisement featuring Rise Kujikawa. However, many fans still express a sense of longing for the potential of a mature Nanako gracing the streets of Tokyo, her fully realized model serving as a tantalizing glimpse of what could have been.
The Persona series is renowned for its interconnected narratives and recurring characters. While these Persona 4 guest appearances may never have come to fruition, their existence in the Persona 5 beta serves as a fascinating testament to the creative process and the enduring connections that bind these beloved JRPGs together. It’s a reminder that even in the final product, remnants of alternate realities linger, whispering stories of what could have been, and perhaps inspiring future adventures where our favorite heroes from different corners of the Persona universe might finally cross paths.
See more information in the Game News section here.
