Atlus: A Gaming Powerhouse

Company Profile

Atlus is a Japanese video game developer and publisher headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company is known for creating and publishing critically acclaimed titles such as the "Shin Megami Tensei" and "Persona" franchises.

History

Atlus was founded in 1986 as a subsidiary of Namco. In 1992, it became an independent company and began developing and publishing its own video games. Atlus’s early successes included the "Shin Megami Tensei" and "Persona" series, which quickly gained a cult following among gamers.

In 2003, Atlus partnered with Sega to bring its games to a wider audience. This partnership led to the release of several popular titles, including "Persona 3" and "Persona 4."

Today, Atlus is one of the most respected video game developers and publishers in the industry. The company’s games are known for their high quality, innovative gameplay, and compelling storytelling.

Notable Games

Atlus has developed and published a wide range of video games, including:

• Shin Megami Tensei (1992)
• Persona (1996)
• Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne (2003)
• Persona 3 (2006)
• Persona 4 (2008)
• Catherine (2011)
• Persona 5 (2016)

Key Features of Atlus Games

Atlus video games are known for their:

• Compelling storytelling: Atlus games often feature complex and engaging stories that explore mature themes such as mortality, identity, and the nature of good and evil.
• Innovative gameplay: Atlus games often incorporate unique and innovative gameplay mechanics that set them apart from other video games.
• High-quality graphics and music: Atlus games are known for their beautiful graphics and memorable music.

Awards and Recognition

Atlus games have received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including:

• Game of the Year awards from IGN (2004, 2008, 2016)
• Role-Playing Game of the Year awards from GameSpot (2004, 2008, 2016)
• BAFTA Games Awards for Best Role-Playing Game (2008, 2016)

Conclusion

Atlus is one of the most influential and respected video game developers and publishers in the world. The company’s games are known for their high quality, innovative gameplay, and compelling storytelling. Atlus continues to push the boundaries of video game development, and its games are sure to continue to captivate and entertain gamers for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Atlus known for?
A: Atlus is known for creating and publishing high-quality video games, particularly the "Shin Megami Tensei" and "Persona" franchises.

Q: When was Atlus founded?
A: Atlus was founded in 1986.

Q: What is the most popular Atlus game?
A: Persona 5 is the best-selling and critically acclaimed Atlus game.

Q: What is the latest Atlus game?
A: Soul Hackers 2, released in August 2022, is the latest Atlus game.

Q: What is Atlus’s next game?
A: Atlus has not yet announced its next game.

References:

• Atlus website
• Wikipedia: Atlus
• IGN: Atlus

Persona

Persona, by Ingmar Bergman, is a psychological drama exploring the themes of identity, reality, and the duality of human nature. The film follows a group of actors rehearsing a play that revolves around the classic Greek story of Prometheus.

As the rehearsals progress, the lines between the actors’ real lives and the characters they play become blurred. A nurse, Alma, becomes preoccupied with the protagonist, Elis, who represents the suffering of mankind. Meanwhile, Elis’s wife, Vogler, struggles with her own sense of identity, feeling overshadowed by her husband.

Through a series of haunting and dreamlike scenes, Bergman probes the complexities of human emotions and the existential questions that arise from the confrontation between our true selves and the masks we wear. The film’s enigmatic ending leaves the viewer pondering the nature of reality and the boundaries of the human psyche.

Role-Playing Video Game

A role-playing video game (RPG) is a game where the player controls a character or party of characters who embark on a quest or series of quests. The player typically controls the characters’ actions, including movement, dialogue, and combat. RPGs often feature a branching storyline and multiple endings, based on the player’s choices.

RPGs are typically characterized by their character development, combat systems, and quests. In character development, players can upgrade their characters’ abilities and equipment, unlocking new skills and spells. Combat systems in RPGs vary widely, but often involve turn-based tactics or real-time action. Quests range from simple fetch quests to complex multi-part story arcs.

Popular RPG franchises include Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, The Elder Scrolls, and Fallout. RPGs are available on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices.

Persona Series

The Persona series is a role-playing video game franchise developed by Atlus. It is a spin-off of the Megami Tensei series, and the first game was released in 1996. The series is known for its focus on character development, social simulation elements, and dungeon crawling.

The games typically follow a group of high school students who are able to summon creatures called Personas. Personas are manifestations of the user’s subconscious mind, and they can be used to fight enemies, solve puzzles, and interact with the environment.

The Persona series has been praised for its strong characters, compelling stories, and innovative gameplay. The games have sold over 15 million copies worldwide, and they have been ported to a variety of platforms, including the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, and Nintendo 3DS.

Shin Megami Tensei

Shin Megami Tensei (SMT) is a series of role-playing games developed by Atlus. The series is a spin-off of the Megami Tensei franchise, which began with the 1987 Famicom game Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei. The SMT series is known for its post-apocalyptic settings, dark themes, and challenging gameplay.

The first Shin Megami Tensei game was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1992. The game was followed by several sequels and spin-offs, which have been released on a variety of platforms, including the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, and Xbox 360.

The SMT series has been critically acclaimed for its storytelling, characters, and gameplay. The series has also been commercially successful, with over 9 million copies sold worldwide.

Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs)

JRPGs are a subgenre of role-playing games originating from Japan. They are characterized by turn-based combat systems, extensive character development, and intricate storylines often involving fantasy or medieval settings. Common features include:

• Emphasis on storytelling and character interaction
• Leveling and progression systems for characters and skills
• Customization of party members and equipment
• Dungeon crawling and exploration
• Turn-based or menu-based combat with strategic elements

JRPGs (Japanese Role-Playing Games)

JRPGs are a subgenre of role-playing games that originated in Japan. They are characterized by turn-based combat, dungeon crawling, and a focus on storytelling and character development. Popular JRPGs include the "Final Fantasy" series, "Dragon Quest" series, and "Pokémon" series.

Turn-Based RPGs

Turn-based RPGs (role-playing games) are video games where players take turns performing actions and making decisions to progress through the game. These games typically feature a party of characters who explore dungeons, fight monsters, and interact with the environment. Players control the actions of their party members during their turn, which typically involves moving around the game world, engaging in combat, or using items. The game then progresses to the next turn, where the monsters or other non-player characters take their actions. Turn-based RPGs offer a more strategic and methodical approach to gameplay than real-time RPGs, allowing players to carefully plan their moves and adapt to the changing circumstances of battle.

Atlus Games

Atlus is a Japanese video game developer and publisher known for creating critically acclaimed and niche titles that often explore mature themes. The company’s games are recognized for their innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and compelling storytelling.

Atlus’s most famous series include:

• Megami Tensei: A long-running JRPG franchise that follows the conflict between angels, demons, and humans.
• Persona: A spin-off of Megami Tensei that combines JRPG elements with social simulation and dungeon crawling.
• Etrian Odyssey: A dungeon exploration series that emphasizes grid-based combat and customizable parties.
• Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: A series of tactical RPGs that focuses on summoning and fusing demons.

Atlus games are renowned for their:

• Unique and engaging storylines: Often delving into themes such as mythology, psychology, and philosophical concepts.
• Challenging and strategic gameplay: Providing a sense of accomplishment and depth.
• Distinctive visual style: Featuring striking character designs and memorable environments.

Persona 5

Persona 5 is a role-playing video game developed by Atlus for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. It follows the adventures of Ren Amamiya, a high school student who awakens to the power of Persona, a manifestation of his psyche. Alongside his friends, known as the Phantom Thieves, Ren fights against corruption and injustice in society by infiltrating and changing the hearts of evil adults through a supernatural realm known as the Metaverse. The game has been praised for its stylish presentation, compelling story, and engaging combat system.

Persona 4

Persona 4 is a role-playing game released in 2008 for the PlayStation 2. It follows the story of a high school student named Yu Narukami who moves to the rural town of Inaba and becomes involved in a series of mysterious murders. Alongside a group of friends, he investigates the murders and uncovers a hidden world where they can use special abilities called "Personas" to fight shadows and confront their inner selves. Persona 4 is known for its compelling narrative, memorable characters, and unique gameplay that combines traditional RPG elements with dungeon crawling and social simulation aspects.

Persona 3

Persona 3 is a role-playing video game developed by Atlus for the PlayStation 2. The game follows the story of a group of high school students who fight against supernatural beings known as Shadows. Players control the protagonist, a silent protagonist, who can wield the power of the Persona, beings that represent the inner selves of the characters. The game features several gameplay elements, such as turn-based combat, social simulation, and dungeon crawling. The game was released in Japan in 2006 and in North America and Europe in 2007.

Persona 2

Persona 2 is a role-playing video game developed by Atlus. Persona 2 is split into two chapters: Persona 2: Innocent Sin and Persona 2: Eternal Punishment. Both games were released for the PlayStation in 1999 and 2000 in Japan, and in 2001 and 2002 in North America and Europe, respectively. In 2011, both games were re-released as part of the PlayStation Portable’s PlayStation Classics line, and in 2020, they were released for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One as part of the Persona 25th Anniversary Collection.

The story of Innocent Sin follows a group of high school students who investigate a series of murders in their town, while Eternal Punishment follows a group of adults who were involved in the events of Innocent Sin. The game uses a turn-based battle system that incorporates elements of the Shin Megami Tensei series, such as summoning and fusing personas.

Persona 1

Persona 1, known as Megami Ibunroku Persona in Japan, is a role-playing video game developed by Atlus for the PlayStation console. It is the first game in the Persona series, a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise. The game was released in Japan in 1996 and in North America in 1997.

The game follows the story of a group of high school students who are able to summon Personas, manifestations of their inner selves. They use these Personas to fight against evil forces and uncover a conspiracy. The game features a turn-based battle system in which players can summon Personas to fight alongside their party members.

Persona 1 was a critical and commercial success, selling over 300,000 copies worldwide. The game was praised for its story, characters, and combat system. It has been credited with popularizing the Persona series and is considered a classic RPG.

Persona Spin-offs

Persona spin-offs are video games in the Persona franchise that deviate from the main series in terms of gameplay or story. These spin-offs often explore different genres, gameplay styles, and character perspectives, offering a unique experience for both veteran fans and newcomers to the franchise. Notable spin-offs include:

• Persona 4 Arena/Arena Ultimax: Fighting games featuring characters from Persona 3 and 4.
• Persona Q/Persona Q2: Crossovers with the Etrian Odyssey series, featuring dungeon-crawling gameplay.
• Persona 5 Strikers: A hack-and-slash RPG that serves as a sequel to Persona 5.
• Persona 4 Arena Ultimax: A rhythm game spin-off that features characters from Persona 3 and 4.
• Persona Dancing Series: Rhythm games featuring characters from Persona 3, 4, and 5.

Role-Playing Video Game History

Role-playing video games (RPGs) have been around since the early days of gaming. The first RPGs were text-based games such as "Dungeons & Dragons" (1974) and "Colossal Cave Adventure" (1976). These games allowed players to create their own characters and explore a world filled with quests and challenges.

In the 1980s, graphical RPGs began to appear, such as "Ultima" (1980), "Might and Magic" (1986), and "Final Fantasy" (1987). These games introduced new elements to the RPG genre, such as turn-based combat, character classes, and experience points.

In the 1990s, RPGs became even more popular with the release of games such as "Chrono Trigger" (1995), "Final Fantasy VII" (1997), and "The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall" (1996). These games featured detailed graphics, complex storylines, and challenging gameplay.

Today, RPGs are one of the most popular genres of video games. There are RPGs for every platform, from consoles to PCs to mobile devices. RPGs continue to evolve, with new games introducing new features and innovations.

Atlus Development

Atlus Co., Ltd. is a Japanese video game company. The company was founded in 1986 and is best known for its role-playing, dungeon crawling, and strategy video games.

Atlus games are often set in dark and atmospheric worlds and feature complex and challenging gameplay. The company’s most popular franchises include the Megami Tensei, Persona, and Etrian Odyssey series.

Atlus games have been praised for their innovative gameplay, engaging stories, and memorable characters. The company has also been recognized for its commitment to localization, bringing many of its games to Western audiences.

In recent years, Atlus has expanded its reach beyond video games, developing popular franchises into anime, manga, and merchandise. The company continues to be a leading force in the Japanese video game industry and is known for producing high-quality, innovative games.

Persona Character

Persona characters are fictional characters created for role-playing games in the Persona series. They are typically high school students who possess the ability to summon and use Personas, powerful manifestations of their subconscious minds.

Persona characters are characterized by their unique personalities, abilities, and backstories. They play a vital role in the story, helping the protagonist to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Some of the most popular Persona characters include:

• Igor: The enigmatic master of the Velvet Room, a special dimension where Personas are fused
• Yu Narukami: The protagonist of Persona 4, a transfer student who investigates a series of murders in a rural town
• Ren Amamiya: The protagonist of Persona 5, a high school student who leads a group of outcast students in a rebellion against corrupt authority
• Makoto Niijima: A Persona 5 character who is a disciplined and dedicated high school student with a strong sense of justice
• Ryuji Sakamoto: A Persona 5 character who is a rebellious and hot-blooded delinquent with a heart of gold

Persona Gameplay

• Turn-based combat: Players take turns battling enemies in a turn-by-turn system.
• Persona summoning: Characters can summon Personas, powerful entities that enhance their abilities and grant them special attacks.
• Social links: Players build relationships with other characters through conversations and activities, which unlocks new abilities and bonuses.
• Dungeon crawling: Players explore dungeons filled with puzzles, traps, and enemies.
• Fusion: Players can combine Personas to create more powerful versions with unique abilities.
• Negotiation: During encounters, players can negotiate with enemies to gain rewards or avoid combat.
• Time management: Players must balance dungeon crawling, social interactions, and personal time to complete the game’s story.

Persona Story Summary

The Persona story revolves around the experiences of high school students who discover their inner powers known as "Personas." These Personas are manifestations of their subconscious selves, granting them supernatural abilities to confront their psychological issues and fight against societal conventions. Through their battles, they uncover hidden truths about themselves and the world they live in.

The story explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the struggle against societal expectations. The characters navigate complex relationships, confront their own weaknesses, and ultimately find acceptance and empowerment through the realization of their true selves.

Persona Music

Persona music is a captivating genre characterized by an evocative blend of various styles, including jazz, rock, pop, and classical elements. It is primarily associated with the Persona video game series developed by Atlus.

Persona music is known for its memorable melodies, complex harmonies, and the use of vocalists who often sing in multiple languages. It often reflects the themes and emotions of the games, creating an immersive and emotionally resonant experience for players.

The music of the Persona series is highly diverse, ranging from upbeat and energetic tracks to haunting and atmospheric pieces. Notable composers who have contributed to the Persona soundtrack include Shoji Meguro, Ryota Kozuka, and Toshiki Konishi.

Persona Art

Persona art is a style of digital art that combines human and animal features to create unique and imaginative characters. This art style originated in Japan and has become popular worldwide for its visually appealing aesthetics and expressive storytelling capabilities. Persona art is often used in video games, anime, and other forms of entertainment.

Persona artists use a variety of techniques to create their characters, including painting, drawing, and digital manipulation. They often use bright colors and exaggerated features to create visually striking and memorable designs. Persona art can be used to represent a variety of emotions and concepts, and artists often use it to create characters that are both relatable and aspirational.