Atlus, a renowned video game developer and publisher, has carved a niche for itself in the gaming industry, particularly in the realm of Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs). With a rich portfolio of critically acclaimed titles, Atlus has established itself as a driving force behind innovative and engaging gaming experiences.

History of Atlus:

Atlus was founded in 1986 in Tokyo, Japan. Initially known for MSX computer games, the company made its mark in the JRPG genre with the release of "Megami Tensei" in 1987. This groundbreaking game laid the foundation for the popular "Persona" and "Shin Megami Tensei" series, which would become Atlus’s signature franchises.

Key Franchises:

Atlus has developed and published several notable franchises that have garnered global recognition:

Persona: A JRPG series known for its compelling stories, character-driven gameplay, and stylish presentation.
Shin Megami Tensei: A mature and challenging JRPG series featuring a post-apocalyptic setting and deep moral choices.
Etrian Odyssey: A dungeon-crawling RPG series with a focus on mapmaking and challenging gameplay.
Trauma Center: A medical simulation series that combines surgery and adventure elements.

Innovative Gameplay Mechanics:

Atlus has consistently pushed the boundaries of JRPG gameplay with unique and innovative mechanics:

Press Turn System: A combat system used in "Persona" and other titles, where players and enemies take turns based on their "Press" attacks.
Negotiation System: A feature in the "Shin Megami Tensei" series that allows players to recruit demons by negotiating with them.
Skill Fusion: A system in "Persona" titles that allows players to combine skills to create new and powerful abilities.

Critical Acclaim and Awards:

Atlus’s games have received widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, recognizing their exceptional quality and impact on the industry:

Game of the Year: "Persona 5" won Game of the Year from multiple publications, including IGN and The Game Awards.
Best RPG: "Shin Megami Tensei V" received the Best RPG award at The Game Awards 2021.
Innovation Award: Atlus received the Innovation Award at E3 2017 for its groundbreaking gameplay mechanics.

Conclusion:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: What is Atlus known for?
A: Atlus is renowned for its JRPG franchises, such as "Persona," "Shin Megami Tensei," and "Etrian Odyssey."

Q: What are some of the key gameplay mechanics used in Atlus games?
A: Atlus games feature innovative mechanics like the Press Turn System, Negotiation System, and Skill Fusion.

Q: Which Atlus game won Game of the Year?
A: "Persona 5" won Game of the Year from numerous publications.

Q: Where is Atlus headquartered?
A: Atlus is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

References:

Table of Contents

Persona 5 Release Date

Original release (Japan): September 15, 2016
Original release (Asia): September 22, 2016
North America and Europe release: April 4, 2017
PC release: September 1, 2020
Xbox and Nintendo Switch release: October 21, 2022

Atlus Persona 6

Atlus Persona 6, the highly anticipated next installment in the popular Persona series, remains shrouded in mystery. However, rumors and speculation have been swirling around the game’s possible features and setting.

Atlus Persona 3

Atlus Persona 3 is a role-playing game developed by Atlus for the PlayStation 2. It was released in Japan in July 2006, in North America in November 2007, and in Europe in February 2008. The game follows a group of high school students who fight against beings known as Shadows using Personas, manifestations of their inner selves.

Persona 3 introduces several new gameplay elements to the series, including the ability to control party members directly, a turn-based combat system that emphasizes exploiting enemy weaknesses, and a social simulation element that allows the player to interact with other characters and build relationships. The game also features a dark and somber story that explores themes of death, loss, and the meaning of life.

Persona 3 was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. It has been praised for its innovative gameplay, compelling story, and memorable characters. The game has also been ported to the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation Vita.

Atlus Persona 4

Atlus Persona 4 is a role-playing game released in 2008 for the PlayStation 2 and later for various other platforms. It is part of the Persona series and follows the story of Yu Narukami, a high school student who moves to the rural town of Inaba.

Yu discovers that the town is plagued by a series of mysterious murders and forms a group of friends who investigate the crimes. They learn of the existence of the Midnight Channel, a supernatural realm where people can manifest their inner selves as Personas, powerful beings that can be summoned to fight.

Using their Personas, Yu and his friends investigate the murders and uncover a connection to a larger conspiracy involving the town’s government and a powerful entity known as the Izanami. The group must race against time to stop Izanami’s plans and save the town from destruction. The game features turn-based combat, social simulation elements, and a compelling narrative that explores themes of friendship, identity, and the shadow side of human nature.

Atlus Persona 5 Royal

Atlus Persona 5 Royal is an enhanced and expanded version of the critically acclaimed RPG, Persona 5. This version introduces a new playable character named Kasumi Yoshizawa, an additional semester in the school year, and new story content that delves deeper into the characters’ relationships and development. The game also includes a number of gameplay improvements, such as a revised battle system, new Personas to collect, and new confidant abilities to master. Persona 5 Royal is the ultimate version of Persona 5, offering an even more comprehensive and rewarding experience for fans of the series.

Atlus Persona 5 Strikers: A Dynamic Action-RPG

Persona 5 Strikers is an action-RPG developed by Atlus and published by Sega. It is a spin-off of the Persona 5 series, following the adventures of the Phantom Thieves as they travel across Japan to investigate strange incidents while fighting Shadows and other enemies.

The game features dynamic combat combining elements from both Persona 5 and the Dynasty Warriors series. Players control the Phantom Thieves in real-time, using their Personas to execute powerful abilities and summon allies. The game introduces new characters and new gameplay elements, including a new combat system that allows players to chain attacks with multiple characters.

Persona 5 Strikers offers a thrilling and engaging action-RPG experience, combining the story and characters of Persona 5 with fast-paced combat and strategic gameplay.

Atlus Persona 5 Spin-offs

The critically acclaimed Persona 5 has spawned a series of spin-offs, expanding the game’s universe and offering additional experiences for fans:

Persona 5 Dancing Star Night: A rhythm game featuring characters from the main game, showcasing their dance moves in vibrant stages.
Persona 5 Strikers: A Musou-style action RPG that follows the Phantom Thieves on a road trip across Japan, battling hordes of Shadows.
Persona 5 Scramble: The Phantom Strikers: The Japanese version of Persona 5 Strikers, with additional content and characters.
Persona 5 Royal: An expanded and updated version of the original game, featuring new characters, story content, and gameplay enhancements.
Persona 5 Scramble: The Phantom Strikers – Legacy Pack: An expansion pack for Persona 5 Strikers that adds new playable characters, story content, and costumes.
Persona 5 Royal – Kasumi Yoshizawa Character Pack: A DLC pack for Persona 5 Royal that adds a new playable character, Kasumi Yoshizawa.

Atlus Persona 3 Remakes

Atlus has announced two remakes of its classic JRPG, Persona 3. The first, titled Persona 3 Portable, is a port of the original game for PlayStation Portable (PSP) and will release on January 19th, 2023. It features improved visuals, new content, and the ability to choose between the male or female protagonist.

The second, titled Persona 3 Fes, is a remaster of the original game for PlayStation 2 and will release on June 21st, 2023. It includes all the content from the original game, as well as new cutscenes, characters, and a dungeon.

Atlus Persona 4 Remakes

Persona 4 Golden (2012): Enhanced version released for PlayStation Vita, featuring new characters, social links, and gameplay mechanics.
Persona 4 Arena (2012): A fighting game spin-off that brings together characters from Persona 3 and Persona 4.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2014): A sequel to Persona 4 Arena, adding more characters and expanding the story.
Persona 4: Dancing All Night (2015): A rhythm game featuring characters from Persona 4, with dance routines and music from the series.
Persona 4: The Animation (2011-2012): An anime adaptation of the original Persona 4 story.

Atlus Persona 5 Anime

Persona 5: The Animation is an anime adaptation of the 2016 video game Persona 5. The story follows a group of teenagers known as the Phantom Thieves who fight against corrupt adults in their distorted world, referred to as the Metaverse. Led by the protagonist, Ren Amamiya, the Phantom Thieves use their psychic abilities, known as "Personas," to steal their targets’ "Treasure," manifestations of their corrupted desires.

Atlus Persona 5 Merchandise

Persona 5 is a role-playing game developed by Atlus. The game has spawned a wide range of merchandise, including:

Figures of the game’s characters
Plush toys of the game’s mascot, Morgana
T-shirts and other clothing items featuring the game’s logo and characters
Soundtrack CDs and vinyl records featuring the game’s music
Art books and strategy guides
Cosplay costumes and accessories for fans of the game

Persona 5 merchandise is available from a variety of online and offline retailers.

Atlus Persona 5 Soundtrack

The "Atlus Persona 5" soundtrack, composed by Shoji Meguro, is a critically acclaimed work that perfectly captures the game’s themes and atmosphere. It seamlessly blends elements of jazz, classical, and rock, creating a rich and diverse soundscape.

The soundtrack features a wide range of tracks, from upbeat and energetic battle themes to haunting and melancholic ambient pieces. It also includes several standout tracks, such as the opening theme "Persona" and the boss fight theme "Last Surprise," which have become iconic in their own right.

Overall, the "Atlus Persona 5" soundtrack is a masterpiece that elevates the game’s experience and stands as a testament to Shoji Meguro’s exceptional composition skills.