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Atlus Reveals Persona 5, Persona 4 Arena Sequel For US

If you're an Atlus fan, prepare for not just one, but three new game announcements for North America!

The publisher has revealed that Persona 5 will release in North America some time in 2015 for the PlayStation 3.

The game was initially announced last November but at the time, it was only confirmed for Japan. For the record, this fifth entry is the first in the long-running franchise that was developed specifically for the PS3.

We have no more details at this time, besides what series director Katsura Hashino said about the plot (as relayed by Atlus PR Manager John Hardin): It's about "throwing off the chains of oppression to find one's true self." Well, that relates to this very red – and very mysterious – image, wouldn't you say? This is only one game, though; as I said above, there are three new titles to look forward to.

Another is the sequel to Persona 4 Arena , which will be called Persona 4 Arena Ultimax . This will come to the PS3 in fall 2014, and it boasts a new story mode that picks up where the original plot left off. We'll also get new fighting modes and a few new characters. Lastly, there's Persona 4: Dancing All Night , which is coming to the PlayStation Vita in the US some time next year. The game features 30 tracks/remixes, and the project is being developed in collaboration with Dingo ( Hatsune Miku: Project Diva ).

Is that enough Japanese culture for ya?

Related Game(s): Persona 5, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, Persona 4: Dancing All Night

Persona 4 Arena Region-Locked, Online Servers To Be Global

This is probably an important distinction for those who often import Japanese games.

According to a post in the publisher's forums , the upcoming 2D fighter Persona 4 Arena will be region-locked. In other words, the North American version will only work in North and South America.

The good news is that the Japanese and NA versions of the game will be identical, and both will feature the English and Japanese text and voiceovers. Of course, the region-lock also means the Japanese version will only work in Japan. As for the online servers, those will be global; you'll be able to play with anyone around the world regardless of your location. Nobody really knows why the PS3 iteration of the title in question is region-locked but…well, whatever. We'll get over it and move on somehow.

If you're unfamiliar, Persona 4 Arena is a spin-off of the popular and critically acclaimed role-playing franchise of the same name (just without the "Arena"). Obviously, it will appeal most to fans of the series, but I always wonder if hardcore RPG buffs are really that intrigued by a fighting game, even if it does boast their favorite characters…

Related Game(s): Persona 4 Arena

E3 2012: Atlus Reveals E3 Trailer, Launch Date For Persona 4 Arena

Atlus usually offers an in-depth story with well-drawn characters and an intricate role-playing battle mechanic.

But they're simplifying things this summer. Atlus has revealed a new E3 trailer for Persona 4 Arena , the fighting spin-off of the award-winning RPG franchise. They've also delivered a release date: August 7 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in North America.

In addition, the publisher revealed that this title will boast both the original Japanese voice performances and the all-new English audio, which should satisfy the fans. Added Atlus Vice President of Sales and Marketing Tim Pivnicny:

"While it remains a feature we are unable to add in every one of our releases due to any number of factors, we are incredibly excited to be able to offer our fans the frequently requested dual language option in as highly anticipated a title as Persona 4 Arena. Persona 4 Arena represents one of the biggest investments in ATLUS history, in addition to one of the most ambitious collaborations with a developer as esteemed as Arc System Works, and as such we have spared no expense in endeavoring to ensure that the final North American release lives up to our proud tradition of quality and to our fans' lofty expectations for us."