'Persona 5' news and release date: Upcoming installment to be released by the end of 2015
It was announced by Atlus USA that the upcoming installment of "Persona" will be released in North America by the end of the year.
It was previously speculated that the release for "Persona 5" will be delayed to 2016, based on director Katsura Hashino's comment that stated, "We're working really hard to make this new one another such game that can reach out to people and grab them. I know it's been a long wait, but I hope you'll give us just a little more time. Hopefully once it's out, it'll all be worth it in the end."
However, the Public Relations manager of Atlus USA, John Hardin, said that the rumors are false. In a press release, he stated, "I'm working on getting those incorrect listings (of Persona 5's European version, supposedly shipping in 2016) removed. We are trying to get publishers locked in for our titles in EU and will announce things when they are locked in."
Meanwhile, he also revealed that the team is currently finalizing the game. With his confirmation of the release, he explained that the team does not want another premature announcement issues like what they had before.
Fans were able to experience the title's first gameplay trailer during the "Persona Super Live" 2015. It showed a stylish and slick look that has excited fans. Persona 5 is a game that takes place in high school. It is expected to focus more on the background stories of the main character, Phantom. The trailer showed him wearing a bird mask, carrying a knife and piston. Another character of the game is Ryuji Sokomoto who wears a skull mask. He is equipped with bludgeoning weapons. They will be both joined by Anne Takamaki in a cat mask, who uses a whip.
Persona 5 is expected to launch for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 by the end of this year.