Persona 5, the highly anticipated next installment in the long-running RPG franchise, is subject to another delay.
The announcement will likely not sit well with most fans in North America and Europe, as this would be the third delay for Persona 5.
Persona 5 Release Date
Instead of a Feb. 14, 2017 release, developer and publisher Atlus revealed in a livestream and on a post on the official PlayStation blog that the game will be launched in North America and Europe a couple of months later on April 4, 2017 for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4.
Persona 5 was originally set to arrive in the winter of 2014 for the PlayStation 3. The inclusion of the PlayStation 4 platform was announced at PSX Experience 2015.
The game's predecessor, Persona 4, was released for the PlayStation 2 back in 2008. It has since received several versions and spin-offs, but fans of the franchise are now looking forward to the fresh game offered by Persona 5.
Making it harder for excited gamers to wait for Persona 5 is the fact that the Japanese version of the game has already been released in mid-September.
Reason For Persona 5 Delay
The reason for the Persona 5 delay, according to Atlus, is that it needs more time to ensure the quality of the game before allowing it to hit the market.
One particular aspect that Atlus is working on is the English script for Persona 5. As a Japanese RPG, there are many things that can go wrong in the English translation such as conversations not making sense or jokes that do not carry over well. Making sure that the English script is perfect would allow gamers who play the North America and Europe version to have the same experience as those who play the Japanese version.
Persona 5 Free DLC And Premium Edition
As an apology to gamers for the additional delay in the game, Atlus said that it will also be releasing free DLC for the North America and Europe version of Persona 5.
The free DLC will add dual audio to Persona 5, allowing players to switch between the English voice-over track and the Japanese voice-over track, which will come with English subtitles, while playing the game.
In addition to the free DLC, Atlus also announced that the final version of the art for the Persona 5 Take Your Heart Premium Edition has been launched. The premium edition, which can be preordered for $89.99, includes 4-inch plush toy of Persona 5's Morgana, a collector's box with Persona 5 art, a hardcover art book for the game, a soundtrack CD, a school bag and a copy of the game in a steelbook.
