'Persona 5' release date in summer 2016; character descriptions out

From left to right: Ryuji, the Protagonist, Ann Atlus

As previously reported, "Persona 5" for the PS3 and PS4 has been delayed from its intended late 2015 release date to some time in summer 2016. However, Atlus has been able to update the game's official website and has posted several character descriptions and photos for the main cast and their Personas.

According to the translation via Gematsu, the main hero will be referred to as the Protagonist and is a 16-year-old high school sophomore who recently relocated to Tokyo. Because of this, he is a newly transferred student at Shujin High School. He is described as quiet and well-mannered, although this changes when he dons his Persona.

The Protagonist's Persona is named Arsene. Arsene dons a mask and has black wings. The name is reiminscent of the literary thief Arsene Lupin, although the character description describes that Arsene the Persona may be something more.

Other main characters are Ryuji Sakamoto, who is described as a "problem child" with bad behavior while the other is Ann Takamaki, a young girl who stands out due to her different appearance given that she is quarter-American. Ryuji's Persona is the pirate-like Captain Kidd while Ann's is the sophisticated, flamenco dress-wearing Carmen.

Captain Kidd is designed as a pirate, which is by default a thief since pirates are often depicted as criminals at sea. Carmen, on the other hand, may not appear as distinct as a thief to others but her name and design is reminiscent of "Carmen Sandiego," a popular fictional thief who travels the world.

There is also the mysterious talking cat known as Morgana. Morgana has the ability to shift shape and is often heard saying it doesn't like being called a cat. Morgana's Persona is named Zorro, the famous legendary thief seen in countless movies and TV shows.

Last described is the mysterious character Yusuke Kitagawa, a student from Kousei Public High School. He is described as an orphan living under his painting mentor Madarame. His Persona is Goemon, based on Japanese legendary thief and samurai Ishikawa Goemon.

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