'Persona 5' update: Director Katsura Hashino talks characters and setting in latest Persona Magazine issue

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

In the March issue of Persona Magazine (via Gematsu), "Persona 5" director Katsura Hashino has been able to give fans a little bit more information regarding the upcoming game's setting and characters. He also promised that since this year celebrates the 20th anniversary of the franchise, Atlus is planning an announcement that will please fans.

Regarding the game's setting, Hashino explained that the dungeons are unlike any other in the series. All of the dungeons will incorporate some kind of story in some form. Hashino also stated that the development team chose the game to be set in Tokyo in order to incorporate the "unthinkable phantom thief drama" in a familiar setting.

Hashino explained that the characters are all biased or labeled in their points of view, which explains why many of them are not happy and feel like they can't fit in. He continued to say that the introducton will develop by allowing these characters to finally rise up and break the status quo, allowing them to feel alive and meaningful.

When speaking about individual characters, Hashino stated that Ryuji is the type of character who wants to change the world and is labeled to be insistent but kind. Ann, on the other hand, is well-liked but easily stands out for being a quarter-American coming back to Japan. He describes Ann as a person who is lively but feels isolated in the inside.

Morgana is described to be the group's guide and is often seen as a regular cat in the human world. Because of this small form, Morgana's Persona is that of a macho hero. In this case, Morgana's Persona is known as Zorro, based on the Hollywood rogue hero of the same name.

Hashino also confirmed that "Persona 5" would have something akin to the Social Links system in previous games but is described to be the next step forward. The director stated that communication was a vital key for the characters and for the story.

"Persona 5" is expected to release on the PS3 and PS4 this summer.

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