Persona 4 Revival Preview – PAX AUS 2026

Persona 4 Golden was my first Persona game, and I spent a lot of time with it on the PS Vita, nabbing the Platinum Trophy. So I was wondering whether the demo available at PAX AUS 2026 would make me want to spend more time with Persona 4 Revival after already spending so much time with these characters. The answer was yes.

The demo had two sections: first, Yu/Protagonist, Yosuke, and Teddy meet up and unlock the first person while looking for ‘Senpai,’ Yukiko. The second was the game’s first dungeon and a boss fight against Shadow Chie. 

The core narrative foundations seem intact; what is different is a visual overhaul and improved stylisation that brings the game more in line with Persona 5. 

The dungeons are still randomly formed; however, the game now has a guided line that takes you straight to the objective. I’m not sure if this was just turned on for the demo, or if it’ll be a choice, or a difficulty-based thing, in the full game. But not having to wander around and find your way through the dungeon properly takes away from the balance, and not knowing the best time to call it a day while you’re making your way through a dungeon in the original game. 

You can also initiate combat first in dungeons and guard against their attacks to protect yourself if they attack you first. 

Combat basics are the same, but it’s all wrapped up in that Persona 5 style now, making for a much more exciting game to look at and play. The main difference I spotted is the inclusion of the ‘baton pass’ mechanic from Persona 5, which lets you pass your second attack to a different teammate if you land a critical strike. 

I love Persona 4 and its characters, and the only reason I’d say you wouldn’t play this is simply because of time. It’s shaping up to be a great way to experience this world and its characters for the first, second, or third time, and it’s more than a simple reimagining; the overall style upgrade adds a lot to the game.

[Explosion Network attended PAX Australia 2026 with a provided Media Pass.]