Persona 2: Another Self [Episode 1] – A Glimpse of What Could Have Been

Let’s cut straight to it: if you’re a Persona fan who’s only ever dived into the flashy, neon-lit world of Persona 5 or the high-school chaos of Persona 4, Persona 2: Another Self Episode 1 is like finding a hidden track on your favorite album—short, raw, and packed with a vibe you didn’t know you were missing. But here’s the catch: this isn’t a full anime episode. It’s a promotional trailer, a 10-minute tease included as a bonus on the Persona 2: Eternal Punishment PlayStation disc way back when. And after watching it? Fans are still begging Atlus to finish the job.

First, let’s get the basics out of the way. Persona 2 itself is a two-part game series—Innocent Sin (1999) and Eternal Punishment (2000)—set in the fictional city of Sumaru, where rumors become reality and shadows lurk in every corner. The trailer? It’s a bite-sized taste of that dark, mysterious energy. Think less “high school dating sim” (sorry, P4 stans) and more “psychological thriller with demons and secret identities.” The animation? For a late-90s promo, it’s shockingly good—sharp character designs, fluid fight scenes, and that gritty, moody color palette that screams “90s anime edge.” But the real star? The music.

If you skip to the end credits, you’ll hear a track that’s equal parts haunting and hype—exactly the kind of score that makes you lean forward and go, “Wait, what happens next?” And judging by fan comments, I’m not the only one hooked. “The music at the end was so awesome,” one MyAnimeList user gushed, echoing a sentiment shared by almost everyone who’s seen this clip. Another fan put it bluntly: “This looked like some dark mysterious action anime, but I would’ve watched the full version.” Same, friend. Same.

But here’s the heartbreak: this is all we have. No full series, no follow-up episodes—just a trailer that feels like a promise Atlus forgot to keep. Fans have been begging for more for years. “They seriously need to adapt Innocent Sin and Eternal Punishment,” one user pleaded, while another lamented, “It’s a shame that this is all that they ever did, because it looks like it would have been pretty damn amazing.” Even with Persona 5 blowing up globally and turning the series into a household name, the Persona 2 duology remains the black sheep—loved by diehards, ignored by the mainstream.

Let’s talk about the vibe, though. Unlike the more upbeat, social-link-driven later games, Persona 2 leans into darkness. The trailer teases the game’s core hook: rumors that come true. Say a rumor about a ghost in the school bathroom, and suddenly—boom—there’s a ghost in the school bathroom. It’s a concept that’s equal parts creepy and creative, and the trailer nails that eerie, “what’s around the corner?” tension. One fan summed it up perfectly: “This trailer makes me want to play Persona 2.” And honestly? Same. Even if you’ve never touched the games, that 10 minutes of animation makes you curious—curious about the characters, the world, and why Atlus left us hanging.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: will we ever get a full Persona 2 anime? The fanbase is split between hope and resignation. “With Persona being more popular now due to P5, we might get something because Atlus finally understood how much the West loves Persona,” one optimist wrote. But most are realists. “Probably not gonna happen tho,” sighed another, and let’s be real—Atlus has a track record of ignoring its older titles in favor of milking P5 (looking at you, Persona 5 Strikers, P5 Royal, P5 Dancing…). Still, fans hold out hope. “Well let’s keep waiting, we never know,” someone added. Fingers crossed, right?

For those who haven’t seen it, the trailer is a masterclass in “less is more.” It doesn’t dump exposition on you—it shows you snippets: a group of teens standing in a foggy alley, a shadowy figure with glowing eyes, a quick cut of a Persona (those giant, badass manifestations of your inner self) roaring to life. It’s enough to make you go, “Wait, what’s this about?” and then frustrated when you realize there’s no more. One user even linked to the YouTube video in the comments—proof that fans are still trying to keep this little gem alive.

Let’s wrap this up: Persona 2: Another Self Episode 1 isn’t a perfect anime. It’s not even a full anime. But it’s a time capsule—a reminder of a Persona era that was darker, weirder, and unapologetically bold. It’s a love letter to the fans who’ve stuck with the series since the beginning, and a tease for anyone who’s ever wanted more from their favorite games. And even if we never get that full adaptation? This 10-minute clip is enough to make you feel like you’re part of a secret club—one that knows Persona is more than just high school and palaces. It’s about shadows, rumors, and the parts of ourselves we’re afraid to show.

So if you’re a Persona fan, do yourself a favor: track down this trailer. Watch it. And then join the rest of us in begging Atlus for more. Because Persona 2 deserves the anime treatment. It deserves to be seen. And until then? We’ll keep replaying that end credits music and wondering what could have been.

Final thought from a fan: “Same would love to see the P2 duology get the love it deserves, easily the best of Persona.” Preach.

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P.S. If you’re wondering where to find it? A kind soul linked the YouTube video in the comments. Go watch it. You won’t regret it. Just don’t blame us if you end up screaming at your screen for a full series. We’ve all been there.