21 years ago, Doctor Who traumatized children everywhere

Atlus’s Persona series of role-playing games incorporates a huge variety of mythological and folkloric creatures from around the world. Some are formidable warriors like Odin from Norse mythology or the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. Others are cute and charming, like Alice from Alice in Wonderland or the spooky snowman Jack Frost. They function kind of like Pokémon: your protagonist can equip a variety of Personas with different skills, strengths, and weaknesses. But there’s one Persona that’s not like the others. He’s so scary that Atlus had to design a censored version of him. His name is Mara, and I hate him.

No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. That is a giant, green penis with four arms, multiple tentacles, and a gaping mouth. He is a demon weiner, ribbed for your psychic displeasure. And yes, he’s riding a golden chariot. Mara is a Buddhist demon associated with temptation, lust, and earthly........

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