Review: Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 (PS2)
As a person whom considers himself a fan of the Shin Megami Tensei series, and a fan of the Persona games in general, to say the least I was beside my self when I first saw the video of persona 3 at E3 2006. Will this game live up to my expectations? Or be the first in the series to leave me disappointed?
Story:
A transfer student to gekkokkan high school stumbles across supernatural happenings almost as soon as he departs the train to his new town. He witnesses what is called "The Dark Hour" an hidden hour between 12pm and 12:00:01 pm that only a few people are aware about, as most normal humans simply turn into coffins during this time when shadow demons roam the earth, simply known as "Shadows". After meeting fellow classmates from your new high school it is discovered that you are a Persona user, some one whom can summon a demon to defend ones self during the dark hour. Now you join up with these classmates whom are also persona users, and begin the hunt to end the Dark Hour.
Graphics:
As with the rest of the series, Persona 3 looks beautiful, and stylized, each character not only has their own special way of, well summoning their Persona which is unique and quite interesting. There has been much said about how Personas are summoned in this game which will not appeal to everyone and in fact on its own merits earns the Mature rating all on its own. But this is a game not intended to be played by children, and this only makes the point that the game is only for and adult audience that would actually appreciate a game of this caliber.
Music & Sound:
The music is really good and although repetitive I found my self not minding one bit, even humming it to my self at work. The voice acting is also well done, thanks in no small part to the translation team, actually making the dialogue seem relevant and up to date.
Control & Game play:
Control wise Persona 3 is very tight and responsive, but what sets this game apart is the amazing and addictive game play. How addictive you may ask? Addictive enough to keep this game reviewer from finishing 2 other reviews on the table and forsaking all other games in the meantime, including 2 other major titles released during that time period. So what makes it so addictive you might ask? Tight and responsive control both in and out of fights, interaction with other people you come across is an absolute joy, and helps you create new personas to use in battle, and the standard (for shin Megami Tensei players) great story to suck you in.
Design & Fun Factor:
Um.... Wow... I think that covers it, from the difficult and challenging fights, to the interaction with other characters in the game, to the creation of new Personas, to the missions, and variety of love interests this game is exceptionally well crafted. about the only thing that would have been better is if they had released the Japanese only FES version of the game here in the states, which increases your interactions within the game, and add new character points to the game, and in fights later on in the game there might be some slight slow down when summoning your persona.
Persona 3 is a must play game for PS2 owning RPG fans, to deny your self from this game should be considered a crime
Graphics
9/10
Game play
10/10
Sound
9/10
Fun factor
10/10
Tilt
10/10
Average score
9.6
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3:
Pros:
Addictive game play
Good graphics
Good sound
Must play for RPG fans
Might actually convert people that hate RPG games
Cons:
Not the FES version of the game
Mature Rating and some controversial content will scare many away from this great game
Slight slow down during some of the later fights.