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29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A thinking man's console RPG?, August 16, 2007
Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars
This review is from: Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 (Video Game)
Gamers who buy games developed or published by Atlus know that Atlus games tend to be somewhat different from other developers' offerings. After several hours of play, I think it's fair to say that "Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3" continues this trend.
The gameplay is fairly realistic, given that P3 is a Japanese RPG. In battle, they may stumble when attacking and leave themselves vulnerable to the enemies' attacks. If you try to push them too hard, they will get tired, which will affect their performance. Ignore their fatigue, and they will get sick, which further hampers them. This principle applies to the main character, whom the player directly controls. Try to do everything, and you won't be able to do anything particularly well.
Since part of the game involves the character's day-to-day life as a high school student, one cannot expect major plot turns every day. However, the choices the player makes in school do have an effect on the player's options as a Persona user. The more connections the player forges with other students, the more power he will bring to bear as a Persona user, so expect consequences if you decide to play as a loner.
Some players may find some of the imagery in this game disturbing, or even offensive. The characters summon their Personae by using a gun-like device called an Evoker. Unlike another reviewer, I do not think that they are mimicking suicide. Instead, given that in-game dialogue suggests that one can summon a Persona without an Evoker, I think that the Evoker is used to break down a character's inner barriers so that his Persona can manifest. While I understand why the summoning animations may be offensive to some, I do think that Atlus did it this way for a legitimate reason. However, parents thinking of getting this game for their teenage children should be aware that this game contains imagery that may be inappropriate.
As for the title of this review, I think this might be a thinking man's RPG because of the themes I've encountered thus far. I haven't completed the game yet, so I can't say I've seen everything it has to offer. However, given the introductory movie that plays when you load the game, I think that Persona 3 will give an attentive player a few things to think about. For example, the player is asked to sign a contract at the beginning of the game. The terms seem simple enough, but when is responsibility ever simple?
As for technical details; the graphics are somewhat minimalist, but very stylish. I think that the character and Persona portraits were well done, but I don't think that Kazuma Kaneko (who handled character design for the other SMT games on the PS2) was involved. Shoji Meguro, however, handled the soundtrack. I suspect that some of the hip-hop influenced tracks may begin to grate on me after further play, but I am a long-haired metalhead. Your mileage may vary. You may also dislike the voice acting, but the Config menu includes an option to turn off voiced dialogue for players who just want text.
I heartily recommend SMT: Persona 3, and think it's worth the fifty bucks I paid for it. Buy it instead of renting it, and you'll get a nice little art book and soundtrack disc in the package.
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33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A deep, mature and entertaining game, August 15, 2007
Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars
This review is from: Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 (Video Game)
While this game is called Persona 3, no knowledge of the previous installments is necessary. The game starts off following a group of teenagers, along with an adult supervisor, as they begin an exploration into a recurring paranormal event ... an event that's having a devastating effect on people in their city.
The unique aspect of this Japanese RPG is the use of "personas." A persona is, in a way, a physical respresentation of another you ... its buried deep within these individuals. The main protagonist has the ability to use more than one, and in an almost Pokemon fashion, you have the opportunity to collect them all.
As indelicately indicated by another reviewer, they use a gun-like device called an Evoker to free the persona from their physical form. They DO NOT kill themselves or use bullets. However, suicide is an issue in Japan, as well ... but not generally by guns. So, sensitive individuals should be aware.
However, this is part of the strength of the game's narrative. Each time they take the step to use the Evoker, they're simulating their own death -- this is an important concept in the game, because the characters are reminded that they are mortal and can die. In fact, in the opening and elsewhere the Latin phrase "Memento Mori" is presented -- remember that you are mortal. The use of the gun imagery was not a mistake ... it's made to make the player think and consider their actions, to think deeper -- not only about the game world, but about their own lives.
The strength of the Persona series has always been the incorporation of both philosophy and psychology. It's not unusal to be presented with bits from Jung ... or aspects of the great philosophers.
For mature players, this is a game I can't recommend highly enough.
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26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A superb addition to the Shin Megami Tensei series..., August 19, 2007
Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars
This review is from: Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 (Video Game)
I'm the first to admit that I am relatively new to the Shin Megami Tensei series. Having only recently discovered the fun of Digital Devil Saga and its sequel, I snapped up Devil Summoner and Nocturne as quickly as I could (the latter of which was extremely difficult to find, but well worth the effort). With this said, I've been consistently impressed by the depth of gameplay and sheer fun that each SMT title brings, and rest assured that Persona 3 is no exception.
For those familiar with previous SMT titles, there is a good mix of the familiar and the new in Persona 3. The story and structure of the game are new, with you assuming the role of the main character, who recently joined Gekkoukan High School as a junior. The game is structured such that you go to school, have free time, and even holidays, all of which depend on the current day/month in the calendar (you start the game in April, and it ends no later than January of the following year). Don't worry, though - there is ample time to progress at your own pace and not feel rushed.
When it becomes clear that you and your newfound friends are in for a fight with the mysterious Shadows, the game's ever-changing dungeon (Tartarus) is introduced. Instead of recruiting "demons" as in previous titles, though, Persona 3 allows you to establish Social Links (relationships) with various people, and to draw upon and strengthen that power to bring out the skills and strengths of various Personas (many of which will look familiar from previous titles).
The true fun of Persona 3 stems from all of these ideas. The game's sole dungeon, always changing and some 250+ floors high, is the place where you'll be leveling your characters and searching for goodies. While battle is challenging and fun, it's also important to improve your Social Links outside of battle as well as your core attributes so that you become smarter, more charming, and more courageous. Balancing school with time on the battlefield adds a unique challenge that you won't find elsewhere, and becoming a better friend to many different people strengthens your own Personas.
While I have not yet completed the game, I have played extensively thus far and really enjoy the game's dynamics, social interactions, battle system, graphics, music, and overall gameplay. The story is truly engrossing and you are challenged both in battle and on your own time to balance all of the demands placed upon you. If you're looking for a smart and multidimensional game that rewards you for taking time to improve yourself and your relationships with those around you, then search no further: Persona 3 has arrived. Very highly recommended.
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