GamingMaiden
This is my favorite forum on the Citadel.
In an alternate reality where gods unknowingly interact in daily life, TVs are entrances to another dimension, and a friend may be the enemy destroying everything precious to you, you got one of the best RPGs ever to grace the PS2. And that's definitely not an understatement. No joke folks, this game is a mix of life sims and battle. Sounds kinda lame put in that context but I kid you not, this is probably my favorite game for the PS2.
This is not a game for kids! (Even with the M rating...still!) Even with the cutesy looking anime characters, this is actually a dark game. You explore themes like psychology, death, jealously, and if it's right to play god. I was surprised to be honest. I was expecting a straightforward story, but this delivers many great and memorable moments. Alot funny, shocking, sad, and thought provoking. Your enemies in the game are shadows, basically the negative thoughts of people. It was pretty interesting as the development of figuring out what Shadows were goes on. Many revelations come in here and there. uncovering the story or what you'd call the truth.
This game plays like a RPG, looks like a RPG, and thinks like a RPG. Many of your level grinding, hard bosses, and near frequent mini-bosses are here. The game battle system itself consists of a turn based style, where unlike the other Persona games, you get to control each character you choose for battle instead of it being AI. Also, you'll spend a good 1/3rd of the game level grinding or battling in the dungeons, the other 1/3rd on events, and another 1/3rd trying to level up your social links. Social Links are the bonds you and many others share. But it also has it's advantages in battle. As you get familiar with fusing personas (Or those familiar with Devil Summoners will call them demons), you'll learn they all go by major arcanas. With each friend you make, you have the potential to do events with them to level up those links. Each has a different arcana.
In addition, according to the choices you make, there are three endings. True, Normal, and Bad. Bad is fairly easy to get. Normal takes some thought. True takes pure strength to endure such a dungeon you get. This game is tough. To get normal, you have to make the right choices. Get one wrong and it's bad ending for you. But the cutscene at the end for the True ending(hell, even the normal ending) makes everything worth it in the end. You'll definitely get a ton of replay value when you finish, seeing as your social attributes will be carried over (Courage, Understanding, Knowledge, Diligence, and Expression) as well as the Compedium (the personas you registered so in case you lose it, you can just pay to have it summoned back again. For a price. Pay. Fee.)
The music was actually very catchy. I love the soundtrack you get with the CD, it's just awesome. I burned it on my iPod, I loved it that much. Soon, you'll find yourself humming to it! Sometimes it'll get a little repetitive but it'll just sounds better when you hear it next time. Each song goes so well with the events occurring that it'll just seem natural. Shoji Meguro, major thanks for such great music. However, it still feels a little stale when compared to Persona 3's music at some points. Especially with openings. "Burn my Dread" for Persona 3 was amazing. However, "Pursuing My True Self" will take some time to get used to. Either way, you'll barely tell they're singing in English.
Despite some issues with music, I still highly recommend this game. No matter how you look at it, takes an old formula and renews it without taking out anything. A perfect sequel, not to be missed, gets my vote for best PS2 RPG.
9.5/10
This is not a game for kids! (Even with the M rating...still!) Even with the cutesy looking anime characters, this is actually a dark game. You explore themes like psychology, death, jealously, and if it's right to play god. I was surprised to be honest. I was expecting a straightforward story, but this delivers many great and memorable moments. Alot funny, shocking, sad, and thought provoking. Your enemies in the game are shadows, basically the negative thoughts of people. It was pretty interesting as the development of figuring out what Shadows were goes on. Many revelations come in here and there. uncovering the story or what you'd call the truth.
This game plays like a RPG, looks like a RPG, and thinks like a RPG. Many of your level grinding, hard bosses, and near frequent mini-bosses are here. The game battle system itself consists of a turn based style, where unlike the other Persona games, you get to control each character you choose for battle instead of it being AI. Also, you'll spend a good 1/3rd of the game level grinding or battling in the dungeons, the other 1/3rd on events, and another 1/3rd trying to level up your social links. Social Links are the bonds you and many others share. But it also has it's advantages in battle. As you get familiar with fusing personas (Or those familiar with Devil Summoners will call them demons), you'll learn they all go by major arcanas. With each friend you make, you have the potential to do events with them to level up those links. Each has a different arcana.
In addition, according to the choices you make, there are three endings. True, Normal, and Bad. Bad is fairly easy to get. Normal takes some thought. True takes pure strength to endure such a dungeon you get. This game is tough. To get normal, you have to make the right choices. Get one wrong and it's bad ending for you. But the cutscene at the end for the True ending(hell, even the normal ending) makes everything worth it in the end. You'll definitely get a ton of replay value when you finish, seeing as your social attributes will be carried over (Courage, Understanding, Knowledge, Diligence, and Expression) as well as the Compedium (the personas you registered so in case you lose it, you can just pay to have it summoned back again. For a price. Pay. Fee.)
The music was actually very catchy. I love the soundtrack you get with the CD, it's just awesome. I burned it on my iPod, I loved it that much. Soon, you'll find yourself humming to it! Sometimes it'll get a little repetitive but it'll just sounds better when you hear it next time. Each song goes so well with the events occurring that it'll just seem natural. Shoji Meguro, major thanks for such great music. However, it still feels a little stale when compared to Persona 3's music at some points. Especially with openings. "Burn my Dread" for Persona 3 was amazing. However, "Pursuing My True Self" will take some time to get used to. Either way, you'll barely tell they're singing in English.
Despite some issues with music, I still highly recommend this game. No matter how you look at it, takes an old formula and renews it without taking out anything. A perfect sequel, not to be missed, gets my vote for best PS2 RPG.
9.5/10
don't laugh at me.
