Post by zandyne on Feb 3, 2008 7:21:09 GMT -5
In Persona 3 you’re the typical transfer student who gets thrown into a rather atypical set of circumstances. Before you even arrive at your dorm a definite change in surrounding is noticeable, coffins, blood and an eerie haze hang over a city that was just moments earlier bustling with the sounds of civilization. Even as you arrive at your destination the first human you find is a boy who speaks in riddles and asks that you sign a contract; he assures you it’s merely the “usual stuff” stating that by signing the contract you agree to be held accountable for your actions. But what does it all mean?
Storyline: 9/10
In Persona 3 it isn’t necessary for you to have played the previous two installments as the story and concept stands up inclusively on its own. What makes Persona 3 interesting and unique in its storyline is that the element of time between events feels real, and given how the events play out, time becomes a precious asset. Another factor which makes Persona 3 entertaining in its story execution is that there are several other smaller storylines you can participate in, and while they do not have a great impact given the circumstances of what ails mankind this time around, they will still have a powerful effect on the overall story’s ending.
Story narration in on itself happens to be one that has a more in-depth feel and is one of the strongest points of Persona 3. An example of this is that rather than most other games of its genre takes to just throwing out characters to fill your party, it will take the time to actually flesh them out and their interactions with each other on a more personal level. There are also several events where while others of its genre have often come off as clichéd, are pulled off convincingly and surprisingly well.
Graphics: 8/10
The graphics while not mind-blowing aren’t terrible and suit the game’s style well. For Persona 3 its main graphic strengths can be considered a grab-bag depending on player’s personal preference. It basically comes down to a deliberation on a player’s view of the “anime style”, however even if they despise it, they will find a very interesting and fresh plethora of enemies and Personas.
Sound: 9/10
There are tracks that range from pop to hip-hop to piano to epic in this game and each track matches its setting. In my personal opinion the mini-boss, boss and final boss tracks are some of the best ones which give a fitting and memorable feel to the events. Damage sounds as painful as it usually acts on the players. The voice-acting should also be addressed- it was fairly good save for one or two minor voices. Some were especially well-done and should be duly noted for their work.
Control & Interface: 10/10
Controls are fairly easy and convenient. Depending on how quickly players can pick up on new cast lingo, they may have a fun or frustrating time when it comes to casting. Another factor to account for is the rewards/punishment system in battle that revolves around weaknesses, those who employ strategy will have a rewarding time with Persona 3, those who mash away at the attack button will most likely be frustrated. The learning curve is also a toss-up, if the player is seasoned and is willing to experiment with the unique Fusion System they will find that the learning curve is quite gradual and those who think they can “one-man-army”/level-grind to the ending will most likely be stopped well before the end of the game. However people who are familiar with games of this series will be relatively satisfied (though some complain the final boss was too easy if you play your cards right).
In terms of interface, the menus navigate delightfully well and are a colorful treat to look at. There is a minor gripe about changing around player’s (outside members) party equipment in the dungeon but it’s easily avoidable as most of the time players will be given a more convenient route to change it outside of the main dungeon. Interface is fairly convenient with simple button clicks to make the choices that you can select from, however MAKING the right choices are what make it a challenge.
Replay: 8/10
Depending on the individual players’ reactions to the ending and their attachment to the characters, they may want to immediately pick up the game and replay straight through again, and others may want to digest the ending. Regardless, unless players are using a very specific walkthrough they will most likely have to replay through the game again if they want to complete all of the minor story arcs, complete the compendium, complete all of Elizabeth’s requests (as well as beat the special boss you find in the tower and another which happens to thrive on an optional level), view the different scenarios and fully understand and appreciate the entirety of the story (this is the sort of game where replaying it will clarify and strengthen the story, however it is not necessary, but I recommend it).
Overall: 9/10
Very good game and I recommend it to anyone who’s new to the franchise or RPGs. I thoroughly enjoyed the game despite it seeming considerably easier in comparison to previous games in the line (then again players can still be one-hit killed just as easily in this game, just not as often). It also happens to have one of the most interesting interpretations of Death (among many others) that I have ever seen. It should be noted that the entire story is also not spoon-fed to players, so a connective mind is the best to cater to this sort of game. The M rating is also nothing to worry about, it is only for a handful of colorful words and the what appears to be suicide committed by the main party each time they summon a Persona (however this is explained in-game and there are no bullets in the gun).
On a related note to those interested in playing, an append disc called Persona3:FES is supposed to be coming out in the US sometime soon which happens to act as an epilogue and expansion to the game…and should you decide to pick up the game, I would recommend the expansion because you get even more goodies.
[Quick-Late Edit]
Persona 3 FES is now available in stores in the US!
Storyline: 9/10
In Persona 3 it isn’t necessary for you to have played the previous two installments as the story and concept stands up inclusively on its own. What makes Persona 3 interesting and unique in its storyline is that the element of time between events feels real, and given how the events play out, time becomes a precious asset. Another factor which makes Persona 3 entertaining in its story execution is that there are several other smaller storylines you can participate in, and while they do not have a great impact given the circumstances of what ails mankind this time around, they will still have a powerful effect on the overall story’s ending.
Story narration in on itself happens to be one that has a more in-depth feel and is one of the strongest points of Persona 3. An example of this is that rather than most other games of its genre takes to just throwing out characters to fill your party, it will take the time to actually flesh them out and their interactions with each other on a more personal level. There are also several events where while others of its genre have often come off as clichéd, are pulled off convincingly and surprisingly well.
Graphics: 8/10
The graphics while not mind-blowing aren’t terrible and suit the game’s style well. For Persona 3 its main graphic strengths can be considered a grab-bag depending on player’s personal preference. It basically comes down to a deliberation on a player’s view of the “anime style”, however even if they despise it, they will find a very interesting and fresh plethora of enemies and Personas.
Sound: 9/10
There are tracks that range from pop to hip-hop to piano to epic in this game and each track matches its setting. In my personal opinion the mini-boss, boss and final boss tracks are some of the best ones which give a fitting and memorable feel to the events. Damage sounds as painful as it usually acts on the players. The voice-acting should also be addressed- it was fairly good save for one or two minor voices. Some were especially well-done and should be duly noted for their work.
Control & Interface: 10/10
Controls are fairly easy and convenient. Depending on how quickly players can pick up on new cast lingo, they may have a fun or frustrating time when it comes to casting. Another factor to account for is the rewards/punishment system in battle that revolves around weaknesses, those who employ strategy will have a rewarding time with Persona 3, those who mash away at the attack button will most likely be frustrated. The learning curve is also a toss-up, if the player is seasoned and is willing to experiment with the unique Fusion System they will find that the learning curve is quite gradual and those who think they can “one-man-army”/level-grind to the ending will most likely be stopped well before the end of the game. However people who are familiar with games of this series will be relatively satisfied (though some complain the final boss was too easy if you play your cards right).
In terms of interface, the menus navigate delightfully well and are a colorful treat to look at. There is a minor gripe about changing around player’s (outside members) party equipment in the dungeon but it’s easily avoidable as most of the time players will be given a more convenient route to change it outside of the main dungeon. Interface is fairly convenient with simple button clicks to make the choices that you can select from, however MAKING the right choices are what make it a challenge.
Replay: 8/10
Depending on the individual players’ reactions to the ending and their attachment to the characters, they may want to immediately pick up the game and replay straight through again, and others may want to digest the ending. Regardless, unless players are using a very specific walkthrough they will most likely have to replay through the game again if they want to complete all of the minor story arcs, complete the compendium, complete all of Elizabeth’s requests (as well as beat the special boss you find in the tower and another which happens to thrive on an optional level), view the different scenarios and fully understand and appreciate the entirety of the story (this is the sort of game where replaying it will clarify and strengthen the story, however it is not necessary, but I recommend it).
Overall: 9/10
Very good game and I recommend it to anyone who’s new to the franchise or RPGs. I thoroughly enjoyed the game despite it seeming considerably easier in comparison to previous games in the line (then again players can still be one-hit killed just as easily in this game, just not as often). It also happens to have one of the most interesting interpretations of Death (among many others) that I have ever seen. It should be noted that the entire story is also not spoon-fed to players, so a connective mind is the best to cater to this sort of game. The M rating is also nothing to worry about, it is only for a handful of colorful words and the what appears to be suicide committed by the main party each time they summon a Persona (however this is explained in-game and there are no bullets in the gun).
On a related note to those interested in playing, an append disc called Persona3:FES is supposed to be coming out in the US sometime soon which happens to act as an epilogue and expansion to the game…and should you decide to pick up the game, I would recommend the expansion because you get even more goodies.
[Quick-Late Edit]
Persona 3 FES is now available in stores in the US!
