Shin Megami Tensai/ Persona Series...Yay? or neh?

[Sky_R]

So I have twiddled my thumbs over purchasing anything from this series for a long time now. I remember when persona I and II came out they looked rather compelling. But 3 and 4 look a bit more fantasy-esque then the original two USA person releases. I DID like the appeal of Digital Devil Saga because I do like post apocalyptic games that provide a futuristic flare to it.

Okay so in short I would love to play Digital Devil Saga series (has decent premise and voice overs. Not too mention some cool aesthetics and story.) but honestly the persona series these days comes off kinda J-Pop-ish now a days- the voice overs are awful and horribly over exaggerated and it seems like its appealing to the naruto-tween young adult fan market. Nocturne seems like it would be fairly decent next to digital devil saga in my list of interest. So tell me as of late- am I missing out or should I pass up on collecting the US release titles?

 

[LoneSage]

am I missing out

yeah

 

[Sky_R]

Elaborations would be nice.

yeah

 

[jro]

Elaborations would be nice.

It's the best RPG series in existence. BUY NOW.

Nocturne is still my favorite. Persona 4 is fucking great, though. Persona 3 is only a little less great. Digital Devil Saga 1 and 2 are really good. Devil Summoner is unique, not a traditional RPG, still good.

BUY THEM ALL.

 

[Sky_R]

I definitely liked the uniqueness of devil summoner just because it seemed to have its own style going for it. My ex who I was dating at the time was dumb enough to trade it in for another tales of clone. I will definitely take your word for it and try number 4 out. Yeah number 3 had a bit of a short coming in my interest. Digital devil saga looked great. My reason for avoiding number 3 was mainly because it had that "Samey feel of a typical j-rpg. "Thank you for an elaborate response. I'm here for actual opinions not fanboy remarks. I just want to hear it clean and informative folks.

It's the best RPG series in existence. BUY NOW.

Nocturne is still my favorite. Persona 4 is fucking great, though. Persona 3 is only a little less great. Digital Devil Saga 1 and 2 are really good. Devil Summoner is unique, not a traditional RPG, still good.

BUY THEM ALL.

 

[Poison Sama]

Persona 4 is fucking great, though. Persona 3 is only a little less great.

Persona 4 is far greater than Persona 3. Here's the main reason why :

 

[LoneSage]

You fight God in a boss fight, I don't know what else to say, if that doesn't want to make you play these games then I don't know what will.

 

[DangerousK]

I have both Person 3 & 4 and I will never be playing them.

Keeping them factory sealed for the inevitable increase in value 5 years from now.

 

[Sky_R]

I have both Person 3 & 4 and I will never be playing them.

Keeping them factory sealed for the inevitable increase in value 5 years from now.

thats a smart idea K. I should do the same. Seriously keep sakes are good for financial bail-outs.

My major regret was more so I didn't pick up the persona I and II and then digital devil saga. I did pass on three mainly because it did not look as innovative as the others. I play things for the innovation of a new concept- I don't play just to collect the entire-
"ZOMG RPG SERIES!"

 

[Mushiki]

Unique games indeed, really good.

Art direction is always impossibly good.

 

[Neco_Coneco]

Persona 4 is far greater than Persona 3. Here's the main reason why :
\

Climbing the ladder to maturity one battle at a time lol

Persona 4 is one of my favorite games off all time. I just had so much fun with it. I loved it the entire way through. It was one of the only games were I was truly sad that it was over. I thought it was leagues ahead of 3.

The social link system is really addictive I was so focused on maxing everyone out. Its really one of those games I could see my self playing through every year or so for the next decade.

Persona 2 is also pretty damn fun. Its more of a traditional rpg than 3 or 4 but its a great game.

 

[Jon]

I disagree with your statement about Persona 3's voice acting not being very good. It's EXCELLENT. It may even be better than 4's.

I definitely recommend you start at the beginning: Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne. The reason why is because this game is basically the same engine (well, very close) that all the other SMT are based on for PS2 (the exception being the Raidou Kuzunoha game(s)). It will help you get used to the combat in all of the other games. Basically, it introduced Turn Icon system in which attacks enemies and you are weak to will net you an extra half turn icon. It's also the same with critical attacks, as well. The story is VERY VERY good. This may be the best game on PS2.

What impressed me most about these games was that you really had to think to win these battles. Merely leveling up and getting stronger are simply not enough to win. Many battles are litterally wars of attrition (spelled right?) where you'll only be able to do damage with one type of attack and only in certain situations. The secret battle with Hitoshura (called Demi-Fiend on the US version) on Digital Devil Saga 1 is a really good example. I won't spoil it for you but, there are only certain things you can do against him without him going berserk and killing your party in one hit. Another example would be the Chernabog from the second DDS where he would have whatever attacks/resistances/skills you had when you initiated the battle.

I HIGHLY recommend you at least play these games. You are seriously missing out if you don't.

Jon

 

[Sky_R]

I disagree with your statement about Persona 3's voice acting not being very good. It's EXCELLENT. It may even be better than 4's.

I definitely recommend you start at the beginning: Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne. The reason why is because this game is basically the same engine (well, very close) that all the other SMT are based on for PS2 (the exception being the Raidou Kuzunoha game(s)). It will help you get used to the combat in all of the other games. Basically, it introduced Turn Icon system in which attacks enemies and you are weak to will net you an extra half turn icon. It's also the same with critical attacks, as well. The story is VERY VERY good. This may be the best game on PS2.

What impressed me most about these games was that you really had to think to win these battles. Merely leveling up and getting stronger are simply not enough to win. Many battles are litterally wars of attrition (spelled right?) where you'll only be able to do damage with one type of attack and only in certain situations. The secret battle with Hitoshura (called Demi-Fiend on the US version) on Digital Devil Saga 1 is a really good example. I won't spoil it for you but, there are only certain things you can do against him without him going berserk and killing your party in one hit. Another example would be the Chernabog from the second DDS where he would have whatever attacks/resistances/skills you had when you initiated the battle.

I HIGHLY recommend you at least play these games. You are seriously missing out if you don't.

Jon

Thank you for the good explanation. It's been really hard to get into this series for the sole purpose of the persona fans. While they are excited about the series none of them actually talk about the concept or the story interest. They never bring that to the table. They usually just make some j-fanboy one liner and are done with it. Unfortanitely thats not going to help me understand why I should get the game. You though on the other hand At least adressed some of my concerns. This is the main problem I have had with the gaming/anime market. Simply stating something is cool or badass or theres this "ONE BADASS thing" or that "One remarkable thing" isn't going to sway me to buy an entire game. It has to be the overal picture that will sway me to buy a game. So that being said thanks for the thorough explanation. I wish more people were thorough in explaining things.

 

[ki_atsushi]

Haven't played Persona 4 yet, but 3 was definitely incredible. Can't recommend it enough.

 

[Jon]

Thank you for the good explanation. It's been really hard to get into this series for the sole purpose of the persona fans. While they are excited about the series none of them actually talk about the concept or the story interest. They never bring that to the table. They usually just make some j-fanboy one liner and are done with it. Unfortanitely thats not going to help me understand why I should get the game. You though on the other hand At least adressed some of my concerns. This is the main problem I have had with the gaming/anime market. Simply stating something is cool or badass or theres this "ONE BADASS thing" or that "One remarkable thing" isn't going to sway me to buy an entire game. It has to be the overal picture that will sway me to buy a game. So that being said thanks for the thorough explanation. I wish more people were thorough in explaining things.

I'm sorry that my explanation wasn't enough to sway you into buying any of the games from the series. If there were any specific questions you have about SMT, you're more than welcome to ask.

However, your point about wanting an overall picture of the entire series so you can figure out for yourself if you want to buy the games or not is quite simply not going to happen. For one, I'm not nearly articulate enough to put what exactly makes the series so great into words. Secondly, the series is simply to big to give you exactly what you want.

I will say this: The series is incredible and must be experienced to be appreciated. The fact that SMT even made it to the US, that it was so lovingly and faithfully translated and dubbed, and that a series of this type with its nearly completely Japanese setting and premise is doing so well in the US is simply incredible. You can really tell it was a labor of love on Atlus' part to get it to us.

So, I'm sorry I can't give you exactly what you want as far as an explanation.

Jon

 

[Jimminy]

I'm sorry that my explanation wasn't enough to sway you into buying any of the games from the series. If there were any specific questions you have about SMT, you're more than welcome to ask.

However, your point about wanting an overall picture of the entire series so you can figure out for yourself if you want to buy the games or not is quite simply not going to happen. For one, I'm not nearly articulate enough to put what exactly makes the series so great into words. Secondly, the series is simply to big to give you exactly what you want.

I will say this: The series is incredible and must be experienced to be appreciated. The fact that SMT even made it to the US, that it was so lovingly and faithfully translated and dubbed, and that a series of this type with its nearly completely Japanese setting and premise is doing so well in the US is simply incredible. You can really tell it was a labor of love on Atlus' part to get it to us.

So, I'm sorry I can't give you exactly what you want as far as an explanation.

Jon

Great explanation!!

 

[Sky_R]

I'm sorry that my explanation wasn't enough to sway you into buying any of the games from the series. If there were any specific questions you have about SMT, you're more than welcome to ask.

However, your point about wanting an overall picture of the entire series so you can figure out for yourself if you want to buy the games or not is quite simply not going to happen. For one, I'm not nearly articulate enough to put what exactly makes the series so great into words. Secondly, the series is simply to big to give you exactly what you want.

I will say this: The series is incredible and must be experienced to be appreciated. The fact that SMT even made it to the US, that it was so lovingly and faithfully translated and dubbed, and that a series of this type with its nearly completely Japanese setting and premise is doing so well in the US is simply incredible. You can really tell it was a labor of love on Atlus' part to get it to us.

So, I'm sorry I can't give you exactly what you want as far as an explanation.

Jon

Umm, you did give me partially the explanation I wanted. What I was saying is it was enough for me to take interest in this series.

What I was saying is I was separating and appreciating your information vs. the standard fanboy who gives annoying reference and fanboy lines who tells me nothing about the said one or two games in the first place.

I think you failed to see my point. I was implying NO FANBOY who mentions limited comments is going to sway me to be sold on a game series. I have already made my decisions on which games I will get. Though you seemed to do just the opposite of that. Keep in mind I already had a couple of titles that I wanted to get first hand in the series. But I'm sketchy on the newest releases.

Believe me when I say it thank you for the helpful advice.

 

[Jon]

Umm, you did give me partially the explanation I wanted. What I was saying is it was enough for me to take interest in this series.

What I was saying is I was separating and appreciating your information vs. the standard fanboy who gives annoying reference and fanboy lines who tells me nothing about the said one or two games in the first place.

I think you failed to see my point. I was implying NO FANBOY who mentions limited comments is going to sway me to be sold on a game series. I have already made my decisions on which games I will get. Though you seemed to do just the opposite of that. Keep in mind I already had a couple of titles that I wanted to get first hand in the series. But I'm sketchy on the newest releases.

Believe me when I say it thank you for the helpful advice.

Sorry, I think I read your post on my DSi and didn't really look it over 100% thouroughly.

Yeah, you're right, though. There's no way I can convert you but, I wish I could. T

Jon

 

[Sky_R]

Sorry, I think I read your post on my DSi and didn't really look it over 100% thouroughly.

Yeah, you're right, though. There's no way I can convert you but, I wish I could. T

Jon

I think I will meet you half way. I will take it one step at a time. And will keep you updated.



I'm probably going to start from nocturne to digital devil saga and from there get 2,3,4. So even though I'm not as excited about 3 and 4 it's definitely worth giving it a try. I may end up being surprised. Its happened to me before. whats 20 bucks anyway? The worst that could happen is I take it back and trade it in. The best that could happen is I have a good time playing it. I will keep you updated man.

 

[neojedi]

The Personas have standalone plotlines, so you are better off playing them in the order 4,3>2>1 depending on how long your interest holds out. 4 has a more streamlined system than 3, but 3 has stronger characters, I can't recommend either over the other.

Nocturne is the best of them all as has already been mentioned. It's tough to compare DDS to Persona, DDS is just a more traditional type of RPG. There is progression in the DDS games though, so they have to be played DDS1 then DDS2.

 

[Jimminy]

I think I will meet you half way. I will take it one step at a time. And will keep you updated.



I'm probably going to start from nocturne to digital devil saga and from there get 2,3,4. So even though I'm not as excited about 3 and 4 it's definitely worth giving it a try. I may end up being surprised. Its happened to me before. whats 20 bucks anyway? The worst that could happen is I take it back and trade it in. The best that could happen is I have a good time playing it. I will keep you updated man.

Love to know where you will get any of these for 20 bucks
Persona 3 FES is though at GameStop right now!

 

[Sky_R]

Love to know where you will get any of these for 20 bucks
Persona 3 FES is though at GameStop right now!

That is what I was referring to silly Seriously I know the high price cost of the game series. No reason to be a know it all. Everyone knows its common knowledge that the only persona game out there for 20 bucks is 3. No reason to be a wise guy. Although, the cost of the persona series is one of the many reasons why I have not bought some of the past titles recently because of the consistent sellers price gouging. Nevertheless every now and again gamestop pops up with one of these here and there. So no worries. The other games I can look elsewhere.

 

[Deuce]

If Persona 3 is any indication, a big fat NAY.

A bunch of j-mo kids repeatedly blowing their metaphysical brains out repeatedly to summon creatures that fight bad trampstamps rendered in 3D.

Seriously, I saw a boss fight against a giant valentine-style heart, wrapped in chains and with golden wings. WTF?

Also, the worst localization since ZOE2. Honorifics have no place in an English translation, unless the conversation is specifically about Japanese honorifics.

 

[Sky_R]

If Persona 3 is any indication, a big fat NAY.

A bunch of j-mo kids repeatedly blowing their metaphysical brains out repeatedly to summon creatures that fight bad trampstamps rendered in 3D.

Seriously, I saw a boss fight against a giant valentine-style heart, wrapped in chains and with golden wings. WTF?

Also, the worst localization since ZOE2. Honorifics have no place in an English translation, unless the conversation is specifically about Japanese honorifics.

Wow just wow. No comment for that one... I'm speechless. heh.

 

[Deuce]

Wow just wow. No comment for that one... I'm speechless. heh.

I translate games as a hobby, and JRPGs have worn out most of their welcome with me. Persona 3 just rubbed me the wrong way on pretty much every level. With a cheese grater.