Persona 4

[Variable Gear]

http://i34.tinypic.com/2i4vv5.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O10pqWZPhiU&feature=PlayList&p=5877CBCE12554DD4&index=1)

Persona 4 (http://www.atlus.com/persona4/) is hopefully (http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2008/11/04/persona-4-kiss-of-death/) just a little more than a month off, so I thought I'd start the official CoG P4 thread.

If you haven't preordered the game already, you can go ahead and do that now while also supporting Colony of Gamers (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=667) by clicking this link (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001C6GVI6/ref=nosim/cog-20). If you preorder the game you'll receive a partial OST and an art book (http://www.atlus.com/deluxepackage.php). Atlus has also recently announced a second bonus pack of goodies that will release alongside Persona 4, called a "Social Link Expansion Pack (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001H14C8C?ie=UTF8&tag=atlus-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001H14C8C/cog-20)." This pack includes a 2009 Calender, the rest of the Persona 4 OST, a XL t-shirt featuring Persona Konohana Sakuya and a 8 1/2 inch tall Teddie plush. I'm not sure if I will be getting this, but if I hear good things about the P4 OST, then I might just have to pick it up.

For those that can't wait until the ninth of December (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persona_4), here's a trailer of the English version of Persona 4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6_rl_ldcj4). You can access additional Persona 4 videos (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=5877CBCE12554DD4) from AtlusUSA's Youtube page (http://www.youtube.com/user/AtlusUSA).

S6_rl_ldcj4

[Variable Gear]

Here is a new Persona 4 preview from IGN (http://ps2.ign.com/articles/928/928111p1.html).

However, even with this kind of change made to the Persona summoning, there's a number of other changes to consider as well. For one thing, in Persona 3, players were only in control of the main character, which meant that they had to rely upon luck that their party members would cast the right spell, attack a downed enemy or perform intelligently in battle. That's been solved in Persona 4, because now, players have a couple of choices as to how they want their party members to behave. If you happened to like that old mechanic, you can keep it, but if you'd rather have more control over the actions of your party members and what they perform in battle, you can directly command each person individually instead of setting tactics. Another change that's been included in battle is the inclusion of a guard, which allows you to reduce the amount of damage that your characters take from an enemy, regardless of the elemental weaknesses they seem to have against a particular attack. For example, the main character seems to be weak against wind, but guarding can defend him from monsters that try to exploit this for quick "1 more" strikes against him.

http://ps2media.ign.com/ps2/image/article/928/928111/shin-megami-tensei-persona-4-20081107041744020-000.jpg (http://ps2.ign.com/articles/928/928111p1.html)

To combat this fate, you'll need to enter the TV world and fight the Shadows on their own territory. For the most part, you'll do this by going to a store known as Junes, which is run by the father of Yosuke, one of the main character's friends. The store has a large flat screen television that's big enough to accommodate the characters moving from the real world to the otherworld and vice versa, so you and your party can go and search for clues and missing people. However, unlike Persona 3, where the dungeons were larger and somewhat confusing, Persona 4 focuses more on story driven scripted sequences with smaller environments (albeit still randomized) to help you explore this strange dimension. This is important because many of the dungeons aren't simply an amalgamation of rooms that have no connection from one level to another; instead, the dungeons that you'll run into are related to some hidden fear or issue kept in the psyche of the person that's disappeared. For example, one of the dungeons I saw revolved around a girl's issues with betraying her family business to work for another, more prosperous company, while another dungeon was based off the insecurities of a girl interacting with men.

[ClannerDelta]

I like the inclusion of a Guard and the ability to control my characters. Persona 3 was an exceedingly frustrating experience at times. Especially when two powerful weakness attacks could kill a character outright including your player, which meant game over no matter what.

I still loved it though and hope for the same kind of enjoyable game.

[JayK47]

Hmmm. I recently finished Persona 3. It took me well over 100 hours. I'd say the game got boring at about 50 hours. Had the game ended at 50 hours, I would have no problem buying another Persona game. But damn, I just don't have that kind of time or patience any more. I would need to know if the new game is around 50 hours before a purchase. But damn, those pre-order goodies sound pretty sweet. And it sounds like they fixed a lot of the issues that I had with Persona 3.

[LongStepMantis]

Hmmm. I recently finished Persona 3. It took me well over 100 hours. I'd say the game got boring at about 50 hours. Had the game ended at 50 hours, I would have no problem buying another Persona game. But damn, I just don't have that kind of time or patience any more. I would need to know if the new game is around 50 hours before a purchase. But damn, those pre-order goodies sound pretty sweet. And it sounds like they fixed a lot of the issues that I had with Persona 3.

I just recently finished Persona 2 for PS1 and picked up Persona 3. I honestly asked myself if i was willing to put in the effort because 2 was just as bad as far as the grind factor.

It comes down to the fact that since the early days, I've been into hardcore RPGs. Sometimes I enjoy games that skirt the line between fun and work, like Disgaea, more than almost any other games. The bonus is that games like that have so much to do if you're willing to deal with the long gameplay, grinding, and searching again and again for bonus objectives. If you can deal with all of that you get games with so much more depth than almost any others.

When it becomes tedious to the point of boredom, I take a break and come back in a week. It works for me at least.

Persona games intrigue me so much because they are set outside of the medieval fantasy setting, and have a lot of unique aspects you just don't find in other RPGs. Some features are hit or miss, but I can't even bring myself to play games like FF anymore. Even when they innovate somewhat, I always feel like "I've played this game dozens of times already." Just my opinion.

[frederec]

Hmmm. I recently finished Persona 3. It took me well over 100 hours. I'd say the game got boring at about 50 hours. Had the game ended at 50 hours, I would have no problem buying another Persona game. But damn, I just don't have that kind of time or patience any more. I would need to know if the new game is around 50 hours before a purchase. But damn, those pre-order goodies sound pretty sweet. And it sounds like they fixed a lot of the issues that I had with Persona 3.

Wow, 100 hours? I feel like I tend to go through games pretty leisurely, but I'm pretty sure the first time I played Persona 3 I finished in under seventy hours.

Playing through Persona 2: Innocent Sin these days, I am at least grateful for the change in demon negotiation. In Persona 1 and 2, the grind basically took twice as long because you had to fight demons for experience and then negotiate with them for cards. While I love those games, that mechanic does slow the game down a lot.

[Purple Santa]

I have issues. I'm actually going to order the expansion pack but haven't ordered the actual game yet. Yes, I have a sickness when it comes to gaming related "stuff". I can't help it. I'm addicted.

I want to play this series, I even told myself I would buy P3 and never did. I just lack the time to sink into a game like this. I think i'm going to buy it just to have it in my pile..then I have no choice but to play it...which I know i'll enjoy...but not going to happen if it doesn't physically join my ever growing backlog. I blame Spigot for this...damn you Spigot...

[danhoo]

One of these days I'll finish up Persona 3....only about 30 hours into it so far. The addition in 4 of being able to control all the chars during battle is a welcome one (to me).

[jpublic]

I finished P3 at 120H, but couldn't get into it againt o work on the FES content.

Oddly enough, the grind never got to me. Mostly because I felt like I was actually grinding towards something - finishing a mission for Liz, or working towards some cool persona.

P2 was brutal for that because you had to grind once to get your levels, then again to get your personas, then a 3rd time to get your levels again.

[TheSilentDeath]

Preordered this back when I picked up Fable 2. Out of all the games that are coming out this year I've really been looking forward to this the most.

Is it December yet?

[JayK47]

Damn. $30 is a steal for that expansion pack. I may need to do me some pre-order.

[frederec]

Damn. $30 is a steal for that expansion pack. I may need to do me some pre-order.

Yeah, I bought it pretty much for the calendar alone. The other stuff is a cool bonus.

[Xydarc]

I've got this pre-ordered, since I missed the original release of P3. Thank God Atlus saved me from an overpriced ebay purchase with releasing P3 FES. I'm not missing out this time.

That Social Link pack is awfully tempting, too.

[frederec]

I've got this pre-ordered, since I missed the original release of P3. Thank God Atlus saved me from an overpriced ebay purchase with releasing P3 FES. I'm not missing out this time.

That Social Link pack is awfully tempting, too.

Don't worry, if you want to blow money on Atlus games, there's always Brigandine (http://video-games.shop.ebay.com/items/Video-Games__brigandine_W0QQ_catrefZ1QQ_flnZ1QQ_sacatZ12 49QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em282?_trksid=p3286.c0.m28 2) or the original Persona (http://video-games.shop.ebay.com/items/?_nkw=persona+revelations&_sacat=1249&_fromfsb=&_trksid=m270.l1313&_odkw=persona&_osacat=1249). Surprisingly, Persona 2 isn't as expensive (and in my opinion, is a better game than the first). Also strange, it looks like people are trying to sell the social link expansion already, for something like twice its actual price.

Mmmm...Brigandine. I need to play that again. I always have the code to start as the bad guys tucked in my instruction booklet.

[Abyssion]

Yeah, I bought it pretty much for the calendar alone. The other stuff is a cool bonus.

Personally I like the shirt, but I'm gonna have to shrink it some in order to get it to fit (why can't they have size choices available?!)

[Xydarc]

Don't worry, if you want to blow money on Atlus games, there's always Brigandine (http://video-games.shop.ebay.com/items/Video-Games__brigandine_W0QQ_catrefZ1QQ_flnZ1QQ_sacatZ12 49QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em282?_trksid=p3286.c0.m28 2) or the original Persona (http://video-games.shop.ebay.com/items/?_nkw=persona+revelations&_sacat=1249&_fromfsb=&_trksid=m270.l1313&_odkw=persona&_osacat=1249). Surprisingly, Persona 2 isn't as expensive (and in my opinion, is a better game than the first). Also strange, it looks like people are trying to sell the social link expansion already, for something like twice its actual price.

Mmmm...Brigandine. I need to play that again. I always have the code to start as the bad guys tucked in my instruction booklet.
I have Persona 1 and 2 for the PSOne. I need to rip them for my CFW PSP.

Thanks for the heads up on Brigandine.

[frederec]

I have Persona 1 and 2 for the PSOne. I need to rip them for my CFW PSP.

Thanks for the heads up on Brigandine.

I bring this up every chance I get, but I've been playing the English fan translation of Persona 2: Innocent Sin (http://tsumi.wordpress.com/2008/10/15/already-an-update-damn/) (got the original game off ebay just for this) on my PSP, and it runs great. There are rumors of it locking up occasionally, but I've been playing for a while and haven't seen it yet.

And actually, you should probably try not to spend ebay money on Brigandine. It's a fun game, but I'm not so sure at those prices.

[Variable Gear]

Twenty-one days left 'till launch. It's time for a Persona 4 update!

Videos:

Pop0sCGFrIM
Window (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pop0sCGFrIM&feature=PlayList&p=5877CBCE12554DD4&index=25)

School Trip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifJ7Ndi-pmU&feature=PlayList&p=5877CBCE12554DD4&index=23)
Take-Mikazuchi (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfNMwuikUn0&feature=PlayList&p=5877CBCE12554DD4&index=22)
Stakeout (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZtLCiEYC5M&feature=PlayList&p=5877CBCE12554DD4&index=21)
Notorious (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-avnmec9Ugk&feature=PlayList&p=5877CBCE12554DD4&index=20)
Transfer Student (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBByAuNhoUc&feature=PlayList&p=5877CBCE12554DD4&index=24)
Rainy Midnight (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3HFqh0H1Ms&feature=PlayList&p=5877CBCE12554DD4&index=26)

Previews:

1UP: (http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=0&cId=3171209&p=2)

Now, since you mentioned the TV world, what do you think of the change from the one gigantic Tartarus tower in Persona 3 to a series of more bite-sized dungeons? I think it's awesome that the kidnapped characters have these "themed" dungeons that reveal their darker sides, and you've gotta complete these dungeons in order to rescue a given character. I feel like some of that's inherently Japanese, with the whole concept of "honne and tatamae" -- the public face and private face, which isn't as much a part of Western culture, but I still think it's relatable for me, personally. We all have the dungeon within ourselves, after all.

Gamespot (http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/persona4/news.html?sid=6200807&mode=previews&tag=result;title;0):

Battles against shadows are fought in the foggy TV world, and you'll meet Teddie, a clownlike creature who helps you navigate through this foreign place. He provides you with glasses so that you can see through the fog, and he'll take notes for you when you analyze an enemy. The weather in the real world is tied to this TV world, so it's important to check the weather channel periodically for an update on the conditions. When it's foggy in the real world, the TV world will become clear and vice versa. Victims who are stuck in TV world will die when the fog clears, so you need to manage your time and save them, or else the game will end. Fights are still turn-based, and what's new with Persona 4 is that you can change your tactics to control each of your party members. Enemies can be knocked down if you can exploit their weaknesses, which will grant you an extra turn. If you decide to guard on your turn, the enemy can't get to your weakness. If all the enemies onscreen are down, you can do an "all-out" attack, where your entire party dives into the middle for a brawl, dealing extra damage. On the normal difficulty setting, the battles aren't too bad, but there are three difficulty settings before you start the game, so you can pick between easy, normal, and hard according to your comfort level.

GamesRadar (http://www.gamesradar.com/ps2/persona-4/preview/persona-4-hands-on/a-2008110717319792011/g-20080324162617934029):

On a dark and stormy night, you stare at a blank TV screen as the clock strikes 12:00. You were told that the Midnight Channel will appear before you, even though your set isn't on, and on the screen your soul mate will appear. A girl then materializes; you can't tell who it is, but she seems to be in pain. Then the TV starts trying to draw you in; after you fight the television’s pull and drag yourself out, the set is blank again. The next morning, the girl you saw is found dead.

The Guide:

The official Persona 4 strategy guide (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0979884861?ie=UTF8&tag=atlus-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0979884861/cog-20) will be available soon. Buy it if you need help, or if you like the look of these kind of books.

http://www.atlus.com/res/persona4_featureart_strategyguidesample.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0979884861?ie=UTF8&tag=atlus-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0979884861/cog-20)

[Purple Santa]

Good anti-tv video :).

I'm likely to finally purchase a Persona game. After almost buying P3 I'm going to take the plunge on this one.

[frederec]

Good anti-tv video :).

I'm likely to finally purchase a Persona game. After almost buying P3 I'm going to take the plunge on this one.

Since P3:FES is available for less than $30, there's little excuse not to try if you're curious.

[Variable Gear]

Good anti-tv video :).

I'm likely to finally purchase a Persona game. After almost buying P3 I'm going to take the plunge on this one.
I'm no Persona expert. I leave that to Fred, but I've got to to recommend that you pick up Persona 3: FES if you're looking forward to Persona 4.

[Xydarc]

I love the art style on these games. P4 is looking good on an 8 yr old system.

[TheSilentDeath]

I want this now seeing as how my xbox is biting the dust.

[Purple Santa]

Since P3:FES is available for less than $30, there's little excuse not to try if you're curious.

I'm no Persona expert. I leave that to Fred, but I've got to to recommend that you pick up Persona 3: FES if you're looking forward to Persona 4.

I know P3 could be had for cheap...I wasn't sure if I wanted to add to my backlog already. My backlog with any kind of RPG isn't good...usually I don't bother to play it. I still have FF XII from LAST xmas still sitting in the shrink wrap. *sigh*...i'll end up with both...i'm thinking I will play this sooner than any FF game...

[frederec]

I know P3 could be had for cheap...I wasn't sure if I wanted to add to my backlog already. My backlog with any kind of RPG isn't good...usually I don't bother to play it. I still have FF XII from LAST xmas still sitting in the shrink wrap. *sigh*...i'll end up with both...i'm thinking I will play this sooner than any FF game...

Understandable. My backlog is pretty scary too, and I keep getting more games. I may be in the minority in this, but I would play just about any Persona game over FFXII. I know a lot of people liked it, but it seemed very bland and forgettable to me, aside from the tweaks to the battle system. But yeah, I can see you wanting to pick and choose which 60+ hour game you want to have hanging over your head.

[Purple Santa]

Understandable. My backlog is pretty scary too, and I keep getting more games. I may be in the minority in this, but I would play just about any Persona game over FFXII. I know a lot of people liked it, but it seemed very bland and forgettable to me, aside from the tweaks to the battle system. But yeah, I can see you wanting to pick and choose which 60+ hour game you want to have hanging over your head.

Well considering what I have read about FF XII, reasons why those who loved it, loved it...and for those who love the Persona series, their reasons loving Persona games...i'm going to play Persona. It's a series i've been meaning to play and really like the concept. I know it has a cultish following around here and i'm always intrigued by games like that. Usually games i've tried from that, i've really enjoyed. Persona just seems...different enough...and this game has been enticing me long enough. I just bought P3:FES off of ebay...so another one to the backlog :p

[Xydarc]

I bring this up every chance I get, but I've been playing the English fan translation of Persona 2: Innocent Sin (http://tsumi.wordpress.com/2008/10/15/already-an-update-damn/) (got the original game off ebay just for this) on my PSP, and it runs great. There are rumors of it locking up occasionally, but I've been playing for a while and haven't seen it yet.

And actually, you should probably try not to spend ebay money on Brigandine. It's a fun game, but I'm not so sure at those prices.
Thanks for this. Now I just have to track down a copy of Innocent Sin.

[frederec]

Thanks for this. Now I just have to track down a copy of Innocent Sin.

Make sure you don't get the "Best" version (Japan's Greatest Hits equivalent). Apparently the patch won't work on that. Also remember you can search for either Persona 2 Innocent Sin, or Persona 2 Tsumi. Searching ebay I found different listings for each.

[Spigot]

Hey, where'd this thread come from? Man, I keep missing the cool stuff around here.

Anyway, I can't wait for P4 to hit. Well, I could wait a little longer so I might actually finish P3 and FES, but it's cool regardless. I spent a lot of time in September working on P3:FES when my 360 was dead and I'm almost wishing it had broken a little earlier in the year before the fall flood so I wouldn't have been distracted by all of the other games that have come out over the past month and a half.

But yeah. I love the Shin Megami Tensei series in general and I think the Persona games are the pinnacle of the series. I almost wish they'd just do a pure social game with no combat but with the same themes and settings as the Persona games. I almost dread having to go into Taratarus because I want to spend more time doing the crazy things with my friends.

I'm at the 30 hour or so mark in P3:FES now. If I extrapolate how long I have to go from where I am and what I've done to get the rest of the 'bosses', I'm figuring it could take around 75 hours just to do the first half of the game... I fear how long The Answer takes to work through.

But if P4 fixes the few problems I had with P3 (I'd especially like it if the Protagonist could at least be KO'ed but then revived during battle instead of equaling an instant game over) then I'll be all over it.

I have the Social Link pack ordered through Amazon.ca despite the fact that it seems like they've taken it off the site. I hope it comes...

[frederec]

But yeah. I love the Shin Megami Tensei series in general and I think the Persona games are the pinnacle of the series. I almost wish they'd just do a pure social game with no combat but with the same themes and settings as the Persona games. I almost dread having to go into Taratarus because I want to spend more time doing the crazy things with my friends.

You know, I've always wished that Japanese games would embrace the western-RPG rule of giving experience for quests done. Imagine having a MegaTen game where, like Planescape: Torment, you could play through the whole game almost without ever fighting. Just negotiating, using magic, and questing and stuff, but fighting would be optional. Since so many of their games are so big on negotiation, I think that would work.

Persona is awesome, but I'm still dreaming of a next-gen core Shin Megami Tensei game. Nocturne was a real highlight of the Playstation 2 for me.


But if P4 fixes the few problems I had with P3 (I'd especially like it if the Protagonist could at least be KO'ed but then revived during battle instead of equaling an instant game over) then I'll be all over it.

You should be warned that apparently it's still game-over if the protagonist dies. However, you can opt to control all your characters, unlike Persona 3. And supposedly if you boost your social links with your teammates, they'll do things like protect the protagonist from critical hits and things like that.


I have the Social Link pack ordered through Amazon.ca despite the fact that it seems like they've taken it off the site. I hope it comes...

I would assume they had a certain allotment of the Social Link Pack, and when they sold them all through preorders, they took it off the listing. I've got mine preordered, and it hasn't been canceled or anything. I figure it's probably okay.

[Spigot]

Persona is awesome, but I'm still dreaming of a next-gen core Shin Megami Tensei game. Nocturne was a real highlight of the Playstation 2 for me.Oh yeah. Again, this is a game that would be great if you could avoid a lot of the combat and focus more on the social/philosophical aspect.
I would assume they had a certain allotment of the Social Link Pack, and when they sold them all through preorders, they took it off the listing. I've got mine preordered, and it hasn't been canceled or anything. I figure it's probably okay.I hope so. I haven't received any notice saying it's cancelled, I just can't find it anymore when I look around on the site. At least my preorder is still there.

I hope...

[Purple Santa]

Hey, where'd this thread come from? Man, I keep missing the cool stuff around here.


I wondered why you weren't in here yet. I know you were one of a few to have me stalking the whole series. I really like to get into the others as well...

And I grabbed that social pack when I could. So glad...I pre-ordered that before I even pre-ordered the game...